by Leslie I. Benson

The art of storytelling allows us to connect with humanity, forming a deeper level of meaning and understanding between one other. As a published journalist, marketer, and singer/songwriter, I have spent my life observing and collecting people’s stories, which, yes, are usually stranger than fiction. Storytelling comes in many forms: A poem, a song, and yes, even a piece of jewelry. Each story is different. Each has its own tale to tell. And from the tongue of a girl with many years of inner “demons” nipping at my toes, I can tell you just how liberating it can be to share your personal story! Please allow me to share mine with you….

I have begun liberating myself by creating one-of-a-kind hand-crafted jewelry “made with love” from a variety of mixed media (found objects, vintage items, charms, keys, buttons, watches, stones, feathers, leather, lace, metal, rope, ink, photographs, and more). It’s about reaching within and pulling out what’s best in us all!

My initials, L.I.B., were custom designed all of their own. *wink* My parents say they stand for “LIBERATION,” (or Women’s Lib), as I was born during the Women’s Movement. So, one woman to another, we no longer have to struggle for independence and rights. Forget sexism. We are strong, and we are free. We have been born into a liberated world.

I’ll be launching a website soon for the sale of these unique keepsakes. The sale of each piece of my jewelry goes directly toward paying for the recording and promotional efforts of my two original bands, The Sweetest Condition and Irene & Reed, for which I am the co-founder and singer/songwriter. The funds not only help us mix/master, print our albums, and get them in your hands, but they also aid in our efforts to tour the country and perform our music live.

I live the “DIY” mantra and believe in a community supporting its own small businesses, independent artists, musicians, and authors. There is nothing more satisfying at the end of the day than to hold in my hands the culmination of a creative project, which started from scratch.

Showing each other love is one of the most important things we can do to enhance support for the arts in this great country of ours! So, in my spare time, you can find me scouring antique shops, local boutiques, and odd sites on the Internet for steampunk, goth/industrial, and Victorian-influenced treasures for my own collection.

Let’s free ourselves, share our stories, and be liberated! Together, we’ll live a life of romance, mystery, and intrigue…. Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Here is a preview of some of the jewelry I have already custom-made, which will be on sale soon.

“Dead Son Rising” CD by Gary Numan with Ade Fenton – released September 2011

(Photo credits: Ed Fielding Photography http://www.edfielding.co.uk/)

Long awaited, Dead Son Rising is a theme-driven collection of electronica only the way Gary Numan, along with Ade Fenton, can create. Pounding and wistful, demanding and longing, tender and brutal, it is a study in impossible contrasts that work together so seamlessly as to be other-worldly. Words can only inadequately describe the music on this brilliant CD. If you love electronica/dark wave/industrial/goth, this is a must-have addition to your collection.

Resurrection
The swell of the synthesizers backdropped with breathing sounds and static is a perfect indicator of what is to come on this epic CD. Something sinister yet magical is in the air, and we are about to be willingly drawn into its merciless grasp.

Big Noise Transmission
Static noise and a driving rhythm section catapult us into a staccato mind-puzzle fraught with urgent, whispered pleas. Fully Numan-esque and gripping, this industrial anthem is a rock-solid testament to a direction Numan has whole-heartedly embraced over the past sixteen years. He shows us he has this genre fully mastered and ready for our listening pleasure. The abrupt end leaves us aching for more.

Dead Sun Rising
Numan uses his signature vocals against a deeply satisfying electronic backdrop. There is no one on this planet that could pull off an electronic ballad as successfully as Gary Numan. It is the perfect melding of lyrics, vocals, and synthesizers that captures the soul and transports it to another dimension.

When the Sky Bleeds, He Will Come
Numan and company use everything but the kitchen sink to deliver this masterpiece. Left to the devices of mere mortals, this song would result in listening confusion; in Gary and Ade’s more than capable hands, it is an extraordinary testament to pushing music to its limits and successfully achieving perfection.

For the Rest Of My Life
Don’t let the title/lyrics fool you. This is no tender love song. It borders on an obsessiveness that is both scary yet oddly compelling. It is similar to approaching an accident scene on the highway, and not being able to avert your eyes. In fact, it makes the listener want to hit the “replay” button; not only to hear it again, but to validate the message.

Not the Love We Dream Of
The stark piano notes that open this song are gorgeous. Enter Gary Numan’s voice, and what we end up with is a slightly off-kilter and purposeful story woven of disappointment and sadness. Who can’t relate to the melancholic message delivered here? We have all made mistakes that have devastated us. Numan and company put context to those feelings so we can unleash the demons within.

The Fall
Gary advises us how to deal with being shattered, even telling us point blank that the world still goes on even if we cannot. This is a perfect song to play when things are falling apart in our lives, if only for the rhythm, which makes it impossible to sit still long enough to feel sorrow.

We Are the Lost
The powerful and driving drumbeat that opens this track and anchors it throughout is a welcome diversion from the keyboards that usually take the limelight. Coupled with a Middle Eastern flair that Numan has previously and successfully brought into his music, this song resonates down into the listener’s toes. The textures are rich and colorful, like an open market full of hand-woven cloth displays.

For The Rest Of My Life (Reprise)
Like a path winding its way through a dark forest, we are gently guided to a clearing where Gary awaits us to remind us of the lost love he introduced us to earlier in our journey.

Into Battle
This track is a cacophony of sounds that starts out somewhat reminiscent of wind chimes in a stormy summer garden. But don’t be lulled into submission. The seemingly harmless wind chimes morph into the cadence and timber of something destructive and sinister. Even if you are on your guard, you are not going to be ready for the abrupt end. Signifying eternity, perhaps?

Not the Love We Dream Of (Piano Version)
Again, we are treated to the stark piano notes winding through the introduction to this song. Slowed down and purposeful, almost funereal, we are reminded of mortality, mistakes, and failed missions. It is definitely a song of introspection, but with the change-up in tone and tempo midway through, Numan informs us musically that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Dead Sun Rising (Early Version)
This version feels like it is played at a slower speed. Numan’s vocals are the focus with the lush accompaniment of electronica there merely to support the master as he works his craft. It is a delightfully welcome version of the title track, and the perfect close to a perfect CD.

Well done, Gary. You are a perfectionist, and our lives are enriched because of it.

Visit Gary Numan’s website: http://www.numan.co.uk/

“The Fall” official full-length promotional video via YouTube user GaryNumanOfficial:

“The Fall” live by Gary Numan – via YouTube user GaryNumanOfficial:

Part 1: Morning Coffee Playlist (Chill…)

Massive Attack – Man Next Door
Tosca – Busenfreund
Symbion Project – Soft Tempest
Worm is Green – Optimistic
Massive Attack – Risingson
Amon Tobin – Easy Muffin
Liquid Soul – Tagtraum
Air – Space Maker
Zoot Woman – Calmer

Part 2: Afternoon Stress-Stomper Playlist (Dance!)

VNV Nation – The Farthest Star
Depeche Mode – Stripped
Neuroticfish – The Bomb
Girls Under Glass – Frozen
E Nomine – Vater Unser
Imperative Reaction – Giving Into The Change
Project Pitchfork – Timekiller
De/Vision – Turn Me On
VNV Nation – Descent
Velvet Acid Christ – Icon
Seabound – Scorch The Ground
Wumpscut – Hang Him Higher (Instrumental)
Wolfsheim – The Sparrows and the Nightengales
Neuroticfish – M.F.A.P.L. 2008
Camouflage – The Great Commandment
Icon of Coil – Shelter

© 2011 D. Kessler

The unique fusion of styles sounds more like the recipe for a nightmare rather than artistic brilliance. But, The Neon Judgement pulls it off flawlessly, producing a sound that successfully crosses genres and sounds a lot bigger than that coming from a duo. Post-punk, New Wave and goth/industrial happen to be favorite music genres of mine, as evidenced by the many 80′s artists I have featured in this blog. Listening to The Neon Judgement satisfies all of those aural cravings wrapped up into one convenient package.

I think you’ll reach the same conclusion. It is definitely worth taking the time to listen to and be enthralled by The Neon Judgement.

“Tomorrow In The Papers” via YouTube user csabex:

“The Fashion Party” via YouTube user cornupedo:

 “1313” via YouTube user AntiMusick:

“TV Treated” via YouTube user infectodo:

Buy The Neon Judgement music here.

1980′s Discography

Mbih! (1983)

The Neon Judgement ’81-’84 (1984)

Mafu Cage (1986)

The First
Judgements
(1987)

Horny As Hell (1988)

Blood And Thunder (1989)

General Pain and Major Disease (1989)

The Insult (1990)