Pick of the Week: Circle Syndicate

By Keith HannaleckiBerkshires Columnist
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Circle Syndicate - String Theory
String Theory
 
The artist known as Circle Syndicate (aka JP) has a unique sound and lyrical send off in every one of his tracks.

Although "String Theory" was released in 2006, it sounds fresh and relevant, just as if it was released yesterday. In addition, most certainly the real life relevancy of this artist and his songs resonates with validity.

There is a smart mixture of hip hop and rock that I found intriguing with this recording. It takes a lot to pull me in if an album has strong elements of hip hop or rap so I have to give a hat's off to JP for doing a great job of keeping my interest and flat out fascination with his artistry and clear multitude of talents.

This gent did the entire album by himself, including production and all the instruments and lyrics. What we have here is a work of brilliance and lyrical cynicism and an interpretation on a gut level that cuts right to the chase. This is my kind of in-your-face lyrical prose that I just love. Some of the lyrics are so profound.

On "Killing You Alive" he sings ...

One foot deep is how we all start off
Two feet deep is just breaking the law
Three feet deep is half way to hell (trying every escape someone's got for sale)
Four feet deep slightly ahead of the pack
Five feet deep slightly addicted to crack
Six feet deep, with one more in the hand, put it away or put it all to an end

And he speaks very loud and proud on "M16s & AK47s" by saying ...

Liberated by the hated so they want to forget
That their cities were burning, death was served and if it wasn't for Americans they'd all be speaking German
Look, I love the people of the world who don't hate me
So, don't take this as a rebel with his poison ink
For some, its hard to see its World War No. 3 and every battle ends in victory by defeat

The lyrics have to be profound for me to quote entire passages and this is some "to the bone" stuff that you must hear and process.

The musicianship needs mention as well, throughout this recording it is exceptional along with strong vocals. When you get right down to it, "String Theory" is a treat for the ears and senses all the way around, it cannot miss.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck of Adams offers up his best-listening bets as a regular contributor to iBerkshires. For more reviews, www.muzikreviews.com.

Genre: Hip Hop/Rock/Blues
Label: Independent
Web site
CD Baby Link
Source Link
Tracks
01.  Lovedrug 07. Throw Me a Dollar
02.  Miss Jane
08. Killing You Alive
03.  Profit 09.  M16s & AK47s
04.  Stupid 10.  X-Ray Vision
05.  Rage 11.  Heroine
06. Psycho Lovers    
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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