Articles written by Graeme Melcher

What is Helium

About me - Graeme Melcher

Hi folks. I'm not entirely sure what this is all about, but hell, it looks interesting don't it? I live in small-town Ontario, Canada, I like punk rock, blues, soul and good old fashioned rock n roll. I don't know what else to put here, so stay tuned for updates.

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Entertainment > Musical Instruments Gibson or Fender: Which do you prefer: 2 of 19
Ah yes, Gibson vs. Fender. The age old debate that will never be resolved. Why, you may ask? Because each one has been such a vital part of pop culture in the 20th century that it's impossible to label one as better than the other. However, for arguments' sake, here's my take on things.Let's start with Gibson, shall we? I rem... More..
Entertainment > Music (Other) What songs would you want played at your funeral: 7 of 47
I must admit, this is something of a somber topic. Then again, I'd be lying if I said I'd never thought of what I would want played at my funeral. The music at my funeral has to represent me, my life, my days and my passions. They have to be thoughtful and sad, but also uplifting and positive. One of the other writers said it... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments Electric bass tips and techniques: 1 of 5
So you have your first bass? Great, now how are you going to play it? Are you gonna use a pick to get that high-end, clicky sound and a brutally powerful attack? Are you gonna use your fingers for a little more dynamic control, and a softer sound? Maybe you're gonna slap for that super-funky style? Regardless of how you chose... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments How to change guitar strings: 3 of 6
A good way to avoid your strings from going out of tune for the first few days is to stretch them once you have put them on. As the new string is put on your guitar and brought up to pitch, the metal stretches slightly over time. While it may not seem like anything over a few minutes, in an hour that guitar will sound terribl... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments The low-end: A guide to buying a bass guitar: 2 of 4
This article is specifically written for all you bass players out there. I apologise if there has already been an article written for bassists, but I didn't see it, so if you wrote one, I am sorry. Please forgive me for being an arrogant prick. Now that that's out of the way, on to the important things. You are about to becom... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments Beginner's guide to setting up a new guitar: 1 of 1
So, you've got yourself a guitar eh? Congratulations! Oh, wait... you say the factory set up sucks? You say that either the strings are lying on the frets, preventing any notes being sounded, or they're so far off the neck only Andre the Giant could actually play it? Well settle down my friend, you've found the right article.... More..
Entertainment > Album Reviews Album reviews: The Viking, by Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards: 1 of 1
I still remember the first time I listened to "The Viking". I was 15, it was a hot summer day, and it had been released a few days earlier. I'd been listening to punk rock for a few years at that point, having been introduced to bands like Pennywise, the Offspring, Rancid and Lagwagon by a friend of mine who was a few years o... More..
Entertainment > TV Show Reviews TV show reviews: Clone High: 1 of 1
Have you ever secretly wished to hear Marilyn Manson sing about the food pyramid? Do you have an inner passion for evil scientists that wear yellow rubber gloves that looks suspiciously like dish gloves? Have you ever wanted to see a pie fight between teenagers in drag and high-society ladies and gentlemen? Do you just plain ... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments Beginner's tips for buying a used musical instrument: 3 of 5
Who doesn't love the feeling of picking up a vintage instrument and strumming a chord or picking out a melody, knowing that at least one other person has done the same thing before? Personally, I can't think of anything I like better than going down to the little used guitar shop in town and seeing what he's got in this week,... More..
Education > Secondary School Issues Why schools need to focus on teaching the developement of life skills: 6 of 6
I am a first year student at a fairly prestigious school in Canada, and I have noticed a glaring disparity in the attitudes and behaviours of some of the students. I did a "victory lap", or extra year, of high school so that I could bring up my average and work to pay for my tuition, and so I was fortunately enough to get som... More..