This Monday, we let Deerhoof take over the site to mark the release of their new album, Deerhoof vs. Evil. However, Ed from the band handed in his homework a little late... so today you also get to read his guide to combatting evil.

You can catch up with the rest of the Deerhoof content here

By Ed Rodriguez:

"This is a tricky subject. For someone who is planting a garden they might think that the birds who keep stealing their seeds are evil. But birds can't be evil, can they? Aren't they just doing what's in their nature? So let's say no, they're not evil. Not even that one that pooped on your car. So step one would be defining your evil.

1) What is the horror that haunts you? Is it the government? Is it greed? Wasted talent? For the sake of being general we'll pick a subject that everyone can relate to. Let's say there is the ghostly figure of a small girl that appears at the foot of your bed every night and throws objects from the room at you. Now we can move onto step two.

2) Understanding and empathy. As with the birds it's about seeing them for what they really are, birds, and moving past your hate. The fact you don't agree with someone/something doesn't immediately make you enemies. A person whose actions you hate is still a person with their own life that led them to this place that they have now encountered/effected you. So let's return to our horrible vision that keeps you from a peaceful sleep. What's her deal? Why won't she rest? Why does she do the things she does?

3) Time for action! Balance or battle! Is this a situation we can end or only do our best to even out? Balance is planting a tree for every one cut, putting a bird feeder out to keep the birds away from the garden or donating money to help feed those in need. The situation may never change so we do our best to help out how we can and find a peaceful place. Or battle! I want vegetarian options on our school menu! Some things can be changed with your voice. But despite what the movies say, you cannot bust a ghost. For years I had an ongoing feud with a civil war soldier before I finally accepted this. So if we cannot throw this terrifying vision from our home with brute force, what next? How can we possibly live together?"

4) Be it a ghost or a more solid form of evil, you need to be involved, leap into action! I learned that the hard way. Many months went by where I simply pretended to be asleep as my belongings crashed against the wall next to me. I hoped this evil would go away on it's own. Finally, one night I could ignore her no longer. I grabbed a shoe from the air as it flew by me, intending to throw it back at her horrible face. The young ghost smiled and I realized that this whole time she only wanted to play catch. We laughed and laughed as she told me what an idiot she thought I was. She couldn't believe that this simple game was beyond me. To think I wanted her destroyed! Once I understood what I needed to do and I acted, everything changed. My evil had been vanquished. Now we play catch every night before bed for a few minutes and she dozes off happily. As a happy bonus I get the exercise I need. My doctor told me laziness is positively evil.

To be in with the chance of winning a copy of Deerhoof vs. Evil simple answer the following question in the comments section below:

What is the name of Ed's minature poodle?

The competition closes on the 14th February.