tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13304148949322286932024-03-04T22:24:53.693-06:00Cedar Staff BlogPrincesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14585171613978992266noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-41314997398049238832010-04-02T15:17:00.004-05:002010-04-02T15:32:42.584-05:00We're moving!Hello, blog readers. The Cedar recently launched a new website, and we're incorporating this blog into it. This means that we won't be posting to this blogspot page anymore. Instead, our blog will live here: <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/blog">http://www.thecedar.org/blog</a><br /><br />The URL <a href="http://cedarblog.org">cedarblog.org</a> is being redirected to our new site, so you can still use that to find us. <br /><br />You can still read, post, watch, and all the rest. Please feel free to email me at adorn at thecedar.org with questions or comments. Thanks!Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14585171613978992266noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-43614276925209787002010-04-01T14:30:00.010-05:002010-04-01T16:02:39.744-05:00The Bright Side of the MoonNews stories abound about the changing music-commerce landscape. A couple of recent ones caught my eye, not least for offering a delicious rice-and-beans complementarity given that they centered on two EMI acts, one from the old world and one from the new:<br /><br />Pink Floyd successfully sued EMI over the label's attempts to sell their songs a la carte. Here is an <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/14/2603821/for-album-fans-the-british-high.html" target="_blank">editorial from my local paper</a> about this issue. I enjoyed the author's purism.<br /><br />This is a fun subject to tussle over. Personally, I tend to side with the artist in just about any ol' dispute over content control and royalties. On the other hand, Pink Floyd suing to preserve the integrity of their albums inspires about as much empathy as The Eagles cutting exclusive distribution agreements with Wal-Mart.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNS0ISzTDophaiUc1aGcndKEzHFrwh5AHeDdlpUqeUTsGHQ6MeiNa-dbEV14AgSq8ubFGHyfkKpc6pttQhTD-QX_UJy2ZvuSXUZBPtxkyw8HhqpMwFUVLZaGE0M5mOkCAdThHiQEWWAI/s1600/bl3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 438px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNS0ISzTDophaiUc1aGcndKEzHFrwh5AHeDdlpUqeUTsGHQ6MeiNa-dbEV14AgSq8ubFGHyfkKpc6pttQhTD-QX_UJy2ZvuSXUZBPtxkyw8HhqpMwFUVLZaGE0M5mOkCAdThHiQEWWAI/s640/bl3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455261894758939890" /></a>Really? I gotta buy all of 'Ummagumma' just to have the live 'Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun?' Guys, have you actually listened to 'Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave' recently?<br /> <br />And another thing. Most MP3s (or AACs) are sold with a sample rate of 192 or 256 kbps. That is a drastic compression from the original CD, itself a compressed file. The point is, we're being sold museum gift shop postcard reproductions. Artistic integrity has already been compromised in the name of commerce.<br /><br />I don't know which one of you gents is Pink, so I'll offer this to you en masse: you just blew a lot of money on legal fees preserving a principle that might not be worth the blacklight poster it's printed on.<br /><br />(Boy, I'll bet they and their lawyers found <em>that</em> argument compelling.)<br /><br />**********<br /><br />On the sunny of the moon, perhaps you have read or heard about the contretemps between EMI and their band OK Go. In short:<br /><br />If you have ever blogged about music or read about the subject on this and other blogs, you know the coin of the realm is embedded content ('embedding' means content is available for the reader to watch or listen to on a blog site itself rather than as merely a link to, say, YouTube). This is the medium by which a catchy tune can go viral if the planets align. Sometimes, though, the blogger is confronted with the dreaded words, 'Embedding disabled by request.' <br /><br />OK Go's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA" target="_blank">Treadmill Video</a> is an example of a band breaking big because their imaginative video spread like the proverbial wildfire. Much of this was due to embedding. However, as that success resulted in OK Go having more fans and name recognition, EMI put the kibosh to embedding of their more recent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJKythlXAIY" target="_blank">'This Too Shall Pass' video</a>.<br /><br />I mention this not because I have much of an opinion one way or the other (artists' track records (or lack thereof) are big factors when choosing promotion tactics), but because of OK Go member <a href="http://okgo.forumsunlimited.com/index.php?showtopic=4169" target="_blank">Damian Kulash's January open letter to the world</a> about the issue. If you have any interest in the challenges artists and labels face navigating today's shark-filled waters, it's worth a read.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />Our crawl has brought us to the Three-Dot Lounge, where everything is A1 on the jukebox and nowhere on the charts:<br /><br />Update on my Borders search for the Tammy Wynette biography, '<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tammy-Wynette-Tragic-Country-Queen/dp/0670021539/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270066583&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Tragic Country Queen</a>.' A subsequent visit found the book neatly shelved...in Literature/Fiction. While this might be one more teeny-tiny example of the fraying in the once-great book retailer's fabric, one must consider that this placement might be a statement. Tammy Wynette's is no more a true-life story than Dolly Parton's ... Speaking of mass-market retailers and the surprises they can hold: I was in Safeway the other day loading up on buck-a-bag spinach, when I suddenly screeched my cart to a halt. For on the PA, the 'muzak' was '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJi2z3tGKIg" target="_blank">Sometime After Midnight</a>' by The Airborne Toxic Event. In Safeway. Talk about yer clash o'cultures. Next thing you know, the Cedar will be promoting in-performance contests for most imaginative audience ringtones ... Personal to <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/when-did-we-turn-that-corner.html" target="_blank">Mama E Dub</a>: my music library includes about 10% compilations and 10% individual tracks. My clear preference is for full albums I can then shuffle into the deck. I've decided that the music I want played at my funeral is whatever's next on 'random play' ... This blog has seen a bit of commentary about <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/576742229515661769/Massive_Attack/Heligoland" target="_blank">Massive Attack's latest</a>. I must agree: it has something of a paint-by-numbers feel. This is best exemplified by Martina Topley-Bird's guest vocals. Back in the day, she sounded like she was sequestered in Tricky's chamber of horrors while suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. Here she sounds, um, nice ... While polishing this floater I've been listening to <a href="http://www.lala.com/#artist/Longital" target="_blank">Longital</a>. What fun! ... Considered going to the Dead Meadow show the other night, but stayed in and watched 'The Hurt Locker.' Guess it was gonna be a heavy psych night no matter what. Great movie, but I required back-to-back sitcom episodes as a digestive before bed. <br /><br />Here is a bit of what I would have heard had I decided to stay up late on what is ordinarily Ovaltine night at Chez Fever:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G2SnG7iE4c4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G2SnG7iE4c4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><em></em><em></em>Veronica Feverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-71929235058845892882010-03-30T10:09:00.015-05:002010-04-05T21:57:53.371-05:00When DID we turn that corner?Another fine performance by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habib_Koit%C3%A9">Habib Koite and Bamada</a> last night. Some audience members might have been itching for more high energy dance tunes, but I very much enjoyed the rather mid-tempo set they turned it. Chock full of great balafon work, although I'm pretty sure that was not<b> </b><a href="http://www.cdroots.com/hm-sandiya.html">Kélétigui Diabaté</a> back there, it was also highlighted by the band pulling out more trad instruments like a smallish kora, and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngoni_%28instrument%29">kamale ngoni</a>. I missed the violin they sometimes bring along (pretty sure that's a Diabaté thing) but you always gotta love his crazy talking drum player. No matter how many times bands say how much they love The Cedar, I still got a big kick out of Habib pausing early in his set and looking around the hall, saying, "This place... indeed is like a home to us." Thanks, guys - and enjoy those new West Bank/West Africa t-shirts, OK?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's a little clip of Diabaté ruling the balafon. Our guy last night had hair.<br /></span></div><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gbZOT-B6sFk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gbZOT-B6sFk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /></div>OK, I'm over my crush on the <a href="http://liveon35mm.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/smoke-fairies/">Smoke Fairies</a>...well, maybe I just have a additional crush on one of our intrepid reporter crew's other SXSW superstar picks. The recent release <span style="font-style: italic;">Gloria</span> by Slovak bowed guitar/poppy hooks/weird samples duo <a href="http://my.sxsw.com/events/eid/7634">Longital</a> has stolen my heart away this week. Or at least my earbuds. Daniel Salontay and Shina (Šina Lo) aka Jana Lokšenincová say "We play the soundtrack to a psychedelic version of the happy end of the world, where fish fly over the rivers filled not with water, but with music streaming into the seas." Creating these soundscapes at their place on the hill called Dlhe Diely in Bratislava, the listener enters into their slightly off-kilter, but cozy world. ("Longital" is a version of the old German name of the hill - and it was a lot easier for non-Slovaks to say.)<br /><br />I had a nice map graphic here - FOR A DAY! on the difference between Slovakia and Slovenia. What's up with the link? I cannot tell. But you can learn more <a href="http://nation-branding.info/2009/11/04/branding-slovenia/">here</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.slovensko.com/slovakia/img/ce.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://bojana.cybersoc.info/2005/02/23/slovenia-slovakia-slovenia-slovakia-hum-slovenkia/">Don't get 'em confused</a>...like one of our <a href="http://www.ccadp.org/slovenia.htm">former president</a>s did.<br /><br /></span></span></div><br />The sing-along (no, you don't need to know the language) hooks work great in loud situation like doing the dishes, and the playful (without being annoying) little found sounds are fun discoveries when you pull out the headphones. They have gotten me EVERY TIME with that weird birdcall? broken machinery? clicky percussive thing partway through the otherwise classically pretty "Sinko stupa/The Sun is Rising." I think "What the heck is going on outside... oh yeah, it's in that song." Listen for the loud cat purr at the beginning of "My dve/Two of Us", too. Really, why not lead into your beats with a purr?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.sme.sk/blog/1545/136498/longital.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 292px;" src="http://blog.sme.sk/blog/1545/136498/longital.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Darker tracks like "Cervena Modra /Red Blue" had me hitting that repeat, but I really am liking the catchy upbeat songs, too! They're weird enough to keep me interested; the bowed guitar can come off like a butch cello but he can go all Hendrix with it, too. Salontay was a math teacher/jazz musician and Lokšenincová studied engineering before they quit their day jobs, and according to our Angel of Rock, they did have very cool techno gear along with her fretless bass and his various vintage guitars and double bass bow. Just don't ask me if I would be as into this if the lyrics were in English...because you know I really don't want to hear about anybody's relationship. In Slovak, the words just float on by as another color on the palette.<br /><br />Let's hope another U.S. tour in on the Longital agenda soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /></div><br />When did we turn that corner? When did you really stop caring whether you had the physical music source rather than the file? Was it last time I was told to "Put away your cds! They make the living room look messy." ( What - and Lego don't?) Was it when I received a gift card for the Electric Fetus and it's still in my wallet months later? Was it when I ordered the new Carolina Chocolate Drops a few months ago because there was one low price for 320 bit files PLUS a bunch of files of live tracks PLUS the actual disc. What did I need that disc for? It's sitting in the kitchen gathering dust. I should probably give it to my mother-out-law or leave it in Lisa's car.<br /><br />While it is still sounds great - once in a while - to crank up something on the actual stereo with real big speakers and everything, a vast majority of the time it really doesn't matter to me any more. My car is wired for the Pod. We have a handy little Bose Pod player in the dining room. I have numerous sets of groovy ear buds. The only thing I can imagine buying the physical disc for anymore is something like the <a href="http://analogafrica.blogspot.com/">Analog Africa</a> stuff that come with big fat booklets, archival photos, hidden tracks, etc. (BTW, his next compilation comes out April 12; Colombian accordion stuff called <span style="font-style: italic;">Mambo Loco</span>.)<br /><br />It's certainly partly about paying for the song instead of the whole disc. [Say, Ms. Fever - Do you really have a terabyte of individually chosen SONGS? Or are there a lot of entire albums in there?] To any of you, c'mon, name up some recent releases where the entire disc is essential.<br /><br />Some things never change. I have a very clear memory of standing before the tiny record rack at the dime store in Horicon, Wisconsin at about age 9, gazing <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://dkpresents.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/18eg8op.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 255px;" src="http://dkpresents.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/18eg8op.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>longingly at Sweet's <span style="font-style: italic;">Desolation Boulevard</span>. How did I know there were enough "good songs" to to fork over my hard earned $6.99? Wouldn't it be safer to spend 99 cents apiece to buy the 45s of "Fox on the Run" and "Action," since I already knew those were "good songs?" This mathematical evaluation was repeated several times in diverse locations such as the Shopko in Beaver Dam and a K-Mart near Grandma Wheeler's in Des Moines. I never did buy the album, but I did have those singles around for a long time. (In an aside, I actually bought the files of "Fox on the Run" and earlier Sweet hit "Ballroom Blitz" a few years ago. They sounded... a little...slowww 30-some years on.)Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-83406551331960759052010-03-26T13:20:00.002-05:002010-03-26T13:31:56.921-05:00Recap: SXSW<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">I deliberately did not write my sxsw recap immediately after returning to Minneapolis. I couldn't. I was still taking everything in and attempting to make sense of it all. So much for my career as a journalist in the fast-paced world of chirps and Myface.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">66 bands. 3.5 days. 36 degree weather in Austin, TX. Yikes. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247">Main Figurehead</a> and I saw a number of the same acts. If I were to list everyone I saw on Saturday, it would look much the same as his post for nearly the whole day. So instead, I'm only going to tell you about the favorites. The cream of the crop. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Wednesday </b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/dollandthekicks">Doll & The Kicks</a>: I saw this group play on a boulevard. A Karen O lookalike with a good UK rock sounding band. Stopping to watch gave me some time to finish dinner. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/dustinohalloran">Dustin O'Halloran</a>/<a href="http://www.myspace.com/hauschka">Hauschka</a>: These two piano men played back to back in one of the best sounding venues, St. David's Bethel Hall. O'Halloran plays contemporary classical piano and Hauschka prepares his instrument - at its best when he had a pile of little stones that he dropped one by one into the body of the piano. They had recruited a string quartet to learn both their material in a single day. While the compositions didn't blow me away, it was a nice break from the abrasive rock happening outside, and I loved hearing about how Hauschka got his first piano (from his grandmother under the condition he would only play classical music. He promptly joined a band. He didn't give the piano back). </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thestrangeboys">Strange Boys</a>: I hate to admit that I almost missed this show. I ended up finding their name in my list after leaving another underwhelming show after only two songs. When I got to the venue, there was a line, and a "one in one out" waiting period. But I made it, and they were wonderful. Youthful but unfazed. Raw. Gritty. Saxophone. Mmm.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Thursday</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/carolinachocolatedrops">Carolina Chocolate Drops</a>: What can I say? These three are old favorites that do not disappoint. At this show I was especially struck by the bones. For me, it really conjures the image of a Grateful Dead-like dancing skeleton. It seems as though the instrument is just an extension of his body. Chilling - even at 10:30 a.m. in a hotel lobby. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.delhi2dublin.com/">Delhi 2 Dublin</a>: ENERGY. Super fun. But the crowd was not matching their efforts. Thank you to the one aging punk in full leather and studs who swerved and sweated without ever cracking a smile. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sharonjonesandthedapkings">Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings</a>: She is the real thing. A soul queen. She has me wrapped around her microphone stand, and I'll do anything she tells me to. Wish I would have stayed for her full set.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/fishtankensemble">Fishtank Ensemble</a>: Sassy, sexy strings with gypsy flavor. They had their look down too: A saw-playing lady in red flanked by rockabilly boys in black. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/fishtankensemble">Daniel Martin Moore and Ben Sollee's Dear Companion projec</a>t: Sigh. Dear Daniel, I still have a crush on you. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thegringostars">Gringo Star</a>: This is a band I followed because I loved one song. Surprisingly, despite that set up they pulled through. High-energy rock and roll. A REALLY tight, well-versed band. They switched instruments after nearly every song. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://mountainman.bandcamp.com/">Mountain Man</a>: Chilling three-part harmony from lovely girls. I can picture this at <a href="http://www.thecedar.org">The Cedar </a>in the middle of winter before an audience bundled up in bulky coats drinking their steaming cups of tea. It reminded me of an early Rachel Unthank performance I saw - stark but stunning. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/killsurfcitygo">Surf City</a>: Garage rock at its best. No frills. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/olofarnalds">Olof Arnalds</a>: The former member of Mum took a different route than band mate Kria Brekkan who performed a highly experimental set in a rock club on the other side of downtown. Arnalds played spooky, beautiful, folk-tinged tunes with hints of Sigur Ros. Lovely lovely lovely. Another one I hope to see at <a href="http://www.thecedar.org">The Cedar</a>.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.thepinesmusic.com/">The Pines</a>: Local boys still doing Minneapolis proud. I was glad to see they brought their banjo player with them.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/wyeoak">Wye Oak</a>: Another set I wish I could have watched in full. Jenn Wasner started with a solo song that was shockingly honest. I thought I saw tears in her eyes, but I could have been mistaken. The full band stuff was just as good. Hoping to catch them in town very soon.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/mndrtronica">MNDR</a>: Per the request of blogger <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14585171613978992266">Princess</a>, I stopped in on a set by this DJ. She really is <i>that</i> good. Read Princess' take <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/cant-get-enough-mndr.html">here</a>. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/phantogram">Phantogram</a>: This New York duo is getting plenty of hype. I don't need to add to it. They were fun. The crowd LOVED them.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Friday</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/efterklang">Efterklang</a>: They normally have a string player (violin? viola? I so don't remember) but for SXSW had Camera Obscura's horn player sitting in. Really cool. Like a hybrid of Beirut and Sigur Ros. Young, bouncy, fun. Smiles all around. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thelivingsisters">The Living Sisters</a>: Freaking beautiful. On all counts. Read what<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247"> Main Figurehead</a> had to say <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/full-report.html">here</a>. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/jennyowenyoungs">Jenny Owen Youngs</a>: So cute. Like, I want to hug her and then make her be my friend. But I wish her biting sarcasm and witty remarks would come through more in her music. Pretty music, pretty/smart girl, smart/funny banter. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sonlux">Son Lux</a>: I had never heard this Anticon artist before, and was disappointed to come in after Dosh had finished. But Son Lux delivered despite having trouble with the sound engineer. Anyone who can hold my attention while plinking away at a laptop is doing something right.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/truewidow">True Widow</a>: Perfect. This band is just exactly what I am looking for; just the right combination of Autolux, Low, slow, dirge-y grunge rock, and a badass female bass player. Oof. Seriously amazing. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic">Dengue Fever</a>: I have waited a long time to see this group, and it was well worth it. The Cambodian singer is maybe the most beautiful woman on the planet, and the band found their groove and is sticking to it. A great way to close the night.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><b>Saturday</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/longital">Longital</a>: Read about them here. SO SO SO good. A prize for anyone who can succinctly (and accurately) describe what this group sounds like. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/malachaibristol">Malachai</a>: One of their first performances in the U.S. You can watch the very first one <a href="http://vimeo.com/10292443">here</a>. SO eccentric, so smooth. I have had a hard time listening to anything but this band after returning home.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/experiencemissli">Miss Li</a>: The Swedish version of Alice Russell + Annie. Bubblegum lyrics, soul-style belting. A backing band of cute swedish boys. Not bad.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/smokefairies">Smoke Fairies</a>: Again, Figurehead summed this up pretty well. So I'll suggest you read his take <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/full-report.html">here</a>. This group is enchanting, and probably the one I would be most excited about seeing at The Cedar. Here's hoping.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/chocquibtown">ChocQuibTown</a>: Really fun. I almost had to dance. Made me want to listen to the record more.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">That's all for now. </p>Angel of Rockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09732225950255559670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-40067158548867658612010-03-24T10:21:00.003-05:002010-03-24T22:54:49.760-05:00Help with English 12So my sister is visiting with her kids this week, and while our boys spread Lego all over the entire house, we are catching up a bit. Being a high school literature teacher, she's always revamping her reading lists and trying new methods to get the learning into the kids. We talked about her new version of World Lit (a term that means about as much as our favorite descriptive phrase World Music) and how she wants to incorporate more art and music into the syllabus.<br /><br />Which of course got me thinking about music that is<span style="font-weight: bold;"> cultu</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">re clash</span>, music that's <span style="font-weight: bold;">on the threshhold</span>, music of <span style="font-weight: bold;">diasporas</span> and the other topics she plans to cover. Being a music gal, rather than a lyrics gal, I would love suggestions from all of you readers of artists and songs that might fit within those ideas.<br /><br />I'm thinking more about tunes where the music itself is crossing borders and genres and ages rather than lyrics about those topics set in a standard song format, but any suggestions are welcome. Say for example , if she's doing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Is_Illuminated">Everything is </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gogolbordello.com/chronicles/photos/gbinperformance/large/35.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 170px;" src="http://www.gogolbordello.com/chronicles/photos/gbinperformance/large/35.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Is_Illuminated">Illuminated,</a> maybe Gogol Bordello might be an obvious choice because they were in the movie. But really, as far as the book goes, maybe Warsaw Village Band gives more of the peasant vs. technology idea. Or what about Ukrainian "Kozak Rock" band <a href="http://www.myspace.com/haydamaky">Haydamaky</a>? They're named after peasant rebels whose struggle was immortalized in <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Taras Shevchenko's</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Haidamaki,</span> an <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >epic poem about the armed struggle of the Ukrainian </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Cossacks and </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.travellersinn.pl/hostelblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/haydamaky.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 211px;" src="http://www.travellersinn.pl/hostelblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/haydamaky.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">peasants against the Polish feudal gentry. Not quite the history of the village of Trachimbrod, but closer. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span>Or maybe some Polish reggae like <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/395990/Vavamuffin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 218px;" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/395990/Vavamuffin.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.myspace.com/vavamuffinband">VavaMuffin</a>? Cultures are aclashin' there. The more I think about it, perhaps the dark klezmer of Krakow's <a href="http://www.kroke.krakow.pl/html_en/main_en.html#">Kroke</a> would better capture the deep sadness in the book.<br />See what I mean? There are a lot of ways one could go with this. It'll be fun to help my sis winnow through ideas and find music to match up/contrast with the books! I'll hope to post the actual book list next week, but here's her description of what she's looking for. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/30962611/Kroke+trio_wkladka_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 196px;" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/30962611/Kroke+trio_wkladka_photo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><blockquote><span style="font-family:georgia;">"It might be threshold as border, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">liminal space, neither-nor space, undefined otherspace, outlaw or </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">beyond-the-pale space or it might be threshold as the linking point or</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> hinge in fusion and hybridity. I think as a resonant metaphor it can work</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> fruitfully in either direction."</span></blockquote><br />Wait! Doesn't that describe all the music I love? Anyway, if a tune strikes you as a fit to the loose set of ideas, let me know.<br /><br />Funny how the latest posting <a href="http://www.transglobalunderground.net/">TransGlobal Underground </a>sent out to their fans was about their new <a href="http://web.me.com/tgu1/UNITE_Gatheringofstrangers/The_story,_the_music.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Gathering of Strangers</span></a> project covering the same territory. ( Wait. Doesn't it always, for these guys?) Mostly I was psyched to see bands like French world percussion/techno guys <a href="http://www.myspace.com/recyclernetwork">Recycler</a> and Polish techno/trad <a href="http://www.myspace.com/villagekollektiv">Village Kollektiv</a> on their list of collaborators along with the usual suspects from the Celtic lands and the Balkans. While I'm not always super-into TransGlobal's finished results (often a little too slick), I do admire their collaborative spirit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/wtcherno/unitecover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 340px;" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/wtcherno/unitecover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here's what Hamid Man Tu and Tim Whelan say about <span style="font-style: italic;">Gathering of Strangers</span>. <blockquote>"Out of that came the idea of searching out songs about movement, emigration and exile, and sending those songs themselves into exile, to have them apply for residence abroad, struggle with unexpected customs and accents and wander through the studios, bedrooms and DJ booths of Europe, with only a dog-eared out of date passport to confirm their original place of musical birth."</blockquote>Amongst the artists appearing so far: JIM MORAY (UK), YANKA RUPKINA (Trio Bugarka, Bulgaria), BALKAN FANATIK (Hungary), THE PERUNIKA TRIO (UK/Bulgaria), MARTIN FUREY (Ireland), VALRAVN (Denmark), VILLAGE KOLLEKTIV (Poland), RECYCLER (France) with more yet to be confirmed. The project is introducing artists to each other and to old tunes along the chosen theme, and seeing what happens. Release date in mid-May...just guessing that's only in Europe.<br /><p class="paragraph_style_9">TGI is always ready to jam with anyone from anywhere at any time.<br /></p><br />Not unlike old Cedar pals Ale Möller and Bruce Molsky. When is that show they're doing together at our place? <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/bruce_molsky_and_ale_m%C3%B6ller">Coming up May 27.</a> When you look at their names, don't you wonder if they're distantly related somehow back in the day?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Whee! I am having great time here listening to the artists Main Fig. highlighted in his SXSW post. M. Takara right now. Thanks for all the links. WHOA! Loving the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/longital">Longital</a>!!! Eagerly anticipating the posts from our other roving reporters.<br /></div><br /><br />* * * * * * *<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">RIP Charlie Gillette. </span> The long-time BBC radio presenter and music writer died on St. Patrick's Day. Here's a<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> bit from the </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/mar/17/charlie-gillett-obituary">obituary from the Guardian</a><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/mar/17/charlie-gillett-obituary">.</a> "Charlie wrote the first serious history of rock'n'roll and went on to become a central figure in drawing together the confluence of international sounds that became known, to the benefit of many artists whose work might otherwise have remained in obscurity, as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/worldmusic" title="More from guardian.co.uk on World music">world music</a>." His was a name that always seemed to pop up when I was Googling around for some obscure information about a band. Seemed like he'd already played them - last week- and made helpful program notes online. Although I guess he's quite famous for breaking Dire Straits to the world, I think of him more as the guy who turned BBC listeners on to global sounds from Tinariwen to Imam Baildi.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /></div><br />When I saw the image of the Altan stamp in the March Cedar newsletter, I had to get the backstory. How often do musicians, much less <span style="font-style: italic;">living</span> musicians make it onto a stamp?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mpibands.com/Altan_Stamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 219px;" src="http://mpibands.com/Altan_Stamp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A couple of years ago An Post (that's the Irish Post office) issued four stamps each featuring a different Irish group that have been instrumental in bringing Irish music to a worldwide audience. The stamps feature The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, The Chieftains, and Altan.<br /><br />The Celtic tribes will gather for the Altan 25th anniversary show this coming Sunday. I'll be the one in the back, pouring Guiness. Yikes! It's been about 20 years since I first saw Altan at eh Cedar! They really do call the Cedar their "home from home." <em style="font-weight: bold;">Sláinte</em> everyone!Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-68433271340191030282010-03-21T16:20:00.007-05:002010-03-21T18:55:33.138-05:00The Full Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3QeatYQ0I7hl73pnvs1oWowtlFKedtGOzxIw6Qboo3_wUG1pw6P3W8JExoBdiDSJf54UDsA0ivyH5SKY8uYacxQa_UgrmUDQH5GEV3szVZZ_Qe1Sho4fv_lK02U7DUpkPztbeymk4EVn/s1600-h/SXSW+2010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3QeatYQ0I7hl73pnvs1oWowtlFKedtGOzxIw6Qboo3_wUG1pw6P3W8JExoBdiDSJf54UDsA0ivyH5SKY8uYacxQa_UgrmUDQH5GEV3szVZZ_Qe1Sho4fv_lK02U7DUpkPztbeymk4EVn/s400/SXSW+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451207417207165794" /></a>Before I upload my full report on SXSW 2010, with short notes on every artist of which I saw at least one full tune, here's the overview:<br /><br />FAVORITES: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/smokefairies">Smoke Fairies</a> (did not disappoint), <a href="http://www.efterklang.net/home/">Efterklang</a> (as previously reported), and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/vadoinmessicoband">Vadoinmessico</a> are my top three. <br /><br />HONORABLE MENTION: <a href="http://www.jackieoates.co.uk/">Jackie Oates</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mtakara">M. Takara 3</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dmstith">DM Stith</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/longital">Longital</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bensollee">Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore's Dear Companion Project</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic">Dengue Fever</a>, and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/danmangan">Dan Mangan</a>.<br /><br />GOOD TRENDS: The complete irrelevance of record company showcases.<br /><br />BAD TRENDS: "Folk Orchestras" with 6+ people vainly in search of one good song.<br /><br />BEST STREET VENDOR: A guy with a cardboard sign that said "SHITTY ADVICE."<br /><br />THE USUAL PET PEEVE: Why go to a music bar at a music festival and just talk loudly with your friends while the band plays?<br /><br />KUDOS: The folks at NPR Music, who provide incredible coverage before and during the conference, and can be regularly spotted running from showcase to showcase, tweeting, recording, snapping photos and taking notes. These people really work their asses off.<br /><br /><br />OK, here's the Full Monty:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 1</span><br /><br /><a href="http://balmorheamusic.com/">Balmorhea</a><br />5pc w/piano/guitar, banjo/guitar, fiddle, cello, dbl bass, drums, some vocalizing. Pretty but BIG. Nice instrumentation but a bit to simple musically.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zoekeating.com/">Zoë Keating</a><br />Solo cello with loops. But again, basic 4/4 stuff, nothing particularly interesting going on musically.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.madidiaz.com/">Madi Diaz</a><br />Madi has a truly great voice, I just wish there were more stand-out tunes like "Let's Go."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.trespasserswilliam.com/">Trespassers William</a><br />Mostly duo from Seattle. Nice female voice and guitar atmospherics. Interesting, but wore a bit thin for me after a a while.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dustinohalloran.com/">Dustin O'Halloran</a><br />Piano with string quartet. Again, just a bit too simple musically with sting arrangements. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/mtakara">M. Takara 3</a><br />Very cool Brazilian trio, electronics, guitar and percussion. Some vocalizing but mostly instrumental. Experimental at times, but always with a groove. A favorite.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/bombaestereo">Bomba Estereo</a><br />Columbian dance band, very uptempo with Spanish rapping. High energy, crowd very into it. Lead singer works it well, although her voice works better rapping... is a bit shrill when singing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.delhi2dublin.com/">Delhi 2 Dublin</a><br />Another high energy crowd pleaser, Canadian band who fuse Indian, Celtic, and beats. Over-the-top stage performance... a bit too much for my taste. But again, the crowd loved 'em.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thechapinsisters.com/">The Chapin Sisters</a><br />Nothing like sister harmonies (Abigail and Lily are daughters of folk singer Tom Chapin and their half-sister Jessica Craven's father is director Wes Craven). Only two of the three though, as Jessica is on maternity leave. Still, great harmonies and acoustic guitars. Too bad it was a noisy bar with bad sound.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.suzannevega.com/">Suzanne Vega</a><br />I couldn't resist catching the end of her set in St. David's Historic Sanctuary. That voice, and those songs, are like comfort food for me. A short treat!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dmstith.com/">DM Stith</a><br />Now we're talking. A string quartet put to good use! Really interesting music going on here, and Stith has a very listenable voice, and likable demeanor. A nice way to close Day One.<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OmWQtI_8ZO0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OmWQtI_8ZO0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.carolinachocolatedrops.com/">Carolina Chocolate Drops</a><br />We caught the end of their morning showcase, broadcast live on KUT from the Hilton. An impressive crowd for 10:30 am, who were very enthusiastic. Their star continues to rise.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brooklynrider.com/">Brooklyn Rider</a><br />NPR Music showcase. Another string quartet, but one with an indie buzz. Great players, supplemented here with dbl bass and percussion. Very impressive. Look for them at <a href="http://southerntheater.org/">the Southern</a> this summer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/bowerbirds">Bowerbirds</a><br />Another folk-influenced indie band, this one from North Carolina, with a nice sound. Worthy of further listen, although the two songs I was able to hear were fairly unremarkable. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.sharonvanetten.com/">Sharon Van Etten</a><br />Female s/s with a guitar. Very nice voice, haunting songs. But a bit lost to the outdoor stage setting at a park on a beautiful sunny afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.juliannabarwick.com/">Julianna Barwick</a><br />Etheral looping vocals. Spacey, pleasant. But again, too much activity in the park for this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fishtankensemble.com/">Fishtank Ensemble</a><br />Cross-pollinated Gypsy music from California. The instrumentalists in this quartet tear it up! And the singer plays the saw. Fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/bensollee">Ben Sollee and Daniel Michael Moore</a><br />"Dear Companion" quartet coming to <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/">The Cedar</a>. This is really gorgeous stuff. Both guys have beautiful voices, write strong songs and have thoughtful arrangements.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theblackatlantic.com/">The Black Atlantic</a><br />Dutch folk/pop orchestra. Nice sound, but lacked variety. Seemed like every song was in the same key...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thebesnardlakes.com/">The Besnard Lakes</a><br />Maybe it was the setting (large, outdoor stage at <a href="http://www.stubbsaustin.com/">Stubb's Bar-B-Q</a>), but it sure sounded like arena rock. I was wondering if I was in the right place until they introduced themselves...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.grandhallway.com/">Grand Hallway</a><br />8-piece folk orchestra. Nice sounds, thoughtful arrangements, but a complete lack of hooks. A lot of these bands make some interesting music, but they need to spend more time writing good songs than arranging them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sallyseltmann.com/">Sally Seltmann</a><br />Finally, real songwriting! Catchy, clever, compelling. Worthy of further exploration. She co-wrote "1234" with <a href="http://www.listentofeist.com/">Feist</a>, so you get the idea. <br /><br /><a href="http://broadcast2000.co.uk/">Broadcast 2000</a><br />Quirky British pop. Reminded me of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/micayomusic">Micachu</a> a bit. Lots of fun, but a bit unrelenting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.efterklang.net/home/">Efterklang</a><br />Superb set. If the crowd size and response is any indication, with their new record on 4AD, these guys could be on the verge. *UPDATE: I've now listened to the record, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Chairs-Efterklang/dp/B002ZTIJ3E">Magic Chairs</a>, and while it's worthy of further review, it does lack the energy they delivered with the material live...<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ISlZJ8qD78M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ISlZJ8qD78M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/longital">Longital</a><br />Slovakian duo, completely original and exciting. Electronics, funky bass, good tunes, and shredding guitar, sometimes bowed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theverybestmyspace">The Very Best</a><br />African folk music with an 80's rap presentation, propelled by a British DJ. A great way to introduce a new generation of kids to African music.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 3</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thedeepdarkwoods.com/ddw/home.htm">The Deep Dark Woods</a><br />Canadian Americana. Nothing particularly distinctive going on here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/lissiemusic">Lissie</a><br />Soulful voiced s/s from Chicago. That voice sets her apart.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic">Dengue Fever</a><br />Psychedelic rock with trad Cambodian female singer. Unique and cool. Strong live show.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sarahborges.com/">Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles</a><br />Bluesy country-rock from Boston. Not my thing, but a fun set with good energy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thelivingsisters">The Living Sisters</a><br />3-part vocal harmonies by three "sisters" (Becky Stark, Eleni Mandell and Anara George), somewhat reminiscent of The Roches. Great harmonies, and that's what it is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thewatsontwins.com/">The Watson Twins</a><br />This one was a major clunker for me. Neither the music nor the twins' vocal talents were to my liking.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/blackprairie">Black Prairie</a><br />Acoustic mish-mash side project with 3 members of <a href="http://www.decemberists.com/">The Decemberists</a>. Maybe a bit too much of a mish-mash. It felt like a side project.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/harperblynn">Harper Blynn</a><br />N.Y. power pop quartet. Catchy songs, high energy, strong 3-part harmonies. Well done.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/gadarenemusic">Gadarene</a><br />British folk revivalists. Nice stuff, but I wish they would lose the drum kit. Hand percussion would be much better suited.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tylerramsey.com/">Tyler Ramsey</a><br />Guy with a guitar and a nice voice. Nothing more.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lostinthetrees.com/home.htm">Lost in the Trees</a><br />N.C. folk orchestra. Again, full of musical ideas, way too earnest... and a lack of tunes. Maybe some humor would help?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/ahomeforhalves">Halves</a><br />Irish genre bender with folk orchestra ambitions but with electric instruments. Just caught the end of the set but it held my interest well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.admiralradley.com/homenews/">Admiral Radley</a><br />Caught two songs of this new Jason Lytle project. Honestly, it did nothing for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jackieoates.co.uk/">Jackie Oates</a><br />A former member of the Rachel Unthank clan, she struck out on her own and has accumulated her own awards and accolades. It's easy to see why. This was an exquisite set of largely trad Brit folk. Gorgeous.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V5w6K_qHbRk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V5w6K_qHbRk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.elen-music.com/art089en.php">Unni Lovlid</a><br />Norwegian trad singer, with a percussionist and electronics wizard dude, together they create atmospheric and experimental mind trips. Too bad this one was in a bar.<br /><br /><a href="http://sonlux.blogspot.com/">Son Lux</a><br />Electronic and compositional whiz-kid, here with a drummer. A creative composer whose brilliant at dynamics on his recordings. But in a club setting it was mostly loud beat music. Still interesting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rachelunthank.com/">The Unthanks</a><br />A new band, with the two sisters, violin and piano as before, supplemented here with bass (acoustic and electric), cello and drums. New material stretches out a bit- for the better.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 4</span><br /><br /><a href="http://allodarlin.com/">Allo Darlin'</a><br />Bouncy British pop, with a ukulele. Fun and energetic.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thecrookesmusic">The Crookes</a><br />More high-powered pop, this time with an array of influences, but nothing that convinced me to stay past two songs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/visitthemiddleeast">The Middle East</a><br />Interesting folk-rock ensemble from Australia. Good vocals, nice harmonies. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.roguewavemusic.com/">Rogue Wave</a><br />Strong mid-tempo pop, some good lyrics and songwriting. Pretty timeless. And good humor. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.johnny-flynn.com/">Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit</a><br />Solid U.K. troubadour with 4-piece. Good songwriting and strong playing. A touch of British Folk with blues and pop.<br /><br /><a href="http://vadoinmessico.bandcamp.com/">Vadoinmessico</a><br />Excellent London-based band with distinctive lead vocalist, influences all over the map and some great songs.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YHX2Cr9RnQw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YHX2Cr9RnQw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/mbandtheterminals">Merideth Bragg</a><br />Male s/s with keyboard player and drummer. Nice voice, but largely unremarkable.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thiswilldestroyyou">This Will Destroy You</a><br />"Post Rock" with some noise thrown in. Not one of the more particularly interesting bands of the genre, at least not outdoors at 40 degrees and a stiff wind.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sebastienschuller">Sebastian Schuller</a><br />Singer with electronics. Bleeps and boops. I actually nodded off.<br /><br /><a href="http://arboreamusic.blogspot.com/">Arborea</a><br />Maine acoustic couple. Very quiet, wispy music, very pretty at times, but often a bit too unsubstantial.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/danmangan">Dan Mangan</a><br />Vancouver s/s with great songs, poignant and humorous, yes, finally, some humor! Great backing band as well. A highlight.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/smokefairies">Smoke Fairies</a><br />What a great sound, two female voices with timbre and harmonies evocative of classic British folk music, backed by a smokey, bluesy, distinctly American sounding groove. I'm hoping we'll see these guys at our venue soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocquibtown.com/">ChocQuibTown</a><br />Colombian dance, hip-hop flavored band. Another one that had the crowd going, was more 80's rap crowd call-and-response and hip-hop flavored than anything distinctly Colombian. But they kept the crowd moving!<br /><br />Can I nap now?Main Figureheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-32378644972265064272010-03-20T10:31:00.003-05:002010-03-20T11:02:00.025-05:00Quick Dispatch from AustinGreetings Friends! I'll have to save my more extensive SXSW post for my return, but here's a quick update. I have one very long day to go, which I think is about as much as this body can handle. But of course I've got some favorites *so far.* The Thursday night set by <a href="http://www.efterklang.net/home/">Efterklang</a> from Denmark is on the top of my list. If their set was any indication, their new record on <a href="http://www.4ad.com/">4AD</a> comes in somewhere between <a href="http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/">sigur rós</a> and <a href="http://www.radiohead.com/deadairspace/">Radiohead</a>, which is not a bad place to be, and they are about to blow up. Great sound, great set.<br /><br />British folk singer <a href="http://www.jackieoates.co.uk/">Jackie Oates</a>, once a member of the <a href="http://www.rachelunthank.com/">Rachel Unthank and the Winterset</a>, wins for the most exquisite. She goes a bit more trad than <a href="http://www.rachelunthank.com/">the Unthanks</a>, and her trio delivered a truly gorgeous set.<br /><br />And for sheer off-the-wall enjoyment, I really enjoyed <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mtakara">M. Takara 3</a> from Brazil. It was just the right mix of electronics and real percussion, of experimental and dance groove, of weird and tuneful.<br />Much more will follow!<br /><br />* * * *<br /><br />Let me clarify my call for respectful blog postings about music: I'm not advocating Minnesota nice, and I'm also not concerned with the potty talk. My pet peeve is completely dismissive criticism. Go ahead and tear something apart if you want, just back it up. When I made my now infamous "shlock" comment, I think I was pretty clear that I was complaining specifically about unimaginative and overly saccharine orchestral arrangements. I also mentioned what I liked about both Peter Gabriel and Frank Sinatra. I think we can all still be provocative (if that's the intent) while still giving substance to our criticism. And whether we think the artist will ever play at our venue or not should not be relevant.Main Figureheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-21995537583678915282010-03-18T15:23:00.010-05:002010-03-18T17:42:39.252-05:00InfluencesI own three Box Tops songs, one Big Star song, and no Alex Chilton solo material at all. I no longer own the one related song that I liked at its actual time of release (another Box Tops song, 'Sweet Cream Ladies Forward March'). The others I came upon later when purchasing compilations.<br /> <br />So why did Alex Chilton's death register on my Richter scale? Respect. What Chilton and Big Star did was remarkable not so much for the material itself as for how unusual it was for the time and how it presaged decades of indie pop to come. In the early 70s, other than Big Star only Badfinger and the Raspberries were making power pop records of any note, and those two bands were working with influential labels (although Badfinger's never really did do right by them).<br /><br />None of those three acts did much for me because I was exploring what seemed more challenging territory like prog, krautrock, and jazz/rock fusion. And now? Most of that stuff is long since banished from my collection, and much of what I love about new music can be found in the roots of the Velvets, Iggy, and yes, Big Star.<br /><br />I'll leave the Alex tributes to my fellow bloggers and to <a href="http://blog.allmusic.com/2010/3/18/a-tribute-to-alex-chilton/"target="_blank">Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AMG</a>. For now...a little video footage from a time long ago.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JC0Wa3P_dO0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JC0Wa3P_dO0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />**********<br /><br />The above space was going to be devoted to a few lines about the newly-released Runaways biopic. I don't own any of their music, and never have. But they were gate-crashers, as important in their way as Big Star was in theirs.<br /><br />I'll let Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/14/PKJ61CBKQL.DTL" target="_blank"> say what needs to be said</a>.<br /><br />**********<br /><br /><a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/cant-get-enough-mndr.html" target="_blank">Fun post</a> from the Cedar's own Princess the other day. Welcome back! Hi, I'm Veronica...just been keeping your spot warm. And say, a couple of seconds: I'm with you on Grouper, and I'll be curious as to your opinion of the Big Pink/A Place to Bury Strangers show. They were in SF last week and I was tempted to make the trek, but I was concerned it would interfere with my Ovaltine Hour. (Personal opinion: Big Pink is on the right track, while APTBS is already there. Their recent release was a quantum leap.)<br /><br />**********<br /><br />Blog verité: I just this minute received in the mail a vintage 1994 Ryko CD, 'Fireproof' by That Petrol Emotion.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmT5YjcR55U4tCeWr8xXdj4vs3ZVptrBYub4X2j-134_yNv7Gz7X34nPVx-oy6r1xNm-XfOylwBoiRNM_D2FQnNNkq2ZPlTCkxQ9in0oml_PT8cRTgddFFZD11u0KvYHiOc4MsFam-rOY/s1600-h/tpe2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmT5YjcR55U4tCeWr8xXdj4vs3ZVptrBYub4X2j-134_yNv7Gz7X34nPVx-oy6r1xNm-XfOylwBoiRNM_D2FQnNNkq2ZPlTCkxQ9in0oml_PT8cRTgddFFZD11u0KvYHiOc4MsFam-rOY/s400/tpe2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450089826414423762" /></a><br />In small print at the bottom of the tray card: 'The green CD jewel box is a trademark of Rykodisc.' The wording should have been amended to include loose hub spokes, of which there were characteristically several in this package. My recollection is that Ryko 30-count CD boxes were the heaviest and the noisiest in the business. <br /><br />Oh, and the CD had a saw cut on its case spine, indicating it was a promotional copy. I wonder if this was a long-overdue mailing from Retail Jane?<br /><br />**********<br /><br />Mama E Dub's <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/whats-everybody-smoking-and-question.html" target="_blank">most recent post </a>included the following question directed at this reporter: 'Will you please explain the difference between types of downloads and the relative qualities thereof, e.g. MPEG, AAC, MP3 or 4? Bit rate? What does it all mean? What does it all matter?'<br /><br />Oh, dear. I fear I could make the most hardened insomniac drop right off with my typical response. Perhaps the best thing would be to devote a full post on the subject with a health hazard warning at the top; e.g. 'Do not read while operating heavy machinery.' <br /><br />In short: MPEG and MP4 refer to video compression standards, which I know little about. AAC and MP3 are the two most popular audio compression standards. AAC is Apple-specific: it's the download standard for iTunes and the playback one for iPods. MP3 is the standard most commonly found in the rest of the marketplace (and it, too, is playable on iPods).<br /><br />The key to the quality of both is bit rate. A friend of mine offers this definition on <a href="http://www.mp3geo.com/Q&A/Q&A.html" target="_blank">his website</a>: 'The bit rate of a coded audio file is the number of bits (0's and 1's, in binary terms) that are required to store one second of audio. An mp3 encoded at 128kbps requires 128,000 or so bits to store 1 second of audio. Higher bit rates generally mean better sound quality and a closer representation of the original sound.'<br /><br />So: the higher the bit rate the better the sound, but also the larger the file...hence reduced song storage capacity on a portable player. The importance of bit rate is entirely user-dependent. If you desire maximum song storage and are willing to trade sound quality to get it, a 128kbps bit rate is okay. Few commercial sites use that anymore, though; 192 and 256 are far more common. 320 is the highest 'lossy' bit rate, and it is generally achieved by ripping CDs and setting the compression software accordingly. <br /><br />There are endless debates about pros and cons of various standards and bit rates. There are some more exotic compression codecs out there, most notably FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and ALAC (Apple etc.). These are also generally arrived at via CD ripping; the appeal is that the process knocks a CD songfile down in size by about 40% while retaining the entirety of the original's sound spectrum, and enables users to recreate an original CD's contents when burning from lossless files. <br /><br />Really, I could go on and on. I'm a bit nuts, myself: all of my music is ALAC files, and as there are over 50,000 of 'em I'm currently using 1.16TB of space to hold everything. On the rear burner is this idea that I should reprocess everything to 320, but I can't get up much of a head of steam for such a CPU-overloading time-waster. <br /><br />Sheesh. And this is what passes for brevity in my world.<br /><br />********** <br /><br />Finally, a word about the recent lovers' spat on these pages. <br /><br />I'm still digesting the rebuke, but I have more or less arrived here: this wall is not mine to graffiti with impunity; it is owned and maintained by a good, longtime friend. I pledge to respect and abide by whatever guidelines this entails. I would only ask this of my benefactor: Please do not fling about hifalutin terms and opinions linking, say, 'shlock' with 'Sinatra' and expect to go unchallenged. <br />Lots of love, V.Veronica Feverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-13579093870427790392010-03-17T11:17:00.002-05:002010-03-17T12:35:54.513-05:00What's Everybody Smoking? and A Question for Ms. FeverI am still a bit amazed at how one song, ONE SONG, by British duo /<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bandweblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/smokefairiespic2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 303px;" src="http://bandweblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/smokefairiespic2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>sometimes quintet Smoke Fairies has torn through the blog squad here in the last few weeks. That voice! The high/low post play...I mean harmonies! (Why yes, I am getting mentally prepared for March Madness.) I sent the link to my sister, who watched the video , bought a download and posted it to her Facebook within a few hours. By the next day she was hearing from "friends" from junior high who loved the song. What did we do before the internet?<br /><br />Former blogger Mr. William Call downloaded another single of the Fairies, which I snatched up, too. Love the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairport_Convention">Fairport Convention</a>-esque sound to "Gastown/Riversong."When that fuzz tone hit my left earbud at the end of "Gastown" I actually checked the connection, before the capital letters "NICE!" formed in my brain. By the time the distortion pedal kicked in at 3:20 into "Riversong," the capital letters were at "OH YEAH!" Although the tracks I checked out on their MySpace sounded more like the bluesy early <a href="http://www.mazzystar.nu/">Mazzy Star</a> stuff. Nothing wrong with that for two former choir goof-offs from the south of England who hung out in New Orleans for a while in their youth.<br /><br />But the <span style="font-weight: bold;">free download</span> you get if you join their mailing list <a href="http://www.smokefairies.com/">right here</a> is back to Fairport land. "Now the Green Blade Rises" could almost be one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_Ballads">Child Ballads</a> Sandy Denny did so well back in the day. When I was four. But it's actually a 15th century French tune with Easter hymn lyrics from the 1920's. In learning that I stumbled upon the<a href="http://www.cyberhymnal.org/index.htm#lk"> NetHymna</a><a href="http://www.cyberhymnal.org/index.htm#lk">l</a> site with hundred of hymns played on the organ with accompanying lyrics, just in case you ever want to hum along with oh, say, "Golden Harps are Sounding." If you don't, the new Fairies album was out on ITunes yesterday.<br /><br />Even though we now know the Smoke Fairies' rise is being pushed along by the not-so-unseen hand of Jack White-Stripe, and that they have opened for big names like Brian Ferry, I sure hope you can book this band the minute you see them at SXSW.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * *<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Regarding other SXSW potentials, I take back my doubts about <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bombaestereo">Bomba Estereo</a> ...at least until somebody verifies their live show. I like their disc <span style="font-style: italic;">Blow Up</span> quite a lot, hitting the repeat button a number of times today. I'm wondering if we should start sending a contingent to check out the bands at the <a href="http://www.latinalternative.com/">Latin Alternative Music Conference</a>. (Bomba Estereo reportedly tore it up there last year.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://latinalternative.com/images/LAMC2010JDBottomweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 380px;" src="http://latinalternative.com/images/LAMC2010JDBottomweb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I think <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm</span> free that week...</span></span><br /><br />* * * * * * * *<br /></div><br />Welcome back to our long lost blogger <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/cant-get-enough-mndr.html">Princess</a>. Why don't you write here more? I love your stuff and it cracks me up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * *<br /></div><br />Speaking of cracking me up, ummm....the Main Figurehead's recent call to keep our opinions a little bit, shall we say "Minnesota nice-r". Steady on, there, Mr. Fig! You're the one who started the potty talk, although Ms. Fever did call <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/dawn-of-light-lying-between-silence-and.html">your Yes album</a> "pompous crap," at least she listened to half of it. Which is more than any of the rest of us are going to do, I'm afraid. This begs the question, however, does she still own a copy herself?<br /><br />I totally lost it the day Ms. Fevers wrote that she wouldn't know shlock if it "<a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/plain-oatmeal-opinions.html">bitch- slapped her while wearing a laminated name tag.</a>" I cannot advocated shutting <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> down. Anyway, I found the entire exchange extremely humorous and think our blog is at its best when the opinions and critiques fly back and forth. While I agree that it's not in our best interests to say mean things about bands with whom the Cedar actually has a relationship, I'd say Yes and Peter Gabriel probably aren't stopping by any time soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * *<br /><br /></div>The real question I have for the Feves is this. Will please explain the difference between the different types of downloads and the relative qualities thereof. MPEG, AAC, MP3 or 4. Bit rate. What does it all mean? What does it all matter? Thank you, ma'am.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * *<br /></div><br />Continuing on the what does it all matter theme, will somebody explain to me why I should give a * * * * about <a href="http://massiveattack.com/">Massive Attack</a>. What's the deal? I plowed though Hell-Legoland the other day and really, really wondered what why I should care. In keeping with the new Minnesota Nice policy, I won't say what I really thought...but let's just say I had to hit forward to stagger through some of those tunes. I know some readers of this blog are really into it...Is it just me? Or is it you all?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * *<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thecedar.org/sites/thecedar.org/files/u7/WAWB_2010_0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 133px;" src="http://www.thecedar.org/sites/thecedar.org/files/u7/WAWB_2010_0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div>I'm quite psyched for all of the upcoming West Bank/West Africa shows at the Cedar, but I'm also rather looking forward to the <a href="http://www.lasrubiasdelnorte.com/">Las Rubia's del Norte</a> show on April 3rd. Amazing classically -trained vocal harmonies, high, high up in the stratospheric soprano range on what sounds like Latin music from the 1930s. The singers say their recent album <span style="font-style: italic;">Ziguala</span> imagines pop music in a world where mambos and rumbas were never replaced by rock and roll. I can hear the little chi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lasrubiasdelnorte.com/images/2wnyorkerpic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 208px;" src="http://lasrubiasdelnorte.com/images/2wnyorkerpic.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>cha touches (Olivier Conan from <a href="http://www.barbesrecords.com/chicha.html">Chicha Libre</a> is a band member) but most of the sound is rather formal, and oddly beguiling. It's "you have to be in the mood" music, but when you slow down and get yourself there, Las Rubias will provide the soundtrack for another time and place.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /></div>Last but not least, word on the street has it that lovers of the deep soul monthly DJ party <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hotpantssaturday">Club Hot Pants</a> will no longer have to travel north on Washington avenue to find the funk. The event has outgrow the smallish confines of Club Jag and starts up soon in our neighborhood at the roomy Bedlam Theater. Not sure if it will still be on the second Saturday or not.Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-44351559245862284032010-03-16T10:18:00.008-05:002010-03-16T15:54:02.162-05:00Can't get enough MNDR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIPn-jfUPSOrgj2Y2-etimsnmUrt-YYAIKMFG2vreoEYYx7sA3AIf3AXGPMfEcijIWh_aommHEjYD42UMx_Gf1V9LpUgXXoDlBo7YdjOkcfazwo9iz6aSGD3EugzcX__K319djG7mzy4/s1600-h/20473_1068703614715_1739841192_147777_2703725_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIPn-jfUPSOrgj2Y2-etimsnmUrt-YYAIKMFG2vreoEYYx7sA3AIf3AXGPMfEcijIWh_aommHEjYD42UMx_Gf1V9LpUgXXoDlBo7YdjOkcfazwo9iz6aSGD3EugzcX__K319djG7mzy4/s400/20473_1068703614715_1739841192_147777_2703725_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449272522061969650" /></a><br /><br />I discovered electronica musician MNDR when some friends and I took the trip down to Northfield, MN a few weeks back to see YACHT at Carleton College's "The Cave." My delight with Bobby Birdman and MNDR and subsequent lack of enthusiasm for YACHT's performance reminded me of when I saw Jose Gonzalez at The Cedar years back: Openers Psapp and Juana Molina blew me away while I was less than impressed with the headliner. It definitely helps that Birdman and MNDR are both total hotties: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghruRWKIPg-5wab5Agt-hs9AhivcMXSvXuHv6iyO8XD3b3z2HO9ExkSSeX9pbnmXGNDEVGy_5TZXfjtt2KU59bILIMBwc2thLsISRI5q4g9JnWOMTQvD6qJsda56uz0ibLRP4xkP295GI/s1600-h/bobby_birdman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghruRWKIPg-5wab5Agt-hs9AhivcMXSvXuHv6iyO8XD3b3z2HO9ExkSSeX9pbnmXGNDEVGy_5TZXfjtt2KU59bILIMBwc2thLsISRI5q4g9JnWOMTQvD6qJsda56uz0ibLRP4xkP295GI/s400/bobby_birdman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449255739554853138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDprMkwJzB22Lp1kthLbtal9NFx8eq9le8wQ2OWExEIeckVMu08CYgTtmS3m5Bzr3-mAbBLCXsyQ2pApQBq67j1LRp8NndLE1UZzcCJL4mzVBBsyImFjw4mvo-RRaGbP8BNZoovLr6ms/s1600-h/MNDR+m_n_d_r.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDprMkwJzB22Lp1kthLbtal9NFx8eq9le8wQ2OWExEIeckVMu08CYgTtmS3m5Bzr3-mAbBLCXsyQ2pApQBq67j1LRp8NndLE1UZzcCJL4mzVBBsyImFjw4mvo-RRaGbP8BNZoovLr6ms/s400/MNDR+m_n_d_r.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449256753560431970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />MNDR sounds like the techno-y version of my fave musician, Mikhaela Yvonne Maricich, who performs as The Blow. Both put on one woman shows with undeniably catchy beats.<br /><br />Attending a show at The Cave is a whole other story that might be helpful to describe here. I sometimes forget that college students aren't really successfully engaging with the rest of the world yet: There was an unusually high percentage of young people kissing each other on the dance floor, awkwardly sitting on couches during this loud electronica concert, and just up to weird stuff generally. I went into the one-stall bathroom shortly before the show started and was greeted by a scene reminiscent of a gossip girl episode: Three young girls were gathered in the small bathroom sort of posturing around. One was leaning against the wall and another had her leg propped up on the windowsill while drinking out of a flask. She said, "oh sorry. We're just commiserating. Or something." My friends and I were further reminded that we were out of place and, well, OLD when we noticed that we were the only folks there who decided it was a good idea to drink the three-two beer they sell at the concessions stand. Everyone else had Nantucket Nectars and plastic water bottles full of colorful liquids, presumably all spiked with Gordon's. The whole scene made the entire experience sort of fascinating and I'd even say delightful; it definitely broke the mold of my average concert-going experience.<br /><br />The Cave is a strange space for a show. It's small, and unless you're directly in the front, you can't really see anything on stage. There were problems with the sound system: It kept sputtering out and caused many of the stimulation-hungry college students to leave early. When I got on my tip toes to check out what was happening on stage after a few minutes of dead air, I saw MNDR up there just pumping her fist. <br /><br />I rushed to my emusic account when I got home the night after the show but was disappointed to discover that only one of her songs is available for download. But check this out:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0fyMBzGLxcM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0fyMBzGLxcM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />It appears that she'll be popping around Austin next week during SXSW, so I'm trying o convince Angel of Rock and Main Figurehead to check her out.<br /><br />In other news, here are a few albums that have been on rotation in my iTunes. A lot of this really hits that sweet spot of sleepy and poppy. Pretty good to listen to while working.<br />Local Natives / Gorilla Manor (2010)<br />Islands / Vapours (2009)<br />Grouper / Dragging a Dead Deer up a Hill (2008)<br />JJ / no3 (2010)<br /><br /><br />And here are some upcoming shows that I'm super excited about.<br /><br />THURSDAY MAR 18 @ First Ave / The Big Pink with A Place to Bury Strangers<br /><br />SATURDAY MAR 20 @ The Cedar / Oddsac: Animal Collective's new visual album. You don't want to miss this, it looks crazy! Band members will be here.<br /><br />TUESDAY MAR 30 @ The Cedar / Habib Koite<br /><br />FRIDAY APR 2 @ Triple Rock / High Places, Tobacco, The Hood Internet<br /><br />SATURDAY APR 3 @ Turf Club / Cymbals Eat Guitars, Bear in Heaven<br /><br />SUNDAY APR 4 @ The Cedar / Beach House<br />SUNDAY APR 4 @ First Ave / Passion Pit<br /><br />Plus The Cedar's West Africa, West Bank shows the following weekend: Bassekou Kouyate and Baaba Maal.Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14585171613978992266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-45184760847144070152010-03-13T09:02:00.003-06:002010-03-13T12:17:44.755-06:00The List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxjTAuc-q2MqY0PTX0TYmMuHqZ_jhRSzKfDLEZKZPO_RzVSypfvUZu9watoMN2oS2Am_2LjkIrvgI1SGNYWR8XG2pt_8FdJMVysOdP8LVhZ3QD9SICLpWNHHEz1hnhG2OnrQAhQpWUJoq/s1600-h/SXSW.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxjTAuc-q2MqY0PTX0TYmMuHqZ_jhRSzKfDLEZKZPO_RzVSypfvUZu9watoMN2oS2Am_2LjkIrvgI1SGNYWR8XG2pt_8FdJMVysOdP8LVhZ3QD9SICLpWNHHEz1hnhG2OnrQAhQpWUJoq/s400/SXSW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448135638205014546" /></a>I've now assembled my schedule for the <a href="http://www.sxsw.com/">South By Southwest Music Conference</a> which begins in Austin, Texas this coming Wednesday the 17th. Last week I included video clips of three bands I had identified as rising to the top of my "must see" priority list. In the end, that list ended up being around 20 artists total, and I'll highlight a few more with video clips while providing links for the others.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/bombaestereo">Bomba Estereo</a> from Columbia. This is another example of the new face of "world music:"<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pAMHsPT9qGA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pAMHsPT9qGA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thelivingsisters">The Living Sisters</a>, a trio consisting of Wendy Stark of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lavenderdiamond">Lavendar Diamond</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/inarageorge">Inara George</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/elenimandell">Eleni Mandell</a>:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6BPJH0czXw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p6BPJH0czXw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/vadoinmessicoband">Vadoinmessico</a> U.K.-based with a unique and wonderful sound well suited for <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/">The Cedar</a>:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u7nMv2PzGUk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u7nMv2PzGUk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />And these:<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/blackprairie">Black Prairie</a> (bluegrass side-project by members of <a href="http://www.decemberists.com/">The Decemberists</a>)<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/delhi2dublin">Delhi 2 Dublin</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic">Dengue Fever</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/fishtankensemble">Fishtank Ensemble</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRARlnVrEe0">Gong Myoung</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/johnnyflynn">Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/longital">Longital</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/mtakara">M. Takara 3</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/nataliamallo">Natalia Mallo</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/quanticmusic">Quantic</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sharonvanetten">Sharon Van Etten</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sonlux">Son Lux</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thechapinsisters">The Chapin Sisters</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theverybestmyspace">The Very Best</a><br /><br />These bands get slotted first on my agenda. The schedule is then filled in with choices from my next level of about 80 additional artists that made my final cut, based on such loose criteria as bands that are likely to be available for booking, and music that I think would work well at The Cedar (either by fitting <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/about_us#mission">our mission</a> or by playing to the strengths we have as a music venue, ideally both). Of course there are a few things that I just personally want to check out but are not likely to book. And then it all has to fit within a reasonable logistical framework... one band on my list may get the nod over another band because it's three blocks as opposed to ten from the showcase before it.<br /><br />This is always a very interesting exercise. In many ways it is an intensive microcosm of how the booking decisions get made... there are simply too many options, and we can't do (or learn about) everything. So filters get put in place. When faced with the task of going through a list of 1700 bands, certain compromises must be made. There may be another <a href="http://www.myspace.com/kidkoalaonesandtwos">Kid Koala</a> at <a href="http://www.sxsw.com/">SXSW</a>, but I simply can't explore every DJ option to find him or her. So entire categories, like Punk, Metal, and DJs are filtered out. But that's not to say I would never book artists in those genres. <br /><br />Outside input is invaluable. I would not have learned about, never mind booked, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/kidkoalaonesandtwos">Kid Koala</a> had it not been for both fellow blogger <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01197676450021068861">Zuppa di Banjo</a> (whatever happened to him, btw?) and <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/">The Current</a> super-dj <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display.php?aut_id=30128">Mark Wheat</a> recommending that I go see him at the <a href="http://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=1932">Calgary Folk Music Festival</a> last summer. There are a number of names on my final <a href="http://www.sxsw.com/">SXSW</a> list that landed there as a result of suggestions from other presenters, <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/">Cedar</a> staffers, board members and volunteers, and a few loyal blog readers. Thank you all!<br /><br />It's also reassuring that not only will fellow bloggers <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09732225950255559670">Angel of Rock</a> and Sgt Pepper be in attendance this year, rumor has it that so will that elusive <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01197676450021068861">Banjo</a> guy. The more eyes and ears, the better!<br /><br />* * * * *<br /><br />While I'm gone, I'm pretty bummed that I'm going to miss some upcoming <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/">Cedar</a> shows that I'm particularly excited about. On the top of the list, on the 18th, is the fabulous <a href="http://www.delmccouryband.com/">Del McCoury Band</a>. These guys are in a class of their own... outstanding musicianship, great ensemble playing, and a truly classic American sound. I love the choreography of their live show, each member stepping up to the microphone to sing or to solo (and raising their instrument to be better heard). These guys don't use stage monitors because they hone their sound to be such a perfect blend directly from the stage:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/beYovPen-8g&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/beYovPen-8g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Then, after a spectacular throat singing ensemble from Tuva on the 19th, <a href="http://www.alashensemble.com/">Alash</a>, who blew folks away when they recently appeared in <a href="http://www.flecktones.com/">Béla Fleck and the Flectones</a> Christmas show, we are pleased to screen the regional premier of a new "visual album" from director Danny Perez and the band Animal Collective, called <a href="http://www.oddsac.com/">ODDSAC</a>, on Saturday the 20th. From the following trailer, and reviews from viewers at <a href="http://festival.sundance.org/2010/">Sundance</a>, this promises to be an intense experience:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2H48VtETngA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2H48VtETngA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />* * * * *<br /><br />With almost each posting, one particularly loyal <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903">fellow blogger</a> puts out the bait, and then waits patiently for the reaction. As a result, one week it's taking issue with <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/plain-oatmeal-opinions.html">defining certain music as "shlock"</a> by making <span style="font-style:italic;">my farts don't stink</span> pronouncements such as "the more music I hear, the less I find to dismiss as inferior," only to turn around in two weeks and deliver the verdict that certain music is "laughably pompous crap!" (Ha! Don't you just love it when we are reduced to excrement and flatulence! And isn't the exclamation point always helpful to tip you to laugh at that moment!). <br /><br />Perhaps I opened this Pandora's Box with my "shlock" review of a recent recording. All art is personal, and we're bound to step on some toes, if not actually offend, with almost any negative criticism of it. But I'd like to propose to my fellow bloggers that somewhere between "shlock" and "pompous crap" we accept that there is a line which should not be crossed in this public forum. We all have opinions, otherwise this would be a really boring read. Some should just stay in private emails to old friends.Main Figureheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-22116479051926062572010-03-11T14:55:00.001-06:002010-03-11T15:37:25.800-06:00I Got Nothin'Oh, maybe a coupla updates...first, I made it through two whole sides of 'Tales from Topographic Oceans.' Tell you what: I'll leave the reviewing to a faithful Cedar blog reader who did the same and sent me this post mortem: "Hell no. It's still laughably pompous crap!" I'll be charitable and suggest they were attempting to compose rhapsodies. Maybe they succeeded. I really don't know.<br /><br />Also...watched 'Inglourious Basterds' the other night, and I'd put it at the top of my chart for 2009. Way better than 'American Beauty,' surely, which wasn't even the best movie of its release year. That honor belongs to the movie below, as depicted by <a href="http://www.soothbrush.com/movie-illustrations-by-justin-reed/" target="_blank">Justin Reed</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPLr73_WGpeFC9aQfU1zDvWMAObLMuB4b9qXgMbiqzwcxNMpW6RlQ35Tpido8axnaqPEWXGkXA4_mHbDD4maPQk9ooFeYDkmXogeTp3WYu8OvEvq4eRQlLuI33wqj0faX6yBPpJzJOJM/s1600-h/fightclub3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 595px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPLr73_WGpeFC9aQfU1zDvWMAObLMuB4b9qXgMbiqzwcxNMpW6RlQ35Tpido8axnaqPEWXGkXA4_mHbDD4maPQk9ooFeYDkmXogeTp3WYu8OvEvq4eRQlLuI33wqj0faX6yBPpJzJOJM/s640/fightclub3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447474327754207394" /></a><br />And finally...at long last I've started to understand the appeal of The Drive-By Truckers. You probably know all about them and can quote chapter and verse...but on the off-chance you don't, a nice starting point is their second-most recent album, ' <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/504684633651474344/Drive-By_Truckers/Brighter_Than_Creations_Dark" target="_blank">Brighter Than Creations Dark</a>.' Just a thought: run 'The Man I Shot' and 'The Purgatory Line' back-to-back for openers.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />So let's fire up the blog-o-matic. Hit 'random' on your iPod. What are the first (or next) ten songs that come up? Here are mine:<br /><br />1. Slowdive -- '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/576742227521387369/Slowdive/Just_For_A_Day" target="_blank">Catch the Breeze</a>.' I remember when I first became aware of the Britpop sub-category 'shoegaze.' In 1992 a co-worker played me Curve's EP 'Frozen.' The opener, 'Coast Is Clear,' knocked me right over. Their first full-length, 'Doppelganger,' finished me off. From there it was on to other practitioners of the category, including Slowdive. 'Catch the Breeze' is from their first album, and is the title track of their career-spanning anthology.<br /><br />2. The London Metropolitan Orchestra -- 'Sharon.' This is from the score to the movie '<a href="http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0460740/" target="_blank">Cashback</a>.' Seen it? No? Got Netflix instant? It's there. Lovely, funny little British rom-com with a surprisingly introspective soundtrack (speckled with the occasional pop song) composed and compiled by Guy Farley. If you do see it, stick around for the closing credits and the track, 'She' by Grand Avenue. Yeah, so it has that Coldplay stadium sound. This is MY iPod. MY guilty pleasures.<br /><br />3. Citay -- 'Fortunate Son' from their latest album, '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/360569445176456266/Citay/Dream_Get_Together" target="_blank">Dream Get Together</a>.' I love this outfit. They fit squarely in the psych-folk category, but with an occasional metal edge that even headbangers can approve of. My minor quibble with this album is that the vocals are a bit more prominent than those in the prior two, but it doesn't detract much from the sound, which is pure aural candy.<br /><br />4. Smoke Fairies -- '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/3747276365155945043/Smoke_Fairies/Sunshine" target="_blank">Sushine</a>.' This British duo offers an update of the Brit-folk sound (Fairport Convention being a logical touchstone) with a dash of bluesier grit. There is quite a buzz surrounding them; they have even been mentioned on these pages a time or two. Our intrepid blogging crew is headed for South by Southwest and are being implored by those who have been left behind to see Smoke Fairies.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KTlM704jdob657OgjqtVAkqZMbxVOTtG87WSV-KhegYJ-Ey0A94_-tfcSk5-F4KgBwLnSoT8Y6qehWYgUp2xrvqU2cLBoE6iv0tYXO11mlffLuXTFOQReZc4xIYb-qZkVFNoJsm9sDs/s1600-h/rockpile.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KTlM704jdob657OgjqtVAkqZMbxVOTtG87WSV-KhegYJ-Ey0A94_-tfcSk5-F4KgBwLnSoT8Y6qehWYgUp2xrvqU2cLBoE6iv0tYXO11mlffLuXTFOQReZc4xIYb-qZkVFNoJsm9sDs/s320/rockpile.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447421857671631154" /></a><br />5. Nick Lowe -- 'Heart of the City' from '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/2017894108073977434/Nick_Lowe/Jesus_of_Cool_(Reissue)" target="_blank">Jesus of Cool</a>.' Rockpile was my favorite band, ever. That'll do for an encomium.<br /><br />6. The Handsome Family -- 'A Beautiful Thing' from '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/3891391553325236456/The_Handsome_Family/In_The_Air" target="_blank">In the Air</a>.' Who doesn't love Brett's rich baritone and Rennie's dark lyrics? If I had to pick a favorite song of theirs, I'd go with '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/3891391553325236496/The_Handsome_Family/Twilight" target="_blank">The Snow White Diner</a>' from 'Twilight,' but there is sure a lot to choose from.<br /><br />7. Nick Curran & The Nitelifes -- 'Nitelife Boogie.' Curran is yer basic hot T-Bone Walker disciple, although he recently underwent a sound change for his new one called '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/1657606138215661713/Nick_Curran_and_the_Lowlifes/Reform_School_Girl" target="_blank">Reform School Girl</a>,' in which he demonstrates his love for 50s rock 'n roll, and Little Richard in particular. Fun stuff, this.<br /><br />8. Yann Tiersen -- 'Les Enfants' from '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/576742227525443381/Yann_Tiersen/Les_Retrouvailles" target="_blank">Les Retrouvailles</a>.' Tiersen is a French composer best known for his score for 'Amelie.' This album is a standalone that is quite representative of his styles, and includes vocals by Elizabeth Fraser, Jane Birkin, and Tindersticks' Stuart Staples. A recent favorite around Chez Fever.<br /><br />9. <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/2810527643978695788/Liz_Durrett/Husk" target="_blank">Liz Durrett</a> -- 'Always Signs' from 'Outside Our Gates.' Durrett is a singer/songwriter who also happens to be Vic Chesnutt's niece. Hers is a spare, sometimes haunting sound, although this album has sprightlier moments than her first two. Her second, 'Mezzanine,' hit my Top 10 for 2006. I think she would appeal to fans of Azure Ray and their spinoffs.<br /><br />10. Eels -- '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/432627039262608994/Eels/Souljacker" target="_blank">Jungle Telegraph</a>.' I remember where I was when I first heard this song: inside Le Virgin Megastore on the Champs de Elysee. Did you see the Nova episode about Mark Everett and his late physicist father Hugh titled '<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/manyworlds/" target="_blank">Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives</a>?' I'll bet the writers for 'Lost' sure did.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />This would be the logical spot for a flip little closer, but I got nothin.' Cheers.Veronica Feverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-76576657450193294562010-03-10T12:26:00.001-06:002010-03-14T21:00:15.975-05:00Digital Economy Bill... Yikes!So don't be getting sassy online next time you're in England. New rules clamping down on downloads at internet cafes and other WiFi hotspots as well as libraries have <a href="http://www.lockergnome.com/blade/2010/03/01/u-k-may-face-serious-restrictions-for-wi-fi-access-points/">British bloggers</a> pissed. Or maybe I should say they have their knickers in a twist. The <a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2009-10/digitaleconomy.html">Digital Economy Bill </a>would penalize free internet providers for any kind of extra-legal file sharing or downloads that happen on their premises. The <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/communities/raveact/antirave/">rave law</a> gone digital?<br /><br />Near as I can tell, the pertinent section "imposes obligations on internet service providers to reduce online copyright infringement, and allows the Secretary of State to amend copyright legislation to the same end." I'd translate that in Americanish as "We'll come after yer coffee house if some joker downloads a torrent at one of your tables."<br /><br />(Insert exasperated curse of your choice here. Eye roll optional)<br /><br />I have to wonder who is behind this one. Not being familiar with any of the members of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Lords">House of Lords</a>, (guess I ought to keep up better with the tabloids) I really cannot say whether the sponsor has any connection to the music industry or not.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wikiwak.com/image/Westminster+palace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 402px;" src="http://www.wikiwak.com/image/Westminster+palace.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ah, yes. Here we are at Westminster Palace, ready to pull the plug on WiFi.</span> </span></div><br />Do you think they really plan to enforce this? I can imagine cops busting in to a quiet university library, shaking down some dweeb with a laptop, then heading over to the circulation desk to pull the plug on their router. British business tech site ZDX UK has a <a href="http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,40057470,00.htm">slightly different vision</a> of their future. One of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/rorycellanjones/2010/03/digital_economy_more_heat_than.html">BBC tech bloggers</a> has links to the actual wording of the bill as well as to some rather charged opinions of it.<br /><br />In addition, according to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/mar/05/digital-economy-bill-pushed-through">the Guardian</a>, the Clause 17 section "gives a high court judge the right to issue an injunction against a website accused of hosting a “substantial” amount of copyright-infringing material, potentially forcing the entire site offline." So would that only work for British sites, or could they go after, say, Pirate Bay or Napster?<br /><br />Whew! I'll try to keep you posted as things develop over there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /><br /></div> In an absolutely unrelated topic, while looking for<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.musiques-metisses.com/index.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 239px;" src="http://www.musiques-metisses.com/index.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> some more Hasna el Becharia tracks to check out (see last weeks post), I stumbled upon this <a href="http://www.afropop.org/multi/feature/ID/108/Report+on+27th+Musiques+Metisses+Festival%21">lengthy review</a> of the <a href="http://www.wikiwak.com/image/Westminster+palace.jpg">Musiques Metisses</a> Festival from <span style="font-weight: bold;">2002</span> linked from the Afropop site. The list of artists at the three day event is mind blowing (Ali Farka Touré', King Sunny Adé, Habib Koite, Cesaria Evora, Lo'Jo, Amadou and Mariam, Hasna el Becharia to name a few) but the hidden gem here is his comments of one of the first European performance of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">then-unknown Tinariwen</span>! Here's a link to <a href="http://musiques-metisses.com/en/programme.php?festival=15">last year's artist list</a>, just in case you want to keep ahead of the curve in African music. The 2010 artist list isn't up yet, but here's the poster so you can save the dates.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /></div><br />Jumping around some more, Cedar faves Balkan Beat Box are putting the finishing touches on their new disc, <span style="font-style: italic;">Blue Eyed Black Boy</span>. I'm just not going to say anything about that title. Official U.S. release is April 27, but supposedly early downloads can be had from their website this Thursday, March 11. Of course their politics are always in the right place; the first track out there is called "War Again." Take a listen on their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/balkanbeatbox">MySpace.</a> They had a nice little making-of vid which I posted a few months ago...being lazy and at the end of my lunch hour just now, I'll just guess you can find it at the link above as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.balkanbeatbox.com/images/about/bandPhoto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 507px; height: 658px;" src="http://www.balkanbeatbox.com/images/about/bandPhoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.balkanbeatbox.com/splashImages/bandPic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text- alt=" border="0" src="" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Starring Tomar Yosef as The Boxer, Ori Kaplan as The Trainer and<br />Tamir Muskat as The Gambler.</span><br /></span></div><br />You can also see cartoon Tomar, Ori and Tamir fend off the bombs of the evil war-monger with brass band power in the "War Again" video on their site. I've never been much into Yosef's rapping, but it's smoother here and the horns really drive this tune.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /><br /></div>In a slightly related note, BBB fans may want to check out <a href="http://www.afropop.org/multi/feature/ID/931/The+Sway+Machinery+Play+Mali">this piece</a> by sometimes BBB guitarist <em></em> Jeremiah Lockwood on his journey to Mali and the<a href="http://www.festival-au-desert.org/"> Festival au Deser</a><a href="http://www.festival-au-desert.org/">t</a> with his band Sway Machinery. He writes thoughtfully about being an "out" Jew in a very Muslim country.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /><br /></div>In another hot off the press note, get yourself psyched for <a href="http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/article/content.article/grupo_fantasma_release/en_US">Grupo Fantasma</a>'s Cedar show in June by checking out this "making of" vid for their new disc <span style="font-style: italic;">El Existential</span>. They rented a house in North Austin, left all their gear in there for three months, then jammed and experimented and had what looks like a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear the tunes; disc's out May 11.<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CyzNhxFwrHg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CyzNhxFwrHg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Prince did not come by, but Meat Puppet Curt Kirkwood did, as did master Latin pianist Larry Harlow.<br /><br />And that's all the news that's fit to print. Wish our blogging team well down at SXSW next week. I hear out newbie, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14160755098563669289">Sgt. Pepper</a> is also planning to make the trek Austin-wards, along with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247">Main Figurehead</a> and the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09732225950255559670">Angel of Rock</a>. Find some good stuff for us, gang!Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-66493275568899086232010-03-06T11:06:00.009-06:002010-03-06T15:46:01.977-06:00Movies and Music<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM8EelPOYGXRuvEdutHEriCxBmMke1mXZPlLhJeZ7A0jfLn70Ptr_w-3-LqJJf0FYCuR_Kv0qqTqDOzfCmOHCRrkPwVd5iV7P3rCMuQcwfbthoSmASZcOfRTUc54etQiiJsGCg7nMpEjC/s1600-h/americanbeauty-retro.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM8EelPOYGXRuvEdutHEriCxBmMke1mXZPlLhJeZ7A0jfLn70Ptr_w-3-LqJJf0FYCuR_Kv0qqTqDOzfCmOHCRrkPwVd5iV7P3rCMuQcwfbthoSmASZcOfRTUc54etQiiJsGCg7nMpEjC/s400/americanbeauty-retro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445598575860351474" /></a>The year was 1999. I had just seen the film <a href="http://www.dreamworks.com/ab/">American Beauty,</a> and after <a href="http://www.newline.com/properties/magnolia.html">Magnolia</a>, which I had seen just before, I remember marveling at the current state of American cinema. This was also the year of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Being_John_Malkovich">Being John Malkovich</a>, <a href="http://www.dogma-movie.com/">Dogma</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Matrix">Matrix</a>, the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Powers">Austin Powers</a> movie, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Space">Office Space</a>.<br /><br />At that time, as a member of the recording industry, I was envious that films with genuine craft, depth, and artistic aspiration were receiving mainstream distribution, selling well, and receiving awards (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Beauty_%28film%29">American Beauty</a> won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director). Meanwhile, the U.S. recording industry was well on its way to the bottom. In particular there seemed to be a complete lack of creativity and aesthetic available in any way via the major recording companies. Independent labels were hurting, and Napster was just coming upon the scene... it was launched in mid-1999, but by the end of the year was only still largely relegated to tech geeks. The internet was not yet being used as a significant distribution point for music. 1999 may have been the last year that the majors controlled the game, and they were clearly blowing it.<br /><br />Fast forward 10 years. This coming Sunday the Oscars will be presented to the best films of 2009. They've expanded the Best Picture nominations from 5 to 10 films, and I've seen all 10. And there's nothing even close to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Beauty_%28film%29">American Beauty</a> among them. You won't find films of that merit right now in the "indie" cinemas right now either. The independent film business is hurting, especially distribution, and 2009 may be best remembered as the year that <a href="http://disney.go.com/index">Disney</a>, the owner of the iconic independent film company <a href="http://www.miramax.com/">Miramax</a>, downsized that division to a level which virtually guarantees its irrelevance. <br /><br />Meanwhile, one could argue that the veritable death of the recording business has been great for music. Albums by artists like Andrew Bird, Bon Iver, and Animal Collective are now getting serious radio play, and penetrating the Billboard Top 20. Access to music of all kinds has never been easier... all you need is an internet (or cell phone data) connection. Maybe there was this much interesting music out there in 1999 and nobody had access to it, but that's clearly not an issue now. Maybe the same is true of the film business 10 years later... and it will take a major change in the business model for consumers to have access to the really good stuff...<br /><br /><br />* * * *<br /><br />I've yet to take my second pass at my SXSW artist list, but as promised here are three that are near the top for checking out:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.smokefairies.com/">Smoke Fairies</a> (U.K.)<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FcKQ-loILX0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FcKQ-loILX0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.efterklang.net/home/">Efterklang</a> (Denmark)<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Z5ml_v-8LU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5Z5ml_v-8LU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z5ml_v-8LU">Link here</a> for the widescreen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocquibtown.com/"><br />ChocQuibTown</a> (Columbia)<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/reB4YLs-49U&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/reB4YLs-49U&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Main Figureheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-19750822395267815142010-03-04T15:10:00.004-06:002010-03-04T15:59:33.654-06:00SpiralJust spent ten minutes wandering around the local Borders store. To the casual eye the place looked okay, but to me it seemed ever-more like a slow motion train ride to oblivion.<br /><br />I was there looking for the new Tammy Wynette biography, '<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/books/04book.html" target="_blank">Tragic Country Queen</a>.' It came out Tuesday and has been heavily reviewed, but was not on the shelves or in the store computer as having been received. On hold with the publisher? In an unopened box in the back room? Who knows? A helpful store assistant did offer to order one for me.<br /><br />As music-related books were located near the CDs, I had a look at what remains of those: a couple of short rows of half-full racks, with no rhyme or reason to the stock. Why do they bother? Again: they could have gone in with a dozen or so listening posts stocked only with titles chosen by on-staff music lovers and been a go-to tastemaker. I'm assuming the CDs that do remain are there because there is already too much open floor space and not enough unstocked good-selling book titles remaining to bring in. Or they simply can't return any more CDs to music suppliers they no longer deal with.<br /><br />Finally, a walk toward the exit brought me to a stock cart holding ten copies of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0470558407/baseballprospect/ref=nosim/" target="_blank">2010 Baseball Prospectus</a>, which was not yet on the sports section shelves. This book dropped ten days ago; I had mine in hand the next day. A title like that sells to fanatics who know exactly when it hits; the sales window is approximately street date to Tax day. 20% of that window is gone.<br /><br />The death spiral accelerates.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />Since the Cedar blog's intramural scrum over the value of music and the state of its digital commerce landscape, I've come to revise one opinion a bit: free is an unworkable model.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/feb/10/warner-music-spotify-online-streaming" target="_blank">The recent announcement</a> that Warner Music would no longer license its content to free ad-supported streamers actually seemed like a bit of sanity, coming though it does from such an unlikely source.<br /><br />On the heels of that arrived <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-10459568-261.html?tag=mncol" target="_blank">this story</a> out of the Digital Music Forum East conference, in which a market analyst declared that while customizable radio services like Pandora do help sales, free all-you-can-eat music buffets are a sales hindrance.<br /><br />So while my heart was a bit tugged by the announcement that The Daily Show and The Colbert Report would no longer be available on Hulu's free streaming service, I sorta shrugged and got the message.<br /><br />I'll continue to beat the drum for paid on-demand subscription services, though. People who will pony up $10-15 per month are, by and large, more serious about their music...and if my habits are any indication, that seriousness still translates to actual purchases.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />My latest needle-dropping jag brought an unusually high hit rate. I could go on about the silly-good retro fun of <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/937030198006651696/The_King_Khan_%26_BBQ_Show/Invisible_Girl" target="_blank">King Khan & BBQ Show</a>, the solid pop craft of <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/1657606137884363054/My_Robot_Friend/Soft-Core" target="_blank">My Robot Friend</a>'s star-studded latest, the sweetly sad <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/2666412454729617314/Dakota_Suite/The_End_Of_Trying" target="_blank">Dakota Suite</a>, or the unexpected Primal Scream-esque brilliance of <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/1657606139578317305/The_Brian_Jonestown_Massacre/Who_Killed_Sgt._Pepper%3F" target="_blank">The Brian Jonestown Massacre</a>'s new one...<br /><br />For Cedar devotees, though, I'd choose <a href="http://www.hollymiranda.com/" target="_blank">Holly Miranda</a>. She sang in a Brooklyn outfit called The Jealous Girlfriends (and am I alone in wondering just how many bohemian lofts there are per capita in that borough?) and has just released an album called '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/1225260573703500293/Holly_Miranda/The_Magician%E2%80%99s_Private_Library" target="_blank">The Magician's Private Library</a>.' Singer-songwriter albums are so ubiquitous that special qualities are of the utmost necessity. They're here: atmospheric, often delicate arrangements which suit her voice particularly well, unobtrusive but imaginative production flourishes by Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio), and accessible but somehow inscrutable lyrics and vocals.<br /><br />Here is a bit of Holly Miranda; more songs from the album can be found <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/1225260573703500293/Holly_Miranda/The_Magician%E2%80%99s_Private_Library" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-2y657UY1GY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-2y657UY1GY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />**********<br /><br />Then again, maybe nothing will do but eight minutes of propulsive Spacemen 3-style fuzz. Mash on Moon Duo's '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/2306124486335751111/Moon_Duo/Escape" target="_blank">Motorcycle, I Love You</a>.' You've been warned. Cheers.Veronica Feverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-90402645836850947922010-03-03T12:26:00.004-06:002010-03-07T10:10:05.280-06:00On and Off the ChartsI'm putting this one out there right now...my prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.shellshock.co.uk/images/sleeves/US0400.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 251px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.shellshock.co.uk/images/sleeves/US0400.jpg" /></a> for the hot festival pick for 2011. Check out these barefoot Germans and their horns in <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">LaBrassBanda</span>. easy name to remember, too. Tuba, trombone, trumpet, bass and drums with occasional vocals. Last fall's Übersee has a funkier sound, but you get the idea of how much fun they're having from this little clip of a more trad Balkan-y sound.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f_tmSc0ZrhA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f_tmSc0ZrhA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Their other videos can be goofier. There is a long two-parter of one the band members driving a tractor hauling the tuba and drum kit through the countryside followed by the rest of them of mopeds. I'd bet it's funnier in German. This part is funny in English: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/labrassbanda">their MySpace</a> site tag describes them as "Bavarian/Brass/Punk" and another says "Other/Other/Other." One fan wrote from Italy askng if they would tour there and offering the use of his van. Is that all it would take?<br /><br />They played Rothskilde last summer and are touring their brains out this summer. Let's watch and see if <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Übersee</span> makes it onto the Euro world charts this spring or they are picked up by WOMEX or one of the other biggies by fall.<br /><br />Just to save potential loss in the scroll-down, I'll quote Lemez Lovas' <a href="http://www.songlines.co.uk/index.php">Songlines</a> review here.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">The Süddeutsche funkateers are back with a bang. For those listeners who were lucky enough to stumble across last year’s </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Habediehre</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, it was the shock of the season: a Bavarian five-piece, just three horns, vocals, electric bass and drums, performing their own songs in the local dialect. But what singer Stefan Dettl does with this combination is beyond any expectation: there’s a straight-up pop sensibility as sharp as that of MGMT or any of the latest alt-electro-pop hyphenated genres. And with </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Übersee</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, LaBrassBanda might just have delivered the surprise underground hit of the year. Three things leap out: killer US R&B-style grooves and licks; top musicianship; and a totally cliché-free approach. It kicks so hard that it really doesn’t matter if you understand the words or not. Opening track ‘Bierzelt’ sounds like Beyoncé opening Oktoberfest; ‘Des Konnst Glam’ is a swinging blow-out with all the funk of 70s legends Brass Construction; ‘Ringlbleame’ does the same with the added bonus of a hook-laden pop chorus; while on ‘Nanana’, they show they can also play it as sweet and spiritual as a New Orleans shout band. It’s fresh, confident and totally unlike anything else out there. Get onto this before everyone else does.</span><br /></blockquote>Tracks from <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Übersee</span> are not up on Lala or on their MySpace for some reason. Grrr. Find yourself a link to <a href="http://www.amazon.de/Des-konnst-glam/dp/B002SWMVZK">"Des Konnst Glam"</a> (sorry it's only a 30 second-er) and then <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">try to sit still</span>. Here's a <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/labrassbanda">Last.fm link</a>, too. No head nodding, no toe tapping, no patting your hand on the desk, no hip shaking, no strutting! IT'S NOT POSSIBLE! There is some kind of <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">pure brass joy</span> blowing out of these tunes.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">* * * * * * *<br /></div><br />In one of my meandering searches to put names and faces to uncredited amazing female vocal tracks, I came across a wonderful interview with the Bulgarian architect Nikola Gruev, getting attention as <a href="http://www.asphalt-tango.de/records/kottarashky/artist.html">Kottarashky</a> (<span style="font-size:+0;">four months</span> on the Euro World charts top 20) for his wonderful homegrown sample mosaic <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Opa Hey. </span>(Regular readers may remember a mention of the disc last fall as I was enticed to listen to "Long Song" over and over while watching football.) I was trying to find out who was the owner of that husky voice in "Long Song" and found out it's from <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">a field recording he made at a wedding!<br /><br /></span>Well. I guess it might be tricky to track down <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">her</span> solo disc!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/natal4ica/zx350_806895.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/natal4ica/zx350_806895.jpg" /></a><br />The tunes on <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Opa Hey</span> a a great example of something that doesn't work <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">at all</span> with the 30 second sample. The carefully constructed collages subtly build layer upon layer, a few vocal syllables here, a waft of clarinet there, a sprinkle of trumpet or accordion over there. The rhythm tracks are also carefully built up out of samples from field recordings, though not all from traditional percussion sources. The tunes get more interesting with each listen as your ears and brain tease out another tiny element, carefully placed to create his vision of the next generation of Balkan music. Great, interesting <a href="http://www.abvmob.de/blog/interview-with-bulgarian-producer-kottarashky/">long interview</a> from Bulgarian? German? blogger with stories and maps from his journeys around Bulgaria collecting his sound samples.<br /><br />Here's the<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> Guardian</span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/dec/31/kottarashky-opa-hey-cd-review"> review</a> if you just can't get enough. There are full length song samples at the first link of his name.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">* * * * * * *<br /></div><br />Another item on some of the the March charts that bears more listening is Algerian-born <a href="http://www.africanmusiciansprofiles.com/Hasna.htm">Hansa el Becharia</a>'s new disc <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Smaa Smaa</span>. Although not bluesy at all, I can imagine this appealing to fans of Tinariwen's more stripped down stuff. Simple, elegant, a weathered yet warm voice, nice female backing vocals over a hypnotic stringed instrument. Here are some <a href="http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.popupplayer&sindex=3.3&shuffle=true&amix=false&pmix=false&plid=165641&artid=18410092&profid=449333415&friendid=449333415&sseed=24873&ptype=3&stime=0&ap=">samples.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss136/silvialilith/facingdigifile12x12legg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss136/silvialilith/facingdigifile12x12legg.jpg" /></a>What the heck is that thing she's playing? Maybe it's some sort of <a href="http://arabmusique.blogspot.com/2008/07/hasna-el-becharia-hakmet-lakdar.html">gumbri</a>? Acccording to the article in the link above, she's more know as an <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">electric</span> guitar player. She's hitting most of the big cities in Eastern Canada in late July, maybe somebody will catch her at one of the Canadian festivals. Let me know!Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-52792905009536015512010-03-02T13:33:00.001-06:002010-03-02T13:36:21.384-06:00ManifestoHello out there in cyberspace. This is my first contribution to the Cedar blog after having worked at the Cedar over a year and it is truly an honor to be joining such thoughtful music appreciators on the Cedar’s interweb home. I’m not really one to force other people to read about my meandering personal opinions, there’s enough people doing that already out there on the internet. I joined the Cedar blog so that I could have an opportunity to sit down with some of the amazingly talented artists that come through the Cedar and talk with them about their music. I specifically hope to examine how the wide range of music we host at the Cedar fits into what we’re doing here in this kooky little niche of Minneapolis called the West Bank and further how that ties into national and international trends in music. I’m approaching this contributing blogger role as a musician myself, so much of my focus will be on artists’ approach to their craft and how they see themselves tying in to what we do at the Cedar. I hope that by interviewing different artists every week, from the local level to the international, and posting their responses that my contributions will shed light on effective approaches to handle the multi-faceted music industry of today. Specifically I hope to show how unique the Cedar is in providing such quality of music from such a variety of genres. In these hard economic times when funding for the arts is constantly on the chopping block of government planning, the Cedar has risen to meet budget challenges and has actually seen record growth at a time when other organizations have gone under. I am incredibly lucky to be a part of the Cedar and really feel like something special is happening here. With my limited journalistic talents I hope to document this time in Cedar history like Kerouac did the listless lifestyle of the Beats, like Hunter S. Thompson did the post-60s identity crisis of the Love Generation, like J.K. Rowling did the teen angst and drama of a British wizard boarding school. Stay tuned for my next post when I sit down with bassist Jesse Schuster of local sweethearts Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles after their recent Valentine’s Day concert.<br /><br />ONE LOVE!Sgt. Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14160755098563669289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-65396121149507792942010-02-27T09:42:00.003-06:002010-02-27T11:55:54.309-06:00The 1-2 Punch (and Laura)The month of March opens with two of my personal faves at <a href="http://www.thecedar.org/">The Cedar</a>. On Monday the first, those <a href="http://www.punchbrothers.com/index.php">Punch Brothers</a> return (in fact, they will be blanketing the region, with shows after us in La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Platteville and Chicago). You may recall I <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/lost-weekend-in-new-york.html">previously posted</a> about these guys when I saw them in New York last month. And I would put them up with my good friends <a href="http://www.vasen.se/">Väsen</a> among the very best acoustic ensembles in the world today. What sets the Punch boys apart is the full breadth of the music they play. Their original compositions defy categorization, and they've been know to play arrangements of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=_47JXbCFizM&v=-RtVKJY0x1s">J.S. Bach</a> to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=Ny6t6bZsvGw&v=NRUkv0O7WZE">Radiohead</a>, even in the same set.<br /><br />This is one of those bands that is so good- where all of the individual musicians are virtuosic talents, yet the whole is still greater than the rather large sum of the parts, that no music lover should ever miss an opportunity to see them. Mandolinist (and singer) extraordinaire <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Thile">Chris Thile</a>, still best known as a founding member of <a href="http://nickelcreek.com/">Nickel Creek</a>, is high in demand as a session player and general great guy to work with. So while this is this band's fourth Cedar appearance in three years (the first time as "Chris Thile's How To Build A Band"), don't take seeing them for granted!<br /><br />Here's a brand new YouTube video of a new song we're likely to here on Monday:<br /><object width="853" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xQJL2aC-emc&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xQJL2aC-emc&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="853" height="505"></embed></object> (To see the full screen you'll have to go to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=uDoJyAZayXE&v=xQJL2aC-emc">this link</a>).<br /><br />We can reasonably call the following night's show <a href="http://lauraveirs.com/wp/">Laura Veirs "Plus"</a>... "plus" being the two opening acts, also Northwest-based acoustic folks worth hearing, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/oldbelievers">The Old Believers</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cataldomusic">Cataldo</a>. "Plus" also being Laura's own band, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hall of Flames</span>, and although this is Laura's third visit to The Cedar, it will be her first with a band. And finally, "plus" because Laura is about 7.5 months pregnant!<br /><br />Her new album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/July-Flame-Laura-Veirs/dp/B002W1HBIE">July Flame</a> has already been called "the best album of 2010" by <a href="http://www.decemberists.com/">The Decemberists</a>' Colin Meloy, which when I think about it, is hard to argue with (although it is only the end of February, after all... <br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jCY_aE0Gddc&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jCY_aE0Gddc&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />* * * *<br /><br />I've finished my first complete pass through the enormous <a href="http://my.sxsw.com/events/a2z/music">SXSW A through Z Showcase List</a> and I'm now down to a more manageable list of about 300 bands to choose from. Next step: a more detailed and discriminating pass, plus filtering by venue and logistics. But I'm very much taking suggestions, and eagerly awaiting the annual <a href="http://www.npr.org/allsongs">All Songs Considered</a> program where their staff goes through their own SXSW picks. Maybe next week I'll start posting promising discoveries that I hope to check out in Austin. But please, anyone out there, check <a href="http://my.sxsw.com/events/a2z/music">the list</a> yourself and send along your suggestions!Main Figureheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-59660637570423546582010-02-26T10:03:00.002-06:002010-02-26T10:23:50.344-06:00What my last.fm doesn't knowI have some secrets to share with you. You are familiar with last.fm? It does thing called "scrobbling." It keeps track of all the music you listen to on your computer or mp3 listening device. This is so that you can look at similar artists and find people with similar tastes in music. I am new to the site, so there may be more to it than that. But there are some things it doesn't know.<div><br /></div><div>1) I have been listening to tapes in a very specific way. I have instated <i><a href="http://www.rhino.co.uk/ugc-1/product/230/162_Large.jpg">Out of Time</a></i> mornings and Soul Tune Saturdays. These have been good decisions.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) <a href="http://www.paulwesterberg.com/">Paul Westerberg</a>'s <i>Come Feel Me Tremble </i>has been on repeat in my CD player.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) Within the last 24 hours I got to hear live renditions of both <a href="http://www.myspace.com/elliottsmithnewmoon">Elliott Smith</a> and <a href="http://www.margotandthenuclearsoandsos.com/">Margot And The Nuclear So and So'</a>s in my living room. </div><div><br /></div><div>4) By the end of this weekend I will have listened through to all of the artists playing at SXSW whose names begin with "R."</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Somehow, after all this, at the coop yesterday <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTeVELIm8Ec">this</a> was the song stuck in my head.</div>Angel of Rockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09732225950255559670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-43144503663869638112010-02-25T13:48:00.004-06:002010-02-25T14:31:35.969-06:00Plain Oatmeal OpinionsSupreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously wrote in an article for Rolling Stone that shlock was difficult to intelligibly define, but 'I know it when I hear it.' (Admittedly, I may not have this 100% correct, but it is now committed to the internet archives and therefore potentially as accurate as any other 'historical document.')<br /><br /><a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/shlock-value.html" target="_blank">Main Figurehead knows shlock</a>. It's in the arrangements of Peter Gabriel's latest, Nelson Riddle's (and, presumably, Gordon Jenkins's) work with Frank Sinatra (and, presumably, Nat King Cole), and Phil Spector's over-dubbing work on 'Let it Be.' <br /><br />The self-same Mr. Fig then devoted <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/dawn-of-light-lying-between-silence-and.html" target="_blank">an entire blog post</a> to extolling the boundless virtues of Yes's 'Tales from Topographic Oceans,' an album that many consider the poster-child for mid-70s cultural claptrap. I was a huge Yes fan, but they lost me right there, right then. Heck, even one of the band's members, Rick Wakeman, couldn't tolerate it. (But he was a meat-eater and therefore given to irrational judgments on a wide range of issues.)<br /><br />I've had 'shlock' percolating on my back-burner for two weeks. The kitchen has lost its homey Rachael Ray ambience and now reeks of something remotely sulphuric. So here: try some.<br /><br />First of all, I couldn't pick shlock out of a lineup if it bitch-slapped me while wearing a laminated name-tag. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WWConMNlZLTaP_dSAdTBHOhkNS1JKMjlIad23w9uhRoyQ_51NIuvO0e1n9ZBAwVhPPVxnke2lFSgEckcZ0kEG5w_8Q4CWJkLGRtWUT03M6nTcFSu_KvpaYj01oHAmi0g-_axgaQIoHo/s1600-h/julie.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WWConMNlZLTaP_dSAdTBHOhkNS1JKMjlIad23w9uhRoyQ_51NIuvO0e1n9ZBAwVhPPVxnke2lFSgEckcZ0kEG5w_8Q4CWJkLGRtWUT03M6nTcFSu_KvpaYj01oHAmi0g-_axgaQIoHo/s320/julie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442277379340384162" /></a>F'rinstance...I can draw a straight line from Roy Orbison to Chris Isaak to Raul Malo to Andrea Bocelli, and ain't no one gonna tell me Roy's operettas lack artistic merit. I had a military / farmer dad with whom I did battle throughout much of the 70s, but I still love his favorites like Henry Mancini and Julie London. (My residual 'dad protest' is hating the SF 49ers, by the way). I believe 'Strangers in the Night' is one of the greatest 45s ever waxed.<br /><br />I get it, though. Strong opinions are what make music blogs (and cable news shows and so much of our daily discourse) go. We gotta pick a side and bloviate lest we come off all grey and mealy. But honestly, what's a girl to do?:<br /><br />The more music I hear, the less I find to dismiss as inferior. I find that most negatives I ascribe are simply contrarian. Such as...The Avett Brothers: Lauded by critics, slobbered over by otherwise dignified friends...yet I find the vocals unlistenable. Or present day Top 40: boring, all signs of life focus-grouped away. Or American Idol: Give me chickens cackling in a barn.<br /><br />Yet these moments of bravado are fleeting, for I know the truth: the music I dislike was intended for other ears. My overt opining is simply transparent provocation. So while I would like to grab a pitchfork the next time a beloved indie band is thrashed for signing a major-label contract and hopping a hot rail to Shlockville, my id will keep my tongue in my head. For I know that this particular argument has been fatuous from its inception. <br /><br />Oh, and Tales from Topographic Oceans? I haven't heard it for 35 years, but I am now compelled to try it with new ears. For I do believe this about music and the test of time: if you can listen to a favorite album from your youth decades later and hear musical merit even when stripped of nostalgia value, then maybe you really are hearing a masterpiece.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />More mash, anyone? While I tend to deduct points for tempo alterations to make the pieces fit, this one is an exception that makes the rule:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/auxTFpcJhnw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/auxTFpcJhnw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Veronica Feverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-29251773101171763312010-02-24T10:13:00.000-06:002010-02-24T10:22:56.259-06:00But Is It Music Misuse?An emergency phone call came in Sunday evening as I was peacefully enjoying a night off from the household Olympics obsession.<br /><br />"Quick! Run to the TV! You have to see these horrible ice dancing costumes!" urged <a href="http://www.kfai.org/node/95">DJ Blanche</a>. So run to the living room I did, just in time to catch the multicolored rags the Russian ice dancing team called the "Aboriginal Original" as Blanche accused them of blatant misuse of Hungarian gypsy music. Hopefully, she'll write in with more of her misgivings about the whole multi-culti ice dancing mash up mish mash and I can present that to you in this space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20100222&t=2&i=64992088&w=460&r=2010-02-22T154629Z_01_BTRE61L17TN00_RTROPTP_0_BUSINESSPROPICKS-US-OLYMPICS-FIGURE-SKATING-COSTUMES"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 245px;" src="http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20100222&t=2&i=64992088&w=460&r=2010-02-22T154629Z_01_BTRE61L17TN00_RTROPTP_0_BUSINESSPROPICKS-US-OLYMPICS-FIGURE-SKATING-COSTUMES" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yikes!...in so many ways.<br /><br /></span></span></div>For this reporter...there's a reason I ignore the ice dancing. Hate the<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> costumes and cheesy moves and big fake smiles. Yech! Where is the class of <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/two-great-tastes-that-taste-great.html">Shen and Zhou</a> when we need it?<br /><br />But the incident has caused me to muse on that whole big issue of (TAH-tum) <span style="font-weight: bold;">cultural appropriation.</span> When is it stealing? When is it sampling? What's respectful and what's not? Is it better to give credit where credit is due or is that insulting the intelligence of your audience? Or maybe it's the job of those websites that list all the songs sampled in various tunes.<br /><br />Here's DJ Blanche on round 2.<br /><blockquote style="font-family:georgia;">I can't believe more wasn't made of the inappropriate <span style="font-weight: bold;">music</span> accompanying the Fauxborigine costumes last night. I'd have liked to have seen the looks on the faces of various Hungarian musicians. Hey, hey! Wait a minute! That music's not from Australia, it's from Hungary!<br /><br />Things were of a higher caliber tonight, but oh, that tired, tired music. If rules are going to be enacted, how about outlawing any more use of "Phantom of the Opera" and "Ave Maria" for the next century?</blockquote><br />Setting aside the "tired, tired music" issue for the time being, I do have to wonder about how Russian ice dancers represent traditional folk culture with Hungarian Gypsy music mashed over a didgeridoo sample and pseudo Aboriginal costumes? I mean, really. <a href="http://www.nbcolympics.com/news-features/news/newsid=436204.html">What were they thinking</a>? "Oh here, this is primitive sounding/looking?" Aboriginal artists and leaders <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Russian-ice-dance-tribute-to-Aborigines-offensiv?urn=oly,215206">weren't so into</a> the look. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtXWE1CfbcM">People were pissed</a>! More people <a href="http://blog.mtviggy.com/2010/02/22/the-bizzarre-blatant-racism-of-olympic-ice-dancing-part-1-the-russian-aboriginal-original/">were more pissed!</a><br /><br />It's supposed to represent "a melange of ethnicities."<br /><br />OK.<br /><br />So. Is that your cultural appropriation then? Who gets to decide? It's my culture and you're copying me and I don't like it? You're "stealing" our stuff because you're too educated/not educated enough/ not from here/have more power/blah blah blah.<br /><br />Can any cultural <span style="font-weight: bold;">anything</span> be off limits in the age of You Tube, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter?<br /><br />Did De La Soul rip off Steely Dan's culture on "Eye Know" from <a href="ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_Feet_High_and_Rising#Samples"><span style="font-style: italic;">Three Feet High and Rising</span></a>?<br /><br />Just for some throwback fun, here's a De La Soul "Three is the Magic Number" vid. What <span style="font-style: italic;">does</span> it all mean?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QSnJ5uoyptY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QSnJ5uoyptY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed><a class="qkqhcerlnqggwoggucwg" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/QSnJ5uoyptY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></a></object><br /><br />As a consumer mostly of this thing we're calling global music, I don't care where it comes from and what's mixed into it, as long as it rocks. The best music often comes from the culture clashes. French/North African. German/Turkish. Polish/reggae. Brazilian/Techno.<br /><br />Now, obviously there are well done mixes and there's half-assed crap. There's slapping an unimaginative beat over samples of something "primitive" or "ethnic." Then there's the high powered techno of <a href="http://www.recycler.free.fr/">Recycler</a> (not just because they have the best remix sampling a Jew's harp EVER! 1998's "Khomuzedric") or the <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/1657606138063751517">classy remixes</a> of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j19WPsc57tw">DJ Click</a>.<br /><br />Are <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dj.dolores">DJ Delores'</a> remixes intrinsically better because he's a <a href="http://www.lala.com/#artist/DJ_Dolores">Brazilian remixing Brazilian rhythms</a> and Click is a French guy using South Asian and Gypsy music? M.I.A. rips off everybody's culture - - and <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">everybody</span> respects her.<br /><br />Would <a href="http://www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic">Dengue Fever</a>'s music be cultural appropriation if singer Chhom Nimol wasn't Southeast Asian? Is <a href="http://www.barbesrecords.com/chicha.html">Chicha Libre</a> not respectful because none of the guys are from Peru? Is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/antibalas%20afrobeat%20orchestra">Antibalas</a> ripping off Fela? Is it OK for <a href="http://www.pistolera.net/live/">Pistolera </a>or <a href="http://www.grupofantasma.com/music">Grupo Fantasma</a> to play cumbias because there are Latino musicians in the bands but not OK for <a href="http://www.brave.com/bo/">Brave Combo</a> to work some cumbias in with their <a href="http://s0.ilike.com/play#Brave+Combo:In+Heaven%2C+There+Is+No+Beer:2400648:m1689769">polkas</a>? Are musicians from countries other than Poland appropriating the polska?<br /><br />Enough already.<br /><br />How could I take sides in the cultural appropriation wars? It's too late. Everything is out there for everyone to see and hear and taste. The best all of us can do is learn from and respect each other. Cross pollinate. Keep the tunes coming.Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-88461228174535247012010-02-20T10:49:00.008-06:002010-02-20T13:58:47.913-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzOdiZrC_Px-ocnel_ENzheaik2FRdvn6Sw5j5062pEvc690me8NZDmDXiuY5CbB2tJ3fUENCrntFvMSllLb_QslPBqx_PSpDU99HczPeOGwdWuWDPiPezyXhGOO47sDCY_lk1sOkODwE/s1600-h/tales.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzOdiZrC_Px-ocnel_ENzheaik2FRdvn6Sw5j5062pEvc690me8NZDmDXiuY5CbB2tJ3fUENCrntFvMSllLb_QslPBqx_PSpDU99HczPeOGwdWuWDPiPezyXhGOO47sDCY_lk1sOkODwE/s400/tales.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440384313301822130" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Dawn of light lying between a silence and sold sources,<br />Chased amid fusions of wonder, in moments hardly seen forgotten<br />Coloured in pastures of chance dancing leaves cast spells of challenge,<br />Amused but real in thought, we fled from the sea whole.<br />Dawn of thought transfered through moments of days undersearching earth<br />Revealing corridors of time provoking memories, disjointed but with<br />purpose,<br />Craving penetrations offer links with the self instructor's sharp<br />and tender love as we took to the air, a picture of distance.<br />Dawn of our power we amuse redescending as fast as misused<br />Expression, as only to teach love as to reveal passion chasing<br />Late into corners, and we danced from the ocean.<br />Dawn of love sent within us colours of awakening among the many<br />Won't to follow, only tunes of a different age, as the links span<br />Our endless caresses for the freedom of life everlasting.</span><br /><br />Thus begins one of, if no <span style="font-style:italic;">the</span> most, ambitious rock albums ever recorded, <span style="font-style:italic;">Tales from Topographic Oceans</span> by <a href="http://www.yesworld.com/">Yes</a>, their sixth studio album, originally released at the very end of 1973, over 36 years ago. It's easy to read those opening lines, which are sung as a chant over what feels like a sonic acceleration, as pure gibberish, which is the easy way to open the door to how many critics panned this record (as well as much of the band's work during that period). In fact, <span style="font-style:italic;">Tales</span> is often cited as one of the great excesses of progressive rock, which ultimately helped give birth to the backlash in the mid-70's which came to be known as <span style="font-style:italic;">punk</span>.<br /><br />I'm hear to tell you that this record is a masterpiece. The key to its genius is compositional sophistication, at a level that is almost never heard in rock. A casual listen can get the impression that the band is involved in nothing more than "psychedelic doodling," as the critic from <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/">Rolling Stone</a> charged in the original record review there. But repeated listening reveals a brilliant use of repeated motifs, both thematic and melodic, often subtly embedded in seemingly disjointed sections, which often tie the whole thing together quite brilliantly. A melodic line is repeated later as a bass line. A guitar lick in one movement quotes a section from another, or even a previous Yes composition entirely. With the exception of the third movement ("The Ancient," better known to the aficionados simply as "Side Three"), which is a more open composition designed for more improvisation (and yes, noodling), the four parts, each spreading across one side of the original vinyl 2 LP set, are symphonic in their musical intentions.<br /><br />As for the lyrics, the initial chant quoted above is a good example of what you're in for. It's important to know that Yes lyrics are often more about the sound and timbre of the words themselves- just another voice, along with the instruments, to paint a musical picture, than they are about meaning. The opening bit? You get that it's dawn, right? That's pretty much all you really need to conjure a beginning.<br /><br />Yes, there is a large concept to the record... inspired by the teachings of an Indian Yogi, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramahansa_Yogananda">Paramahansa Yogananda</a>, and wrapped around a reference to four Shastric scriptures referenced in a footnote in his famous book, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autobiography_of_a_Yogi"><span style="font-style:italic;">Autobiography of a Yogi</span></a>. But the concept is very loose, and the four sections are more generally referencing the much wider ideals of Truth, Knowledge, Culture, and Freedom (in that order). You can find references to these conceits if you really search for them in the lyrics, but the beauty of both the bigger concept and the specific lyrics is that they can be widely interpreted to fit the needs (and current emotional state) of the listener. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5bTx4XqW0izoGX4LPr1qJp9o4OXkoUAKxL2NSIju5QxghnRcA4XqMN_EdKhYT8XhAUE4P4vB3kenHc_AYs4D9tRw4HrQb_77O-xoKqjIEgEh0LaSs70jRGkbxlSbi9Z7FhVqTLH1fmLy/s1600-h/Rob+1975.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5bTx4XqW0izoGX4LPr1qJp9o4OXkoUAKxL2NSIju5QxghnRcA4XqMN_EdKhYT8XhAUE4P4vB3kenHc_AYs4D9tRw4HrQb_77O-xoKqjIEgEh0LaSs70jRGkbxlSbi9Z7FhVqTLH1fmLy/s400/Rob+1975.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440414043274539154" /></a>For example, I've often seen the entire work as a metaphor to a great journey. The first side represents the departure, with the energy and excitement of new discovery along with the foundation of what you think you know. The second side represents a longing for home, conjuring memories of your own life, unlocking intense emotions. The third side is the journey to deep space, or parts unknown, which conjures thoughts of our ancestors and the ancient past. And the fourth side brings you back home, with the freedom that comes from greater understanding.<br /><br />But I almost never listen to the entire work all the way through, and each movement and its lyrics have meant very different things to me at different times through the years. That, my friends, is what distinguishes good art from great art.<br /><br />And yes, that's me, right around 1974...<br /><br />* * * *<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903">Veronica</a> asks how I define shlock? In music, perhaps the most succinct way would be to point to the infamous <a href="http://www.philspector.com/">Phil Spector</a> overdubbing of "The Long and Winding Road" from <span style="font-style:italic;">Let It Be</span>. That overwrought orchestral arrangement can easily stand as my definition of shlock.Main Figureheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820587709956875247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-26156594545706370462010-02-19T17:19:00.005-06:002010-02-19T17:40:01.277-06:00Record of the week: inBOIL<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">texting</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Netflix</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">abortion</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Reno 911</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">car accidents</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">alcohol</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Iraq War</span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Q: What do all of these things have in common? </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A: They're all subjects covered on the new</span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/inboil"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">inBOIL</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;"> </span>record</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Probably my favorite local release at the moment. I should probably stop listening and save it for my next break up but I'm not sure that I can. Hopefully that event is a long ways off and this record is too dang good.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Simple lyrics, simple song structure, and what sounds like simple recording. You're left with just heart, humor and honesty. </span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Some sample lyrics from "Axis and Allies:"</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You were the bookmark in my book/</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You were the lamp on my desk/</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I used to read before going to sleep/</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But now I'm too depressed</span></p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I dunno. I just like it. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And in the vein of great local music:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.thecedar.org/brass_kings_cd_release_special_guests"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">The Brass Kings</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.thecedar.org/no_bird_sing_lookbook_and_kill_vultures"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">No Bird Sing, Lookbook and Kill The Vultures</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> all playing at </span><a href="http://thecedar.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">The Cedar</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;"> </span>this week. Also really looking forward to </span><a href="http://www.thecedar.org/el_perro_del_mar_2010"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FF99;">El Perro Del Mar/Taken By Trees double bill</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> on Tuesday. "Change of Heart" has been stuck in my head at least once a day since I first heard it, and I can't say I mind at all. Not exactly sure what to make of the video though... so I'll post this one instead.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZmVjsTgLdvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZmVjsTgLdvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Angel of Rockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09732225950255559670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-14777882462340868382010-02-18T16:13:00.008-06:002010-02-18T17:43:31.795-06:00Yes, You in the Apricot ScarfAs I always carry a live wireless microphone in my Prada bag, let's convene a press conference:<br /><br />Q. Veronica, what media delights have you been grooving to lately?<br /><br />A. Favorite album? Right now, it might be the new one by Citay, '<a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/360569445176456266/Citay/Dream_Get_Together" target="_blank">Dream Get Together</a>.' <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakco1F26NXhYIZflWI3y7FKl7eAZgrvpZ0B6-j0Kryy4LcFdo3h1jHCh3PDmrEqgRce2SyvXQeA4o-2g5lDjcABAdQkFBa8UrOVIf0bkP6UWwWOKbSG6rXqPAmRsRgZVU6kcyMualmb8/s1600-h/citay.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakco1F26NXhYIZflWI3y7FKl7eAZgrvpZ0B6-j0Kryy4LcFdo3h1jHCh3PDmrEqgRce2SyvXQeA4o-2g5lDjcABAdQkFBa8UrOVIf0bkP6UWwWOKbSG6rXqPAmRsRgZVU6kcyMualmb8/s320/citay.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439731755243461314" /></a>They fit somewhere in the psych-folk category: campfire strums punctuated with electrics and a dash of metal, and light on vocals. A fine accompaniment for next time you're sniffing out truffles in a medieval forest. Or your rented pig is.<br /><br />On other fronts...just finished the second of Stieg Larsson's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Played-Fire/dp/0307269981/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266533000&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Lisbeth Salander</a> trilogy, and the third is on the way via Royal Mail. My reading habits are so sporadic that I am utterly grateful to an author who can keep me turning pages. As one reviewer wrote, the reader can plainly tell that Larsson loved his heroine.<br /><br />On TV, the top of my pops is '30 Rock' (as usual) and a long-overdue '<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Arrested-Development-Complete-Jason-Bateman/dp/B000JJ3Y78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1266533139&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Arrested Development</a>' DVD run-through. A scream.<br /><br />Q. <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/shlock-value.html" target="_blank">On these pages</a> recently, the new Peter Gabriel release was dismissed as 'shlock.' What's your take on the term and its definition?<br /><br />A. To start, I'd like to engage my fellow bloggers in further dialog (as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465" target="_blank">Mama E Dub</a> referred to Gabriel's more recent work as 'wifty-wafty'). I'd be curious as to their definitions as well.<br /><br />'Shlock' is a subjective term, of course. I suppose it often means material that is both not to the listener's taste and inferior in quality (as opposed to that which the reviewer can respect but not enjoy). However, inferiority is also subjective, and this is where I often part ways with users of the term.<br /><br />I'll flesh out my answer in a future post, as my thoughts and words would far exceed the limitations of this Q&A format. But for now, I would cite the deathless words of Tom Cruise, who famously said, 'Respect the shlock.'<br /><br />At least, that's what I think he said.<br /><br />Q. Whose is your all-time favorite gospel voice?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU-LQm0QoDBjYmRTULMnfZeDi3sFTwu6MUVOu2hjN1uvbaBroCdjX_yi8-jA27JkRvwvw0RENJumamEleYZ9v8_1gXXZNMv50Hre0FfTX9U7eddFWjJ-bl6Gep2mDv9DYZ75dBfFU8Ks/s1600-h/rosetta.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU-LQm0QoDBjYmRTULMnfZeDi3sFTwu6MUVOu2hjN1uvbaBroCdjX_yi8-jA27JkRvwvw0RENJumamEleYZ9v8_1gXXZNMv50Hre0FfTX9U7eddFWjJ-bl6Gep2mDv9DYZ75dBfFU8Ks/s320/rosetta.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439733150835808850" /></a><br /><br />A. I'm pretty mainstream here. Although I'm tempted to go with Mahalia Jackson or Sam Cooke, I'd opt for Mavis Staples. But if I could have witnessed any one such performer, I reckon I would have most wanted to see Sister Rosetta Tharpe.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xzr_GBa8qk" target="_blank">here</a> for a sterling example of the good sister's work.<br /><br />Q. Some time back you wrote about the price and format wars roiling the music and video worlds. Now the book world is aflame. Any thoughts from a former music industry titan?<br /><br />A. Well, as the Cedar hasn't yet been able to secure the exclusive rights to <a href="http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Bob Lefsetz's musings</a>, I'll have a go:<br /><br />You're referring to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/technology/30amazon.html" target="_blank">e-book pricing war between MacMillan and Amazon</a>. Obviously the publisher is trying to protect the $25 hardcover business, and understandably, as such a book's placement in high-traffic consumer areas is, at the very least, a fine marketing visual. Barnes & Noble must be quite pleased with Amazon's <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704197104575051553263647896.html" target="_blank">capitulation</a> on this issue.<br /><br />But the reality is this: the hardcover business is cut-throat and dying. Consider the costs in materials, manufacturing, and warehouse-to-store-to-warehouse shipping of these two-pound beasts, which can often be had for $15-$17. Propping an e-book's price up to nearly that level is artificial and downright silly. Further, such a strategy can blow up.<br /><br />Amazon has gotten much mileage out of the user-oriented community they have established. Reader/listener reviews and recommendations have a big impact on sales. These days readers are pummeling overpriced e-books (as well as titles that have not yet appeared as e-books) with one-star ratings.<br /><br />MacMillan won a battle in a war they are destined to lose.<br /><br />Q. Which musician have you ever wanted to be?<br /><br />A. John Entwistle. I'da been quite happy to go unnoticed so lucratively.Veronica Feverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672362428256772903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330414894932228693.post-77183406576196249842010-02-16T10:08:00.008-06:002010-02-18T13:17:58.200-06:00Two Great Tastes that Taste Great Together...Like chocolate and peanut butter? (Who's old enough to remember those millions of Re<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://geek-usa.mu.nu/archives/pbccups.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 229px;" src="http://geek-usa.mu.nu/archives/pbccups.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ese's commercials that used the same joke over and over?)<br /><br />Like Shen and Zhou - - or Pang Qing and Tong Jian for that matter. As an aside, DAMN people, why do they even let the Americans and Canadians on the same ice as these guys? They are SO not in the same league. What a thing of beauty; I feel very privileged to have caught <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ewpopwatch.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/xue-shen-hongbo-zhao_320.jpg?w=320&h=240"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 185px;" src="http://ewpopwatch.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/xue-shen-hongbo-zhao_320.jpg?w=320&h=240" alt="" border="0" /></a>Cheng & Zhou's short program and Pang & Tong's free skate. Extremely fine. Especially considering I am always the one going "Figure skating?! BOR-ing! When is the snow board cross coming back on?"<br /><br />When people have worked so hard for years and they get it EXACTLY RIGHT at the moment it counts and you can see that little bit of swagger creep in when they know they've <span style="font-style: italic;">stuck it</span> which makes it even better...sounds a lot like a great music show. Hmmmmmm.<br /><br />Enough Olympic name dropping, though. I really wanted to talk about the tastiness that happens when you combine Martin Perna and <em></em>Adrian Quesada. That would be the bari sax player from <a href="http://www.myspace.com/antibalas">Antibalas</a> (Afrobeat Orchestra) and the main composer from Tex-Mex funk brass big band<a href="http://www.grupofantasma.com/"> Grupo Fantasma</a>. A match made in heaven? This ultra-yummy combo plate is <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ocotesoulsounds">Ocote Soul Sounds. </a><br /><br />I was doing the Veronica Fever system and just threw 330 new tracks into a pile and left it on random for several days running. I am really getting to like that method. Sure, you can't help playing the guessing game, but it's also a way to just see what catches the ear without prejudgement. I find myself listening to individual tracks more intensely because they are <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> mixed well or slickly segued.<br /><br /><div>In such a random pile you run the gamut from "skip ahead to the next track within sixty seconds" to "pull the pod out of your pocket to check who this is when I'm supposed to be working" to "I need to Google this band ASAP!"<br /><br /></div><div><div>When <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i26.tinypic.com/2rxfqq0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 285px;" src="http://i26.tinypic.com/2rxfqq0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>two tracks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coconut-Rock-Ocote-Soul-Sounds/dp/B0028YW3KG">Coconut Rock</a> caused the pod to be dug out of the pocket before lunch time it was a sign. Especially considering this is rather mid tempo stuff with lots of <b>flute solos</b> and <i>doesn't</i> feature the big band sound of either of the collaborator's main bands. What it does feature is <span style="font-weight: bold;">grooves for days</span>. That, and percussion tracks a mile deep, so thick and chewy. (Fever alert: occasional cowbell.)</div><div><br /></div><div> There are tracks that would sound at home on a <a href="http://thebudos.com/info/">Budos Band </a>disc ("Revolt of the Cockroach People") or a <a href="http://www.myspace.com/curumin">Curumin</a> album ("Vendendo Saude e Fel" featuring sultry vocals from Brazilian singer Tito lima.) Fine company, I'd say. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Tu Fin, Mi Gomienzo" hints at a reggae sound with the first few organ licks, then a big fat cumbia rhythm kicks in, led by a juicy organ line. I would <i>love</i> to see this tune live; they could ride that riff for a week! (There is a seven-piece live version of the project. Wouldn't that be fine?) Another one I'd so love to see live for about 20 minutes is "El Diablo y El Nau Nau." I don't know what the devil and the boogyman are talking about in this song, but I've been humming it all week.<br /></div><div><br />If you'd told me two weeks ago that a midtempo Latin funk disc with flute solos would be in heavy rotation now, I would've <span style="font-style: italic;">seriously</span> doubted you. Now it's the middle of winter and the warm sounds of Ocote Soul are making me a believer.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * *<br /></div><div>Cruised through the SXSW list to see what Main Fig. and Angel of Rock have before them next month. Sure are a lot of smart-ass band names. Nice to see a little metal and bluegrass in there with all that indie stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>Would love to see my favorite Balkan surf & tuba band from Tel Aviv tear it up down there...go get 'em, <a href="http://cedarmusicblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/surf-n-tubaits-grower.htmlhttp://">Boom Pam</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>So does <a href="http://www.rachelunthank.com/">The Unthanks </a>at SXSW sound like a weird idea? On the surface, yes.<br /><br />You know what, I'll bet those Geordie girls in their best frocks will have a legion of new fans by the end of the week. I expect they'll take in some bands and down a few pints themselves as well.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * </div><div>Strange image #2. The Bill T. Jones-choreographed <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/://">Fela musical </a>on Broadway. Reviews say the guy who plays Fela is a really good dancer... So is he wearing the jumpsuit -- or the purple Speedos? (Anybody else remember Fela's First Ave. show in the late '80's? It was a purple Speedos night.) </div><div><br /></div><div>And how often do Jay-Z and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith team up to present a musical?</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously though, if more people get turned on to Fela's music and his legacy, that can only be good thing.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * </div><div><br />Regarding Main Fig.'s recent earworm comments, what about the classic Nordic earworm: the nonsense section of Loituma's <span style="font-style: italic;">Ievan Polka</span> that was made into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loituma_Girl">leek spin viral vid</a>?<br /><br />Just because we can, why not watch Loituma dance and sing to one of the techno versions of the tunes. Plus the comments on the video are really funny if you follow it back to You Tube.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X7hQYait3oI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X7hQYait3oI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And that's all for me this week; half pipe's coming up!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Mama E Dubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438186825148257465noreply@blogger.com0