Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Britney Effect
Here is an interesting study which looks at how people determine what music is 'popular' and what is not:
http://www.livescience.com/health/060209_hit_songs.html
Interestingly, the findings were that people decide what is popular by looking at what other people think is popular.
I mentioned this in a previous blog post, I'm just glad someone else did the research to back me up.
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
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http://www.livescience.com/health/060209_hit_songs.html
Interestingly, the findings were that people decide what is popular by looking at what other people think is popular.
I mentioned this in a previous blog post, I'm just glad someone else did the research to back me up.
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: Cultural Observation, Culture, music
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Review of the 2008 Flight of the Valkyries show
An impossibly amazing set of performances by the female-fronted bands attending the second Flight of the Valkyries show at Station-4.
It seems that every time there's an event at Station 4, I get to the event late. The only exception was the Jagged Spiral show a couple months ago, which is a good thing, because I was in it. Here, I thought the event started at 6PM, but it actually started at 3PM, and so I managed to miss Aria Sharp, Something to Fear, Earthen and Dendura. My loss.
However, I did get to meet Nathan Block, also known as 'The SwordLord' and the promoter of much of the harder edged music that comes to town. It was an honor to meet him and shake his hand. There was enough free stuff handed out by the bands that the $20 cover was well worth the price. I only wish I had gotten there sooner. Station 4 is a great venue for gigs like this, the only thing better would have been an outdoor show with awesome weather! Maybe next year???
Here are the bands from FotV I did get to experience:
Visideon - Visideon played the First FotV in 2007, and were invited back for this year's show. They're a great band, definitely worth hearing, I especially liked the vocals. Many metal bands (especially female-fronted ones) push vocals down into dog-barking obscurity or up into piercingly high-pitched screams, both of these techniques are spices to me, best used sparingly, and Visideon understand that. They call their music, "Classical Chording meets Heavy Guitar", add in some Angelic singing and synth-playing and you've got Visideon. Keep an eye on this band, and get out to see them while you can, they might not remain local for long!
Benedictum - The highlight of the evening, Benedictum (San Diego, CA) really stole the show for me. Their power and energy were set to 'Uber' and their lead singer, Victoria Freeman channelled and focused all of it. She really pulled the audience into the show, running into the crowd, even taking her wireless mic to the other side of Station 4 to make people watching from the "safe seats" feel like they were in the front row! And any band that can pull off a cover of Accept's 'Balls to the Wall'? Wow, these guys are really amazing!
Shadowside - South American Female Fronted Power Metal? Hell yeah! Shadowside was astonishing and beautiful onstage. Check out their myspace page to hear a band that pushes all the power, energy, and intensity of Iron Maiden into their music.
Unexpect - This year's headliner was Unexpect, a seven-piece band from Montreal. Now lots of bands use the term 'progressive' in their band descriptions, and I've pretty much crossed that word out of my dictionary, since it's been misused into meaninglessness. Everybody who writes a song with a bridge or a time-change in it calls themselves 'progressive'. But I might have to pull that word back out, because Unexpect is really, truly avant-garde. The SwordLord had this to say about them: "Think Cirque de Soleil goes black metal amidst an acid-trip version of The Dark Crystal", and I can't think of a better description. The nine-string bass guitar was a trip! I have to admit, their music was a bit over the top for me, chaotic and hard to get ahold of, the same way I feel about 'System of a Down'. Each member of the band is hyper-talented, but I think they are trying too hard to be different. For me, it was like listening to three bands at the same time, but check out their myspace and hear for yourself.
All in all a great festival, Minnesota is lucky to have an event like this here, and The SwordLord enjoys pointing out that it is the ONLY festival of this kind in the United States! Hopefully he will bring it back again, and it will grow in popularity.
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
0 Comments
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It seems that every time there's an event at Station 4, I get to the event late. The only exception was the Jagged Spiral show a couple months ago, which is a good thing, because I was in it. Here, I thought the event started at 6PM, but it actually started at 3PM, and so I managed to miss Aria Sharp, Something to Fear, Earthen and Dendura. My loss.
However, I did get to meet Nathan Block, also known as 'The SwordLord' and the promoter of much of the harder edged music that comes to town. It was an honor to meet him and shake his hand. There was enough free stuff handed out by the bands that the $20 cover was well worth the price. I only wish I had gotten there sooner. Station 4 is a great venue for gigs like this, the only thing better would have been an outdoor show with awesome weather! Maybe next year???
Here are the bands from FotV I did get to experience:
Visideon - Visideon played the First FotV in 2007, and were invited back for this year's show. They're a great band, definitely worth hearing, I especially liked the vocals. Many metal bands (especially female-fronted ones) push vocals down into dog-barking obscurity or up into piercingly high-pitched screams, both of these techniques are spices to me, best used sparingly, and Visideon understand that. They call their music, "Classical Chording meets Heavy Guitar", add in some Angelic singing and synth-playing and you've got Visideon. Keep an eye on this band, and get out to see them while you can, they might not remain local for long!
Benedictum - The highlight of the evening, Benedictum (San Diego, CA) really stole the show for me. Their power and energy were set to 'Uber' and their lead singer, Victoria Freeman channelled and focused all of it. She really pulled the audience into the show, running into the crowd, even taking her wireless mic to the other side of Station 4 to make people watching from the "safe seats" feel like they were in the front row! And any band that can pull off a cover of Accept's 'Balls to the Wall'? Wow, these guys are really amazing!
Shadowside - South American Female Fronted Power Metal? Hell yeah! Shadowside was astonishing and beautiful onstage. Check out their myspace page to hear a band that pushes all the power, energy, and intensity of Iron Maiden into their music.
Unexpect - This year's headliner was Unexpect, a seven-piece band from Montreal. Now lots of bands use the term 'progressive' in their band descriptions, and I've pretty much crossed that word out of my dictionary, since it's been misused into meaninglessness. Everybody who writes a song with a bridge or a time-change in it calls themselves 'progressive'. But I might have to pull that word back out, because Unexpect is really, truly avant-garde. The SwordLord had this to say about them: "Think Cirque de Soleil goes black metal amidst an acid-trip version of The Dark Crystal", and I can't think of a better description. The nine-string bass guitar was a trip! I have to admit, their music was a bit over the top for me, chaotic and hard to get ahold of, the same way I feel about 'System of a Down'. Each member of the band is hyper-talented, but I think they are trying too hard to be different. For me, it was like listening to three bands at the same time, but check out their myspace and hear for yourself.
All in all a great festival, Minnesota is lucky to have an event like this here, and The SwordLord enjoys pointing out that it is the ONLY festival of this kind in the United States! Hopefully he will bring it back again, and it will grow in popularity.
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music, music reviews, Ubercool
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
NIN - The Slip. Free. Now. Go.
Looks like Mr. Self-Destruct has been busy. Nine Inch Nails just released *another* new album called "The Slip". I don't know when it came out, I'm only hearing about it through the grapevine, and I'm a registered member at nin.com!
Go to this website and enter your e-mail, you will receive a download link that once activated is good for one hour. Tell Trent I sent you. And ask him if he's cleaning out the studio or something, because with the Ghosts double album coming out LAST MONTH, that's quite a bit of music in a damn short period of time.
Did I mention it's free?
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
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Go to this website and enter your e-mail, you will receive a download link that once activated is good for one hour. Tell Trent I sent you. And ask him if he's cleaning out the studio or something, because with the Ghosts double album coming out LAST MONTH, that's quite a bit of music in a damn short period of time.
Did I mention it's free?
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: music, NIN, Ubercool, Viral Marketing
Thursday, March 06, 2008
New Nine Inch Nails Album Release
After the inital carnage of Nine Inch Nails new release, 'Ghosts I-IV' I forked over my $10 (Plus $6.99 for, um, Shipping and Handling, er, I meant "Shipping" and "Handling"...) and downloaded all 36 tracks.
Yes, that's 36 tracks, and not a vocal on a-one of them. Still haven't had a chance to listen to the whole thing yet, but I like what I hear so far. It's the essence of what makes NIN so great. Layers. Textures. Tones. Things that most bands today can't even imagine, and what makes people like Pink Floyd, Marillion, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix masters in their craft.
The real buzz behind Ghosts is the release format. The first nine tracks are being given away online for free under Creative Commons licensing.
I could go on (again) about how the old Music Industry don't f**king work, and how I think it should be fixed, but this article from fool.com does a better job than I could.
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
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Yes, that's 36 tracks, and not a vocal on a-one of them. Still haven't had a chance to listen to the whole thing yet, but I like what I hear so far. It's the essence of what makes NIN so great. Layers. Textures. Tones. Things that most bands today can't even imagine, and what makes people like Pink Floyd, Marillion, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix masters in their craft.
The real buzz behind Ghosts is the release format. The first nine tracks are being given away online for free under Creative Commons licensing.
I could go on (again) about how the old Music Industry don't f**king work, and how I think it should be fixed, but this article from fool.com does a better job than I could.
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: music, Music Industry, NIN
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Chill
You can thank Xtina for this one. She was visiting a friend who had XM radio, and landed on a station called "Chill". A quick search turned up the wikipedia entry and the website where you can listen to chillin' ambient, trance, and soothing digital mellowness that they call "Tai Chi for your Ears".
Did I mention it's FREE? So I guess I'm calling my monthly internet access service "Value Added"...
But sadly, they don't play Jagged Spiral :(
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
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Did I mention it's FREE? So I guess I'm calling my monthly internet access service "Value Added"...
But sadly, they don't play Jagged Spiral :(
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: Cool Website, music, Ubercool
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Jagged Spiral Concert - 31 Jan 08 at Club Underground
Come on out to Club Underground tonight to see Jagged Spiral perform live!
On stage!
They might even play some music!
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: Concert, Cool Event, Jagged Spiral, Minneapolis Event, music
Friday, January 18, 2008
Songboom!
The wait is over.
Songboom is a site that reviews other online music delivery sites. None of the sites reviewed have DRM. They even lay out a great comparison matrix of all the sites reviewed.
And FINALLY, download prices are realistic. How's about a DIME per song? Doesn't that sound better than the i-screw? I mean you could go to i-tunes and download Within Temptation's "The Silent Force" for the same price as a hard-copy, un-DRM-infected, artwork-included version, or you can to go mp3fiesta.com and download the entire album for $0.99
Oh, I'm sorry, i-tunes doesn't *have* "The Silent Force". Heh. Hey i-tunes? Blow me.
Or you could pay import prices for Coil's "Music to Play in the Dark 2" album, or you could get download it from mp3fiesta.com for $0.97
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
1 Comments
Permalink
Songboom is a site that reviews other online music delivery sites. None of the sites reviewed have DRM. They even lay out a great comparison matrix of all the sites reviewed.
And FINALLY, download prices are realistic. How's about a DIME per song? Doesn't that sound better than the i-screw? I mean you could go to i-tunes and download Within Temptation's "The Silent Force" for the same price as a hard-copy, un-DRM-infected, artwork-included version, or you can to go mp3fiesta.com and download the entire album for $0.99
Oh, I'm sorry, i-tunes doesn't *have* "The Silent Force". Heh. Hey i-tunes? Blow me.
Or you could pay import prices for Coil's "Music to Play in the Dark 2" album, or you could get download it from mp3fiesta.com for $0.97
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: Cool Website, DRM Sucks, music
Monday, January 07, 2008
Music Review: Dir En Grey
Listening to Dir En Grey. Not bad, I suppose. I have to wonder, is it just me, or does "Clever Sleazoid" sound like "Scooby-Doo does Death Metal"?
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
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Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: music, music reviews
Friday, September 28, 2007
Death of AnywhereCD.com
Looks like CD's really are dead. At the very least, AnywhereCD.com is dead, or will be in a couple days. I've never heard of AnywhereCD until this post from the Michael Robertson (former CEO of mp3.com before it was sold off to AOL, and current owner of mp3tunes.com)
The idea behind AnywhereCD was a good one, some people want the CD, but they also want the music RIGHT NOW. On AnywhereCD when you buy the CD you also gain instant access to the high-quality mp3 download. Sounds silly at first, because people can always rip the CD to mp3 themselves, but the idea is that people who want the CD online also don't want to wait for it to come in the mail. They want the instant gratification of listening to it as soon as they push the [Pay Now!] button, and Michael Robertson figured this out.
Unfortunately, I think he figured it out too late. The release of AnywhereCD was lost beneath the media blitz surrounding I-Tunes posturing at selling Non-DRM music files. (Not actually *Doing* it mind you, just the mere mention of it). Michael lists other factors which undoubtedly contributed to the companies demise, including the fact that the CDs on AnywhereCD.com were listed at prices above what the American consumer believes fair (Strangely, he knew this but did not change his pricing.). Also, he was only able to pick up one of the major labels. Only Warner was willing to distribute through AnywhereCD. You should read how the rest of the major labels reacted to Michael's business model, it's pretty funny.
Oddly I've never heard of AnywhereCD before now, and if they missed me, it's because they simply weren't trying At All. I have read Michael Robertson's blog from time to time. I have an account on mp3tunes.com. I'm on the mp3tunes.com mailing list. Extremely strange that I haven't heard of them.
Not that it would have helped. Even if I had heard of AnywhereCD I wouldn't have touched it. I heard ages ago that Amazon was working on selling DRM-Free mp3's and you can already check out the beta site here. Walmart is offering Non-DRM mp3s *AND* they are undercutting the prices of I-Tunes. (Not that I would buy from WalMart either...) It won't be long before real brick-and-mortar CD stores like Best Buy, Down In The Valley and others jump in on the mp3 action. I'd be much more likely to buy a CD from an online store that has a location I can return or exchange problem merchandise, than some company with no phone number located in India.
I think Michael was simply trying to build up another company to sell off, like he did with mp3.com, only this time he was too late. If AnywhereCD had started up five years ago, had DRM-Free tracks, and ALL the major labels, it would have been the current I-Tunes, and Michael could have retired several times over. Instead, we get fucking Apple running the show, and making look like buying their DRM-Infected files is K-E-W-L. Hopefully, not for too much longer. I think that by Christmastime Amazon and Walmart will shove a sleighbell up I-Tunes chimney, if you know what I mean, and people at school will be teased for carrying an I-Pod.
Meanwhile, take advantage of Michael Robertson and buy up his surplus of CDs at $7 each before AnywhereCD shuts down...
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
0 Comments
Permalink
The idea behind AnywhereCD was a good one, some people want the CD, but they also want the music RIGHT NOW. On AnywhereCD when you buy the CD you also gain instant access to the high-quality mp3 download. Sounds silly at first, because people can always rip the CD to mp3 themselves, but the idea is that people who want the CD online also don't want to wait for it to come in the mail. They want the instant gratification of listening to it as soon as they push the [Pay Now!] button, and Michael Robertson figured this out.
Unfortunately, I think he figured it out too late. The release of AnywhereCD was lost beneath the media blitz surrounding I-Tunes posturing at selling Non-DRM music files. (Not actually *Doing* it mind you, just the mere mention of it). Michael lists other factors which undoubtedly contributed to the companies demise, including the fact that the CDs on AnywhereCD.com were listed at prices above what the American consumer believes fair (Strangely, he knew this but did not change his pricing.). Also, he was only able to pick up one of the major labels. Only Warner was willing to distribute through AnywhereCD. You should read how the rest of the major labels reacted to Michael's business model, it's pretty funny.
Oddly I've never heard of AnywhereCD before now, and if they missed me, it's because they simply weren't trying At All. I have read Michael Robertson's blog from time to time. I have an account on mp3tunes.com. I'm on the mp3tunes.com mailing list. Extremely strange that I haven't heard of them.
Not that it would have helped. Even if I had heard of AnywhereCD I wouldn't have touched it. I heard ages ago that Amazon was working on selling DRM-Free mp3's and you can already check out the beta site here. Walmart is offering Non-DRM mp3s *AND* they are undercutting the prices of I-Tunes. (Not that I would buy from WalMart either...) It won't be long before real brick-and-mortar CD stores like Best Buy, Down In The Valley and others jump in on the mp3 action. I'd be much more likely to buy a CD from an online store that has a location I can return or exchange problem merchandise, than some company with no phone number located in India.
I think Michael was simply trying to build up another company to sell off, like he did with mp3.com, only this time he was too late. If AnywhereCD had started up five years ago, had DRM-Free tracks, and ALL the major labels, it would have been the current I-Tunes, and Michael could have retired several times over. Instead, we get fucking Apple running the show, and making look like buying their DRM-Infected files is K-E-W-L. Hopefully, not for too much longer. I think that by Christmastime Amazon and Walmart will shove a sleighbell up I-Tunes chimney, if you know what I mean, and people at school will be teased for carrying an I-Pod.
Meanwhile, take advantage of Michael Robertson and buy up his surplus of CDs at $7 each before AnywhereCD shuts down...
Art Is Resistance
-Zero
Labels: Business Phenomena, music, Music Industry
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Music Review: Battle of the Bands Round One at Club 3 Degrees
Just to prove that I actually DO attend some of the events I blog about, I swung out to Club 3 Degrees on Friday night and checked out the first night of their band competition. Several bands played just over a half-hour set each, and were judged by several industry/media pros. As the series of contest concerts progresses, bands accrue points during their performance, and the bands with lowest points bands will be eliminated. The series of concerts goes until next spring.
Since Club 3 Degrees is an Outreach (taking the church to where the kids are) that is a factor in all the bands and their music. Some bands were 'preachier' than others, some you wouldn't even know it. I don't let their motivations weigh in my music reviews, everyone has their own reasons for making music, and it doesn't have any bearing (to me, anyways) on whether I like the music or not. Choirs of Demons can sound every bit as good as Choirs of Angels to me.
Unfortunately, I missed out on the first band, so I can't tell you anything about them.
9-Ball - I'll be the first to tell you that I think Emo music sucks ass, and while 9-Ball's music didn't make me puke, it did make me nauseous. 9-Ball is from Kentucky, but don't hold that against them. They have asymmetrical haircuts and an overabundance of energy, so hold *that* against them instead. They looked like animals at the zoo just before feeding time. The lead singer/guitar player and the bass and second guitar all had wireless units and raced around the stage like maniacs. [Warning: Lots of Posing.] I like to know that the musicians are actually ALIVE when I go to see them play LIVE, so the exaggerated animation was refreshing, but they overdid it to the point where people were laughing. GREAT Bass tone, BTW.
Red Dress White - More Emo, although not as gut-wrenching as 9-Ball, but the same setup, (Bass, Singer/Gtr, second gtr and drums). Their songs were good (for Emo...), but their stage presence was far worse. They fretted with settings, cables and the lead singer's monologue was forced/nervous/clumsy. He would also forget to jump around, then suddenly flail like a madman (or he has severe mood swings). Anyway, this band's studio work is better, but their live show will improve with practice. They just aren't quite concert calibre yet. Their songwriting skills are better than 9-ball, and the acoustic song they performed was possibly the best song of the night. The bass player is about ten years old. I don't know if/why that is important.
Searching For North: This band was intense and professional, with intro score before they came onstage, and loud, tight, well-practiced music that is borderline Epic Metal. Lots of talent here, but their attitude onstage and in the crowd after the show makes me think are quite full of themselves, and they should have checked their egos at the door. The music was really punchy and powerful and smacks of Tool (whom they list as a reference), but the lead vocalist is thin, and doesn't cut through the mix.
Claret: Claret won the judges high score for the night. I think they had a good balance of being active onstage without looking like idiots. They seemed comfortable without being overconfident, good level of energy without looking like they were trying too hard. I like that their music is 'emotional' without embracing the puking whine of contemporary 'Emo' music. Their songwriting is very adult, and makes good use of dynamic range (check out their demo of Hold Fast on their myspace page for an example.) Their closing song, "Picket Fences" was a hit, and made clever use of the audience sing-along, but the repeated ending dragged on for too long.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
0 Comments
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Since Club 3 Degrees is an Outreach (taking the church to where the kids are) that is a factor in all the bands and their music. Some bands were 'preachier' than others, some you wouldn't even know it. I don't let their motivations weigh in my music reviews, everyone has their own reasons for making music, and it doesn't have any bearing (to me, anyways) on whether I like the music or not. Choirs of Demons can sound every bit as good as Choirs of Angels to me.
Unfortunately, I missed out on the first band, so I can't tell you anything about them.
9-Ball - I'll be the first to tell you that I think Emo music sucks ass, and while 9-Ball's music didn't make me puke, it did make me nauseous. 9-Ball is from Kentucky, but don't hold that against them. They have asymmetrical haircuts and an overabundance of energy, so hold *that* against them instead. They looked like animals at the zoo just before feeding time. The lead singer/guitar player and the bass and second guitar all had wireless units and raced around the stage like maniacs. [Warning: Lots of Posing.] I like to know that the musicians are actually ALIVE when I go to see them play LIVE, so the exaggerated animation was refreshing, but they overdid it to the point where people were laughing. GREAT Bass tone, BTW.
Red Dress White - More Emo, although not as gut-wrenching as 9-Ball, but the same setup, (Bass, Singer/Gtr, second gtr and drums). Their songs were good (for Emo...), but their stage presence was far worse. They fretted with settings, cables and the lead singer's monologue was forced/nervous/clumsy. He would also forget to jump around, then suddenly flail like a madman (or he has severe mood swings). Anyway, this band's studio work is better, but their live show will improve with practice. They just aren't quite concert calibre yet. Their songwriting skills are better than 9-ball, and the acoustic song they performed was possibly the best song of the night. The bass player is about ten years old. I don't know if/why that is important.
Searching For North: This band was intense and professional, with intro score before they came onstage, and loud, tight, well-practiced music that is borderline Epic Metal. Lots of talent here, but their attitude onstage and in the crowd after the show makes me think are quite full of themselves, and they should have checked their egos at the door. The music was really punchy and powerful and smacks of Tool (whom they list as a reference), but the lead vocalist is thin, and doesn't cut through the mix.
Claret: Claret won the judges high score for the night. I think they had a good balance of being active onstage without looking like idiots. They seemed comfortable without being overconfident, good level of energy without looking like they were trying too hard. I like that their music is 'emotional' without embracing the puking whine of contemporary 'Emo' music. Their songwriting is very adult, and makes good use of dynamic range (check out their demo of Hold Fast on their myspace page for an example.) Their closing song, "Picket Fences" was a hit, and made clever use of the audience sing-along, but the repeated ending dragged on for too long.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Cool Event, Minneapolis Event, music, music reviews
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Claret Concert: Friday Sept 7 at Club 3 Degrees
Thought I would pass this along:
Click on the picture to head over to Claret's myspace page, where you can sample some of their work. Also, the band asks that you 'wear your claret' to show your support. In other words, wear some Red and Black, (and perhaps a splash of white) I doubt you will be mistaken for a member of the Crips; Club 3 Degrees is a non-profit ministry outreach - in other words, a pretty wholesome place. [Editors Note: If you read this blog at all, you could probably use a little outreaching.]
The show is the first in a series of contests where bands will be slowly eliminated, so you can be sure Claret and their competition will all be in fine form.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Click on the picture to head over to Claret's myspace page, where you can sample some of their work. Also, the band asks that you 'wear your claret' to show your support. In other words, wear some Red and Black, (and perhaps a splash of white) I doubt you will be mistaken for a member of the Crips; Club 3 Degrees is a non-profit ministry outreach - in other words, a pretty wholesome place. [Editors Note: If you read this blog at all, you could probably use a little outreaching.]
The show is the first in a series of contests where bands will be slowly eliminated, so you can be sure Claret and their competition will all be in fine form.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Mercedes Gorden Benefit Concert: 23 Sept 2007
For those who don't know, Mercedes Gorden was severely injured in the I-35W bridge collapse on 1 Aug 2007. She's one of the lucky ones: she survived. Shes had a lot of work done to repair her shattered ankles, shins and fractured spine.
I don't need to tell you that she's got a long way to go. I don't need to tell you that the medical bills will be astounding. But I do need to tell you how you can help. There is a benefit concert on Sept 23rd at the Fine Line, including a silent auction to help raise money for her medical expenses.
The lineup: Tapes 'n Tapes / The Ocean Blue / The Melismatics / So It Goes / The Deaths / Coach Said Not To
Details about the event and how to contribute can be found here.
Even if you can't make the concert, there are other ways you can help. Follow the link and there is a paypal account set up to receive donations, or an address to send mail. You can donate any item of value to the silent auction. You can get the word out about the event on your blog/website/word-of-mouth/e-mail/psychic-connection. Or I'm sure even some prayers or positive thoughts would be appreciated.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
I don't need to tell you that she's got a long way to go. I don't need to tell you that the medical bills will be astounding. But I do need to tell you how you can help. There is a benefit concert on Sept 23rd at the Fine Line, including a silent auction to help raise money for her medical expenses.
The lineup: Tapes 'n Tapes / The Ocean Blue / The Melismatics / So It Goes / The Deaths / Coach Said Not To
Details about the event and how to contribute can be found here.
Even if you can't make the concert, there are other ways you can help. Follow the link and there is a paypal account set up to receive donations, or an address to send mail. You can donate any item of value to the silent auction. You can get the word out about the event on your blog/website/word-of-mouth/e-mail/psychic-connection. Or I'm sure even some prayers or positive thoughts would be appreciated.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Concert, Cool Event, Good Cause, Minneapolis Event, music
Friday, August 24, 2007
The Loudness War, Continued
Yet another article about the loudness war.
http://spectrum.ieee.org/aug07/5429
For those who don't know, the Loudness War is the music industry's attempt to make their recordings louder than everyone else's, because research has shown that louder songs get noticed more.
No shit. Sadly the research told them nothing about the quality of the recordings.
There is a hint in the article that current overcompressed music fatigues listeners, and that it might account for the decrease in music sales, but of course there is no proof of this.
The article also talks about future technologies like “Replay Gain” which try to nullify the Loudness War by playing back all songs at the same relative volume.
I agree with Bob Katz, recordings that are overcompressed and radio stations like 93X that blatantly abuse volume compression, forsaking all else for loudness are ruining music, and make it tiring to listen to. Hey, compress the shit out of MP3s because they’re meant to be listened to on laptop speakers and I-pod earbuds. But CDs should take advantage of their dynamic range and richness of sound. Let the consumers wreck the music if they want, but if I'm buying the CD, I can turn the volume knob up myself. I'd much rather have a rich recording that breathes.
I MEAN, WHY DON'T WE JUST TYPE ALL OUR BLOG POSTS LIKE THIS? IT MUST BE BETTER BECAUSE IT GOT YOUR ATTENTION, RIGHT?
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
http://spectrum.ieee.org/aug07/5429
For those who don't know, the Loudness War is the music industry's attempt to make their recordings louder than everyone else's, because research has shown that louder songs get noticed more.
No shit. Sadly the research told them nothing about the quality of the recordings.
There is a hint in the article that current overcompressed music fatigues listeners, and that it might account for the decrease in music sales, but of course there is no proof of this.
The article also talks about future technologies like “Replay Gain” which try to nullify the Loudness War by playing back all songs at the same relative volume.
I agree with Bob Katz, recordings that are overcompressed and radio stations like 93X that blatantly abuse volume compression, forsaking all else for loudness are ruining music, and make it tiring to listen to. Hey, compress the shit out of MP3s because they’re meant to be listened to on laptop speakers and I-pod earbuds. But CDs should take advantage of their dynamic range and richness of sound. Let the consumers wreck the music if they want, but if I'm buying the CD, I can turn the volume knob up myself. I'd much rather have a rich recording that breathes.
I MEAN, WHY DON'T WE JUST TYPE ALL OUR BLOG POSTS LIKE THIS? IT MUST BE BETTER BECAUSE IT GOT YOUR ATTENTION, RIGHT?
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Business Phenomena, consumerism, Cultural Observation, music, Music Industry, Technology
Friday, August 17, 2007
Nod to the Ladies
Ah, Fall. I love it when the Winter of Summer gives way to the Spring of Autumn. 69 Degrees sounds awesome right now, which almost inexplicably reminds me of some links I've been meaning to post about our female friends...
Fergie (The Dutchess) - At the MN State Fair Grandstand, 25 Aug 2007. Fergie is what I call a 'hussy trollop', [Editor's Note: ...and no good in the sack, either. Hey, don't shoot the messenger.] But if you can listen through the shit-syrup production and the roomfull of boyz (You know who they are, no need to mention them here) crowding her out, she does have a phenomenal voice, and I'm pleased to hear they actually let her shine on her latest single, "Big Girls Don't Cry". [Writer's Note: WTF, did you think I only listen to Suzanne Vega and Nightwish all day?]
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - at the MN State Fair Grandstand, 26 Aug 2007. Joan Jett actually sweat on me once, at a concert in Austin, Texas, and I swore I would never bathe again. Not the first time I've lied, nor the last, and I'm sure Joan would understand. Joan Jett is one of the few artists who never had to tell you she was 'going back to her Roots' because she never left them. She knows full well who she is, and what she does, and what she does is Kick Ass.
Suzanne Vega - 2 Oct 2007 at the Varsity Theatre. I'm sure I will get into trouble of Mythical Proportions for telling you this, but Suzanne Vega is a musical genius - a songwriting goddess with more talent in her toenail clippings than Sarah McLachlan, The Indigo Girls, Sade and Fergie combined [Editors Note: Great Z, thanks a lot. Let the hate-mail begin! And for the record, Fergie was a throwaway...]
The Dollys - 2 & 3 Sept at the MN State Fair, Heritage Stage. Now, I don't like country, but IF I did, then I would like the Dollys. My Image Consultant has asked me not to disclose the fact that they sound like Angels... [Image Consultant's Note: This section deleted.]
Andra Suchy - 9 Aug at Kozy's Steaks and Seafood, Galleria Summer Music Sampler. One third of the vocal brilliance behind The Dollys, Andra Suchy can also be heard as the voice of "Hookers And Blow" as well as branching out on her own. If you are looking for a more intimate and less crowded setting than her State Fair appearance with The Dollys, check her out at the Galleria on Aug 9th.
Nightwish - 28 Oct at First Avenue. I haven't quite caught the Nightwish bug, and the fact that they swapped out lead singers after the "Once" album means I have no clue what they sound like now, but one word describes their music: Epic.
Tank Girl Minneapolis - From what I can tell, this is a sort of 'Lifestyle Outfitter' store, run by women who most likely have a third "X" chromosome. [Editors Note: Three "X"s, get it? As in "XXX", as in "Triple X"? Come on people, work with us here! It just isn't funny when I have to explain it!] Anyway, the website is a little sparce now, but check back, because I personally would like to see more "Empowering Accessories for the Urbane Motorist"...
Anyways, a bloggers 'Tip O The Cap' to the ladies, thanx for making life here beautiful.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Fergie (The Dutchess) - At the MN State Fair Grandstand, 25 Aug 2007. Fergie is what I call a 'hussy trollop', [Editor's Note: ...and no good in the sack, either. Hey, don't shoot the messenger.] But if you can listen through the shit-syrup production and the roomfull of boyz (You know who they are, no need to mention them here) crowding her out, she does have a phenomenal voice, and I'm pleased to hear they actually let her shine on her latest single, "Big Girls Don't Cry". [Writer's Note: WTF, did you think I only listen to Suzanne Vega and Nightwish all day?]
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - at the MN State Fair Grandstand, 26 Aug 2007. Joan Jett actually sweat on me once, at a concert in Austin, Texas, and I swore I would never bathe again. Not the first time I've lied, nor the last, and I'm sure Joan would understand. Joan Jett is one of the few artists who never had to tell you she was 'going back to her Roots' because she never left them. She knows full well who she is, and what she does, and what she does is Kick Ass.
Suzanne Vega - 2 Oct 2007 at the Varsity Theatre. I'm sure I will get into trouble of Mythical Proportions for telling you this, but Suzanne Vega is a musical genius - a songwriting goddess with more talent in her toenail clippings than Sarah McLachlan, The Indigo Girls, Sade and Fergie combined [Editors Note: Great Z, thanks a lot. Let the hate-mail begin! And for the record, Fergie was a throwaway...]
The Dollys - 2 & 3 Sept at the MN State Fair, Heritage Stage. Now, I don't like country, but IF I did, then I would like the Dollys. My Image Consultant has asked me not to disclose the fact that they sound like Angels... [Image Consultant's Note: This section deleted.]
Andra Suchy - 9 Aug at Kozy's Steaks and Seafood, Galleria Summer Music Sampler. One third of the vocal brilliance behind The Dollys, Andra Suchy can also be heard as the voice of "Hookers And Blow" as well as branching out on her own. If you are looking for a more intimate and less crowded setting than her State Fair appearance with The Dollys, check her out at the Galleria on Aug 9th.
Nightwish - 28 Oct at First Avenue. I haven't quite caught the Nightwish bug, and the fact that they swapped out lead singers after the "Once" album means I have no clue what they sound like now, but one word describes their music: Epic.
Tank Girl Minneapolis - From what I can tell, this is a sort of 'Lifestyle Outfitter' store, run by women who most likely have a third "X" chromosome. [Editors Note: Three "X"s, get it? As in "XXX", as in "Triple X"? Come on people, work with us here! It just isn't funny when I have to explain it!] Anyway, the website is a little sparce now, but check back, because I personally would like to see more "Empowering Accessories for the Urbane Motorist"...
Anyways, a bloggers 'Tip O The Cap' to the ladies, thanx for making life here beautiful.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Cool Event, Minneapolis Event, music, Ubercool
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Crystal Meth for the Soul
Every now and again, there are albums that I have to play. HAVE to. Must. After a while, the pain of Not playing them becomes unbearable. If my spirit was a plant, these recordings would be sunlight and water. If my spirit were an addict, these recordings would be Audio Crystal Meth:
Marillion - Brave (1994)
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood (1985)
Marillion - marillion.com (1999)
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral (1994)
Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (1989)
Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)
Marilyn Manson - Antichrist Superstar (1996)
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Pink Floyd - Animals (1977)
Pink Floyd - The Wall (1979)
Pink Floyd - The Final Cut (1983)
Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms (1985)
Neil Young - Unplugged (just the first half...) (1993)
Robert Plant - Now and Zen (1988)
REM - Document (1987)
Days of the New (1997)
Bob Mould - Bob Mould (1996)
Nixon Pupils - Helldozer (mid 1990s)
Johnny Jones - Small Sacrifices (mid 1990s)
Notice how none of these albums was made after the year 2000? I'm trying to figure out why. With access to damn near every single band in the world available through myspace.com, you would think I would still be finding music that I simply can't live without, but that's not the case.
Is it because newer music is fundamentally different in some way? Looking at Billboard's top 10 I only recognize two of them, one being Korn, and the other (I'm ashamed to say) is Fergie. Yes, I've listened to the entire Dutchess album, and already forgotten what that was like. Is the 'click' gone from current music? Are newer songwriters and bands less talented than they were in the 80s or 90s?
Perhaps the problem is me. Have I fundamentally changed? Most certainly, I'm not remotely the person I was in the 90s. But I still listen to music, and I love music so much I play it all the time. The world just seems empty without it, like watching an epic adventure movie without a soundtrack or score.
Perhaps it is a little of both? Is it because at that point in my life the music clicked with me, and current music doesn't? I don't think so, I have a car-full of CDs that click with me right now, but I can't say I'll be dying to hear Velvet Revolver, Kamelot, or Black Label Society years from now.
Oh well, something for my Inner Philosopher to think about when he gets back from vacation.
Now notice that there isn't a single album in that list with a female lead singer...
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Marillion - Brave (1994)
Marillion - Misplaced Childhood (1985)
Marillion - marillion.com (1999)
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral (1994)
Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (1989)
Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)
Marilyn Manson - Antichrist Superstar (1996)
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Pink Floyd - Animals (1977)
Pink Floyd - The Wall (1979)
Pink Floyd - The Final Cut (1983)
Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms (1985)
Neil Young - Unplugged (just the first half...) (1993)
Robert Plant - Now and Zen (1988)
REM - Document (1987)
Days of the New (1997)
Bob Mould - Bob Mould (1996)
Nixon Pupils - Helldozer (mid 1990s)
Johnny Jones - Small Sacrifices (mid 1990s)
Notice how none of these albums was made after the year 2000? I'm trying to figure out why. With access to damn near every single band in the world available through myspace.com, you would think I would still be finding music that I simply can't live without, but that's not the case.
Is it because newer music is fundamentally different in some way? Looking at Billboard's top 10 I only recognize two of them, one being Korn, and the other (I'm ashamed to say) is Fergie. Yes, I've listened to the entire Dutchess album, and already forgotten what that was like. Is the 'click' gone from current music? Are newer songwriters and bands less talented than they were in the 80s or 90s?
Perhaps the problem is me. Have I fundamentally changed? Most certainly, I'm not remotely the person I was in the 90s. But I still listen to music, and I love music so much I play it all the time. The world just seems empty without it, like watching an epic adventure movie without a soundtrack or score.
Perhaps it is a little of both? Is it because at that point in my life the music clicked with me, and current music doesn't? I don't think so, I have a car-full of CDs that click with me right now, but I can't say I'll be dying to hear Velvet Revolver, Kamelot, or Black Label Society years from now.
Oh well, something for my Inner Philosopher to think about when he gets back from vacation.
Now notice that there isn't a single album in that list with a female lead singer...
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Culture, Inner Philosopher, music, Philosophy
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Marketing of Marketing
It would be an interesting test to see how much marketing and advertising affects product sales:
What would happen to sales of Coca Cola if they completely STOPPED advertising? Continue making the product, continue selling the product, but no more commercials. No more ads. No more endorsements.
If you are a marketing exec, you want to believe deep down in your ...well, the place where normal people have a soul, (but since you are a marketing exec, you don't, so I suppose ...deep down in that place where a soul belongs,) you believe that everyone would stop buying the product.
But would they?
Same for bands - imagine if, at the height of their career, the Beatles hid underground and never let another picture of themselves grace the outside world. No contact with the public. No e-mails. No web presence. No updates except the albums themselves. They could still tour wearing masks or gorilla outfits, or behind a curtain. Would this change their music? Of course not. Would it change their music sales, if all you had was the music and album cover art?
After all, how many of you know what Pablo Picasso looks like? Or Howard Shore? Or James Cameron?
How come music fans and industry alike demand to know who you are, and what you look like, and where you are from? If an old, balding Jewish guy wrote a song that was simply the Hit of the summer, would people Not buy it?
I think they would.
I think they did.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
2 Comments
Permalink
What would happen to sales of Coca Cola if they completely STOPPED advertising? Continue making the product, continue selling the product, but no more commercials. No more ads. No more endorsements.
If you are a marketing exec, you want to believe deep down in your ...well, the place where normal people have a soul, (but since you are a marketing exec, you don't, so I suppose ...deep down in that place where a soul belongs,) you believe that everyone would stop buying the product.
But would they?
Same for bands - imagine if, at the height of their career, the Beatles hid underground and never let another picture of themselves grace the outside world. No contact with the public. No e-mails. No web presence. No updates except the albums themselves. They could still tour wearing masks or gorilla outfits, or behind a curtain. Would this change their music? Of course not. Would it change their music sales, if all you had was the music and album cover art?
After all, how many of you know what Pablo Picasso looks like? Or Howard Shore? Or James Cameron?
How come music fans and industry alike demand to know who you are, and what you look like, and where you are from? If an old, balding Jewish guy wrote a song that was simply the Hit of the summer, would people Not buy it?
I think they would.
I think they did.
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: consumerism, Cultural Observation, music, Philosophy
Friday, July 20, 2007
Reveille Magazine
Can't quite tell you how excited I am to see the birth of Reveille, a new local Minnesota music magazine .
My love for the City Pages as a local music reference has waned ever since the day the Twin Cities Reader gave up the ghost, and C.P. slowly declined to where it is today.
Part of the problem is that City Pages doesn't always focus on local, and it rarely focuses on music. It's ventured so far from its 'Sweet Potato' roots, that it seems to have forgotten where it came from, and worse, doesn't seem to care. And why should it? The advertising $$$ keep rolling in, the XXX ads in the back never change, and deciding ??? to do this weekend is Your problem, not the City Pages.
Sure it works fine to cover the garage floor when you were touching up the paint on that ugly ceramic animal you made back in grade school. What the hell was that thing? A chicken? A fish with a long neck? No telling anymore, maybe you could paint it and sell it at the Maple Grove Art Fair???.... [Author's Note: Um, where was I? Oh yes, the advertisements. I remember now.]
For me, the usefulness of City Pages is reduced to the advertisements for all the local clubs, whick are in one relatively convenient section. For many weekends it was my treasure map for discovering new local music. But I had always wished for something more.
So did others. That's why the Rake, Pulse, Siren, Rift, howwastheshow.com morecowbell.net and minneapolisfuckingrocks.com and about a thousand more online sources came into being. There is SO MUCH art being made in the Minneapolis area, people want someone who can collect it all to one convenient place, and give you an idea of who's who and what's what in the local music scene. Local art by local artists. Put ads in there if you want, and put all the personal ads in the back too, I don't care. But keep it free, keep it local, and keep it away from the sensational-pseudo-journalism. If I want to know about local sports or politics I have better sources for that. I wanna know who is playing, where, when, and why the hell I should go see them! As great as the 'alternatives to the alternative' are, they don't have the distribution and stamina that City Pages has. Siren went under some time ago, the Pulse is gone and Rift is floundering due to production costs, threatening to become web-only.
So I was pleased as punch to see vita.mn emerge. Although it's run by the Star Tribune, but don't judge it too harshly, they have their heart in the right place, and I suspect their distribution will rival the City Pages. Vita.mn pulls everything I liked about City Pages out and puts in in one place. On paper. And their website is fabulously useful, clean, informational and intuitive.
But I'm even more excited about Reveille. If nothing else this line from their mission statement makes me all tingly:
When mainstream media can't afford to cover the depth of music on offer in the Twin Cities and beyond, we're here to go deeper. When the internet seems like nothing but a glut of news tidbits and buzz, we're here to actually write about music. Original, insightful, informative, inspiring: This is what we seek to be.
At the very least, Reveille will provide real competition that was so sorely lacking before. Check out the full mission statement, and the cast of characters here.
http://www.reveillemag.com/about/
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Part of the problem is that City Pages doesn't always focus on local, and it rarely focuses on music. It's ventured so far from its 'Sweet Potato' roots, that it seems to have forgotten where it came from, and worse, doesn't seem to care. And why should it? The advertising $$$ keep rolling in, the XXX ads in the back never change, and deciding ??? to do this weekend is Your problem, not the City Pages.
Sure it works fine to cover the garage floor when you were touching up the paint on that ugly ceramic animal you made back in grade school. What the hell was that thing? A chicken? A fish with a long neck? No telling anymore, maybe you could paint it and sell it at the Maple Grove Art Fair???.... [Author's Note: Um, where was I? Oh yes, the advertisements. I remember now.]
For me, the usefulness of City Pages is reduced to the advertisements for all the local clubs, whick are in one relatively convenient section. For many weekends it was my treasure map for discovering new local music. But I had always wished for something more.
So did others. That's why the Rake, Pulse, Siren, Rift, howwastheshow.com morecowbell.net and minneapolisfuckingrocks.com and about a thousand more online sources came into being. There is SO MUCH art being made in the Minneapolis area, people want someone who can collect it all to one convenient place, and give you an idea of who's who and what's what in the local music scene. Local art by local artists. Put ads in there if you want, and put all the personal ads in the back too, I don't care. But keep it free, keep it local, and keep it away from the sensational-pseudo-journalism. If I want to know about local sports or politics I have better sources for that. I wanna know who is playing, where, when, and why the hell I should go see them! As great as the 'alternatives to the alternative' are, they don't have the distribution and stamina that City Pages has. Siren went under some time ago, the Pulse is gone and Rift is floundering due to production costs, threatening to become web-only.
So I was pleased as punch to see vita.mn emerge. Although it's run by the Star Tribune, but don't judge it too harshly, they have their heart in the right place, and I suspect their distribution will rival the City Pages. Vita.mn pulls everything I liked about City Pages out and puts in in one place. On paper. And their website is fabulously useful, clean, informational and intuitive.
But I'm even more excited about Reveille. If nothing else this line from their mission statement makes me all tingly:
When mainstream media can't afford to cover the depth of music on offer in the Twin Cities and beyond, we're here to go deeper. When the internet seems like nothing but a glut of news tidbits and buzz, we're here to actually write about music. Original, insightful, informative, inspiring: This is what we seek to be.
At the very least, Reveille will provide real competition that was so sorely lacking before. Check out the full mission statement, and the cast of characters here.
http://www.reveillemag.com/about/
KTHXBYE,
-CZ
Labels: Cool Product, Cool Website, Minneapolis Event, music, music reviews
Thursday, April 05, 2007
RIAA VS NIN (Maybe)
The interesting news is NOT that the R.I.A.A. doesn't know it's A.S.S. from a H.I.T.G., we knew that already.
The interesting news is NOT that Trent Reznor tips some info about the ongoing NIN Year Zero marketing campaign:
...The same source told Billboard that NINE INCH NAILS frontman Trent Reznor views the campaign as a "new entertainment form." The source added that the campaign will continue for the next 18 months.
"Year Zero" is reportedly the first of two concept albums, the second of which Reznor hopes to finish next year...
-From http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=69841
Of course, "The Campaign" mentioned is well documented at ninwiki.com, so I won't cover it here.
No, the potential news is a lovely theory I just concocted, which the tools on Digg.com nearly figured out.
Fact: Roadrunner Records, as pointed out on Digg, is a member of the RIAA.
Fact: A member of the RIAA is pointing out that the RIAA sued website owners for posting intentionally leaked copies of the new NIN album.
Sounds stupid right? Why tell everyone that you did something so stupid?
Until you add this:
Fact: Trent Reznor is a marketing genius.
If the tools on Digg.com weren't so busy posting "The RIAA SUX!!!!", "NIN RULEZ!!!" and providing links to download copies of songs which are already easily streamed from the yearzero.nin.com website, they might have figured it out.
My theory, of course, is that the lawsuit and press release were expected, and possibly planned. I would not put it past anyone to take advantage of the free publicity offered by the RIAA's timely lawsuit, not to mention how fast the word spreads on the RIAA's foolish decisions.
Make the RIAA look bad AND get free publicity for your new album release...which JUST SO HAPPENS to be this month....
*What* a coincidence!
I'm telling you, folks: Marketing Genius.
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
The interesting news is NOT that Trent Reznor tips some info about the ongoing NIN Year Zero marketing campaign:
...The same source told Billboard that NINE INCH NAILS frontman Trent Reznor views the campaign as a "new entertainment form." The source added that the campaign will continue for the next 18 months.
"Year Zero" is reportedly the first of two concept albums, the second of which Reznor hopes to finish next year...
-From http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=69841
Of course, "The Campaign" mentioned is well documented at ninwiki.com, so I won't cover it here.
No, the potential news is a lovely theory I just concocted, which the tools on Digg.com nearly figured out.
Fact: Roadrunner Records, as pointed out on Digg, is a member of the RIAA.
Fact: A member of the RIAA is pointing out that the RIAA sued website owners for posting intentionally leaked copies of the new NIN album.
Sounds stupid right? Why tell everyone that you did something so stupid?
Until you add this:
Fact: Trent Reznor is a marketing genius.
If the tools on Digg.com weren't so busy posting "The RIAA SUX!!!!", "NIN RULEZ!!!" and providing links to download copies of songs which are already easily streamed from the yearzero.nin.com website, they might have figured it out.
My theory, of course, is that the lawsuit and press release were expected, and possibly planned. I would not put it past anyone to take advantage of the free publicity offered by the RIAA's timely lawsuit, not to mention how fast the word spreads on the RIAA's foolish decisions.
Make the RIAA look bad AND get free publicity for your new album release...which JUST SO HAPPENS to be this month....
*What* a coincidence!
I'm telling you, folks: Marketing Genius.
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: music, Music Industry, new release, NIN, Viral Marketing
NIN YEAR ZERO!
As if we needed further proof that Nine Inch Nails kicks every manifestation of Ass conceivable, you can go to this link, and listen to the new album Year Zero in it's Entirety. For Free.
Click on "Listen to Year Zero" and enter your e-mail, Bam. Stream The Entire Album For Free.
This should tide me over until April 17th when the CD comes out, and the conspiracy should rise to new heights. The CD Packaging hides a secret which only heat will reveal...
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Click on "Listen to Year Zero" and enter your e-mail, Bam. Stream The Entire Album For Free.
This should tide me over until April 17th when the CD comes out, and the conspiracy should rise to new heights. The CD Packaging hides a secret which only heat will reveal...
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: music, new release, NIN, Ubercool
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Album Is Dead! (Part Two)
Hey, the Recording Industry reads my blog!
Check out this story in the NY Times by Jeff Leeds, about a group just signed by a record label..
...to do Two songs. TWO. Thas'all.
Sound Familiar?
The album distribution model was perfect for hard-copy records, tapes and CDs. So you really liked "Pour Some Sugar On Me" because you heard it on the radio. You ran down to Musicland on 3 August in 1987 and bought Hysteria the day it came out. You paid $11.99
Why did you pay that much for one song? You didn't. You only wanted the 'hit', and you might have actually paid twelve bucks for it, but that truly would be a rip-off, since the single (in cassette tape format, natch) was available for $3.99. That makes 12 songs for twelve bucks sound like a hell of a deal. Those were your options, and they sucked.
But not anymore. On the interweb, you preview each song before you buy it, and you pick and choose the songs you want. Who the hell wants to buy the entire album of Wang Chung's "Points on the Curve"?
You only want this song, and this one. Maybe this one, if you're a true fan.
But this? It's crap. If it was a piece of furniture in your house, you would pay to have it hauled away; you certainly wouldn't want to be caught Dead with it taking up space in your I-Dope Shuffle. The song was tossed into the album so the price could be set higher, a technique called "Value Added", a concept thought up by a marketing person who should have been disemboweled for coming up with the idea.
Yes, the time is up for the album. It's just as well, since few bands use albums to their full potential anyway. The article mentions Tool and Radiohead, but has anyone heard of Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick"? The CD has one track on it, about 45 min long. Its not even a concept album. It's a 45 min SONG.
Concept albums? Nobody does that anymore. You'd have to be drunk or stupid to even try that shit nowadays.
But the real proof that the record companies read my blog? I quote:
Another solution being debated in the industry would transform record labels into de facto fan clubs. Companies including the Warner Music Group and the EMI Group have been considering a system in which fans would pay a fee, perhaps monthly, to “subscribe” to their favorite artists and receive a series of recordings, videos and other products spaced over time.
From: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/business/media/26music.html?ex=1332561600&en=7a34accc8988c811&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
I wonder if I will get any credit for coming up with the idea first.
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Check out this story in the NY Times by Jeff Leeds, about a group just signed by a record label..
...to do Two songs. TWO. Thas'all.
Sound Familiar?
The album distribution model was perfect for hard-copy records, tapes and CDs. So you really liked "Pour Some Sugar On Me" because you heard it on the radio. You ran down to Musicland on 3 August in 1987 and bought Hysteria the day it came out. You paid $11.99
Why did you pay that much for one song? You didn't. You only wanted the 'hit', and you might have actually paid twelve bucks for it, but that truly would be a rip-off, since the single (in cassette tape format, natch) was available for $3.99. That makes 12 songs for twelve bucks sound like a hell of a deal. Those were your options, and they sucked.
But not anymore. On the interweb, you preview each song before you buy it, and you pick and choose the songs you want. Who the hell wants to buy the entire album of Wang Chung's "Points on the Curve"?
You only want this song, and this one. Maybe this one, if you're a true fan.
But this? It's crap. If it was a piece of furniture in your house, you would pay to have it hauled away; you certainly wouldn't want to be caught Dead with it taking up space in your I-Dope Shuffle. The song was tossed into the album so the price could be set higher, a technique called "Value Added", a concept thought up by a marketing person who should have been disemboweled for coming up with the idea.
Yes, the time is up for the album. It's just as well, since few bands use albums to their full potential anyway. The article mentions Tool and Radiohead, but has anyone heard of Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick"? The CD has one track on it, about 45 min long. Its not even a concept album. It's a 45 min SONG.
Concept albums? Nobody does that anymore. You'd have to be drunk or stupid to even try that shit nowadays.
But the real proof that the record companies read my blog? I quote:
Another solution being debated in the industry would transform record labels into de facto fan clubs. Companies including the Warner Music Group and the EMI Group have been considering a system in which fans would pay a fee, perhaps monthly, to “subscribe” to their favorite artists and receive a series of recordings, videos and other products spaced over time.
From: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/business/media/26music.html?ex=1332561600&en=7a34accc8988c811&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
I wonder if I will get any credit for coming up with the idea first.
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Business Phenomena, consumerism, Cultural Observation, Million Dollar Idea, music, Music Industry
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Bum Rush The Charts
An interesting idea, the website bumrushthecharts.blogspot.com is urging people with I-Tunes accounts to purchase an indie single today and push it to #1 on the charts as a 'stick it to the record industry' gesture.
How the band is selected is beyond me, and isn't the fact that your music on I-Tunes (and therefore DRM infected) imply that you have given in to the man, and how is it possible to 'Stick it to the man' by buying music on his website???
I would probably dig deeper before participating, to make sure you aren't getting sucked into a very clever marketing scheme, but I don't have an I-Suck account, so I'm not going to fret about it. If you are interested in proving that a bunch of people can send an indie single to #1, and if you think that will somehow make the record industry jealous, head over to the following link and show your support.
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
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How the band is selected is beyond me, and isn't the fact that your music on I-Tunes (and therefore DRM infected) imply that you have given in to the man, and how is it possible to 'Stick it to the man' by buying music on his website???
I would probably dig deeper before participating, to make sure you aren't getting sucked into a very clever marketing scheme, but I don't have an I-Suck account, so I'm not going to fret about it. If you are interested in proving that a bunch of people can send an indie single to #1, and if you think that will somehow make the record industry jealous, head over to the following link and show your support.
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: DRM Sucks, music, Music Industry
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Concert: Revolver Model
The Uptown Bar
Saturday, February 24th, 2007
3018 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 823-4719
Cost: $5.00
Music Starts at 9:30
The Sweet Latrines (Opener) - www.myspace.com/thesweetlatrines
The Mood Swings - www.myspace.com/themoodswings
Mercurial Rage - www.myspace.com/mercurialrage
Revolver Modele (Headliner)- www.myspace.com/revolvermodele
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Saturday, February 24th, 2007
3018 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 823-4719
Cost: $5.00
Music Starts at 9:30
The Sweet Latrines (Opener) - www.myspace.com/thesweetlatrines
The Mood Swings - www.myspace.com/themoodswings
Mercurial Rage - www.myspace.com/mercurialrage
Revolver Modele (Headliner)- www.myspace.com/revolvermodele
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Caffeine Consumption Vs Music Genre
A quick glance at Energy Fiend's latest info on Worldwide Caffeine Consumption will show you what I already know: Caffeine Consumption has a direct bearing on your style of music.
Iceland - Negative 6 Milligrams of Caffeine
California - 10 Milligrams
California - 168 Miligrams
Minneapolis, MN - 666 Milligrams
Stockholm, Sweeden - 1250 Milligrams
Blog on,
-CZ
2 Comments
Permalink
Iceland - Negative 6 Milligrams of Caffeine
California - 10 Milligrams
California - 168 Miligrams
Minneapolis, MN - 666 Milligrams
Stockholm, Sweeden - 1250 Milligrams
Blog on,
-CZ
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
NIN - Year Zero
An album for ME? Thanks Trent. You rawk.
Just in time for my birthday too.
Shucks
-CZ
0 Comments
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Just in time for my birthday too.
Shucks
-CZ
Labels: music, new release, NIN
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Chop off the Long Tail
All right, Everybody out of the fucking Internet Pool, it's time for a talk.
No more using the phrase 'long tail'
I fucking mean it. You, you, you Internet People (and You know of whom I speak) need to dial it back. I've never read so many people going out of their way, I mean WAY out of their way to use a useless phrase before.
And Bruce? Yes you, Mr. Springsteen. I see you are still trying to be the Voice of America. I told you to knock that shit off back when you tried to cash in on the 9-11 tragedy. Let's not have me tell you again, shall we? Your punishment is to go here and click on The Trooper, and listen to some Real music.
And while yer at it, write Rolling Stone some hate mail too. They proclaimed Stadium Arcadium as the second best album of 2006. I know 2006 was a shit year for music, but it wasn't That bad.
Sorry to laden you with homework, but you also should check this out.
Thanks to Jeff for the linkage...
Blog on,
-CZ
2 Comments
Permalink
No more using the phrase 'long tail'
I fucking mean it. You, you, you Internet People (and You know of whom I speak) need to dial it back. I've never read so many people going out of their way, I mean WAY out of their way to use a useless phrase before.
And Bruce? Yes you, Mr. Springsteen. I see you are still trying to be the Voice of America. I told you to knock that shit off back when you tried to cash in on the 9-11 tragedy. Let's not have me tell you again, shall we? Your punishment is to go here and click on The Trooper, and listen to some Real music.
And while yer at it, write Rolling Stone some hate mail too. They proclaimed Stadium Arcadium as the second best album of 2006. I know 2006 was a shit year for music, but it wasn't That bad.
Sorry to laden you with homework, but you also should check this out.
Thanks to Jeff for the linkage...
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: anti, music, music reviews
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Best New Bands of 2006
Last night, I attended the "Best New Bands of 2006" at First Ave.
My thoughts:
First Ave is not the same without the smoke. Perhaps they could have a fog machine and some cigarette-flavored-incense? Is that too much to ask? Pissing in a trough always makes me feel like I'm at Renn Fest. Where else can you strike up a conversation with a girl using the men's room trough while peeing through a fake penis? You might have to pay to see that in San Francisco, but here in Minneapolis, it's included in the cover.
First Communion Afterparty - I missed all but the end of this band, so I can't give an accurate opinion. I liked what I heard, it was like used motor oil with lots of cream and sugar.
Jeremy Messersmith - With a voice Exactly Precisely like John Mayer from 'Your Body Is A Wonderland', Jeremy creates his own percussion and backup singing sections by doing live looping on stage - he records a short section of percussion and vocals which loop over and over while he plays and sings the song. A clever gimmick which turns a coffee-shop folk singer into a one man band, and certainly deserving of 'Best of 2006' status. Unfortunately, that talent is only appreciatable in live venues, and will probably be lost on CD/MP3/Radio..
Maria Isa - You probably saw Maria grace the cover of CityPages not too long ago. I missed the article because the City Pages is crap now, but Maria Isa? Stop the fucking press. Wow. Best way to describe this is Sade (remember Sade?) got some fucking balls and had a can of Rock Star Energy Drink. Or two. Think a female Matisyahu without the Jewdaism. This girl took the stage by the horns, rode it hard, and put it away wet. The ONLY act of the night with meaningful lyrics. Best of the Best of.
One for the Team - Unapologetic polished pop. I zoned out into a bizarre discussion (another blog post by itself) and missed most of this act.
The Alarmists - Of all acts this one sounded the most 'polished' and while I usually mean that in a bad way, this time I don't. The keyboard player needs to calm down though, or go play with the next band...
White Light Riot - Were clearly the crowd darlings of the event. WLR have a great sound and are well-practiced. Strangely, I didn't like their songs and found their hyper-spastic stage energy distracting.
Vampire Hands - Surprise, surprise! A truly experimental band gets billed as Best Of! I bought a CD before they even finished playing.
The whole 'Best of' left a kind of mixed feeling for me. On the good side, there were no 'Emo' bands or Dashboard Confessional wannabees, and Thank The Gods that shit is dead or I would probably give up on music forever. There was also a hint of experimentation with Jeremy Messersmith's looping and a WHOLE LOT of experimentation with Vampire Hands.
On the down side, there might have been a teensy-weensy too many short-haired-white-boy-lead-singers-with-keys-hanging-off-their-belt-loop-from-a-carabiner. I would have expected a little more diversity, maybe some colored hair or a mohawk. Where was the punk? Although Vampire Hands clearly has elements of punk, there were no real screamers. (Whatever happened to The Blue Up?? God I miss them.) Where was the metal? Not even something like progressive metal. No Grrrl bands like the Soviettes. I thought Radio K sponsored the show?
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
My thoughts:
First Ave is not the same without the smoke. Perhaps they could have a fog machine and some cigarette-flavored-incense? Is that too much to ask? Pissing in a trough always makes me feel like I'm at Renn Fest. Where else can you strike up a conversation with a girl using the men's room trough while peeing through a fake penis? You might have to pay to see that in San Francisco, but here in Minneapolis, it's included in the cover.
First Communion Afterparty - I missed all but the end of this band, so I can't give an accurate opinion. I liked what I heard, it was like used motor oil with lots of cream and sugar.
Jeremy Messersmith - With a voice Exactly Precisely like John Mayer from 'Your Body Is A Wonderland', Jeremy creates his own percussion and backup singing sections by doing live looping on stage - he records a short section of percussion and vocals which loop over and over while he plays and sings the song. A clever gimmick which turns a coffee-shop folk singer into a one man band, and certainly deserving of 'Best of 2006' status. Unfortunately, that talent is only appreciatable in live venues, and will probably be lost on CD/MP3/Radio..
Maria Isa - You probably saw Maria grace the cover of CityPages not too long ago. I missed the article because the City Pages is crap now, but Maria Isa? Stop the fucking press. Wow. Best way to describe this is Sade (remember Sade?) got some fucking balls and had a can of Rock Star Energy Drink. Or two. Think a female Matisyahu without the Jewdaism. This girl took the stage by the horns, rode it hard, and put it away wet. The ONLY act of the night with meaningful lyrics. Best of the Best of.
One for the Team - Unapologetic polished pop. I zoned out into a bizarre discussion (another blog post by itself) and missed most of this act.
The Alarmists - Of all acts this one sounded the most 'polished' and while I usually mean that in a bad way, this time I don't. The keyboard player needs to calm down though, or go play with the next band...
White Light Riot - Were clearly the crowd darlings of the event. WLR have a great sound and are well-practiced. Strangely, I didn't like their songs and found their hyper-spastic stage energy distracting.
Vampire Hands - Surprise, surprise! A truly experimental band gets billed as Best Of! I bought a CD before they even finished playing.
The whole 'Best of' left a kind of mixed feeling for me. On the good side, there were no 'Emo' bands or Dashboard Confessional wannabees, and Thank The Gods that shit is dead or I would probably give up on music forever. There was also a hint of experimentation with Jeremy Messersmith's looping and a WHOLE LOT of experimentation with Vampire Hands.
On the down side, there might have been a teensy-weensy too many short-haired-white-boy-lead-singers-with-keys-hanging-off-their-belt-loop-from-a-carabiner. I would have expected a little more diversity, maybe some colored hair or a mohawk. Where was the punk? Although Vampire Hands clearly has elements of punk, there were no real screamers. (Whatever happened to The Blue Up?? God I miss them.) Where was the metal? Not even something like progressive metal. No Grrrl bands like the Soviettes. I thought Radio K sponsored the show?
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music, music reviews
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Coffee Percolator
I wish I hadn't heard this. It sticks to the roof of your mind like, well, like something that isn't trite, utter shite.
http://www.fabulist.org/archives/2006/11/to_rouse_you_fr.html
Ok, so maybe it is trite. But to me, it's a case of people who can make a catchy song with an interesting video, while not taking themselves seriously. Unlike this video, which tries REALLY REALLY HARD not to take itself seriously, and the song sucks too.
Thanks to Neil Gaiman for the link...
...kind of.
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
http://www.fabulist.org/archives/2006/11/to_rouse_you_fr.html
Ok, so maybe it is trite. But to me, it's a case of people who can make a catchy song with an interesting video, while not taking themselves seriously. Unlike this video, which tries REALLY REALLY HARD not to take itself seriously, and the song sucks too.
Thanks to Neil Gaiman for the link...
...kind of.
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Authors, Caffeine, music, Music Videos
Thursday, July 27, 2006
The cure for the common Hit
A decent article from Wired called "The Rise and Fall of the Hit" (although you can just read pages 1 and 3, and skip the history lesson on page 2)
The article points out that the last Mega Hit Album was NSync's No Strings Attached, which was also noted as the fastest-selling album of all time. That was back in 2000.
With the explosive growth of the internet and the accessability of music that comes with it, one would expect the previous milestones to be shattered at an exponential rate, but instead we have the opposite. Since 2000, music sales have declined, radio listenership is down, and music stores sales are floundering. Even the popularity of iTunes and Amazon are not enough to propel any singles or bands to Mega-Status.
Why not? Why hasn't there been any kind of SuperMegaBand or SuperMegaAlbum in the music industry since 2000? Where are the bands to replace U2 and Aerosmith? Where are the albums to replace 'Jagged Little Pill' and 'Appetite for Destruction'? The White Stripes had a good run, and became the poster children for the 'indie' genre invasion, but the closest thing we have to U2 now is Green Day.
Green Day is the new U2. Wow.
And the best we can do for the cover of Rolling Stone are the Red Hot Chili Peppers? It doesn't simply make my soul cry, it makes my soul swallow rusty razor blades until it dies of internal hemmoraging.
What could have caused this? Perhaps aging baby boomers and Gen-X-ers now have better things to waste their money on. Perhaps the RIAA scared people away with their paranoid cries of piracy, and thier the poisonous, evil hackjob at copyright management known as DRM. Perhaps there simply haven't been any albums or bands of Super-Mega-Calibre in the past six years?
That is a saddening thought. I have a happier idea.
What if instead of people spending their money on what the Industry tells them to, people actually are spending it on what They want? What if right now, more money than ever is being spent on music, but that money is going to the artists instead of the Record Company? Because if everyone paid money directly to the artist for the art they liked, Soundscan wouldn't track it, and Billboard and Spin wouldn't know it. This would explain the current situation.
Perhaps what I have been hoping for all this time is finally beginning to happen: the Industry is beginning to fail, and people are bypassing the middleman and going right to the artist. That is the way it should be, and to hell with 'The Hit', and Good Riddance. Spread the money out among all the artists instead of giving it all to the U2's of the world.
Or, maybe it's just my little fantasy, and everyone is really downloading their music on BitTorrent.
Whatever the real reason for the lack of Mega Hits and Artists, the Movie Industry needs to pay close attention, because the trends in video tend to follow the trends in audio by about five years....
Blog on,
-CZ
3 Comments
Permalink
The article points out that the last Mega Hit Album was NSync's No Strings Attached, which was also noted as the fastest-selling album of all time. That was back in 2000.
With the explosive growth of the internet and the accessability of music that comes with it, one would expect the previous milestones to be shattered at an exponential rate, but instead we have the opposite. Since 2000, music sales have declined, radio listenership is down, and music stores sales are floundering. Even the popularity of iTunes and Amazon are not enough to propel any singles or bands to Mega-Status.
Why not? Why hasn't there been any kind of SuperMegaBand or SuperMegaAlbum in the music industry since 2000? Where are the bands to replace U2 and Aerosmith? Where are the albums to replace 'Jagged Little Pill' and 'Appetite for Destruction'? The White Stripes had a good run, and became the poster children for the 'indie' genre invasion, but the closest thing we have to U2 now is Green Day.
Green Day is the new U2. Wow.
And the best we can do for the cover of Rolling Stone are the Red Hot Chili Peppers? It doesn't simply make my soul cry, it makes my soul swallow rusty razor blades until it dies of internal hemmoraging.
What could have caused this? Perhaps aging baby boomers and Gen-X-ers now have better things to waste their money on. Perhaps the RIAA scared people away with their paranoid cries of piracy, and thier the poisonous, evil hackjob at copyright management known as DRM. Perhaps there simply haven't been any albums or bands of Super-Mega-Calibre in the past six years?
That is a saddening thought. I have a happier idea.
What if instead of people spending their money on what the Industry tells them to, people actually are spending it on what They want? What if right now, more money than ever is being spent on music, but that money is going to the artists instead of the Record Company? Because if everyone paid money directly to the artist for the art they liked, Soundscan wouldn't track it, and Billboard and Spin wouldn't know it. This would explain the current situation.
Perhaps what I have been hoping for all this time is finally beginning to happen: the Industry is beginning to fail, and people are bypassing the middleman and going right to the artist. That is the way it should be, and to hell with 'The Hit', and Good Riddance. Spread the money out among all the artists instead of giving it all to the U2's of the world.
Or, maybe it's just my little fantasy, and everyone is really downloading their music on BitTorrent.
Whatever the real reason for the lack of Mega Hits and Artists, the Movie Industry needs to pay close attention, because the trends in video tend to follow the trends in audio by about five years....
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: music, Music Industry
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Revolver Modele show / Wine Tasting
For those who don't yet know about Revolver Modele, you really ought to check them out. And if you don't know about the Suburban World Theatre, you really ought to check that out as well. If you haven't heard of either, you are in luck, because Revolver Modele is playing Thursday, Apr 27th 2006 at the Suburban World Theatre! The event is a wine tasting for Solovino wine (Chile), with wine and appetizers (as well as a cash bar) and the uncanny sound of Revolver Modele begins at 8ish.
Thursday, April 27th @ Suburban World Theater (Uptown Mpls on Hennepin) - Solovino Wine Tasting , wine and appetizers, cash bar also avail.
7-9pm $15
RM perform around 8pm
If you can't make that, make sure to catch Revolver Modele at Club Underground next month:
Saturday, May 27th @ Club Underground
Club Address: 355 N.E. Monroe St., Minneapolis, MN 55413
If you just can't wait, you can find their music on www.myspace.com/revolvermodele
Rock on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
Thursday, April 27th @ Suburban World Theater (Uptown Mpls on Hennepin) - Solovino Wine Tasting , wine and appetizers, cash bar also avail.
7-9pm $15
RM perform around 8pm
If you can't make that, make sure to catch Revolver Modele at Club Underground next month:
Saturday, May 27th @ Club Underground
Club Address: 355 N.E. Monroe St., Minneapolis, MN 55413
If you just can't wait, you can find their music on www.myspace.com/revolvermodele
Rock on,
-CZ
Labels: Cool Event, Cool Website, Minneapolis Event, music
Monday, October 03, 2005
Revolver Modele CD Release party
As I warned, the Revolver Modele CD Release party was last Saturday night at the Turf Club. If you missed it, then I guess you missed it. Openings bands were Solid Gold and The Deaths.
SOLID GOLD - There is a prevailing theory that, "If it's too loud, then your'e too old" and I used to agree with that. But now that I'm old, I don't believe it anymore. (If you have ever seen Motorhead live, then you know what I'm talking about.) I have seen many bands cover up mediocrity with volume, and such is the case with Solid Gold's performance last Saturday. This three piece (guitar, guitar, and bass) play along to a drum loop (similar to the Melodious Owls) and pull off a decent sound of drinking/dancing music that would be well received at your wedding reception; a mix of boy-rock and disco that would have been much better if it were a little quieter. The rule of thumb is that the opening bands should NEVER be louder than the main act, unless you are opening for Enya. The band members were quite shy, and often did not face the audience. It is not easy to "not face the audience" from a thrust stage, and requires staring at the interesting blinking light panel behind them, since there is no drummer. (Fashion tip: If you are going to have your backside to the audience, and you are going to sag, make sure to wear clean and possibly even interesting underwear.) The songs were good, and they are all quite talented, but the songs got boring/repetitive after a bit, they really need to have the rhythm pattern broken up. Better yet, get a real drummer. I would like to see a band with a real drummer and a "Guitarist In A Box"...
THE DEATHS - More than once I have explained The Deaths music as "The Moody Blues as a Garage Band". These guys were more relaxed than Solid Gold, but seemed less focused, and their performance was not as tight as their the 2005 Voltage: Fashion Amplified show. I would expect more gloomy music from a band called The Deaths. As it is, their music is casual, and non-offensive. They could use a bit of energy on stage, or dancers or props... I missed some of the Deaths performance, as I was tracking down each Revolver Modele band member to get them to sign the CD.
REVOLVER MODELE - Flat out professional showmanship is the phrase I would use. These four are great, and they don't need much room to get their "stage antics" on. I love the contrast of the absolutely insane lead singer (Ehsan) and guitarist (Mikal) and the completely stoic drummer (Jesse) and bassist (Natasha, AKA: The Nun) While Revolver Modele lyrics are always drowned in syrup, it was truly impossible to make out a single word Ehsan said throughout the show, even when covering New Order's "Blue Monday". The mix could have used a touch of EQ to bring out the vocals. These guys really should be national acts. Their performance was awesome, but too short.
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
SOLID GOLD - There is a prevailing theory that, "If it's too loud, then your'e too old" and I used to agree with that. But now that I'm old, I don't believe it anymore. (If you have ever seen Motorhead live, then you know what I'm talking about.) I have seen many bands cover up mediocrity with volume, and such is the case with Solid Gold's performance last Saturday. This three piece (guitar, guitar, and bass) play along to a drum loop (similar to the Melodious Owls) and pull off a decent sound of drinking/dancing music that would be well received at your wedding reception; a mix of boy-rock and disco that would have been much better if it were a little quieter. The rule of thumb is that the opening bands should NEVER be louder than the main act, unless you are opening for Enya. The band members were quite shy, and often did not face the audience. It is not easy to "not face the audience" from a thrust stage, and requires staring at the interesting blinking light panel behind them, since there is no drummer. (Fashion tip: If you are going to have your backside to the audience, and you are going to sag, make sure to wear clean and possibly even interesting underwear.) The songs were good, and they are all quite talented, but the songs got boring/repetitive after a bit, they really need to have the rhythm pattern broken up. Better yet, get a real drummer. I would like to see a band with a real drummer and a "Guitarist In A Box"...
THE DEATHS - More than once I have explained The Deaths music as "The Moody Blues as a Garage Band". These guys were more relaxed than Solid Gold, but seemed less focused, and their performance was not as tight as their the 2005 Voltage: Fashion Amplified show. I would expect more gloomy music from a band called The Deaths. As it is, their music is casual, and non-offensive. They could use a bit of energy on stage, or dancers or props... I missed some of the Deaths performance, as I was tracking down each Revolver Modele band member to get them to sign the CD.
REVOLVER MODELE - Flat out professional showmanship is the phrase I would use. These four are great, and they don't need much room to get their "stage antics" on. I love the contrast of the absolutely insane lead singer (Ehsan) and guitarist (Mikal) and the completely stoic drummer (Jesse) and bassist (Natasha, AKA: The Nun) While Revolver Modele lyrics are always drowned in syrup, it was truly impossible to make out a single word Ehsan said throughout the show, even when covering New Order's "Blue Monday". The mix could have used a touch of EQ to bring out the vocals. These guys really should be national acts. Their performance was awesome, but too short.
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music, new release
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Let It Out Audio Clip (Moved)
[Feb 2007 Update]
The song "Let It Out" has been moved from this blog to the band website, somewhere on www.jaggedspiral.com or you can probably still hear it on the Jagged Spiral MySpace page: www.myspace.com/jaggedspiral
Colin - Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Yusef - Lead Guitar
Josh - Drums
Zero - Bass, Yelling, Grunting, and Whispering
Blog on,
-CZ
0 Comments
Permalink
The song "Let It Out" has been moved from this blog to the band website, somewhere on www.jaggedspiral.com or you can probably still hear it on the Jagged Spiral MySpace page: www.myspace.com/jaggedspiral
Colin - Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Yusef - Lead Guitar
Josh - Drums
Zero - Bass, Yelling, Grunting, and Whispering
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Days From Evil, Jagged Spiral, music
Friday, September 02, 2005
Revolver Modele CD Release - discothèque crypt
You might have heard me rave about Revolver Modele before, you can check out some sounds on their website, but better yet, show up to see them live: 1 Oct 2005 at the Turf Club, MN. They put on a Fantastic live show..
Also check out the video for 'Les Diaboliques' in which Xtina and Myself cameo, and possibly the only video you will see of me wearing White. (True.)
-C
The long awaited debut full length from Revolver Modele has arrived. All new recordings that are more energetic/danceable than previous tracks if you can imagine that. Produced/Recorded and Mixed by Brad Kern primarily at Third Ear.
"discothèque crypt" CD Release Show
Saturday, Oct. 1st @ The Turf Club - St. Paul, MN
Special tokens of affection at the door while supplies last!
With Guests
Solid Gold
The Deaths
Revolver Modele
9pm I.D.
Join us Oct 10th at Oak Street Cinema in Mpls 5pm for the screening of Spectrum MN Sountracks Vol. 3 DVD - Sound Unseen Music Film Festival www.soundunseen.com
Revolver Modele's video "Les Diaboliques" is on the DVD.
0 Comments
Permalink
Also check out the video for 'Les Diaboliques' in which Xtina and Myself cameo, and possibly the only video you will see of me wearing White. (True.)
-C
The long awaited debut full length from Revolver Modele has arrived. All new recordings that are more energetic/danceable than previous tracks if you can imagine that. Produced/Recorded and Mixed by Brad Kern primarily at Third Ear.
"discothèque crypt" CD Release Show
Saturday, Oct. 1st @ The Turf Club - St. Paul, MN
Special tokens of affection at the door while supplies last!
With Guests
Solid Gold
The Deaths
Revolver Modele
9pm I.D.
Join us Oct 10th at Oak Street Cinema in Mpls 5pm for the screening of Spectrum MN Sountracks Vol. 3 DVD - Sound Unseen Music Film Festival www.soundunseen.com
Revolver Modele's video "Les Diaboliques" is on the DVD.
Labels: indie movies, Minneapolis Event, music, music reviews, Music Videos, new release, Ubercool, Videos
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Transmission Show at the Hexagon Bar
Checked out the Transmission show last night at the Hexagon Bar. A decent place, although it didn't seem shaped like a Hexagon. Ran into local fashion "yes", Miss Anna Lee. Revolver Modele opened, and as always a great show. The free parking and free cover for live music is a big plus.
The headliner was Mark Mallman, who plays keyboards, is completely insane, and completely all-out-rock-and-roll showman. He actually stood on his own organ! Yikes! Imagine Billy Joel, Elton John, Meatloaf, and Ted Nugent combined. Just try. That's right, you can't imagine it, you have to see it. Check it out, he is in the middle of a seven straight day series of concerts at the Hexagon...
Blog on,
-CZ
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The headliner was Mark Mallman, who plays keyboards, is completely insane, and completely all-out-rock-and-roll showman. He actually stood on his own organ! Yikes! Imagine Billy Joel, Elton John, Meatloaf, and Ted Nugent combined. Just try. That's right, you can't imagine it, you have to see it. Check it out, he is in the middle of a seven straight day series of concerts at the Hexagon...
Blog on,
-CZ
Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Beatallica
Metallica covering Beatles songs. The best of both worlds? You decide; but how could you not dig "Blackened in the USSR"?
...tever,
-C
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...tever,
-C
Labels: music, music reviews
Monday, January 03, 2005
With Teeth is Finished!
HELL YEAH! Bring it!
-C
It's the day all NIN fans have been waiting for!!!
Although there is no release date attatched with that it's still one step closer! 2005 promises to be a very good year for all us NIN fans.(Written by: Niobe)
[SuicideGirls: News Wire]
Labels: music, new release, NIN, Ubercool
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
The Lost Scrolls of Frosty
If you haven't heard of Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie, then, well..., hmm. I guess I can't really mock you, but anyways, way back when mp3.com did Not SUCK (yes, there was a time...) I listened to every single single by these Canucks, and this was by far their best work. They tell a story and they are in order, so make sure to block out a good 15 min or so, these puppies are LONG, but way funny, and way worth a listen (they're FREE fer crissakes).
PS: Not for people insecure in their religious beliefs or sexual or political orientation...
Nog on,
-C
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PS: Not for people insecure in their religious beliefs or sexual or political orientation...
Nog on,
-C
Monday, June 28, 2004
Solresol
The language of music. Looks like their marketing department could use a couple bucks, but it is an interesting idea.
Blog On,
-C
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Blog On,
-C
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
I-Tunes Review
I just downloaded ITunes for Windows, to see how it works. The Player is OK, but Ugly as sin, like it fell out of the Ugly Process() and hit every node on the way down. I-Tunes should take a style tip from Windows Media Player or Winamp. I was more excited about the online storage portion to replace the one I lost when the old mp3.com went under (I had over 200 CDs set up online to stream...)
I WAS excited that is, until the registration asked me for my credit card number. Ick. Isn't it possible to try this service out, and decide if I actually want to use it before forking over my credit card number?
Also, all the music offered through the i-Tunes site is infected with DRM, which is reason enough to stick with...well, Anything else.
Meanwhile, ITunes player only supports IPOD hardware (Which is pronounced backwards as "dopey")
Guess it's back to Media Player / Winamp...
Tune out,
-C
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I WAS excited that is, until the registration asked me for my credit card number. Ick. Isn't it possible to try this service out, and decide if I actually want to use it before forking over my credit card number?
Also, all the music offered through the i-Tunes site is infected with DRM, which is reason enough to stick with...well, Anything else.
Meanwhile, ITunes player only supports IPOD hardware (Which is pronounced backwards as "dopey")
Guess it's back to Media Player / Winamp...
Tune out,
-C
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Nickelback Hacks
I don't hate Nickelback, but I don't care for any band that changes the lyrics to a song and sells it, 'hey, here is our new hit'. Nickelback