Anyone that I've talked to about Don DeVito's passing said the same thing: "That's really sad. He was such a great guy. I liked him." That alone is a testament to his integrity in a business that might not always reward that attribute.
An encounter with Al Kooper led him to a short time on the road as a musician. When his band broke up, he was stuck in Arkansas and in a fortunate stroke of serendipity, he meets Johnny Cash there. Johnny later introduces him to Bob Dylan and Don produces Desire and Blood On The Tracks.
It's stunning that Don spent his entire working career at CBS/Columbia Records. Starting in 1967 in the sports dept, he is quickly transferred to CBS Records. His first job was as a local promotions guy and then moved to A&R. He was instrumental in producing The Concert for New York City, which occurred after 9/11. Don retired in 2007.
He is quoted in a lovely obit in Billboard as saying how he'd liked to be remembered: "For devotion to the music."
Rosanne Cash's tweet: Sad my old friend Don DeVito died. My dad intro'd him to Dylan, DeVito then produced Desire, profound influence on me.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Elvis Costello Emplores Fan Not To Buy His Record
Yes, Elvis via his website, is asking fan to wait till next year to purchase his latest release, The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook. He say no matter how he tried to convince his record label, they would not reduce the price of the record. He thinks it's too high. If you need it now, pirate it.
He goes one step further and actually recommends another artist if you're looking for a gift to purchase for the holidays.
If you want to buy something special for your loved one at this time of seasonal giving, we suggest, “Ambassador Of Jazz” - a cute little imitation suitcase containing ten re-mastered albums by one of the most beautiful and loving revolutionaries who ever lived – Louis Armstrong.
The album (or I should say package: it's a CD, DVD and LP) which comes out 12/6 is at pre-order prices which run the gamut between $202.63 at Amazon to $307.99 at J&R (which it looks like is paid through Amazon at checkout). I'm assuming a single CD will be released in the new year, which will not be as costly.
I have not seen any comments from Elvis' record label, Hip-O Records which is part of the Universal Music Group and I didn't receive a response from his PR person. Would love to know their reasoning on the pricing.
A precursor to the tour that encompasses this recording was Elvis' 1986 Costello Sings Again Tour, which I saw on Broadway. He performed five nights at the Broadway Theater and each night was a different theme. I saw the spin the wheel, we'll play the song night. An audience member was called on stage to spin the wheel and whatever song (or name your request) came up, the band played it. Alison was played twice. I loved the show and it's spontaneity. My brother caught this most recent tour at the Paramount in Huntington and loved it.
Elvis/ Guster? Similar album covers:
He goes one step further and actually recommends another artist if you're looking for a gift to purchase for the holidays.
If you want to buy something special for your loved one at this time of seasonal giving, we suggest, “Ambassador Of Jazz” - a cute little imitation suitcase containing ten re-mastered albums by one of the most beautiful and loving revolutionaries who ever lived – Louis Armstrong.
The album (or I should say package: it's a CD, DVD and LP) which comes out 12/6 is at pre-order prices which run the gamut between $202.63 at Amazon to $307.99 at J&R (which it looks like is paid through Amazon at checkout). I'm assuming a single CD will be released in the new year, which will not be as costly.
I have not seen any comments from Elvis' record label, Hip-O Records which is part of the Universal Music Group and I didn't receive a response from his PR person. Would love to know their reasoning on the pricing.
A precursor to the tour that encompasses this recording was Elvis' 1986 Costello Sings Again Tour, which I saw on Broadway. He performed five nights at the Broadway Theater and each night was a different theme. I saw the spin the wheel, we'll play the song night. An audience member was called on stage to spin the wheel and whatever song (or name your request) came up, the band played it. Alison was played twice. I loved the show and it's spontaneity. My brother caught this most recent tour at the Paramount in Huntington and loved it.
Elvis/ Guster? Similar album covers:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Rules of Civility in 1930's New York
I read about the author Amor Towles before I read The Rules of Civility. We share a love for Edward Hopper's paintings. His grandmother put off marriage until she was 30 because she was having so much fun. This was obviously a thought in his head when he wrote the book. He had a very regimented approach to writing. The author is quoted on his website:
With this in mind, my expectations were high for the book. We read it for book club and it was well received. The characters are an interesting bunch, but I thought lacking initial substance, which may have been a result of that era. I wasn't endeared to them as much as I wanted to be. The ones I thought would be the most true to their roots weren't and the ones I thought were crazy, might be, but they came to terms with where they wanted to be and left all their preconceived thoughts on how to find happiness behind. The book is still a nice read despite my misgivings on character introductions.
The book takes places in 1938. It's just after the Depression and there are hints, but no one is anticipating World War ll. (It's almost impossible to discard the Gatsby effect even though this book takes place a decade later.) Katey, the main character seems to wiggle her way into the social scene. It starts by a chance encounter with Tinker on New Year's Eve. From there, she hooks up with other socially tied-in rich kids such as Dicky Vanderwhile and Wallace Wolcott.
A lot of reviews point to Katey as being an outsider, but I felt she was only an outsider in that she wasn't brought up in a wealthy environment. She came from Brooklyn. Her father, who she loved, was Russian. Katey seemed to work her way into any situation. She knew how to play the game whether she was dealing with her high level boss (she gets a job at a new magazine at Conde Nast) or Tinker's "godmother." I had the sense that she was taking life in and using it to her advantage.
The great thing about this novel is that there is a real storyline. I know that may sound ridiculous, but most of the current fiction I've read lately had the feel of scenes written on napkins and then cobbled into a book. I love that it took place in New York. I think I've ODed on Middle Eastern/Indian/Pakistani authors for the time being.
The title owes to George Washington’s “Rules of Civility”. He was sixteen when he wrote it. The rules basically taught respect for others, which would make the follower of these rules a better person. The rules were based on teachings from French Jesuits. By the end of that eye opening year, the characters each find their own place of civility.
I decided it would be a distinctive first person narrative; all events and characters would be carefully imagined in advance; and it would be written in one year. After a few weeks of preparation, I started Rules of Civility on January 1, 2006 and wrapped it up 365 days later. The book was designed with 26 chapters, because there are 52 weeks in the year and I allotted myself two weeks to draft, revise and bank each chapter.
With this in mind, my expectations were high for the book. We read it for book club and it was well received. The characters are an interesting bunch, but I thought lacking initial substance, which may have been a result of that era. I wasn't endeared to them as much as I wanted to be. The ones I thought would be the most true to their roots weren't and the ones I thought were crazy, might be, but they came to terms with where they wanted to be and left all their preconceived thoughts on how to find happiness behind. The book is still a nice read despite my misgivings on character introductions. The book takes places in 1938. It's just after the Depression and there are hints, but no one is anticipating World War ll. (It's almost impossible to discard the Gatsby effect even though this book takes place a decade later.) Katey, the main character seems to wiggle her way into the social scene. It starts by a chance encounter with Tinker on New Year's Eve. From there, she hooks up with other socially tied-in rich kids such as Dicky Vanderwhile and Wallace Wolcott.
A lot of reviews point to Katey as being an outsider, but I felt she was only an outsider in that she wasn't brought up in a wealthy environment. She came from Brooklyn. Her father, who she loved, was Russian. Katey seemed to work her way into any situation. She knew how to play the game whether she was dealing with her high level boss (she gets a job at a new magazine at Conde Nast) or Tinker's "godmother." I had the sense that she was taking life in and using it to her advantage.
The great thing about this novel is that there is a real storyline. I know that may sound ridiculous, but most of the current fiction I've read lately had the feel of scenes written on napkins and then cobbled into a book. I love that it took place in New York. I think I've ODed on Middle Eastern/Indian/Pakistani authors for the time being.
The title owes to George Washington’s “Rules of Civility”. He was sixteen when he wrote it. The rules basically taught respect for others, which would make the follower of these rules a better person. The rules were based on teachings from French Jesuits. By the end of that eye opening year, the characters each find their own place of civility.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Occupy The Music Industry
Bob Lefsetz has a worth-reading post that was inspired by the reporting on the clearing of Zuccotti Park. He nails the reasons why people stopped buying recorded music and/or going to so few shows a year. (Could this be a warning for the financial institutions?) He chronicles it beginning with MTV and the advent of the CD. CD's cost more than vinyl or cassettes for the consumer and the artists received less in royalties. He points out something I forgot:
they [the musicians] settled for a reduced royalty, under the rubric that money was needed to grow this new technology. Ain’t that a laugh.
It was a laugh and pouring salt in the wound, long after the technology was "developed", the labels continued to enact the reduced royalty.
Here is where the article hits it's stride:
The bankers were overpaid because of a destruction of regulation and oversight and a thin layer of people got rich, and they used their lobbying power, their money, to institute lower taxes. And you wonder why the rank and file are pissed off?
The rights holders [in the music biz] have done a good job of labeling the public as ungrateful thieves. But is this an accurate description? Almost definitely not. The public was fed up with past practices and angry because they could not acquire music the way they wanted to.
People are buying less and less music. Will people rely less and less on banks and other financial institutions unless these institutions start listening to the consumer, instead of ignoring them?
they [the musicians] settled for a reduced royalty, under the rubric that money was needed to grow this new technology. Ain’t that a laugh.
It was a laugh and pouring salt in the wound, long after the technology was "developed", the labels continued to enact the reduced royalty.
Here is where the article hits it's stride:
The bankers were overpaid because of a destruction of regulation and oversight and a thin layer of people got rich, and they used their lobbying power, their money, to institute lower taxes. And you wonder why the rank and file are pissed off?
The rights holders [in the music biz] have done a good job of labeling the public as ungrateful thieves. But is this an accurate description? Almost definitely not. The public was fed up with past practices and angry because they could not acquire music the way they wanted to.
People are buying less and less music. Will people rely less and less on banks and other financial institutions unless these institutions start listening to the consumer, instead of ignoring them?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
ENERGY!
Crazy energy came from the stage at Terminal 5 last night. Fitz and the Tantrums were nonstop. The music poured from them.
It was hard to take my eyes off Noelle Scaggs . She's one third of the lead-singing duo (figure that one out) along with band leader Michael Fitzpatrick. With the tambourine as an extension of her arm, she moved and grooved like her life depended on it. She gets the crowd going. Participation is key. She reminded me so much of Ranking Roger, the MC/toaster and creative half of The Beat/General Public. She doesn't sound anything like him, just played the stage and got the audience going in that same manner. Her vocals are a wonderful mix for Fitz and their playful banter recalls the great 60's/70's duos. Think Marvin and Tammi, Tina and Ike. Like Tina and Ike they took a song and turned it on it's head. For Tina and Ike it was Proud Mary, for Fitz it was Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). It became a call out, dance party. How'd they do that?
Leader Fitz stayed sartorial the entire show. Moving like Pete Townsend meets David Byrne, he never unbuttoned his red suit (accented by a black striped T-shirt). He sweat through that jacket, but never removed it. When you're having that much fun who can worry about the jacket?
The band thanked the sold out crowd many times, stating that New York was the first city to embrace them (they are from LA). The crowd loved it. The band gets the award for most impressive command of an audience. I've never seen 3000 people squat down at the request of the performers. During the encore MoneyGrabber, the crowd got down. Fitz then instructed, "New Yorkers lose your f**king minds". In unison, the audience jumped to their feet.
Instead of rehashing the set list, I'll just say Fitz and The Tantrums put on a party. There music is not a revival of 60's/70's soul. It pulls from all sorts of influences and leads you down a brand new path. GO SEE THEM!
Note: The band showed their support for Occupy Wall St and performed earlier in the day yesterday at Zuccotti Park.
It was hard to take my eyes off Noelle Scaggs . She's one third of the lead-singing duo (figure that one out) along with band leader Michael Fitzpatrick. With the tambourine as an extension of her arm, she moved and grooved like her life depended on it. She gets the crowd going. Participation is key. She reminded me so much of Ranking Roger, the MC/toaster and creative half of The Beat/General Public. She doesn't sound anything like him, just played the stage and got the audience going in that same manner. Her vocals are a wonderful mix for Fitz and their playful banter recalls the great 60's/70's duos. Think Marvin and Tammi, Tina and Ike. Like Tina and Ike they took a song and turned it on it's head. For Tina and Ike it was Proud Mary, for Fitz it was Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). It became a call out, dance party. How'd they do that?
Leader Fitz stayed sartorial the entire show. Moving like Pete Townsend meets David Byrne, he never unbuttoned his red suit (accented by a black striped T-shirt). He sweat through that jacket, but never removed it. When you're having that much fun who can worry about the jacket?
The band thanked the sold out crowd many times, stating that New York was the first city to embrace them (they are from LA). The crowd loved it. The band gets the award for most impressive command of an audience. I've never seen 3000 people squat down at the request of the performers. During the encore MoneyGrabber, the crowd got down. Fitz then instructed, "New Yorkers lose your f**king minds". In unison, the audience jumped to their feet.
Instead of rehashing the set list, I'll just say Fitz and The Tantrums put on a party. There music is not a revival of 60's/70's soul. It pulls from all sorts of influences and leads you down a brand new path. GO SEE THEM!
Note: The band showed their support for Occupy Wall St and performed earlier in the day yesterday at Zuccotti Park.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
New Yorkers Buy The Most Country Music
On the heels of the CMA's last night (How wonderful was the tribute to Glen Campbell? How great are those Jimmy Webb songs?), this week's Nielsen report states that New York City is the biggest market for country music sales. They attribute that more to the larger population of NY than say a city like Nashville. Country is the new rock so it's no surprise that New Yorkers buy country music. The surprise is that radio still ignores this market and has yet to bring back a country station. Maybe there are a lot of Sirius XM subscribers in Gotham City.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Chuck D and How Record Labels Pay Royalties
Universal Music lost its digital royalties case to Eminem. Universal had been claiming in all ways, except with regard to playing royalties to musicians, that iTunes (also includes other digital sales and ringtones) purchases were licenses as opposed to sales. A sale, according to Universal, was a physical unit such as a CD. A license is typically the use of a song in a movie or TV show and as such, labels typically give higher royalties to musicians for licenses as they do not require any extra spending from the label (for packaging, marketing, etc).
All of this brings me to the Techdirt post from a few days ago, which very clearly lays out the case Chuck D is making against Universal. He wants to be paid for his iTunes sales as a license, not a sale. According to the article, Chuck D is receiving $80.33 for every 1000 units sold. As his lawsuit claims, his rightful royalty payment should be $315.85 for every 1,000 units sold.
This could have huge ramifications for major labels. Their accounting to the artists has always been sketchy at best. I've heard of big name artists who would audit the labels every 4 years and walk away with a couple of million dollars. I don't believe there were any artists or managers who were deluded about this accounting practice. We were all aware of it. Since the bands I managed never relied on royalty payments and didn't sell in the millions of units, it was a moot point. It would probably cost more to hire a lawyer, then finding what might be a long lost royalty payment.
It's great to see Chuck D pursuing this. If these bigger artists can pave the way, it might mean a bit more transparency from the labels.
All of this brings me to the Techdirt post from a few days ago, which very clearly lays out the case Chuck D is making against Universal. He wants to be paid for his iTunes sales as a license, not a sale. According to the article, Chuck D is receiving $80.33 for every 1000 units sold. As his lawsuit claims, his rightful royalty payment should be $315.85 for every 1,000 units sold.
This could have huge ramifications for major labels. Their accounting to the artists has always been sketchy at best. I've heard of big name artists who would audit the labels every 4 years and walk away with a couple of million dollars. I don't believe there were any artists or managers who were deluded about this accounting practice. We were all aware of it. Since the bands I managed never relied on royalty payments and didn't sell in the millions of units, it was a moot point. It would probably cost more to hire a lawyer, then finding what might be a long lost royalty payment.
It's great to see Chuck D pursuing this. If these bigger artists can pave the way, it might mean a bit more transparency from the labels.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Scary New York
The New York Times has a photo essay from photographer John Conn who spent the late 70's and early 80's photographing the subway system. For Halloween, the piece is titled When The City Was A House of Horrors.
This was a great time for music in the city. I was going to college in the Bronx and riding the D Train at least once a week. I remember taking those graffiti laden trains at all hours of the night coming back from shows downtown. It would be myself and a few girlfriends. I look back now and say "What were we thinking?" When you're in college and there is a band you want to see, you are fearless.
These photos brought me back to that time when it cost 50/60 cents to ride a filthy train downtown to see and hear great music.
This photo to the right titled Trick or Treat, as well as others of Conn's can be purchased on his website.
This was a great time for music in the city. I was going to college in the Bronx and riding the D Train at least once a week. I remember taking those graffiti laden trains at all hours of the night coming back from shows downtown. It would be myself and a few girlfriends. I look back now and say "What were we thinking?" When you're in college and there is a band you want to see, you are fearless.
These photos brought me back to that time when it cost 50/60 cents to ride a filthy train downtown to see and hear great music.
This photo to the right titled Trick or Treat, as well as others of Conn's can be purchased on his website.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Searching the MC Hammer Way
MC Hammer announced he and his partners are creating a new search engine called WireDoo. The WireDoo site is in pre-Beta, which means you can give them your email address and they might get back to you. His announcement came at the Web 2.0. Summit in San Francisco this week.
In his own question and answer pitch he said, "Do we really need another search? Of course not." His theory is this one will be more about relationships and topics rather than keywords.
This is not his first foray into the tech world. Billboard noted: In 2008 he launched DanceJam.com, a video sharing site for dancers, he develops iPad apps and has investments in multiple online start-ups.
Of course I envision a search that no matter what keywords you submit, you will get redirected to this. where you will also have the option of buying harem pants.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
6 Reasons To Dislike Coldplay
The New Yorker rarely has articles like this. When I saw the title Why I Don't Like Coldplay, I thought for sure it would be because they are so good, because the lead singer is married to Gwyneth, etc. I was surprised to see a true-to-title analysis by Sasha Frere-Jones.
He makes his case in a 6 point investigation. It's worth a read. My favorite point is #5:
Seven out of ten times, Coldplay sound almost exactly like U2—the U2 that exists now, not the wiry, feral U2 of 1980 (which would be a decent idea). U2 have not broken up. This is inefficient. Coldplay should consider copying Big Star or The Monkees.
The songwriting doesn't really get much better than Big Star or the Monkees. It's a sound suggestion.
Lead singer Chris Martin seems to be a likable guy. He came across that way in a CBS Sunday Morning interview. It just seems like the band is missing something. Maybe Sasha is right, they need a ride on the Last Train To Clarksville.
He makes his case in a 6 point investigation. It's worth a read. My favorite point is #5:
Seven out of ten times, Coldplay sound almost exactly like U2—the U2 that exists now, not the wiry, feral U2 of 1980 (which would be a decent idea). U2 have not broken up. This is inefficient. Coldplay should consider copying Big Star or The Monkees.
The songwriting doesn't really get much better than Big Star or the Monkees. It's a sound suggestion.
Lead singer Chris Martin seems to be a likable guy. He came across that way in a CBS Sunday Morning interview. It just seems like the band is missing something. Maybe Sasha is right, they need a ride on the Last Train To Clarksville.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Acetates: The New MP3's
“The goal is to have surprises.” In this ever-changing world of advancing technology, director/editor Alex Steryermark is surprisingly using a piece of recording equipment from the 1930’s to expose recording artists of the 21st century. “It’s about getting together with the artist in an authentic way.”
A PRESTO records directly from one mic to the acetate disc, so it’s a live recording. “It’s one mic and we have three minutes. We can screw up, they [the musician] can screw up.” Dawn Landes performed the inaugural recording. “Since it’s the first one we did, everything went wrong and we still got a great record.” To date, they followed with two other recordings. The Reverend John Delore & Kara Suzanne recorded the early 19th century murder ballad Omie Wise. Their updated version incorporates the OJ Simpson story. The third piece takes place at an outdoor gathering with the Mynabirds.
The 78 Project - The Reverend John Delore & Kara Suzanne (Official Teaser) from The 78 Project on Vimeo.
Note on Alex Steyermark: Music is always a big component of Alex’s work. He’s a master at placing appropriate music in the right film scenes (music supervisor on films such as Malcolm X, The Ice Storm, For Love Or Money, Subway Stories). His most recent directorial endeavor is Losers Take All, the story of the trials and tribulations of an indie rock band trying to make it in the 1980’s.
Alex has been accumulating PRESTOs, which inspired The 78 Project. The PRESTO was considered a “portable” recorder (it weighs in at about 50 lbs). Alan Lomax used one for his field recordings. One of the most famous uses of the PRESTO was by a reporter and engineer who were sent to cover the Hindenburg landing. Obviously a disaster ensued and they were able to record the events as they unfolded and interview survivors for an on-the-scene account.
The 78 Project is an ongoing collection of mini-documentaries, which run from 6 to 9 minutes. Explains Alex, “We asked artists to do their take on a public domain song: folk, blues or murder ballads and one of their own songs. The piece is centered around the cover song. The artist picks the recording location. Recording is an excuse to see artists in an exposed, intimate way.”
A PRESTO records directly from one mic to the acetate disc, so it’s a live recording. “It’s one mic and we have three minutes. We can screw up, they [the musician] can screw up.” Dawn Landes performed the inaugural recording. “Since it’s the first one we did, everything went wrong and we still got a great record.” To date, they followed with two other recordings. The Reverend John Delore & Kara Suzanne recorded the early 19th century murder ballad Omie Wise. Their updated version incorporates the OJ Simpson story. The third piece takes place at an outdoor gathering with the Mynabirds.
The 78 Project - The Reverend John Delore & Kara Suzanne (Official Teaser) from The 78 Project on Vimeo.
Per the Project’s website:
As it cuts, the PRESTO throws up a thread about the thickness and texture of human hair. That’s the negative space from the sound! But not only is it INCREDIBLY FLAMMABLE, it can also become lodged under the cutting needle if it isn’t constantly guided away with a brush. You want to ruin the shirt you’re wearing? Try being the one holding the brush as the record spins. Guaranteed to make you sweat.
Alex was developing the project with the executive producer Erik Nelson when he decided to just start recording. He had the equipment needed to film and record and knew the musicians. These would be low-pressure situations (unless you worry about the PRESTO catching on fire). The original TV show idea was redeveloped as a web series.
Along with writer/producer Lavinia Jones Wright, they have completed three episodes. They’ve done a great job of giving us just enough with the three trailers to whet the whistle of curiosity: What are they going to give us next? The first full-length piece should be posted this week.
The anticipation for a new music project used to be fever pitch. You could mark your calendar for the next Clash release and you were there at the record store waiting to buy it. This has been lost in the current overload of music. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a regular email alert that an admired musician has just recorded for The 78 Project? It would be 6 minutes of rediscovering music and the people who make it, a nice surprise indeed.
Note on Alex Steyermark: Music is always a big component of Alex’s work. He’s a master at placing appropriate music in the right film scenes (music supervisor on films such as Malcolm X, The Ice Storm, For Love Or Money, Subway Stories). His most recent directorial endeavor is Losers Take All, the story of the trials and tribulations of an indie rock band trying to make it in the 1980’s.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Rock's Royal Couple Splits
After 27 years of marriage, rock's reigning couple, Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon are calling it quits. Matador Records released a statement saying that Sonic Youth will complete their November South American tour, but there is no word on the fate of the band or the European tour dates that are posted on the band's website.
My hypothesis on what caused the split.
1. First there was the move from New York City to Massachusetts a few years back. This stunned the indie community. No one every thought they would leave the city. I can't say I blame them for wanting a more "human" existence, but they were synonymous with downtown. This may have changed their world a little too much.
2. Thurston's inability to say no to every music documentary producer. Is there one film out there that he doesn't appear in? My friend and I have a running joke. We time it to see how long a music documentary can play before Thurston appears. I haven't seen the George Harrison piece yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if he had a cameo.
Scene at home:
Kim: "Where are you going Thurston?"
Thurston: "Out"
Kim: "Don't tell me you're guesting on another documentary. You never have time for me and the kid."
 |
| Kim & Thurston in happier times. |
1. First there was the move from New York City to Massachusetts a few years back. This stunned the indie community. No one every thought they would leave the city. I can't say I blame them for wanting a more "human" existence, but they were synonymous with downtown. This may have changed their world a little too much.
2. Thurston's inability to say no to every music documentary producer. Is there one film out there that he doesn't appear in? My friend and I have a running joke. We time it to see how long a music documentary can play before Thurston appears. I haven't seen the George Harrison piece yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if he had a cameo.
Scene at home:
Kim: "Where are you going Thurston?"
Thurston: "Out"
Kim: "Don't tell me you're guesting on another documentary. You never have time for me and the kid."
Friday, October 14, 2011
moe. Plays One For Steve Jobs
moe. performs the song Crab Eyes solely with their iPads. It's a trip.
If bands continue to do this, more and more roadies will be out of work. It would make touring a lot cheaper.
If bands continue to do this, more and more roadies will be out of work. It would make touring a lot cheaper.
What Xactly Is Simon's Goal?
I haven't been watching faithfully, only a bit here and there, but I'm confused by what Simon Cowell's goal is for the X Factor as far as presenting an entertaining TV show.
Last night contestants were broken into groups: Girls, Boys, Over 30 years olds and Groups. Each judge was at an outdoor location with one of the groups. This is where it lost me. This didn't add a thing to the show, in fact it was outright boring.
-This week Simon set himself apart from the other judges. Simon is in Paris, everyone else is in the US. Two are in California locations and one in the Hamptons. Simon is the only sole judge. The others all have a celebrity co-judge with them. After a contestant sings and leaves the Paris performing area, three men crowd around Simon's feet like his harem. It conjured up images of those pictures of Jesus surrounded by children. They are adoringly looking upward at this most sacred man. This has got to be intentional.
-Simon looks like he came from Miami Vice's central casting. Reclining on his couch, he is attired in a white shirt open to his navel, bare feet, one leg on the couch and sporting a tan. Is he suppose to look more "American?" I hope that's not the Brits impression of us.
-From what I saw, only those auditioning in front of Simon had live musicians. There was a piano set up poolside and a guitarist. The other judges' contestants sang to recorded backing tracks.
-The singers seemed lost in these vast settings. I think it was a nice change from American Idol to have the auditions in front of an audience. They are looking for an entertainer, not just someone with a good voice. The ability to win over an audience is key and this setting added to the show. The outdoor locations, do not.
Last night contestants were broken into groups: Girls, Boys, Over 30 years olds and Groups. Each judge was at an outdoor location with one of the groups. This is where it lost me. This didn't add a thing to the show, in fact it was outright boring.
-This week Simon set himself apart from the other judges. Simon is in Paris, everyone else is in the US. Two are in California locations and one in the Hamptons. Simon is the only sole judge. The others all have a celebrity co-judge with them. After a contestant sings and leaves the Paris performing area, three men crowd around Simon's feet like his harem. It conjured up images of those pictures of Jesus surrounded by children. They are adoringly looking upward at this most sacred man. This has got to be intentional. -Simon looks like he came from Miami Vice's central casting. Reclining on his couch, he is attired in a white shirt open to his navel, bare feet, one leg on the couch and sporting a tan. Is he suppose to look more "American?" I hope that's not the Brits impression of us.
-From what I saw, only those auditioning in front of Simon had live musicians. There was a piano set up poolside and a guitarist. The other judges' contestants sang to recorded backing tracks.
-The singers seemed lost in these vast settings. I think it was a nice change from American Idol to have the auditions in front of an audience. They are looking for an entertainer, not just someone with a good voice. The ability to win over an audience is key and this setting added to the show. The outdoor locations, do not.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
No More Chicken Dance!!
What is with females singers and the chicken dance? I'm starting to see it way too often. It appears to come with the other ridiculous epidemic: Shoes with 5" heels. No wonder these women can't walk across a stage with ease. Are those shoes really necessary? How many times do they have to visit orthopedic doctors?
The latest chicken dance siting was on Good Morning America. Nicole Scherzinger performing this morning did an abbreviated version, which amounted to a few steps to the viewers left. The move entailed walking across the stage as if you were tiptoeing in a Bugs Bunny cartoon while simultaneously moving the head front to back to mimic the walk of a chicken crossing the road. (no joke will follow)
Focus on the white chicken in this video.
The ultimate grande dame of chicken dancing is Carrie Underwood. I saw her open for Keith Urban a few years ago and she was all over the stage looking like she was ready to lay an egg. The move starts one minute into this video:
Lose the shoes and lose the dance. Have fun on stage. Do not be beholden to a 5" heel.
In this case, don't break a leg.
The latest chicken dance siting was on Good Morning America. Nicole Scherzinger performing this morning did an abbreviated version, which amounted to a few steps to the viewers left. The move entailed walking across the stage as if you were tiptoeing in a Bugs Bunny cartoon while simultaneously moving the head front to back to mimic the walk of a chicken crossing the road. (no joke will follow)
Focus on the white chicken in this video.
The ultimate grande dame of chicken dancing is Carrie Underwood. I saw her open for Keith Urban a few years ago and she was all over the stage looking like she was ready to lay an egg. The move starts one minute into this video:
Lose the shoes and lose the dance. Have fun on stage. Do not be beholden to a 5" heel.
In this case, don't break a leg.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
It's Hard To Believe Steve Jobs Is Gone
In almost my entire working career, I've used Apple products and Steve Jobs has always been there, well except for that span where the board kicked him out (what were they thinking?). It's hard to believe that Steve Jobs will not be around to introduce a new product.
When I was growing up, I couldn't wait for the latest release of my favorite band. It was a time of anticipation and excitement. As new record releases became less import and music was leaked, Steve Jobs slowly crept into that role of creating excitement. The speculation on the latest iPhone was building for months and just yesterday the iPhone 4GS was revealed. The talk leading up to it, could only rival that of the next Led Zeppelin record in the 1970's.
Steve was probably one of the most important people of past 25 years and yes he left the world way too young at 56. He was here and he did make a difference and I certainly benefited from it.
When I was growing up, I couldn't wait for the latest release of my favorite band. It was a time of anticipation and excitement. As new record releases became less import and music was leaked, Steve Jobs slowly crept into that role of creating excitement. The speculation on the latest iPhone was building for months and just yesterday the iPhone 4GS was revealed. The talk leading up to it, could only rival that of the next Led Zeppelin record in the 1970's.
Steve was probably one of the most important people of past 25 years and yes he left the world way too young at 56. He was here and he did make a difference and I certainly benefited from it.
The Low Energy of The Writer's Writer
I've been an avid reader of the New Yorker for years and finally made it to an event at this past weekend's New Yorker Festival. The Writer's Writer featured three authors whose works I have read and enjoyed: Jeffrey Eugenides (Middlesex), Nicole Krauss (The History of Love) and Jhumpa Lahiri (Unaccustomed Earth).
The eye opener from the evening was Jhumpi's comments on an author's first piece. “Everybody writes their first book with a certain innocence, a purity of vision.” There are no guidelines when writing a first book, no pressures to write a certain way or to answer to your publisher, editor or PR person. She believes a writer's writer keeps that purity of vision throughout his/her career.
Her comments would ring very true for lots of recording artists, especially now, as musicians can make records for and by themselves. I've heard some musicians say "I only had one record in me." A song writing paralysis sets in when more is demanded of them. There is a sense of innocence that is lost. Does that mean that writers (and musicians) who can hang on to that innocence and purity end up in obscurity? Not necessarily, but the writers did seem to think that more times than not, the writer's writer is not selling a lot of books. I think of a musician's musician as one who can play anything with anyone. More times than not, that person is usually a side musician, not the one selling millions of records. They are making a really good living, but not in the limelight. Deborah Treisman, the fiction editor of the New Yorker and the moderator of the panel relayed a description she once heard of a writer's write as "someone who lives at or below the poverty line." This elicited a chuckle from the audience.
An audience member asked how does an author deal with having either a screenwriter or a director take his/her work and morph it into something else. Jeffrey said you have to realize that they are going to make it their own. He said a director was true to his writing (Virgin Suicides) and another used the first 20 minutes of the movie as the basis of his story and then went from there. He said that was necessary as he wrote a short story (Baster) and they continued it.
With the exception of Jeffrey, the night was low on energy. It could be the late start time of 9:30pm. If it were a concert, the time would have made sense, but for writers discussing writers, it's late. Deborah Treisman could have moved the evening along a little faster, but she was courteous in letting the authors complete their thoughts. I also think the topic did not lend itself to elaborating. Once an authors stated their definition of a writer's writer and listed their favorite authors (each panelist read from their favorite author) , there wasn't much to play off of.
I've seen plenty of authors speak about their own works and it's been very engaging. Maybe when authors speak of others works, it doesn't resonate the same way.
Of Note: Jeffrey's new book, The Marriage Plot which comes out on the 11th, has a publisher who decided a Times Square Billboard was necessary.
The eye opener from the evening was Jhumpi's comments on an author's first piece. “Everybody writes their first book with a certain innocence, a purity of vision.” There are no guidelines when writing a first book, no pressures to write a certain way or to answer to your publisher, editor or PR person. She believes a writer's writer keeps that purity of vision throughout his/her career.
Her comments would ring very true for lots of recording artists, especially now, as musicians can make records for and by themselves. I've heard some musicians say "I only had one record in me." A song writing paralysis sets in when more is demanded of them. There is a sense of innocence that is lost. Does that mean that writers (and musicians) who can hang on to that innocence and purity end up in obscurity? Not necessarily, but the writers did seem to think that more times than not, the writer's writer is not selling a lot of books. I think of a musician's musician as one who can play anything with anyone. More times than not, that person is usually a side musician, not the one selling millions of records. They are making a really good living, but not in the limelight. Deborah Treisman, the fiction editor of the New Yorker and the moderator of the panel relayed a description she once heard of a writer's write as "someone who lives at or below the poverty line." This elicited a chuckle from the audience.
An audience member asked how does an author deal with having either a screenwriter or a director take his/her work and morph it into something else. Jeffrey said you have to realize that they are going to make it their own. He said a director was true to his writing (Virgin Suicides) and another used the first 20 minutes of the movie as the basis of his story and then went from there. He said that was necessary as he wrote a short story (Baster) and they continued it.
With the exception of Jeffrey, the night was low on energy. It could be the late start time of 9:30pm. If it were a concert, the time would have made sense, but for writers discussing writers, it's late. Deborah Treisman could have moved the evening along a little faster, but she was courteous in letting the authors complete their thoughts. I also think the topic did not lend itself to elaborating. Once an authors stated their definition of a writer's writer and listed their favorite authors (each panelist read from their favorite author) , there wasn't much to play off of.
I've seen plenty of authors speak about their own works and it's been very engaging. Maybe when authors speak of others works, it doesn't resonate the same way.
Of Note: Jeffrey's new book, The Marriage Plot which comes out on the 11th, has a publisher who decided a Times Square Billboard was necessary.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Lady Gaga 0, Fan 1
Lady Gaga and/or her management appealed to the National Arbitration Forum. Her claim was that ladygaga.org, which was started by a fan, was a trademark infringement. The owner of the site claimed that she was not gaining any profit from the site and using it solely to promote Lady Gaga.
This is where it gets tricky for an artist who fiercely wants to protect his/her image. Is it worth alienating a fan who is clearly a superfan? The website states on the homepage that it's an unofficial site.
For someone as popular and in the public eye as Lady Gaga, she would have to think situations like this would be sprouting up all over. This fan was smart enough to register ladygaga.org. In checking other domains, .net is another unofficial website, .info redirects to a dance website. It's surprising that Gaga didn't register every domain configuration and redirect them all to her official website.
The official verdict according to the Hollywood Reporter:
Three panelists at the National Arbitration Forum ruled that Lady Gaga had failed to show that respondent lacked legitimate interest in the disputed domain name.
Fan 1, Gaga 0
This is where it gets tricky for an artist who fiercely wants to protect his/her image. Is it worth alienating a fan who is clearly a superfan? The website states on the homepage that it's an unofficial site.
For someone as popular and in the public eye as Lady Gaga, she would have to think situations like this would be sprouting up all over. This fan was smart enough to register ladygaga.org. In checking other domains, .net is another unofficial website, .info redirects to a dance website. It's surprising that Gaga didn't register every domain configuration and redirect them all to her official website.
The official verdict according to the Hollywood Reporter:
Three panelists at the National Arbitration Forum ruled that Lady Gaga had failed to show that respondent lacked legitimate interest in the disputed domain name.
Fan 1, Gaga 0
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