Lucky Old Sun: A Popular AlbumTitle From A Song That's 59 Years Old

Brian Wilson released his latest album That Lucky Old Sun on Sept 2nd. On Oct 14th Kenny Chesney released his latest album Lucky Old Sun. Huh? Brian Wilson has been playing the song live for over a year as part of a suite of music. He talked about his love for the 1949 song, which is why he included it on his latest record and names the album after the song. So Kenny Chesney decides to do a duet with Willie Nelson of the very same song and takes away the "That" for his album title. Was Chesney inspired by Wilson's song choice?

As Wilson told USA Today: "I always liked that song," he says of That Lucky Old Sun, first popularized in 1949 by Frankie Laine. "A couple of years ago, I went to the record store, got Louis Armstrong's version, brought it home and learned it. I rearranged it and taught it to my band."

Neal Hefti - Composer of Batman Theme Dies

Composer, arranger, big band trumpeter Neil Heft has died at 85. Two of the most memorable theme songs: The Odd Couple and Batman were written by him. Everyone can sing both of them. Hefti said the Batman theme was the hardest music he ever wrote. From the LA Times:

"I tore up a lot of paper," he told Jon Burlingame, author of "TV's Biggest Hits," a 1996 book on television themes. "It did not come easy to me. . . . I just sweated over that thing, more so than any other single piece of music I ever wrote. I was never satisfied with it."

"Batman," he said, "was not a comedy. This was about unreal people. Batman and Robin were both very, very serious. The bad guys would be chasing them, and they would come to a stop at a red light, you know. They wouldn't break the law even to save their own lives. So there was a grimness and a self-righteousness about all this."

Hefti said it took him "the better part of a month" to come up with the theme.

"I was almost going to call them and say, I can't do it," he said. "But I never walk out on projects, so I sort of forced myself to finish."


Hefti's "musical solution to a combined dramatic and comedic problem," Burlingame wrote in his book, "was perfect: bass guitar, low brass and percussion to create a driving rhythm, while an eight-voice chorus sings 'Batman!' in harmony with the trumpets. It was part serious, part silly: just like the series."

Hefti's "Batman" tune became a Top 40 hit -- for both the Hefti and the Marketts' versions -- and won a 1966 Grammy Award for best instrumental theme.

Miles Davis credited him with making the Count Basie Band sound as good as it did. Hefti produced, composed and arranged for Count Basie. He also served as head of A&R for Reprise Records in the early 60's. He also composed music for films including Sex and The Single Girl, Barefoot in the Park and How to Murder Your Wife.

Take On Me: Literal Video Version

This was made by Dust Films. Have a laugh!

EMI Starting An Online Music Service

It seems like it's 8 years too late, but EMI is launching an online music service, which according to the WSJ is to gather customer behavior patterns rather than actually make money. There are so many ways to gauge what fans are thinking. Online message boards and postings are filled with kudos and complaints about what works and what does not. Throwing what I'm guessing is large sums of money into an already overcrowded field seems fruitless. There are so many places to buy music, the easiest being iTunes, Consumers will be confused with another entry like EMI's. It used to be the only place to buy music was either a record store or for the big artists a place like Target, now each label has it's own site. Tthe consumer doesn’t look for these sites. The labels have already lost trust with the consumer. Why would they go to the labels website to find out about an artist or buy music? They can go directly to the source meaning the artist or go to iTunes which is a trusted entity. There is also the option of pulling it from someone else for free. It's not trusted, but it is free.

Defamation Emails: How to Bash a Candidate with Falsifications and Half Truths

I'm not going to pontificate on whom to vote for. To quote Johnny Mathis (written by Allen & Stillman), "That's not for me to say". I have been forwarded an extraordinary amount of emails defaming the character of the candidates for the highest offices in our country. I have dissected and followed up on each one of them only to find that the information is either blatantly false or a half truth. What saddens me most is that the majority of people read it, believe it and delete it. I could be wrong, but I don't think people are trying to get to the bottom of the story and prove it's worth.

It's going to get uglier in the days leading up to 11/4. Most important is what the candidate stands for and is it what you believe in. Who do you think will be better at eliminating our dependence on foreign oil and helping to preserve our environment? Who is more level headed to guide us out of economic disaster? The next president will probably appoint 3 judges to the Supreme Court. How do you want them to vote? Who has a better foreign policy and who will help mend our global relations? Let's focus on the issues.

Musicians Unite: UK Leads The Way

Frank Sinatra tried to unionize US musicians. He found no other takers and eventually dropped the cause. Many, Many years later in the UK, musicians are banding together to gain control of their rights and not have the record companies negotiate the deals for them. Radiohead, Billy Bragg and Robbie Williams are just a few name that have signed on. According to the Featured Artists' Coalition's website:

The Featured Artists' Coalition campaigns for the protection of performers' and musicians' rights. We want all artists to have more control of their music and a much fairer share of the profits it generates in the digital age. We speak with one voice to help artists strike a new bargain with record companies, digital distributors and others, and are campaigning for specific changes.

Their manifesto, states that it's now time that the musicians take control of their destiny in this digital age. Radiohead is leading the charge. They are the first major artist to forgo a major record label on their latest release and feel that they should not have to live by rules that were dictated by the labels, which are not supporting their interest. Musicians that are interested can join the cause. Will the US follow?

MySpace Music

MySpace Music finally launched after a few false starts. From comments I've seen, MySpacers who offered free downloads from their page are not happy about the change. Apparently songs won't play, lyrics can't be downloaded and you have to arrange to "sell" your music for free. Expectations were not high for this new music service. It's a shame that artists can no longer control how their music is distributed on MySpace. Through their postings, these are the same people that built MySpace.

Concerts of Note

PHISH: After a 4 year retirement, Phish is reuniting for 3 shows at the Hampton Coliseum March 6, March 7 and March 8, 2009.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: will perform Monday at an Eastern Michigan University rally for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Springsteen will play a free acoustic set and headline the rally at Oestrike Stadium on Eastern Michigan's campus.

Springsteen is also scheduled to perform Saturday at a Philadelphia rally and on Sunday at Ohio State University. Springsteen will team up with Billy Joel in a joint concert at an Obama campaign fundraiser in New York City on Oct. 16 at the Hammerstien Ballroom. It looks like ticket prices range from $500 to $10,000 if there are any to be had.

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Miserable Day - Better Evening

Mets fans have been pretty forgiving. I think our patience is spent. To quote ex-Mets' Manager Yogi Berra, It's Deja Vu all over again. How does a team fall apart two years in a row, in the same fashion? At the plate, they looked like all life had been sucked from them. Were they aware they were playing for the post season? It was a suckydo ending to the illustrious history of Shea Stadium. For an short time after the game, the Shea Goodbye closing ceremonies made us put aside the debacle of a game. Mets heros of better days entered the field and crossed home plate. Tom Seaver threw the last pitch at Shea to Mike Piazza and the lights at Shea were dimmed for the last time. Anger and frustration for the 2007/8 Mets. Admiration and fondness for the 1969/86/2000 Mets.

Boosting my spirits for one hour, was the return of Dexter: The craftily written and acted story of a serial killer. Brandi Shearer's song Lullabies may have a whole new place in music as the song to repeatedly have sex to. Lullabies: the aphrodisiac, just ask Dexter's girlfriend Rita.

Is Lenka the New Feist

Maybe it's something about using one name. I only listened to one song from Lenka, so it's not a scientific conclusion, but she sounds an awful lot like Feist, especially 1234. You can listen for yourself as she is the hooka of the day.

I decided to listen a little more before posting this and Bring Me Down starts off sounding like the Beach Boys Breakaway and takes a sharp right turn into girlie pop territory. Ukulele infused Don't Let Me Fall brings me right back into Feist territory. Note: strings were arranged by David Campbell who is Beck's father.

Lenka was a teen actor trained by Cate Blanchett in Australia. She now calls LA home and recorded the record in Woodstock. Mike Elizondo who has worked ith Fiona Apple and Eminem produced the record. I like the production, lots of horns and piano. Could be pulled right from a Petula Clark session.

Lucinda Williams Protests In Songs

I've been reading a lot lately about the lack or complete absence of protest and energy in songs. The country is in shambles yet no one has written his/her "Eve Of Destruction". It looks like Lucinda has taken up the cause. She is releasing Lu in 08 a week before the U.S. presidential election, as a digital EP with live versions of 3 covers: Bob Dylan's "Masters of War," Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," and the Thievery Corporation/Wayne Coyne collaboration "Marching the Hate Machines Into the Sun." The lone original track will be "Bone of Contention."

Her ninth studio record, "Little Honey" comes out on Lost Highway on Oct. 14th.

A Conversation with Ken Burns and Bob Schieffer

Fordham University’s Graduate School of Business Administration hosted a conversation with Ken Burns and Bob Schieffer. I have admiration and respect for both of these men. The questions started off very basic. We found out that both of them realized in 8th grade they wanted to do what they are doing.

The theme of truth in journalism or story telling and how do you keep perspective in this age of technology was a recurring theme. We live in an era of sound bites, which can get us into trouble. Both said they would rather hear a longer version of the answer and not have to live in a 2 minute YouTube world. Bob emphasized that there is so much going on with technology, but at the core of it all is still good reporting. He said you can’t be objective but you can be fair. He feels that the nightly news is one place where both sides of a story and the facts are presented. The nightly news elaborates on stories the viewers are probably already aware of.

The name Sarah Palin seems to invoke passion and this discussion definitely had its moment. Bob spoke of how he though the press had a responsibility to find out everything they can about Palin. She’s an unknown. The facts about her need to be presented. He pointed out that the press was being unreasonably chastised for chasing the story of her 17 year-old pregnant daughter. It was the bloggers who pressed the issue and it was only after the McCain campaign issued a press release, that the mainstream press covered it. This proves that with so much information out there, whether it be truth or fiction, people have to gather the facts and make educated decisions on their own. You can’t believe a commercial that a politician endorses or creates. Question it. I remember having a button in college that said Question Authority. Chasing another aspect of the Palin nomination, Ken said he thought it was irresponsible on the part of McCain to chose a running mate without vetting her properly and one with a seemingly lack of knowledge on most foreign and domestic affairs. As Bob pointed out, Sarah would be a 72 year-old heartbeat away from the most powerful position in the world.

Bob Schieffer will be moderating the final presidential debate. He said they have been trying for years to get the candidates to agree on a real debate forum and they have finally accepted. He will ask a question, each candidate will get 2 minutes to respond. After both have spoken, they will debate the issue between them. Bob will make sure they stay on point.

I will badly quote Walter Cronkite, but he said news should be reported without adjectives and adverbs. Watching the local news, it seems like it is one big commentary. Both Mr Burns and Mr Schieffer are at the top of their respective games. I think holding on to their truths and presenting both side of a story got them there.

As an aside Bob mentioned that he will be living a lifelong dream which will take place in Nashville two days before the Tom Brokaw moderated debate there. He and his band, Honky Tonk Confidential, have been invited to play the Grand Ole Opry on October 5th with Trisha Yearwood and Kenny Chesney.

Norman Whitfield Dies-Writer of I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Prolific songwriter Norman Whitfield died on Sept 16th.
This from USA Today:

By Steve Jones, USA TODAY

Norman Whitfield knew how to get the best out of an artist, even if the singer hated him for it.
The opening of Papa Was a Rollin' Stone— "It was the third of September. That day I'll always remember, 'cause that was the day that my daddy died" — coincidentally rang true for Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards, whose own father had died on that date. Whitfield refused to change it, and Edwards' seething delivery set the tone for the stirring tale of paternal abandonment.

It was just one example of how the producer/songwriter steered Motown's sunny sound into darker territory in the late '60s and into the '70s.

Whitfield, who died Tuesday in Los Angeles at 67 from complications of diabetes, wrote and produced some of the label's most memorable pop hits in the early '60s before ushering in an era of socially relevant themes.

Much of what is now regarded as classic soul owes a large debt to Whitfield, who persuaded skeptical Motown founder Berry Gordy to let him stray from a wildly successful formula. His mold-breaking encouraged Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and others to pursue directions that would yield some of their greatest works.

Teamed with lyricist Barrett Strong, Whitfield produced such classics as Gaye's and Gladys Knight & The Pips' I Heard It Through the Grapevine and The Tempts' Ain't Too Proud to Beg.

But his most enduring legacy came with his Sly Stone/P-Funk-influenced shift to the psychedelic funk/soul sound that featured sinister keys, reverberating guitars, moaning horns and haunting strings.

After David Ruffin parted with The Tempts in 1968 and was replaced by gruff-voiced Edwards, the group de-emphasized love songs to deal with poverty, politics, drug abuse and despair.

Between 1968 and 1973, The Tempts took to Cloud Nine, scolded the Runaway Child, Running Wild, warned Don't Let the Joneses Get You Down, partied at the Psychedelic Shack and painted a grim urban Masterpiece. Meanwhile, Edwin Starr raged against War and the Undisputed Truth cautioned about Smiling Faces Sometimes.

Whitfield left Motown in 1973 as artists grew weary of long tracks dominated by heavy instrumentation — and his outsized ego. (The back cover of The Tempts' Masterpiece album was taken up mostly by Whitfield's huge Afro and face, with only a small picture of the band.)

Establishing Whitfield Records, he had his greatest post-Motown success with Rose Royce, who scored a No. 1 pop hit in 1977 with Car Wash and had other classics like I Wanna Get Next to You, Ooh Boy, I'm Going Down and Love Don't Live Here Anymore.

80's Music in Today's Music

Bruises by Brooklyn's own Chairlift is the music behind the recent iPod Nano commercial. I would have guessed them to be a British band as their music is 80's derivative. There is the underlying beat ala Phil Collin's version of You Can't Hurry Love. Thompson Twins and Berlin come to mind. I heard a piece on All Songs Considered which stated that the 80's were the worst time for music. They picked apart songs like Let's Hear It For The Boy, which of course is a very obvious target. Then they proceeded to gang up on Hall & Oates, which is so misguided. The problem in the 80's was not with the music, but with the production. Electric keyboard, drum machine heavy production masked the actual beauty of the songwriting. Say what you will about Rick Springfield, but early on he wrote great pop songs. They will never be timeless because of the production. You can say the same about Madonna. If the 80's were so bad, why are so many young musicians deriving their music from the records of that time?

Rights Restricted Music Is Back

Have the labels and studios learned anything over the past few years? An article in today's Hypebot says there is a consortium of the labels and studios who want to, once again, control how you can use what you buy.

It's been said, wants gone is gone. But apparently some in the entertainment industry failed to get the memo. A group of major film studios and record labels have joined together once again in an initiative called the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem to find a way to control what happens after you purchase a digital album or movie.
"The goal is to create for downloads the same kind of interoperability that's been true for physical products, such as CDs and DVDs...Once you've acquired a file, you could play it on any of your devices -- if it couldn't be passed directly from one DECE-ready device to another, you'd be allowed to download additional copies. And when you're away from home, you could stream the file to any device with a DECE-compatible Web browser." - LA Times
Its called domain based digital rights management. Apple already uses a version of it. Total freedom until you want to share what you bought with a friend...or use it on a non-compatible device.This DRM has a new name and may even be a bit less intrusive. But it's still DRM, and as such faces certain consumer rejection. When will we learn?

This is the reason I don't buy from iTunes-I don't want to be told what to do with the music I buy. Once again, those who are willing to pay for content, will be the ones to get screwed. History repeats itself, yet no one seems to learn from the lessons of the past and they continue to make those mistakes again and again. Dante's Inferno comes to mind.

Lack of Radio An Issue for Metallica?

This was part of the Lefsetz letter today. He is so spot on when he says the Metallica record probably won't do so well because there is no place to hear it.

I hope the cornucopia of purchase options for the Metallica CD generates a heap of cash, because I don't expect that album to sell in prodigious quantities after the first week or so. Sales will tank soon. Not because the album is bad, but because there's nowhere to hear it. There's no exhibition in areas where people might be turned on to their sound, whether it be for the first time or once again.

When I managed bands such as Los Lobos and Luscious Jackson, I looked to everything except radio to further their careers. Most of the bands I worked with were not going to get the kind of airplay needed to sell millions of records. Building and keeping a solid fan base, touring, film and TV placements, corporate events, etc were the cornerstone of these bands daily routine. While the bands weren't headlining arenas, it provided a very good living for them. The artists kept their integrity. Now this seems to be the paradigm, when there is no alternative. It wasn't an alternative for these acts or me 10 years ago, which we realized and used it to our advantage.

The ABBA Museum

I had no idea an ABBA museum was planned. It's been delayed. Mama Mia!

ABBA (AP) Opening Of ABBA Museum Delayed 09/11/2008 STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- The opening of a museum dedicated to Swedish pop group ABBA has been delayed. The initial target for the opening was June 2009, but project co-founder Ulf Westman said Thursday the renovation of the building will take longer than expected because it is "more complicated than what was predicted earlier." Westman did not say when the museum might open.

I tried to think of other musicians that have their own museum and only country stars came to mind. I will never forget my first trip to Nashville, besides meeting then Senator Al Gore, I walked into the Barbara Mandrell museum and there on it's own perch was the car that she was driving in 1984 when she was involved in a head on collision. Later this was renacted in the TV movie, Get To The Heart, starring Maureen McCormick as Barbara. Needless to say the car was a wreck. I found it to be a very strange introduction to a musician that I had limited knowledge of. Needless to say, I always think of that car when I hear her name.

More Cowbell

The SNL skit with Christopher Walken as the record producer who tells "Blue Oyster Cult" the problem with Don't Fear the Reaper is it needs more cowbell, is legendary. Will Ferrell is the one playing the cowbell. I bought my husband a Tshirt that says More Cowbell. He gets comments on it. Now there is a website called morecowbell.dj that allows you to upload any MP3 and add cowbell and Christopher Walken. It takes at least a minute. I uploaded It's Too Late by Carole King. It's pretty funny. It surprised me that the cowbell was in snyc with the song. I'm sure this site will be getting plenty of traffic.

Songs For Sale

A start up called SongVest is holding an auction for "fans" to buy a piece of the writer's share of a song. Traditionally a song's ownership is divided into a publisher and a writers share. Sometimes the writer keeps the publishing other times she/he sells a portion or all of her/his publishing rights to a publishing company such as EMI Music. Usually between the two of them, they decide if or where the song gets placed, such as commercials, in a film, etc. SongVest has partnered with songwriters or their heirs to auction off pieces of the writer's share to raise money for the writer of the song. SongVest would receive 25-40% of the total raised according to an article in the WSJ today. "Fans" that buy a share of the song would receive royalties. It is not clear how royalties are paid out or what % a shareholder would receive. SongVest's banner is Music Memorabilia with Royalty Checks.

On the site's FAQ's. The following is posted for the seller, which seems to cloud the money issue a a bit more:

What charges can I expect if I sell my song through SongVest?
a. Minimum Commission An industry standard seller’s commission between 10% -15% will be applied if your song sells, unless otherwise specified in the contract.
b. Unsold Charge If the bidding does not exceed your reserve price and the song goes unsold, an industry standard charge would normally be applied. This fee is currently being waived.
c. Platinum Award The tangible piece of the sale is a one-of-a-kind platinum album wall plaque. The charge for a double platinum award is $400 and a single platinum award is $300 plus shipping and handling. .
d. Tax Please consult your accountant on any tax related issues.
e. Thompson & Thompson Search If a search is required, the cost to do so will be paid by the seller.

One of the songs that will soon be up for auction is near and dear to my love of music: (Theme from) The Monkees written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. The 60's had such a great run of successful writing duos and Boyce/Hart were right behind King/Goffin and Weil/Mann. I played that Monkees first record so much that I'm surprised I still have it in one piece today. The album cover is a bit tattered. Another Boyce/Hart track up for auction is the theme from Days of Our Lives. Mark Hudson of the Hudson Brothers fame, as well as the father of Kate has quite a few of his songs up for auction.

Of course it makes me think that the writers of these songs are selling as they need the money now. It must be heartbreaking to give up a piece of yourself. I've never met a songwriter who didn't fell like everyone of their songs is a part of them. My first impression was more money people starting a "music company" to extract every dime out of anything they can, then it occurred to me that the writer might really benefit financially in a way that royalties alone might not.

On a design note: SongVest's website looks way too much like Sirius' website.

The Baseball Project

Rock n' roll vets Scott McCaughey and Steve Wynn have an unhealthy love for music undermined only by an even more unhealthy love of baseball. The compatriots blend their two passions with The Baseball Project -- Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails.

Scott is not only a nice guy, but a great musician who put together The Baseball Project. Two of my favorite things are music and baseball. I heard Satchel Paige Said today on Sirius Disorder and had to investigate.

No Barracuda

During the Democrats convention I paid a lot more attention to the music as it seemed more prevalent or maybe I was just more curious as to what they were going to use. Chris Willman wrote a piece in EW exploring the use of the songs and how none of them were actually approved by the artist, which seems like a violation of copyright.

Step in Nancy Wilson of Heart, who's song Barracuda was played last night for a second time at the appearance of Sarah Palin. This after a plea from Nancy to stop the association. This was posted on the band's website:

Rock Group Heart Condemn The Use of The Song Barracuda at The Republican Convention
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart have informed the McCain/Palin Campaign that Universal Music Publishing and Sony BMG have sent a cease-and-desist notice to not use one of Heart's classic songs "Barracuda," as the congratulatory theme for Sarah Palin.
The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.
"We have asked the Republican campaign not to use our music.

We hope our wishes will be honored."

Dave Stewart Reveals All

Dave Stewart, most prominently known as one half of Eurythmics, has a book out: The Dave Stewart Songbook: The Stories Behind The Songs - Volume One. He reveals the stories behind the songs he's written or co-written. His interview on Howard Stern this morning was very revealing, which makes me think his book is probably a fun read. He talked about his one night stand with Stevie Nicks. Early in his career he was playing LA and Stevie was at the gig. He approached her and said I want to be your boyfriend. Fast forward to later that night, he's in her house, people are in another room doing drugs, he has no idea where he is, finds a bedroom and falls asleep. Hours later Stevie enters his room and sex insues (with leather and chains, not lace). Unbeknownst to Stewart, Stevie has just broken up with Joe Walsh the day before. Who knew they were an item? Joe shows up at her house the next morning. Stewart is still there and Stevie tells Joe "Don't Come Around Here No More", hence the classic Tom Petty song was born.

The Sheild is Back

According to an article in the NY Times we have 12 more episodes left, which is 3 more than I thought they were offering. The first show of the last season had me on edge once again. The Shield is a rarity: it hasn't jumped the shark. I can't say the show gets better as it is consistently great. Everyone's family is in danger. Vic got a reprieve of 30 days to stay at the Barn and Shane is so deep in trouble that the only thing that can help him are Vic and Ronnie. Welcome back!

Music and the Convention

The Democratic Convention has come to an end. There were some powerful moments and some tearjerkers. Did you see Joe Biden's son's introduction? Through it all I was very aware of the music, whether it be in the background, on the stage at Invesco Field or closing out the night. There were some interesting choices. I would love to know who was calling the music shots or did those speaking, chose their own anthems? Here are some comments in no particular order.

I couldn't help but smile when Al Gore walked on and off the stage to Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In. I still have my 45 of that song by The Fifth Dimension. I'm guessing it wasn't chosen for the Hair/hippy aspect of the song, but taken literally as we're saving the planet, the sun is shinning, let's all recycle.

Hillary Clinton's choice of music in the video that played before her speech, could have been on any rock fan's mixed party tape: You Really Got Me, Are You Gonna Go My Way and my favorite of all the songs played, Tom Petty's American Girl. Bill Clinton exited to U2's Beautiful Day.

Caroline Kennedy entered to Sweet Caroline, which Neil Diamond revealed for Caroline's 50th birthday that he was inspired to write the song by a photo of the president's daughter. Michael McDonald sang American the Beautiful.

Sheryl Crow was on hand (as she is for almost any event) and was followed by Stevie Wonder, whose music bookended the convention. Isn't She Lovely was played after Michelle Obama's speech and last night he performed (with Take 6) Fears Can't Put Your Dreams to Sleep, which I believe PBS said was played at Barak's wedding followed by a rousing Signed Sealed Delivered which he dedicated to Barak and Michelle. I don't think there was one person in that stadium that did not know that song. John Legend also bookended, but both his performances were live, the latter with Will I Am.

The strangest choice of music surrounded the man of the hour. After Barak's speech the sounds of Brooks and Dunn's Only In America surrounded the stadium. I wouldn't peg him as a B&D fan. This was followed by what sounded to me like music from the Ponderosa, which I later read was the soundtrack music from the film Remember the Titians, written by Trevor Rabin.

If I chose candidates based on the music, Hillary would get my vote at this convention.

Irma Thomas "Simply Grand"

Irma Thomas' new record, Simply Grand contains 14 songs with piano accompaniment by Randy Newman, Norah Jones, John Medeski and Dr John to name a few. She talked about music today in an article in the WSJ. "A lot of music today is not giving the rawness it should. It's losing something with the technicality of it." In reference to vocal-enhancement technology, she called it "a gimmick" She recorded her new record in New Orleans, LA and NY using one day to lay down each track. When asked about the challenges of recording an album in 14 days with just a few hours for a session with each of the above mentioned musicians she elaborated, "when you have two professionals in the studio who are both confident that the other will enhance the other, then all you do is run through it, find the key, verses and bridge." In response to comparing this recording to live performing Irma says "when you walk on stage, you don't have time to technically rip a song apart. You just go out there and sing. That's what you want to capture." Here's a lady who's been doing it for a long time and these are words for musicians to live by. Amen.

What Was That Dress Thing?

I'm still having a hard time with London's contribution to the closing Olympic ceremonies. With all the music talent that has come out of England, they chose Leona Lewis, the winner of the TV show The X Factor (Simon Cowell's version of Pop Idol) to perform with Jimmy Page to represent London. On top of a double decker bus, the two went at Whole Lotta Love. In the middle of the song, Leona rose to new heights as she was hydraulically raised another 8 feet or so into the air, the long train of her dress following her. This seems to be a trend with female singers. Carrie Underwood utilized it when opening for Keith Urban. Neither singer was able to move while performing, probably for fear of breaking their collar bone from a tumble. Performers have been elevating on platforms for years, but not with their dress getting longer and longer as the fear of falling is written all over their faces. It's cheesy and it takes away from the song and singer. Leona is a capable singer, but should not be tackling a classic like Whole Lotta Love. Jimmy Page is a rock god and still looks like he's having fun. All of these elements along with David Beckham who looked like he would rather be anywhere else and it was embarrassing, especially when held up to the spectacular opening and closing orchestrated by Zhang Yimou along with Chinese choreographers Zhang Jigang and Chen Weiya.

iTunes Subscription Service?

This appeared on MacDailyNews:

RUMOR: Apple to hold special event in late September to debut iTunes Music subscriptions, more
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 09:03 AM EDT

An anonymous tipster has told MacDailyNews that Apple will hold a special media event in late September that will discuss and/or announce the following. The information that the source provided, verbatim:

• MobileMe, iPhone, iPod Touch
- Enable disk use
- When enabled for disk use, iDisk folder accessible
- iDisk app
- Viewable formats can be opened, other formats grayed out
- Button to sync with MobileMe
- Photo syncing support via MobileMe
- October launch

• iTunes Unlimited
- 256 Kbps music; highest quality digital music subscription service ever
- 50% of U.S. store available for iTunes Unlimited at launch, U.S.-only launch
- Available through iTunes or retail box a la MobileMe, funds applied through iTunes gift cards cannot be used towards subscription purchase
- $129.99 stand-alone or $179.99 with MobileMe, current MobileMe subscribers can add iTunes Unlimited for $99.99
- One-year subscription period
- Current a la carte options unchanged
- When signed in to subscription account, “Buy” is “Get”
- “Download and Play throughout iTunes Unlimited Subscription” or “Buy and Keep”
- “Buy and Keep” option available for downloaded subscription songs, purchased version replaces subscription version

Microsoft Ads About Nothing

Jerry Seinfeld is the new pitchman for Microsoft. The ads will start appearing Sept 4. According to the WSJ: "Microsoft weary of being cast as a stodgy oldster by Apple's advertising, is turning for help to Jerry Seinfeld." The campaign is reported to cost $300 million with $30 million of that going into Jerry's pockets. Microsoft is trying to turn the tide on the negative publicity they have gotten from their Vista operating system. The article said that other celebrities were considered such as Will Ferrell and Chris Rock. It seems to me that if you want to connect with a younger audience and cast doubt on Apple's smart, sassy Mac Vs. PC ads, they go with Will or Chris. My bet would be on Chris.

Jerry's show went off the air in 1998, although it's all over the place in syndication. Does he still resonate with people? I was a faithful viewer of Seinfeld when it originally aired. I find it hard watching it now. It does not hold up the way I Love Lucy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show and more recently, Everybody Loves Raymond has. Jerry hasn't been in the public eye recently, except for his misguided comments on Letterman attacking the woman who's publishing company accused his wife of plagiarizing a cookbook. It seems to me that both Will Ferrell (bring back "More Cowbell") and/or Chris Rock would be much more in tune with todays audience. Everybody Hates Chris is a wonderful show that every parent should make their kids watch. Watch full episodes on the shows site. Wasn't Will's website behind the Paris Hilton rebuttal to the crazy McCain ads? Many watched and it was well done. Bill Gates will be appearing in the ads with Jerry. I'll be watching closely to see if this ad campaign brings a hipper image to Microsoft.

Note: Only Chris Rock's website URL is his name. Neither Jerry or Will's name will link to a site.

Rock & Roll Heaven

It's been said that celebrity deaths come in threes. In the past few days we've lost two music legends: Isaac Hayes and Jerry Wexler. Yesterday Dave Matthews Band sax player LeRoi Moore died at age 45 from complications from a vehicle accident.

John Rich Claims to Know What Johnny Cash Would Do

Apparently John Rich is now throwing around Johnny Cash's name like he's been in touch with him recently. As an avid McCain supporter, he has stated that he knows Johnny Cash would support McCain also. How can you speak for someone who can no longer speak for themselves? Rosanne Cash was none too happy with the use of her father's name. Eloquent as ever, she had this to say on her website:

Regarding the Use of My Father’s Name To Further Political Agendas:
August 15, 2008: It is appalling to me that people still want to invoke my father’s name, five years after his death, to ascribe beliefs, ideals, values and loyalties to him that cannot possibly be determined, and to try to further their own agendas by doing so. I knew my father pretty well, at least better than some of those who entitle themselves to his legacy and his supposed ideals, and even I would not presume to say publicly what I ‘know’ he thought or felt. This is especially dangerous in the case of political affiliation.
It is unfair and presumptuous to use him to bolster any platform. I would ask that my father not be co-opted in this election for either side, since he is clearly not here to defend or state his own allegiance.

Rosanne Cash

The Two Joans

Have they been talking to each other? Both have albums impacting radio this week and here are the titles:
JOAN BAEZ "God Is God"
JOAN OSBORNE "Hallelujah In The City"

Sampling: Easy Way Out or Genius

Today I was hit twice with the sample as a song issue. On Howard Stern they discussed Kid Rock's All Summer Long-not to be confused with the Beach Boys' song of the same name (although I'd like to hear Kid Rock's version of that song). Sampling might be too loose a word, he uses the backing track for Werewolves of London throughout the song, except when he samples the guitar riff from Sweet Home Alabama. It's a fun song about his younger days in Detroit and it's a big hit. When a musician takes a song(s) that already exists and creates different lyrics and adds his/her vocal to it, is it genius or just taking the easy way out? Both songs have very recognizable instrumental parts, which Kid Rock is capitalizing on. It's always easier to get people to listen to something that is familiar, then to get them involved in something experimental that doesn't strike a chord until years later.

Today's Record of the Day is Girls by the Sugababes. It's a fun upbeat song that is basically a slightly reworked version of Ernie K. Doe's Here Comes the Girls. Not much difference in the Sugababes version to me. They'll probably have a hit with this.
Both are fun songs that don't ask too much of the listener, making them perfect for the dog days of summer.

What Does the Artist Think About Tix Prices?

I have been obsessing over Cheap Trick lately. Can't listen to enough. I need to see them live as it's been a few years. They are on the road with Heart and Journey and are opening the show with a 45 minute set, which probably means they'll play the hits but I wouldn't get to hear Top Of The World or Say Goodbye. I went on the Jones Beach website, where this show played Thursday night, to check out ticket prices and my eyes nearly fell out. They were in the range of $65 for the cheapest seats, all the way into the $500 (this gets you the first few rows, VIP parking and tent) range with most tickets falling in the $150 range. I don't have the numbers yet on this show, but the tour is doing well, in most cases selling out the venues. Both Cheap Trick and Heart are still in tact, but the lead singer of Journey was found on YouTube and I'm sure it's Journey that is packing then in. Journey has had their share of lead singers.

People that buy the first few rows at this price are either independently wealthy or get their company to buy the tickets. In this economy, the vast majority will not have a grand to spend on one show. In this case, I'm guessing these are the people who would like a glass of wine or cocktail to go with their concert (who wouldn't?). I can't imagine they are the ones who know the lyrics to every song, can list all the tracks in order on side one of Evolution or stand up and clap, scream, etc. As a musician, don't you want the dedicated fans, the ones who know every album, the ones who know what your kids are named in the first few rows as that's probably all you can see anyway? Don't you want the excitement coming from the front and spreading to the back? Don't you want the rest of the venue to see the front rows standing and cheering every song? I'm guessing that doesn't happen when the ticket prices are that high. Maybe I'm wrong, I haven't seen the show. I know there is money to made, but isn't a show that packs energy, leaves the fan begging for more, a lot more satisfying. Maybe not. No one is getting any younger.

The PS to this story: On the Cheap Trick message board fans stated that the show started 45 minutes last, it was raining, the band only played for 25 minutes and here is the set list:
Oh Claire, 70's Song, California Man, I Want You To Want Me, The Flame, Surrender, Goodnight Now, Dream Police

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame gets a NY Annex for At Least 2 Years

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going on the road to New York -- the city that spawned hip-hop and gave Bob Dylan and the Ramones their start.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday that the Cleveland-based museum is opening an annex in downtown Manhattan. It is the first of several planned outposts that will take its collection of artifacts to a wider audience, possibly as far as the Middle East.

Billy Joel and Clive Davis joined the mayor at the location in SoHo where the branch will open in November. Joel, who said he was donating some memorabilia to the museum, recalled how he has played every New York venue from Carnegie Hall to Shea Stadium.

"New York gave me my words and my music, and rock and roll gave me a place for that music to live," Joel said.

The 25,000-square-foot annex will house Bruce Springsteen's 1957 Chevy and will feature a number of different exhibits, including one with sites around the city that have musical significance.

"There really isn't a more fitting spot for this museum than New York, the hometown of hall of famers like the Velvet Underground, Paul Simon and Blondie ... this is where Ed Sullivan met the Beatles, where Lou Reed took a walk on the wild side," Bloomberg said.

The New York annex will be open for a minimum of two years, longer if it proves successful. It's backed financially by Running Subway Productions, a New York-based entertainment company known for "Bodies ... The Exhibition" and the Broadway production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"

Among the planned exhibits is "New York Rocks," which is dedicated to Big Apple artists such as Joel and the Talking Heads' David Byrne. The exhibit will feature an interactive map of musically significant Manhattan locations such as Studio 54 and the landmarked Chelsea Hotel, whose guests and residents have included many famous artists and musicians including the Sex Pistols' Sid Vicious. The front awning and cash register of the recently closed club CBGB will be on display.

A number of exhibits that appeared in Cleveland will also make their way to New York, beginning with the museum's look at the Clash.

Admission at the New York annex will be $26 for adults. The Cleveland museum charges $22 for adult admission.

I wonder if the first exhibit will focus on the Clash in NY. I have plenty of ticket stubs: The Palladium (before it became a dorm), Bonds, etc..... Why is Studio 54 being featured? I don't remember any rock & roll happening there. Lots of sex and drugs, but not much rock and roll.

Greetings from Beijing

Steve King is working the Olympics. He took some great photos. My favorite is this one of a trash can. If you can't see the translation, it reads: Protect Circum Stance begin with me.

Celebrating Misdaventures In Stereo at Joe's Pub

There was not a space to be filled on the stage at Joe's Pub last night. Jim Boggia and his very large band celebrated the release of his new album by performing the entire album, which can be purchased on CD and/or vinyl. He encouraged the audience to buy two copies of the LP and play simultaneously, as it's recorded in mono. Mono made me think of Pet Sounds. Pet Sounds co-writer is Tony Asher. Tony Asher co-wrote with Jim, Chalk One Up for Albert's Sake. Last night the horn section added that borderline melancholy Pet Sounds feeling to the song. The drum fills and vocals at the end of the song were pure Pet Sounds. Adding these little touches to the song hinted at its co-writer's pedigree. The song’s opening reminded me of a faster version of the Rascals’ Girl Like You. All of this, makes for a multi-layered, good pop song. As I’ve said before, I think one of the endearing things about Jim is he wears his influences on his sleeve.

An aside: On leaving the show, my friend Sean and I were contemplating that there are two songs we can think of with the name Albert (remember Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey?) in the title, which also happens to be my father and brother's name. We couldn't come up with one song with Sean (or Shawn) in the title.

Jim reaches back into his musical memory for songs like 8 Track, a fun, put the top down, Rubinoos type song and Listening to NRBQ. Both songs evoke the days when radio was king, albums were listened to on both Side A and Side B and liner notes were read.

Ben Carroll joined Jim on stage (at this point it was only Jim and Ben) to add vocals to a touching acoustic version of On Your Birthday which Jim co-wrote with David Poe. Jim usually plays at least one cover and it was a soulful version of I’d Rather Be Blind, which has been recorded by Etta James and Faces.

A great live performance is made that much better when the backing singers and band are having too much fun. This was clearly happening. In the trio of singers was Kate who performed with him at his last NY show. Their energy combined with Mr Boggia’s had me clapping along and having a great time. I guarantee you’ll have a smile on your face during and after a Jim Boggia show.

Clash Bootleg

The Clash's October 13, 1982 performance at Shea Stadium is soon to be release on Sony Legacy. Announced in Billboard this week, the album will contain the following songs:

Kosmo Vinyl Introduction
"London Calling"
"Police on My Back"
"Guns Of Brixton"
"Tommy Gun"
"The Magnificent Seven"
"Armagideon Time"
"The Magnificent Seven"
"Rock the Casbah"
"Train in Vain"
"Career Opportunities"
"Spanish Bombs"
"Clampdown"
"English Civil War"
"Should I Stay or Should I Go"
"I Fought the Law"

Sigh, no Lost In a Supermarket ...
Legacy does things right, so I'm looking forward to this package. It will be interesting to see if this release coincides with the final weeks of post season play at Shea. As a Mets fan, I can hope, can't I?

Sony to Buy Back BMG

Is anyone else scratching their head? Sony Corp agreed to buy Bertelsmann's half of their SonyBMG Music venture. According to the WSJ, Sony hopes this will give it an inexpensive way to bolster it's consumer-electronics business. In the past Sony, has not been successful in building synergies between it's divisions. Do they believe this will work now? In the bulk of cases, they will have to get artists approval before they make any moves. I'm not sure I see Springsteen letting them use Glory Days for a new Sony TV ad. It remains to be seen where this acquisition will lead them.

Jim Boggia @ Joe's Pub

7:30pm on Tuesday August 12th see Jim Boggia @ Joe's Pub-There will be a lot on the small stage. He's playing with a large band to celebrate the release of Misadventures In Stero.

The Pretenders Free Each Week

The new Pretenders album will be given away track by track each week. It kicks off this week with spinner.com releasing Boots of Chinese Plastic. Each week the band's website will list the next web space to find a new track. Break Up The Concrete has Chrissie working with guitarist James Walbourne, pedal steel from Eric Heywood, and the rhythm section of bassist Nick Wilkinson and drummer Jim Keltner.

Wrigley's Gum - The Hitmaker

It's nothing new for an advertisement to contain a pop song. It is usual when an artist, in this case Chris Brown, records a new song, Forever, which incorporates the tag line to the ad campaign: Double your pleasure, double your fun. It's the right one, Doublemint gum and the song charts in the Billboard Top 100, even before it's released in an ad. Wrigley's did not disclose how much they paid Mr Brown for his service, but they additionally picked up all the recording costs. His record label Jive, was at first reluctant to release the single. Why would they hesitate? Another company is paying recording costs? Seems like a no-brainier. Was the label afraid of selling out? There are different versions of the song for radio ads, etc, but they are pretty close to the original. Translation Advertising created the campaign. Also recording songs which will remain as spots are Julianne Hough and Ne-Yo. I would love to know how much influence this song will have on the consumer and will it sell more gum? I can't imagine this is a low budget campaign. How much gum will they have to sell to break even? Here's the link to the WSJ article.

For years I've been surprised that advertisers don't sponsor a whole album, much the same way BMW was the sole sponsor on the premier episode of Mad Men last night. Recording costs can be relatively inexpensive and they can throw in producing a video. Maybe the video features the sponsor's item. The sponsor can promote the album through their regular advertising channels. They have all the music they need to promote their product, the artists gets the recognition they need and everyone is happy.

The New Wave of Music Reminds Me of the Old

I'm not sure if listening to music for so many years has given me a very broad music reference library in my head. Why do 4 out of 5 songs I hear on Record of the Day sound exactly like something that could have been recorded more than 20 years ago? Is it a younger group of musicians discovering music I grew up with and having it seep into their subconscious psyche?
Here are a few examples. These references came to mind within a few seconds of hearing the song:

Maybe I'm Crazy is a demo by two musicians called Mike. This could be a Nick Gilder song. He recorded Hot Child In The City. Surprised no one had a hit with that again. There was something pleasantly pop and sleazy going on in that song.

Avenue is a pop band out of the UK. They are being touted as the next boy band. Their song Last Goodbye is Rick Springfield without the 80's production and keyboards. It's actually a good song if you don't watch the video, which drags the track down. Rick Springfield had tons of energy in his live show. From the video I've seen, they do not share that same energy. The track is full of it, but the lads aren't translating that. They do pogo though.

VV Brown another Brit, wants to be the modern Ruth Brown. You can hear the influence in Crying Blood. The R&B/pop revival coming from the UK, initiated by Amy Winehouse is in full swing. This is one from left field, but even with the remixes, this song reminds me of Freddy Cannon: He of Palisades Park and Action fame. View his performance of Action on YouTube. Avenue must have been studying his moves. Action was the theme song to Where the Action Is, penned by Boyce and Hart. The show's hosts were Paul Revere and the Raiders and it took musicians to a different location each week. It's not that Crying Blood specifically sounds like one of Freddy's songs, it reminds me of all of his songs.

Both Avenue and VV are on Island Records.

Is there anything worse than a Blown Save?

Is there any worse than a Blown Save, when it's your team that is blowing the save? Mark called at 2pm to say he had 4 tickets for me for the game: Phillies and Santana! I'm there. At 9:30 the game at Shea was moving along nicely with the Mets ahead 5-2. The Shea air was stagnant, with the threat of a storm but it held off. Never feeling like I can breath a sigh of relief no matter how many runs are on the board, I was ready for the top of the 9th. The guy seated behind me had yelled a few innings earlier that he knew the game would be tied. He underestimated things. The Mets needed 3 outs to be in sole possession of first place - something that has eluded the team this year. The Philles pounded on Sanchez. Joe Smith got the ground ball, but Reyes had a problem figuring out what to do with it. The rest is depressing. Maybe the bigger question here is WHY AREN'T STARTING PITCHERS ALLOWED TO PITCH THE 9TH INNING ANYMORE?????

Concert Going Can Be Fatal To Your Eyesight

Dozens Blinded By Lasers At Russian Festival

MOSCOW (AP) - A laser show at an outdoor music festival near Moscow burned the retinas of more than 30 people and some may lose their sight, Russian news reports said Monday.

Some concertgoers lost up to 80 percent of their vision after attending the Aquamarine Music Festival on July 5, the newspaper Kommersant reported. According to the reports, concertgoers said the festival's dance floor was covered by a canopy because it was raining. The lasers were pointed horizontally under the tent instead of into the sky, which led to the injuries, the reports said.

Statues, All Stars and Omnipresent Jerseys

Between yesterday and today, I photographed all the major league team-represented Statues of Liberty. If you remember the cows that were painted and placed all over the city years ago, or the angels in LA, this is that sort of thing. One difference is all of these were done by the same company with one exception. There are 42 statues. I captured the 30 teams and Shea Stadium, which was my favorite. It would have made for a more interesting trek if each was unique and I would have spent more than about 30 second at each statue. Even with a 30 second stop time, I think I spent about 7-8 hours in total getting from place to place. An unlimited Metrocard made it easier.


The Astros statue seemed to be deep in thought or maybe just pondering Madonna's next visit to the Reebok gym which it is poised in front of.
This was the closest I could get to Ms Cubs. The area is near the Stock Exchange which is closely guarded.

Whenever there is an event in New York, the city is nicer, happier and more polite. People wanted to know how many photos you got so far, do you want me to take your photo with the statue, etc. The ironic thing is everyone I encountered was a Mets or Yankee fan. I'm sure there are plenty out-of-towners here for the game (I've witnessed many a Boston Jersey), but I didn't see them taking photos or chatting. Maybe New Yorkers are just as crazy as the town we live in and what makes us tick are enjoying the unique things our home has to offer.

Parade of All Stars

The parade of All Stars is going on now on 6th Ave. This is what it looked like at 9:30am.

Playing the Building

"Buildings make noises: radiators, pipes, creaks and rattles. I sensed that this could be a little more organized and maybe even musical." -David Byrne as quoted in the Wall St Journal.

In a collaboration with Creative Time, David has devised a musical installation in the Battery Maritime Building, which is next to the Staten Island Ferry. For anyone who lives in NYC, the above quote describes everyday life. This past weekend I stopped by the exhibit to experience the music a building can create. The small organ that sits to the front of the room is connected with wires to different parts of the building: pipes, radiators, columns. Hitting an organ key can initiate a response from a hammer-like object that thumps on the radiator- a sound I am all too familiar with. I enjoyed watching people create the sounds, which resonate differently depending on where you are in the room. This is a 9000 sq ft empty space, so the sky is almost the limit on where it can go. Taking in each section of the room, I felt a sort of calm and meditative state take over, not was I was expecting from the daily noises that bug me.

David has created a little oasis in NY, using the music that surrounds our everyday life.

10 South Street, New York, NY
31 May – 24 August 2008
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Noon – 6PM (Free)

Vinyl Will Not Be Saving the Music Industry Anytime Soon

There has been so much written and much buzzed about vinyl albums making a huge comeback. According to this posting on triplearadio.com :

Nielsen Soundscan last week said that CD sales are down 16% in the past 12 months, while downloads have gone up 34% in the same time frame. What was really interesting is that vinyl sales have almost doubled this year so far, from 454,000 in 2007 to 803,000 so far in 2008.

Not even a million new vinyl records sold in the past 12 months. Even though it's double what it was the prior 12 months, that number is not enough for all albums sold to qualify as a platinum record. It's an interesting point, but until that number is in multiple millions, it doesn't mean much as a statistic.

Ozzy and Family: The Variety Show

TV Week announced that the Osbournes will be back with a variety show on Fox produced by FremantleMedia North America, the people that bring you American Idol.

The article states: Mr. Osbourne, wife Sharon and offspring Jack and Kelly all will participate in the show, which will resemble modern-day European variety shows that mix elements of competition, stunts and performances. One person familiar with the pitch compared it to a combination of the popular Spanish-language series "Sabado Gigante," "Saturday Night Takeaway" and the German game-show format "Wetten, dass?" (Wanna Bet?).

The New Wham!

This song lead me to believe this is the new Wham!: "Learnalilgivinanlovin" by Gotye. Some of the other stuff does toe the Wham! line.

The Nick Hornby Influence

I've been noticing a trend in books by male authors about their work experience: they all must must be faithful fans of High Fidelity. I can site two recent reads: Then We Came To The End and Rock On. One tackles working in the high tech sector as the Internet bubble is bursting, the other captures the end of big spending at a major record label. Both try to inject the humor that Nick Hornby does so well, but it seems forced in both books. Rock On depicts Dan Kennedy's year and a half in the marketing department at Atlantic Records circa 2003. Although the names have been changed to monikers like Ms Chocolate Chip or Rush Hair, I recognized some of these people from my time managing Athenaeum. His depiction of a label marketing meeting seems pretty accurate. An executive tried to pump everyone up on the latest signing who is there to perform for the staff. Everyone has to look interested and excited, whether they like the band or not. Granted everyone is not going to like every act, but it did seem like too many artists were getting signed on the strength of one and only one song, therefore, lacking substance. It's hard to rally behind that. I remember going into meetings at Warner Brothers around 1992 when the people that worked there couldn't wait to tell you what was coming out and how you had to have an advance of this record and pay attention to this new artist. At this time they released: Kiko by Los Lobos, Automatic for the People by REM, Blood Sugar Sex Magik by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few. Warners was THE place to be if you were a musician. That creative spirit was slowly squashed.

The author does a good job of pointing out the absurdity of the Jewel video Intuition. I hadn't seen the video, but of course it's on YouTube and he's right, it's absurd. There is a lot of truth in his book about what when on at the labels and it held my interest as I knew the players. I felt that Dan Kennedy tried a little to hard to add his Nick Hornby to this book-there are plenty of lists- and it just didn't connect the way High Fidelity did. If you want insight into a microcosm of the influence of last days of the major labels, this might be the book for you.

30 Days

Prior to last night, I had only seen Morgan Spurlock's FX show 30 Days once before. I never know when it's on. It's a well-crafted, educational, entertaining show and FX should be spreading the word. I think everyone has seen Super Size Me, Morgan's documentary on the dangers of a fast food diet. I stumbled upon 30 Days last night after watching a minisode of Rescue Me, which is probably not returning to TV until next March. This is just enough time for me to forget last season, which was disappointing. A minisode is 4 minutes of I'm guessing outtake scenes from the show to keep viewer interested, as the show won't be on in it's usual summer slot. At 10:06 30 Days came on. The episode involved a married Mormon woman who had two adopted boys spending 30 days with a gay couple who have 4 adopted boys. She does not believe that same sex partners should be allowed to have children. Watching these two camps try to understand each other was painful. The woman was sticking to her beliefs which she stated came to her from God. The men were trying to explain that they also heard from God and were doing his will. The men had a loving household, took 4 children from foster care and gave them a good home, which the woman witnessed, but still could not come to terms with. After viewing the living condition of foster children in that area, her conviction still held true and she would not say that it's better to be in a gay household then be left in a group home. Morgan views both sides of the story and you hear from kids who were raised by gays, gays who are fighting for parental rights and the actual birth mother of one the the adopted boys. The show is not judgmental and does not lead to a conclusion, which is more fair than many investigative news programs on the networks. If you haven't seen it yet, put it on your to do list. I think it's safe to say that the show airs at 10 or 10:06pm Tuesday nights.

Lefsetz on Carlin

I think Bob Lefsetz summed up George Carlin the best by saying...

If you look at Carlin's track record, it's akin to the Beatles'. He was more consistent than the Stones, even though he worked just as long. And even though we loved his greatest hits, we always wanted to hear his new stuff. Carlin wasn't calcified, he was positively alive.

Live Nation: Spend? Wait? Exit the Chairman?

Is the buying spree at Live Nation coming to an end or just starting? Michael Cohl who sold his concert promotion company to Live Nation and then became it's Chairman thinks the deals need to cease until they can prove the formula a winner. Chief Executive Michael Rapino thinks more 360 deals should be happening. 360 deals are those in which an artists puts all his/her eggs in one basket. In most cases the company that makes the deal with you gets a piece of record royalties, touring, merchandise, etc. essentially anything that you make money from, possibly publishing being the only exception. Live Nation has taken a financial leap by signing Madonna and Jay-Z to deals totaling $270 million in guaranteed money to those artists. These seem like two crazy deals in the current music atmosphere. Since Live Nation announced the Madonna deal, their stock has fallen 44% and that of course is the number everyone looks to. Give me the days when Warner Brothers signed an act they liked and took two to three album cycles to develop the act. Careers were made, the acts had fans and fans could afford to attend numerous shows. I heard somebody say the other day that Madonna tickets were $400 a piece. I guess Live Nation has to try and make the money back somehow and justify the signing to their shareholders. Younger people can't afford those prices! Most people can't afford that number! If she had a faithful audience, this is a great way to lose them. Randy Meisner, one of the original Eagles and the author of their classic, Take It To The Limit, was quoted in Rolling Stone last month as saying how much money do you really need?

Attic Lights & the Beach Boys' Drummer

Last night my friend and producer Craig Levy and I toasted to the reissue of Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blue. (This link will bring you to Amazon where there is a short video about the record.) The one and only solo album from the Beach Boys drummer. I still have it on vinyl and love this record. It's great to have it back. In a coincidence, I was looking at the myspace site of Attic Lights, a Glasgow band, who have a Beach Boys related sound. Their debut record comes out this August, produced by Francis MacDonald (Teenage Fanclub, Camera Obscura and Shoeshine Records). Bring You Down which is from the soon to be released record has Beach Boys harmonies and production all over it. There on their Myspace blog is a reference to purchasing the Dennis Wilson album. It always puts a smile on my face (as well as makes me seek out their music) when young musicians revere and reference the music that I hold dear and sacred.

Disney Tween Machine Moves On

Disney is grooming Demi Lovato to be the heir apparent to Miley Cyrus' Hannah Montana. Demi is 15, slated to open on the sold out Jonas Brothers tour and has the lead in the new Disney Channel movie "Camp Rock". The movie premiers this Friday. As is usual with Disney deals, she is also signed to Hollywood Records, Disney's label. She's enlisted the Jonas Brothers as co-writers and co-producers on the album. She refers to her own writing as dark and said "I'm more of a writer whose stuff wouldn't make it on a Disney album," therefore Jonas inc, will help pop things up. The record comes out in November. I'll be curious to hear this album. It seems to me a big leap of faith on Disney's part to let the 15 year old participate in the creative process, which is usually tightly controlled by Disney.

This leads me to another TV creation, the Monkees. Why do I find myself revisiting those old albums as much as I do "Pet Sounds" or "London Calling"? It's all about the songs. How can you go wrong when you have Carole King, Neil Diamond and Boyce & Hart penning tunes for you. Eventually the band members were able to share in the songwriting, although Mike Nesmith always got a tune in there. Papa Gene's Blues from the debut is a standout. I wonder if Demi can have a hit, without proven songwriters behind her.

The Police and New York Public Television

Both WNET and WLIW, New York public television stations will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the final Police date August 7th at Madison Square Garden. The only way to get tickets is through a pledge to the stations. Tickets will be available beginning Saturday, June 14 at 7:30pm. There will be a broadcast of a Police special at that time on both channels. Pledges start at $150 for a pair and go as high as $750 a pair. There are also higher priced VIP tickets. As expected, the higher the donation, the better the seats. There will be an additional Ticketmaster and facility charge. It did note this: *Ticketmaster is donating their event service charges to New York Public Television. This is a very creative way to help public television, whose funding seems to dwindle each year. I applaud the Police's commitment. The B52's will be opening the show. It's 1979 all over again.

A Musican can be an Actor, but An Actor Cannot be a Musician

If there is a successful actor who has made the transition to successful musician, I'd like to know who it is. I'm talking about the actor whose first career is acting. This eliminates Rick Springfield who I know a lot of people think started on General Hospital. Long before he was a doctor on that show, he had a top 40 hit with Speak To The Sky. Sure John Travolta and David Soul had hits, (Can you name them?*) so did Shelley Fabares and Leif Garrett. But did they ever have a follow up hit? Remember Eddie Murphy's My Girl Like To Party All The Time? Most people don't.

It is with great interest, that I wanted to hear Scarlet Johansson's new album which is mostly Tom Waits covers. Yesterday they previewed a few tracks on the Howard Stern show. While I only heard about a minute each of a few songs, I am stumped by it. It is over, over produced by TV On The Radio's David Andrew Sitek. Was that done to mask her vocals? The vocals sound like they were recorded at 45 and played back at 331/3, backwards.

There are many musician who have had successful film careers, but never the other way around and it looks like that spell won't be broken with Scarlet's latest.

* Let Her In and Don't Give Up On Us

Another Music Exec Bites the Dust

Jason Flom who is for the moment Chairman of the Capitol Music Group, seems to be headed the way of Tony Wadsworth and company. He might be the last of the execs who actually listened to music. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that EMI is negotiating his exit. My one and only record company job was at Atlantic Records, when I was just out of college. Jason was there also and had just signed Zebra. His enthusiasm was over the top for that band. That was also the time when Yes had just completed Owner Of a Lonely Heart. Everyone was playing that song at 11. It's all you heard at Atlantic for weeks. I'm sure now at Atlantic or Capitol you can hear a pin drop.

AC/DC Coming to a Wal-Mart Near You

So AC/DC is going the way of the Eagles, in this case with the blessing of their record company, Sony BMG who brokered the deal. According to today's Wall St Journal, their next album of new material will be sold exclusively by Wal-Mart; therefore, excluding the remaining record retailers who have supported the band for years. Being that I work with Amoeba (3 record stores in CA, including the record store of all record stores in LA), I find this to be disheartening to say the least. Here's another artist that relied on these same stores in the past to get their music out there. I guess they feel that by putting the album exclusively in Wal-Mart, they'll be in front of more eyes and therefore, generate more impulse buying. Granted there are fewer and fewer record stores, but the ones that remain are dedicated to music. Can you say that about Wal-Mart? The article also mentioned that Wal-Mart is cutting back on CD shelf space in the stores. When Wal-Mart eliminates CD's where will these artists turn to? I'm surprised that AC/DC is taking this tactic. I felt they were a band of their fans. I'm sure their touring brings in plenty of dollars and CD sales are a slim margin of their profits, then again they did do a huge deal with Epic Records, which may be the reason for the sell out. How far will artists move away from the core of what made their careers? How important is it to alienate the believers to sell a few more units?

Copyright Holder Vs Performer

In an interesting twist in the world of copyright, Radiohead the writers of the song Creep are telling YouTubers to repost Prince's version of their song. Prince performed it at the Coachella Music Festival, fans recorded it and posted it. Prince is holding dear his own copyrights by asking everyone to cease posting unauthorized video of him, including his performance of Creep. In this case, he doesn't own the copyright. Lead singer of Radiohead Tom Yorke was quoted by the AP as saying "Tell him to unblock it. It's our ... song."