Wednesday, November 30, 2005
VINYL BRAIN DEBATE
George is all hot to press Brain Shivers on vinyl. This would constitute a dream come true for me. So what's the issue? He wants to do it solely on Vinyl. I argue that one must offer not only CD format, but download as well. An exclusive vinyl pressing limits the potential audience. George said to me: "How many of your friends don't have a phonograph?" I couldn't think of any off hand ( I actually can now, but last night I couldn't). My response was: "What about people I don't know." I certainly don't want to limit sales to my friends. I'm popular, but that's a seriously limited market. We asked those around us at the bar (Spuyten Duyvil), who has a turntable. One out of four had the capacity to play vinyl. George's argument is that vinyl is more marketable, it holds more interest, and value. But what value does it have to the three guys without a turntable?
My suggestion is to print 500 vinyl, and offer CD's at Cafe Press, and offer downloads from someplace like Emusic. Cover all the bases.
What thinks the public? When I say public, I mean the ten people who read my blog. Oh wait, I forgot, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Committee reads my blog, I wonder what they think?
At any rate it's a truly great record. In my opinion it's the second greatest record ever made, and it's the greatest record ever made that Alan Parson's had nothing to do with.
George is all hot to press Brain Shivers on vinyl. This would constitute a dream come true for me. So what's the issue? He wants to do it solely on Vinyl. I argue that one must offer not only CD format, but download as well. An exclusive vinyl pressing limits the potential audience. George said to me: "How many of your friends don't have a phonograph?" I couldn't think of any off hand ( I actually can now, but last night I couldn't). My response was: "What about people I don't know." I certainly don't want to limit sales to my friends. I'm popular, but that's a seriously limited market. We asked those around us at the bar (Spuyten Duyvil), who has a turntable. One out of four had the capacity to play vinyl. George's argument is that vinyl is more marketable, it holds more interest, and value. But what value does it have to the three guys without a turntable?
My suggestion is to print 500 vinyl, and offer CD's at Cafe Press, and offer downloads from someplace like Emusic. Cover all the bases.
What thinks the public? When I say public, I mean the ten people who read my blog. Oh wait, I forgot, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Committee reads my blog, I wonder what they think?
At any rate it's a truly great record. In my opinion it's the second greatest record ever made, and it's the greatest record ever made that Alan Parson's had nothing to do with.
NOBODY EXCEPT FRED BLOGGED WHILE I WAS AWAY
Nobody except Fred blogged while I was away. Actually, everybody blogged once, well, everybody except Dave who put up half a blog. Good effort Dave. I'd actually rather read about how you have nothing to say, than to have had nothing to read at all. I'm serious.
Nobody except Fred blogged while I was away. Actually, everybody blogged once, well, everybody except Dave who put up half a blog. Good effort Dave. I'd actually rather read about how you have nothing to say, than to have had nothing to read at all. I'm serious.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
THE BIG CRUISE
Stubing was Italian, Julie was a comedian, I never saw Doc, and I got to know Isaac very well.
Disclaimer: I love my Girlfriend, and her family. I had a great time with them. As much as I'm about to rant, all in all it was fun, and worth the hassle.
Departure day in Miami was a mess, but we finally managed to get on board - I went straight to the bar. Bucket of Heineken (4): $15.00.
It is possible to avoid the buffet, and I did so. You have to be open to a whole lot of pizza.
It is not possible to avoid the general public, but I tried.
"Fun Day at Sea" means endless hours of drinking. I managed this well.
Dinner every night at eight, table 293. Food actually decent. Can of Coke: $2.85.
First landfall (day three) Grand Cayman Island. There's not a lot to do except SCUBA and snorkel with the stingrays. Grand Cayman has an amazing reef, I'd never seen such an array of blue before. Mainly, we just wanted to get off the damn boat and have a meal prepared just for us. When I say we, I mean me. I'm a food snob. My Baby, bless her, puts up with me.
We found a nice place to eat, Corita's Copper Kettle, recommended by our cab driver. We had oxtail and fried seafood. I dig me some fish fry. It was here that I discovered that American Dollars are ubiquitous in the Caribbean. No need to exchange currency.
We walked along the harbor, bought some crap. I needed a hat, I opted for Gilligan style. We found a bar, and another, and then went back to the boat.
This is my main issue with the cruise, not enough time on land, and or, too much time on the boat. Drinks, however, are everywhere. I can get behind that issue.
The boat is, in essence, a floating hotel run by a cross between McDonalds and Disney.
Jamaica was a blast. Carnival Cruise Lines sponsors a slew of tours, but we wanted to do our own thing. As we walked off the pier, there was a crowd of cab drivers waving and calling to us. One of them sort of stood out, and I caught his eye. As he walked us to his cab, a mini van, he told me that he could take us on a tour of the island, it took him half a minute to work in the fact that he could score some herb; "No problem - good to go!"
'Mark' took us in his cab, first to score a couple of $20 bags (about an eighth), then he drove to another spot where he left us in his cab for a few nerve wracking minutes while he went inside a building to roll us up a few. It's legal to grow, posses, and smoke, but distribution is frowned upon. By who, I'm not sure, the shit is everywhere mon.
After he got back, I lit up. When I was good and stoned, he stopped the van, and gave us his speil, which was basically 100 bucks for a personal guided tour. Now, we knew we were getting taken advantage of, but since the official Carnival tours - with all those people - would have cost us 180 bucks, we figured it wasn't worth haggling over, we were saving money anyway. Besides, I was really high, which was part of his plan.
He drove us up Fern Gully, which was very cool. I've never been in a rain forest before. They're green you know. Very big leaves. Very interestingly shaped giant green leaves.
When we got to the top of the mountain, 'Mark' pulled over at a roadside souvenir stop where we got out and he basically sat back and laughed while we were assailed by a throng of Jamaicans trying to get us to part with dollars in exchange for crap. We weren't really interested in the souvenirs, we wanted to eat breakfast. After escaping the crowd of crap sellers, we sat down at an outside bar, a gazebo if you will, and had curry chicken, yucca, Red Stripe, and giant dumplings for breakfast. I felt like Capt. Willard in 'Apocalypse Now' when he's offered the shrimp, except unlike Willard, we ate it.
"You can smoke here. You can smoke anywhere mon."
After our meal (12 bucks), and some token souvenir purchases (20 bucks), we told 'Mark' that we weren't into buying crap, we wanted to see neat stuff. We were in Jamaica for four hours and had plenty of opportunity to buy crap, and not enough opportunity to chill. He took the hint, and kept us away from the crap sellers for the rest of the day. I did notice his demeanor changed. Not in any ugly way, but he became preoccupied by other matters.
"Mark' works a network. He's got folks lined up along his route waiting to help us part with cash. I have no problem with it. It's what they do. I was willing to pay 'Mark' to haul us around Ocho Rios at hazardous speeds, (They drive on the wrong side of the road you know), but I wasn't willing to buy crap.
If you've seen one Jack on a Stick, you've seen them all.
Next up was Spice Mountain. Jamaica is herb central, all kinds of herbs. "Mark' drove around on these tiny beat up roads, roads that make the BQE seem well maintained, and showed us examples of the island's natural flora and fauna. He stopped at a roadside booth where we tasted natural sugar cane. We smelled allspice, which is actually a plant, not a blend of spices! You can imagine my shock. There was lemongrass, nutmeg, giant lemons, mangos, bananas, akee, jackfruit, cocoa, and some other stuff I can't remember because I was so damn stoned at the time. 'Mark' said that anybody who goes hungry in Jamaica is just lazy. The island is lousy with fruits, nuts and other edible vegetation. I think things might be different in Kingston.
There is apparent poverty, it's shocking to see how some folks live. Television understates everything.
After a brief drive by of Dunn's River Falls 'Mark' dropped us of at Bibibip for lunch. If you are ever in Ocho Rios, do yourself a favor, go have a meal at Bibibip. My Baby had the escovich, a skillet fried fish that was simply amazing, and I went with the jerk chicken. We followed it up with an order of salt fish fritters and a few Red Stripes. It was hands down the best meal we had on the whole trip.
After lunch 'Mark' showed up to take us back to the boat. The four hours we spent in Ocho Rios was the highlight of out trip.
On day four we had another 'Fun Day at Sea', the whole boat smelled like herb. Ahh Jamaica. Hey, when in Rome....smoke weed!
On our last night we blew forty bucks at the casino. My Baby played the slots, I lost my 20 at Roulette. It was fun. I kinda felt like James Bond, except I don't think James ever sported a Chad Pennington jersey.
The next morning we were back in Miami. We were there for a couple nights. We went to South Beach and ate at Gloria Estefan's restaurant, Larios. Cuban, great food, good band. They had two singers, male and female. The dude sounded just like Ricky Ricardo. I recommend the tamales, and anything with pork involved. So would Ricky.
On Sunday we watched football. Another heartbreaking New York football Sunday.
I had fun. I ate well. I'm glad to be back on land. Sweet sweet land.
Stubing was Italian, Julie was a comedian, I never saw Doc, and I got to know Isaac very well.
Disclaimer: I love my Girlfriend, and her family. I had a great time with them. As much as I'm about to rant, all in all it was fun, and worth the hassle.
Departure day in Miami was a mess, but we finally managed to get on board - I went straight to the bar. Bucket of Heineken (4): $15.00.
It is possible to avoid the buffet, and I did so. You have to be open to a whole lot of pizza.
It is not possible to avoid the general public, but I tried.
"Fun Day at Sea" means endless hours of drinking. I managed this well.
Dinner every night at eight, table 293. Food actually decent. Can of Coke: $2.85.
First landfall (day three) Grand Cayman Island. There's not a lot to do except SCUBA and snorkel with the stingrays. Grand Cayman has an amazing reef, I'd never seen such an array of blue before. Mainly, we just wanted to get off the damn boat and have a meal prepared just for us. When I say we, I mean me. I'm a food snob. My Baby, bless her, puts up with me.
We found a nice place to eat, Corita's Copper Kettle, recommended by our cab driver. We had oxtail and fried seafood. I dig me some fish fry. It was here that I discovered that American Dollars are ubiquitous in the Caribbean. No need to exchange currency.
We walked along the harbor, bought some crap. I needed a hat, I opted for Gilligan style. We found a bar, and another, and then went back to the boat.
This is my main issue with the cruise, not enough time on land, and or, too much time on the boat. Drinks, however, are everywhere. I can get behind that issue.
The boat is, in essence, a floating hotel run by a cross between McDonalds and Disney.
Jamaica was a blast. Carnival Cruise Lines sponsors a slew of tours, but we wanted to do our own thing. As we walked off the pier, there was a crowd of cab drivers waving and calling to us. One of them sort of stood out, and I caught his eye. As he walked us to his cab, a mini van, he told me that he could take us on a tour of the island, it took him half a minute to work in the fact that he could score some herb; "No problem - good to go!"
'Mark' took us in his cab, first to score a couple of $20 bags (about an eighth), then he drove to another spot where he left us in his cab for a few nerve wracking minutes while he went inside a building to roll us up a few. It's legal to grow, posses, and smoke, but distribution is frowned upon. By who, I'm not sure, the shit is everywhere mon.
After he got back, I lit up. When I was good and stoned, he stopped the van, and gave us his speil, which was basically 100 bucks for a personal guided tour. Now, we knew we were getting taken advantage of, but since the official Carnival tours - with all those people - would have cost us 180 bucks, we figured it wasn't worth haggling over, we were saving money anyway. Besides, I was really high, which was part of his plan.
He drove us up Fern Gully, which was very cool. I've never been in a rain forest before. They're green you know. Very big leaves. Very interestingly shaped giant green leaves.
When we got to the top of the mountain, 'Mark' pulled over at a roadside souvenir stop where we got out and he basically sat back and laughed while we were assailed by a throng of Jamaicans trying to get us to part with dollars in exchange for crap. We weren't really interested in the souvenirs, we wanted to eat breakfast. After escaping the crowd of crap sellers, we sat down at an outside bar, a gazebo if you will, and had curry chicken, yucca, Red Stripe, and giant dumplings for breakfast. I felt like Capt. Willard in 'Apocalypse Now' when he's offered the shrimp, except unlike Willard, we ate it.
"You can smoke here. You can smoke anywhere mon."
After our meal (12 bucks), and some token souvenir purchases (20 bucks), we told 'Mark' that we weren't into buying crap, we wanted to see neat stuff. We were in Jamaica for four hours and had plenty of opportunity to buy crap, and not enough opportunity to chill. He took the hint, and kept us away from the crap sellers for the rest of the day. I did notice his demeanor changed. Not in any ugly way, but he became preoccupied by other matters.
"Mark' works a network. He's got folks lined up along his route waiting to help us part with cash. I have no problem with it. It's what they do. I was willing to pay 'Mark' to haul us around Ocho Rios at hazardous speeds, (They drive on the wrong side of the road you know), but I wasn't willing to buy crap.
If you've seen one Jack on a Stick, you've seen them all.
Next up was Spice Mountain. Jamaica is herb central, all kinds of herbs. "Mark' drove around on these tiny beat up roads, roads that make the BQE seem well maintained, and showed us examples of the island's natural flora and fauna. He stopped at a roadside booth where we tasted natural sugar cane. We smelled allspice, which is actually a plant, not a blend of spices! You can imagine my shock. There was lemongrass, nutmeg, giant lemons, mangos, bananas, akee, jackfruit, cocoa, and some other stuff I can't remember because I was so damn stoned at the time. 'Mark' said that anybody who goes hungry in Jamaica is just lazy. The island is lousy with fruits, nuts and other edible vegetation. I think things might be different in Kingston.
There is apparent poverty, it's shocking to see how some folks live. Television understates everything.
After a brief drive by of Dunn's River Falls 'Mark' dropped us of at Bibibip for lunch. If you are ever in Ocho Rios, do yourself a favor, go have a meal at Bibibip. My Baby had the escovich, a skillet fried fish that was simply amazing, and I went with the jerk chicken. We followed it up with an order of salt fish fritters and a few Red Stripes. It was hands down the best meal we had on the whole trip.
After lunch 'Mark' showed up to take us back to the boat. The four hours we spent in Ocho Rios was the highlight of out trip.
On day four we had another 'Fun Day at Sea', the whole boat smelled like herb. Ahh Jamaica. Hey, when in Rome....smoke weed!
On our last night we blew forty bucks at the casino. My Baby played the slots, I lost my 20 at Roulette. It was fun. I kinda felt like James Bond, except I don't think James ever sported a Chad Pennington jersey.
The next morning we were back in Miami. We were there for a couple nights. We went to South Beach and ate at Gloria Estefan's restaurant, Larios. Cuban, great food, good band. They had two singers, male and female. The dude sounded just like Ricky Ricardo. I recommend the tamales, and anything with pork involved. So would Ricky.
On Sunday we watched football. Another heartbreaking New York football Sunday.
I had fun. I ate well. I'm glad to be back on land. Sweet sweet land.
THE POWER OF MY BLOG
It seems as if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction committee reads Savage Distortion. Last year I blogged extensively about the shameful lack of Black Sabbath and Lynyrd Skynryd in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Well, along with Miles Davis, Blondie, and the Sex Pistols, Sabbath and Skynyrd finally take their deserved place amongst Rock's greatest. The Pistols induction is a bit of a shocker considering their exploitation of the record industry, but one cannot deny their contribution to the art form. If anybody has any questions about why Miles Davis, check the shades.
Now, where's Yes and Genesis?
It seems as if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction committee reads Savage Distortion. Last year I blogged extensively about the shameful lack of Black Sabbath and Lynyrd Skynryd in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Well, along with Miles Davis, Blondie, and the Sex Pistols, Sabbath and Skynyrd finally take their deserved place amongst Rock's greatest. The Pistols induction is a bit of a shocker considering their exploitation of the record industry, but one cannot deny their contribution to the art form. If anybody has any questions about why Miles Davis, check the shades.
Now, where's Yes and Genesis?
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
THE KING OF POP
Now that the former King has been exiled, it's time to recognize the true King Of Pop - Rick Rubin. I was reading in Billboard about Rick's latest project - bringing relevancy back to a former giant - Neil Diamond. Though I'm not a huge Neil Diamond fan, I am interested to hear what Rick's stripped down sound will do for this songwriting icon. It begins with Rick telling Neil that he's going to be playing guitar on his record for the first time since 1969.
Rick began his carreer working with Russel Simmons defining the sound of Hip Hop with RUN DMC, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys. During these early days his vision and interest had a scope way beyond any single genre. He did the 'Hell Awaits' LP for Slayer the same year as 'Liscense To Ill'.
Rick branced out further in '86 when he recorded the seminal alternative rock LP 'Electric' by the Cult. It was on this record that he first employed his ethos; Put The Pedals Down. He stripped Billy Duffy (Guitar) of all his effects, and gave the band their best record ever.
Rick continued to produce Hip Hop for RUN DMC, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J, as well as the classic Sir Mix Alot's 'Baby Got Back' in '91. That same year he began a long standing relationship with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their gazillion selling 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'.
It seemed Rick could do anything, and to prove it, he embarked on a four album run with the late Johnny Cash. Producing 'American Music' volumes 1-4, Rick employed most of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, whose '96 Lp 'Wildflowers', also produced by Rick, stands as thier best record to date. The Johnny Cash LP's alone would qualify Rick for Rock God status, certainly Sainthood.
While working with Icons like Cash and Diamond might make other producers seem irrelevant, he also continues to work with artists in their prime, like Weezer, and Jay Z.
The King is dead, long live the King.
Now that the former King has been exiled, it's time to recognize the true King Of Pop - Rick Rubin. I was reading in Billboard about Rick's latest project - bringing relevancy back to a former giant - Neil Diamond. Though I'm not a huge Neil Diamond fan, I am interested to hear what Rick's stripped down sound will do for this songwriting icon. It begins with Rick telling Neil that he's going to be playing guitar on his record for the first time since 1969.
Rick began his carreer working with Russel Simmons defining the sound of Hip Hop with RUN DMC, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys. During these early days his vision and interest had a scope way beyond any single genre. He did the 'Hell Awaits' LP for Slayer the same year as 'Liscense To Ill'.
Rick branced out further in '86 when he recorded the seminal alternative rock LP 'Electric' by the Cult. It was on this record that he first employed his ethos; Put The Pedals Down. He stripped Billy Duffy (Guitar) of all his effects, and gave the band their best record ever.
Rick continued to produce Hip Hop for RUN DMC, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J, as well as the classic Sir Mix Alot's 'Baby Got Back' in '91. That same year he began a long standing relationship with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their gazillion selling 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'.
It seemed Rick could do anything, and to prove it, he embarked on a four album run with the late Johnny Cash. Producing 'American Music' volumes 1-4, Rick employed most of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, whose '96 Lp 'Wildflowers', also produced by Rick, stands as thier best record to date. The Johnny Cash LP's alone would qualify Rick for Rock God status, certainly Sainthood.
While working with Icons like Cash and Diamond might make other producers seem irrelevant, he also continues to work with artists in their prime, like Weezer, and Jay Z.
The King is dead, long live the King.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
I'M WITH THE BAND
Over the past twenty-five years I've been in a number of bands. The first, back in 1981, was Platinum Dragon (yes, from the Dungeon Master's Guide) featuring Pat Wilson on Drums, Bill Devine and Jaime Lagasse on Guitar, Bob Gosiki (sp) on Bass, and yours truly fronting. I was horrible, and was thusly releived of my position. I could never remember the lyrics to the various Kiss, AC/DC, and Deep Purple songs we did, so I'd make up my own, spawning such classics as: Jill's a Bitch, Donny Go Home, and Bubba Is a Cock. Looking back, I was far ahead of the others on the creative curve, but way behind on everything else.
Sam Saldivar replaced me and Rob Simpson replaced Bill, and I forget who replaced Pat. The band became Nightwolf, and Pat, Bill, and I started Prophecy, which became Prowler, which became nothing. We never had a drummer, and we never giiged. In 1983, Pat and Bill teamed up with Bassist Chris Dice, and drummer Brian Spears to form Talon (the names jsut get better, don't they). Talon actually gigged, and were very successful in High School terms. One night everybody took acid at a gig, and the band fell apart in every way possible. Pat Wilson ceremoniously burned the video tape evidence.
Then Pat Wilson bought a Fostex eight track board and reel machine, moved into Pat Phillips basement, and what was Talon morphed into Danger Penguin - adding Pat 'Big Hairy Ghoul' Phillips on Vocals, and Mitch 'Blind Lemon Jefferson' Turner on Guitar. Danger Penguin never gigged either, but the band name got better, and we started writing original material. I was staff lyricist. A role I was well suited for. Not because I was so great at writing lyrics, but because I couldn't do much else.
College took the various members of DP in different directions, mostly Atlanta, and eventually Coal Mine Sound moved down there too.
Over the next few years I wrote songs, and worked on my own guitar playing.
After settling for a while in Nyack, New York, I became friends with Joe Masucci, and helped him put together the Drag Triplets. Though officially a member for only two weeks (and as many gigs), I humped their gear, and attended rehearsals for two years. I learned alot from them. I learned about songcraft. I learned about guitar playing, and I learned how not to treat others.
I put on two one-off gigs in '91 with Joe Masucci, Pat Wilson, and Joel Finn (The Horse), though the band was essentially the same, I changed the name; first I called it Full Facial Explosion, then, on the insistance from Joel, we called it Better Off Ted.
In '93 when I was at SUNY Albany, I put a band together with the other art fags and communists called A Band Named Sue. We played some college functions, but mostly took drugs and recorded endless jams on a Tascam 4-track.
I graduated, and moved to New York. I was going to be an actor. Insert laughter here. A year later, after countless fruitless auditions, Rob Kendall (Bass - A Band Named Sue) moved to NYC as well, and we put a band together. I recruited Paul Daly (Bass), who worked with me at the Mexican restaurant, and he brought along Chris Fragale (Guitar, Vocals), and Sex Circus Star was born. I pulled Joe Masucci on board, long enough to play a few gigs, notably CBGB's, and he was followed by Josh Penni, and Reet. As the drummers got worse, so did my drug problem. Eventually Chris split the scene, and Sex Circus Star disintegrated. That was a blessing. I needed to get my act together. Paul went on to work with The Prom Queen, and Rob and I healed eachother, which means we fought alot.
I did overcome my habit, and then Chris Pace showed up at my door. Chris' take on our introduction is far more lucid, and entertaining, but basically I wormed my way into a band that he and my then roomate Kory Smith (Drums) had going. I duly brought Paul and Rob into the mix, and Happy Boy was born.
The Story of Happy Boy is much the same as that of Sex Circus Star, only without the heroin. We wrote songs, played gigs to ever dwindling audiences, got into fights and, broke up. If you haven't ever been in a band, got into fights, and broke up, I suggest you try it - it's fun.
The break up of Happy Boy left our rehearsal space/studio in the murky world of shared time. Who's night is it? Can I trade you a Sunday morning for a Thursady night? Chris and I held on. We became partners in rhyme. We wrote songs. We wrote more songs. We couldn't stop writing songs. Eventually the other fellers bailed on the studio, and Smoke And Mirrors was born.
Chris and I breifly gigged with his Lady, Annie Rusoff (Bass), and Shane (Drums) as Mr. Littlejeans, but the recording began to take precidence, and though Mr. Littlejeans never officially broke up, we haven't played in two years.
It's been three years since Chris and I inherited the lions share of the studio, and almost two since the last little indian left (John Andersen). In that time we met George Vitray, who introduced us to Microdot, Rob Machold, and his Distressor, among other things. Our partnership has grown into a business, and we have had the pleasure of hooking up with my old Danger Penguin pal Pat Phillips for some out of town projects. I am very lucky.
Getting 'the band' back together for TEDSTOCK felt very natural, and being on stage after a two year absence was a welcomed experience. #12 Rock and Roll Noodle is by far my favorite of all these band names. Will the Noodle play again? Dunno. Would I like to? Yes. Should I write some new songs - definately.
Over the past twenty-five years I've been in a number of bands. The first, back in 1981, was Platinum Dragon (yes, from the Dungeon Master's Guide) featuring Pat Wilson on Drums, Bill Devine and Jaime Lagasse on Guitar, Bob Gosiki (sp) on Bass, and yours truly fronting. I was horrible, and was thusly releived of my position. I could never remember the lyrics to the various Kiss, AC/DC, and Deep Purple songs we did, so I'd make up my own, spawning such classics as: Jill's a Bitch, Donny Go Home, and Bubba Is a Cock. Looking back, I was far ahead of the others on the creative curve, but way behind on everything else.
Sam Saldivar replaced me and Rob Simpson replaced Bill, and I forget who replaced Pat. The band became Nightwolf, and Pat, Bill, and I started Prophecy, which became Prowler, which became nothing. We never had a drummer, and we never giiged. In 1983, Pat and Bill teamed up with Bassist Chris Dice, and drummer Brian Spears to form Talon (the names jsut get better, don't they). Talon actually gigged, and were very successful in High School terms. One night everybody took acid at a gig, and the band fell apart in every way possible. Pat Wilson ceremoniously burned the video tape evidence.
Then Pat Wilson bought a Fostex eight track board and reel machine, moved into Pat Phillips basement, and what was Talon morphed into Danger Penguin - adding Pat 'Big Hairy Ghoul' Phillips on Vocals, and Mitch 'Blind Lemon Jefferson' Turner on Guitar. Danger Penguin never gigged either, but the band name got better, and we started writing original material. I was staff lyricist. A role I was well suited for. Not because I was so great at writing lyrics, but because I couldn't do much else.
College took the various members of DP in different directions, mostly Atlanta, and eventually Coal Mine Sound moved down there too.
Over the next few years I wrote songs, and worked on my own guitar playing.
After settling for a while in Nyack, New York, I became friends with Joe Masucci, and helped him put together the Drag Triplets. Though officially a member for only two weeks (and as many gigs), I humped their gear, and attended rehearsals for two years. I learned alot from them. I learned about songcraft. I learned about guitar playing, and I learned how not to treat others.
I put on two one-off gigs in '91 with Joe Masucci, Pat Wilson, and Joel Finn (The Horse), though the band was essentially the same, I changed the name; first I called it Full Facial Explosion, then, on the insistance from Joel, we called it Better Off Ted.
In '93 when I was at SUNY Albany, I put a band together with the other art fags and communists called A Band Named Sue. We played some college functions, but mostly took drugs and recorded endless jams on a Tascam 4-track.
I graduated, and moved to New York. I was going to be an actor. Insert laughter here. A year later, after countless fruitless auditions, Rob Kendall (Bass - A Band Named Sue) moved to NYC as well, and we put a band together. I recruited Paul Daly (Bass), who worked with me at the Mexican restaurant, and he brought along Chris Fragale (Guitar, Vocals), and Sex Circus Star was born. I pulled Joe Masucci on board, long enough to play a few gigs, notably CBGB's, and he was followed by Josh Penni, and Reet. As the drummers got worse, so did my drug problem. Eventually Chris split the scene, and Sex Circus Star disintegrated. That was a blessing. I needed to get my act together. Paul went on to work with The Prom Queen, and Rob and I healed eachother, which means we fought alot.
I did overcome my habit, and then Chris Pace showed up at my door. Chris' take on our introduction is far more lucid, and entertaining, but basically I wormed my way into a band that he and my then roomate Kory Smith (Drums) had going. I duly brought Paul and Rob into the mix, and Happy Boy was born.
The Story of Happy Boy is much the same as that of Sex Circus Star, only without the heroin. We wrote songs, played gigs to ever dwindling audiences, got into fights and, broke up. If you haven't ever been in a band, got into fights, and broke up, I suggest you try it - it's fun.
The break up of Happy Boy left our rehearsal space/studio in the murky world of shared time. Who's night is it? Can I trade you a Sunday morning for a Thursady night? Chris and I held on. We became partners in rhyme. We wrote songs. We wrote more songs. We couldn't stop writing songs. Eventually the other fellers bailed on the studio, and Smoke And Mirrors was born.
Chris and I breifly gigged with his Lady, Annie Rusoff (Bass), and Shane (Drums) as Mr. Littlejeans, but the recording began to take precidence, and though Mr. Littlejeans never officially broke up, we haven't played in two years.
It's been three years since Chris and I inherited the lions share of the studio, and almost two since the last little indian left (John Andersen). In that time we met George Vitray, who introduced us to Microdot, Rob Machold, and his Distressor, among other things. Our partnership has grown into a business, and we have had the pleasure of hooking up with my old Danger Penguin pal Pat Phillips for some out of town projects. I am very lucky.
Getting 'the band' back together for TEDSTOCK felt very natural, and being on stage after a two year absence was a welcomed experience. #12 Rock and Roll Noodle is by far my favorite of all these band names. Will the Noodle play again? Dunno. Would I like to? Yes. Should I write some new songs - definately.
JIVE TURKEY
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of you may be considering impressing your signifigant other by cooking the bird. I applaud your motives, and I will provide you with some tips, ideas, and insights into making it a success.
Brine the bitch. Soak that fucker in saltwater. This is a good way to defrost it as well.
Sausage in your stuffing. I like peppers too, but I'm a freak of nature. Remember, the stuffing goes inside the bird where the bag o guts was.
Dogs and cats love the bag o guts. Boiled or fried, they'll love you for it.
Turnips in your tater mash. About 1 turnip per 4 taters, just boil 'em up, as you do.
Making cranberry sauce instead of using the canned product is always nice, but I like to do both. There's always some freak who just likes the canned better.
Drink heavily - all day long.
I'll be in the Carribean - don't call me.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of you may be considering impressing your signifigant other by cooking the bird. I applaud your motives, and I will provide you with some tips, ideas, and insights into making it a success.
Brine the bitch. Soak that fucker in saltwater. This is a good way to defrost it as well.
Sausage in your stuffing. I like peppers too, but I'm a freak of nature. Remember, the stuffing goes inside the bird where the bag o guts was.
Dogs and cats love the bag o guts. Boiled or fried, they'll love you for it.
Turnips in your tater mash. About 1 turnip per 4 taters, just boil 'em up, as you do.
Making cranberry sauce instead of using the canned product is always nice, but I like to do both. There's always some freak who just likes the canned better.
Drink heavily - all day long.
I'll be in the Carribean - don't call me.
HOLY PODBLAZE!
Captain Smith has been played 11 times since I posted it last night. Left of the Dial has been played 26 times in three days. The common denominator here is Dave and Mike from Microdot. At some point, when I get a moment where I'm not exhausted, I want to do a podcast of the live stuff. I'd like to do it with Chris, but we have so much else to do right now, and besides - as we know - he doesn't care about crime.
UPDATE: Pop Tart by The Noodle has recieved zero attention. No hits. Zip. Zilch. Nada. El Numero Zed. This is what we technically refer to as an ass whoopin'.
Captain Smith has been played 11 times since I posted it last night. Left of the Dial has been played 26 times in three days. The common denominator here is Dave and Mike from Microdot. At some point, when I get a moment where I'm not exhausted, I want to do a podcast of the live stuff. I'd like to do it with Chris, but we have so much else to do right now, and besides - as we know - he doesn't care about crime.
UPDATE: Pop Tart by The Noodle has recieved zero attention. No hits. Zip. Zilch. Nada. El Numero Zed. This is what we technically refer to as an ass whoopin'.
SHIVER ME TIMBRES
George issued his Beta V.1 of Brain Shivers to Chris and Myself two nights ago. "Make notes", he said, as he ran out the door. Since then he's done more work, and will be giving us the Beta V.2 tonight which will include 'Road Lag', which wasn't on the first version.
In a nutshell, this means that we will probably have Brain Shivers done for a Christmas release date. Rob Machold has expressed interest in helping us fund our initial run of CD's. This won't be a 'do it ourselves' product like we have attempted to do in the past. We'll outsource the reproduction of both the CD's and the booklets.
I don't know if Chris will have time to do the design for the booklet. I've always liked his concepts for cover art, and I hope he will deliver, but if not, we've got Fred Caputi, who did our Smoke and Mirrors logo, as well as the design for our "All The Bricks: Pink Floyd's The Wall", which we never got around to printing, but you can listen to it here.
I'm excited about Brain Shivers again. At the time we were writing and doing the initial tracking I was ecstatic about the quality of songwriting and production. It was, and is, the best thing I've been a party to - ever. I'm getting that feeling back. Two years is a long time to wait, and for me it's an eternity, but I like what I'm hearing. George has done some incredible work on this record. There have been some painful compromises, but I think everybody will be happy with the final product. I know I'll be happy just to have a product.
George issued his Beta V.1 of Brain Shivers to Chris and Myself two nights ago. "Make notes", he said, as he ran out the door. Since then he's done more work, and will be giving us the Beta V.2 tonight which will include 'Road Lag', which wasn't on the first version.
In a nutshell, this means that we will probably have Brain Shivers done for a Christmas release date. Rob Machold has expressed interest in helping us fund our initial run of CD's. This won't be a 'do it ourselves' product like we have attempted to do in the past. We'll outsource the reproduction of both the CD's and the booklets.
I don't know if Chris will have time to do the design for the booklet. I've always liked his concepts for cover art, and I hope he will deliver, but if not, we've got Fred Caputi, who did our Smoke and Mirrors logo, as well as the design for our "All The Bricks: Pink Floyd's The Wall", which we never got around to printing, but you can listen to it here.
I'm excited about Brain Shivers again. At the time we were writing and doing the initial tracking I was ecstatic about the quality of songwriting and production. It was, and is, the best thing I've been a party to - ever. I'm getting that feeling back. Two years is a long time to wait, and for me it's an eternity, but I like what I'm hearing. George has done some incredible work on this record. There have been some painful compromises, but I think everybody will be happy with the final product. I know I'll be happy just to have a product.
Monday, November 14, 2005
LIVE MUSIC ALERT
I put up some mp3's. You'll find 3 songs by The Four Fellas: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker, Rock and Roll All Night, and Rebel Rebel. I put up Captain Smith by Via Skyway. I couldn't resist. it's such a great tune. I'm sure Chris will work on it some more, but I had to get it out there. I also posted Pop Tart by The Noodle. Enjoy. More will come in many formats.
(Mike Dot's comment refers to the fact that I originally had Detroit Rock City listed instead of Rock and Roll All Night - bad uncle Ted)
I put up some mp3's. You'll find 3 songs by The Four Fellas: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker, Rock and Roll All Night, and Rebel Rebel. I put up Captain Smith by Via Skyway. I couldn't resist. it's such a great tune. I'm sure Chris will work on it some more, but I had to get it out there. I also posted Pop Tart by The Noodle. Enjoy. More will come in many formats.
(Mike Dot's comment refers to the fact that I originally had Detroit Rock City listed instead of Rock and Roll All Night - bad uncle Ted)
OUCH
Bad week for New York football. Eli needs to calm down, he gave the Vikes the game. Take away the 5 interceptions and you've got the G Men crushing the Vikes, oh well. I'm not talking about the Jets. The Black Knights won their third straight, so that's a nice salve to a bad week. Even the Pats won.
6 and 7 - ugly. I could break even tonight, but I don't care. Looks like Seattle is all I have left unless Eli can get it together. When is Chad coming back?
So, the Giants are 6/3, which ain't bad, after tonights game they'll either be tied with Dallas for the lead, or will be one game ahead of both Dallas and Philly - so I'm routing for Philly tonight, which means Dallas will win, which means I'll break even for the week, and the Giants and the Cowboys will be neck and neck. Shitty any way you slice it. Damn you, Eli.
Now, Seattle, on the other hand, is 7/2. Nice! No competition in sight. I'm going to have to keep a close watch. As far as the AFC is concerned, as long as somebody keeps the Pats out of the Super Bowl I don't care what happens. If it comes down to a Giants/Seahawks showdown in the post season, I'll have to go with the G - Men, but I think Seattle is better equipped to do teh job just now. No hope for ATL Tony. Sorry.
We'll see.
Bad week for New York football. Eli needs to calm down, he gave the Vikes the game. Take away the 5 interceptions and you've got the G Men crushing the Vikes, oh well. I'm not talking about the Jets. The Black Knights won their third straight, so that's a nice salve to a bad week. Even the Pats won.
6 and 7 - ugly. I could break even tonight, but I don't care. Looks like Seattle is all I have left unless Eli can get it together. When is Chad coming back?
So, the Giants are 6/3, which ain't bad, after tonights game they'll either be tied with Dallas for the lead, or will be one game ahead of both Dallas and Philly - so I'm routing for Philly tonight, which means Dallas will win, which means I'll break even for the week, and the Giants and the Cowboys will be neck and neck. Shitty any way you slice it. Damn you, Eli.
Now, Seattle, on the other hand, is 7/2. Nice! No competition in sight. I'm going to have to keep a close watch. As far as the AFC is concerned, as long as somebody keeps the Pats out of the Super Bowl I don't care what happens. If it comes down to a Giants/Seahawks showdown in the post season, I'll have to go with the G - Men, but I think Seattle is better equipped to do teh job just now. No hope for ATL Tony. Sorry.
We'll see.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
NFL TIME AGAIN
First last weeks wrap up.
I went 7-6, not good. I would have picked Indy over the Pats but I spaced on that game. The Eagles officially suck, good. It's the year of the Giants. Looks like Chicago has emerged the clear forerunner in that crappy division. Did I mention that it's the year of the Giants?
This week:
Arizona at Detroit. Does it matter? Detroit I guess.
Jacksonville over Baltimore
Indy over Houston
KC over Buffalo
Giants kill Minnesota. The Vikes should save themselves the humiliation and pain that is coming.
New England at Miami. This is actually interesting in that they both suck, but just a little less than the Jets. I almost want Buffalo to take the conference.
Chicago destroys the Niners, then they go get some beersss.
Oakland over Denver. There is a very good chance that I'm wrong.
The Jets come back from Carolina victorious. They remain undefeated the rest of the season, QB of the week - Dave Kreig.
Green Bay travel all the way to ATL to lose, many refuse to come home.
Seattle continue to dominate as they destroy St. Louis.
Washington loses in Tampa.
Cleveland upset Pittsburg.
Dallas get a win in Philly. McNab leaves with Parcells. Andy Reed gets very mad, calls Brett Favre in ATL.
First last weeks wrap up.
I went 7-6, not good. I would have picked Indy over the Pats but I spaced on that game. The Eagles officially suck, good. It's the year of the Giants. Looks like Chicago has emerged the clear forerunner in that crappy division. Did I mention that it's the year of the Giants?
This week:
Arizona at Detroit. Does it matter? Detroit I guess.
Jacksonville over Baltimore
Indy over Houston
KC over Buffalo
Giants kill Minnesota. The Vikes should save themselves the humiliation and pain that is coming.
New England at Miami. This is actually interesting in that they both suck, but just a little less than the Jets. I almost want Buffalo to take the conference.
Chicago destroys the Niners, then they go get some beersss.
Oakland over Denver. There is a very good chance that I'm wrong.
The Jets come back from Carolina victorious. They remain undefeated the rest of the season, QB of the week - Dave Kreig.
Green Bay travel all the way to ATL to lose, many refuse to come home.
Seattle continue to dominate as they destroy St. Louis.
Washington loses in Tampa.
Cleveland upset Pittsburg.
Dallas get a win in Philly. McNab leaves with Parcells. Andy Reed gets very mad, calls Brett Favre in ATL.
THE BLACK ALBUM/FIRST SOLO RECORD
Mike Dot isn't into 'Don't Tell A Soul', he says it's not even on his radar, and furthermore that somebody forgot to inform Paul it was over after Bob wasn't in the band. I can understand Mike's position, I've felt the same way about AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and I'm sure many others. Indeed it seems The Replacements became Paul's solo band long before even 'All Shook Down', which actually began as an official solo record. The record company thwarted that notion and made Paul get Tommy and Chris on the record and call it The Replacements.
I'm not a very 'cool' Replacements fan I guess. I got into them around 'Tim' via my Brother and Brian Spears, and never spent much time with pre '85 Mats. I always dug 'Let It Be', but I must admit I listened to 'Tim' and 'Please To Meet Me' (the first non-Bob record) much more regularly, and in '89 when 'Don't Tell A Soul' came out I was all over it. I have blogged my love of this record previously, so I won't beat that to death.
I look at 'Don't Tell A Soul', like I look at 'The Final Cut'. Solo records released prior to the break up. Band members become sidemen because the quality of the writing is as good or better than ever, but they don't enjoy the experience of being sidemen, and then the band actually does break up.
Why then, is Tommy playing with Axl? Musn't he be unsatisfied? (Ouch - The Pun God slapped me for that one.)
Mike Dot isn't into 'Don't Tell A Soul', he says it's not even on his radar, and furthermore that somebody forgot to inform Paul it was over after Bob wasn't in the band. I can understand Mike's position, I've felt the same way about AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and I'm sure many others. Indeed it seems The Replacements became Paul's solo band long before even 'All Shook Down', which actually began as an official solo record. The record company thwarted that notion and made Paul get Tommy and Chris on the record and call it The Replacements.
I'm not a very 'cool' Replacements fan I guess. I got into them around 'Tim' via my Brother and Brian Spears, and never spent much time with pre '85 Mats. I always dug 'Let It Be', but I must admit I listened to 'Tim' and 'Please To Meet Me' (the first non-Bob record) much more regularly, and in '89 when 'Don't Tell A Soul' came out I was all over it. I have blogged my love of this record previously, so I won't beat that to death.
I look at 'Don't Tell A Soul', like I look at 'The Final Cut'. Solo records released prior to the break up. Band members become sidemen because the quality of the writing is as good or better than ever, but they don't enjoy the experience of being sidemen, and then the band actually does break up.
Why then, is Tommy playing with Axl? Musn't he be unsatisfied? (Ouch - The Pun God slapped me for that one.)
CHECK THAT SHIT
All you selfish assholes with your lazy ass wheelie bags need to stop bringing that shit on the plane - end of fucking story. You make it a nighmare when bording and unboarding. Maybe you don't need that third pair of shoes. Christ, it's called 'carry on'. If you're not carrying it on, then you should fucking check that shit - asshole.
Sorry mom.
All you selfish assholes with your lazy ass wheelie bags need to stop bringing that shit on the plane - end of fucking story. You make it a nighmare when bording and unboarding. Maybe you don't need that third pair of shoes. Christ, it's called 'carry on'. If you're not carrying it on, then you should fucking check that shit - asshole.
Sorry mom.
Friday, November 11, 2005
PILGRIMAGE
A man has to have SOME rules. As a rule, I'm not much for rules, but I have a few, and I try to stick to them.
When I'm in Chicago I must do two things. I have to have a Cheeseburger at The Billy Goat Tavern (Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, no Coke - Pepsi), and I have to go to Buddy Guy's Legends. Any true Blues enthusiast will direct you elsewhere, most notably Kingston Mines or Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, but I love Buddy, and I love his club. He's got pool tables, live electric blues, and a fantastic menu of traditional Creole fare. The red beans and rice comes with big hunks of andouille, and is the best food to eat when embarking on an evening of beer intake.
Last night I made my pilgrimage to Buddy's, as always in the hopes of seeing the man play. I have not yet caught Buddy on his stage, but you gotta be in it to win it. I have seen him there, and have even had a brief conversation with him. He's a class act, very approachable, and dapper as hell.
Superlatives are bullshit. To say that the Cheeseburger at The Billy Goat is the best, or that Buddy Guy is the greatest living guitar player may not fit with what you may find in your experience, but as far as I'm concerned - the Billy Goat DOES have the best Cheeseburger, and with the exception of Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy IS the greatest living guitar player.
Had Jimi or Stevie Ray not been taken from us, well, I suppose they'd be on the same short list. Michael Schenker and David Gilmour are probably my favorite guitar players, but they fall short when it comes to sheer expression and existing within the moment. Buddy goes for it. He, and Jeff (as Stevie and Jimi did) inhabit the song, and thus transcend the form. They are fearless, and they push themselves beyond what they know they can do. What Dave G, and Michael S. know they can do is amazing, beautiful and perfect, but it's safe.
I will say that at my birthday party I saw Dave Cavalier push himself beyond the safe threshold, and that is why I respect Dave's playing, he doesn't rest on his laurels. Keep it up Dave, you're on the right path.
I love Chicago, I love Cheesburgers and I love Buddy Guy's Legends.
A man has to have SOME rules. As a rule, I'm not much for rules, but I have a few, and I try to stick to them.
When I'm in Chicago I must do two things. I have to have a Cheeseburger at The Billy Goat Tavern (Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, no Coke - Pepsi), and I have to go to Buddy Guy's Legends. Any true Blues enthusiast will direct you elsewhere, most notably Kingston Mines or Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, but I love Buddy, and I love his club. He's got pool tables, live electric blues, and a fantastic menu of traditional Creole fare. The red beans and rice comes with big hunks of andouille, and is the best food to eat when embarking on an evening of beer intake.
Last night I made my pilgrimage to Buddy's, as always in the hopes of seeing the man play. I have not yet caught Buddy on his stage, but you gotta be in it to win it. I have seen him there, and have even had a brief conversation with him. He's a class act, very approachable, and dapper as hell.
Superlatives are bullshit. To say that the Cheeseburger at The Billy Goat is the best, or that Buddy Guy is the greatest living guitar player may not fit with what you may find in your experience, but as far as I'm concerned - the Billy Goat DOES have the best Cheeseburger, and with the exception of Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy IS the greatest living guitar player.
Had Jimi or Stevie Ray not been taken from us, well, I suppose they'd be on the same short list. Michael Schenker and David Gilmour are probably my favorite guitar players, but they fall short when it comes to sheer expression and existing within the moment. Buddy goes for it. He, and Jeff (as Stevie and Jimi did) inhabit the song, and thus transcend the form. They are fearless, and they push themselves beyond what they know they can do. What Dave G, and Michael S. know they can do is amazing, beautiful and perfect, but it's safe.
I will say that at my birthday party I saw Dave Cavalier push himself beyond the safe threshold, and that is why I respect Dave's playing, he doesn't rest on his laurels. Keep it up Dave, you're on the right path.
I love Chicago, I love Cheesburgers and I love Buddy Guy's Legends.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
MY ROCK DREAMS
Ever since I got to Chicago I've been having extremely vivid dreams. This happens every time I go on the road because my diet on the road lacks a certain herbal supplement that my mind replaces with vivid dreams.
I guess because of TEDSTOCK (# 20! I like round numbers) my dreams have involved bands that played that particular event.
First Chris and I embarked on a Lolapalooza type road show with a number of crazy bands that somewhat resembled the formentioned acts. Being the first of this series of dreams, I didn't pay much attention to it, and much has since faded, but I think the Horse was there.
Then Chris joined Microdot. A very different Microdot - a band of narcotic inhaling fiends - Cavalier on marching powder was scary! There was a sleazy bar that hey hung out in, and worst of all, Ingenthrone was boasting some serious gear and he wouldn't give me any!
The following night I apparently had my revenge on Chris, and I put a band together with John from the X's. We played the same sleazy bar. There weren't any drugs, and it was a pleasant dream.
Last night I was living in a run-down mansion with Joel from the Horse, and though I don't think I was in the band, we were working together promoting a tour. Chuck was nice to everybody, and Lance never complained. Ahhh dreams.
I've though alot about all of this, and in the end I think it means that I'm not done, at 40, with my rock dreams.
That's cool.
Ever since I got to Chicago I've been having extremely vivid dreams. This happens every time I go on the road because my diet on the road lacks a certain herbal supplement that my mind replaces with vivid dreams.
I guess because of TEDSTOCK (# 20! I like round numbers) my dreams have involved bands that played that particular event.
First Chris and I embarked on a Lolapalooza type road show with a number of crazy bands that somewhat resembled the formentioned acts. Being the first of this series of dreams, I didn't pay much attention to it, and much has since faded, but I think the Horse was there.
Then Chris joined Microdot. A very different Microdot - a band of narcotic inhaling fiends - Cavalier on marching powder was scary! There was a sleazy bar that hey hung out in, and worst of all, Ingenthrone was boasting some serious gear and he wouldn't give me any!
The following night I apparently had my revenge on Chris, and I put a band together with John from the X's. We played the same sleazy bar. There weren't any drugs, and it was a pleasant dream.
Last night I was living in a run-down mansion with Joel from the Horse, and though I don't think I was in the band, we were working together promoting a tour. Chuck was nice to everybody, and Lance never complained. Ahhh dreams.
I've though alot about all of this, and in the end I think it means that I'm not done, at 40, with my rock dreams.
That's cool.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
iPOD'S ARE MADE OF HEROIN
I have spent the better part of the last year rueing the creation of iPods. I have hated them, and enjoyed my hatred of them. When clients came to Smoke and Mirrors and wanted to play a song for us from their iPod, I'd cringe as I got out 'the iPod cable', plug it into the patch bay, while they scrolled the little wheelie thing. Poseurs. Mp3 cowboys. Hate. Hate. Hate.
Cut to the present day. I'm in Chicago working a sales meeting, and I have to load 129 iPods with a video and 300 pronunciation files (pathogens). My buddy Mike and I bust open the first two and plug in to iTunes to load our Pathogenic Playlist.....and the magic starts.....it's doing stuff all by itself. Neato. Then when it was done, I picked mine up, scrolled the wheelie thing.....ahhhh.
I turned to Mike and told him about my hatred, which has turned into desire.
He replied, "They make them out of heroin"
Yes, it must be.
I have spent the better part of the last year rueing the creation of iPods. I have hated them, and enjoyed my hatred of them. When clients came to Smoke and Mirrors and wanted to play a song for us from their iPod, I'd cringe as I got out 'the iPod cable', plug it into the patch bay, while they scrolled the little wheelie thing. Poseurs. Mp3 cowboys. Hate. Hate. Hate.
Cut to the present day. I'm in Chicago working a sales meeting, and I have to load 129 iPods with a video and 300 pronunciation files (pathogens). My buddy Mike and I bust open the first two and plug in to iTunes to load our Pathogenic Playlist.....and the magic starts.....it's doing stuff all by itself. Neato. Then when it was done, I picked mine up, scrolled the wheelie thing.....ahhhh.
I turned to Mike and told him about my hatred, which has turned into desire.
He replied, "They make them out of heroin"
Yes, it must be.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
NFL THIS WEEK
Sorry I missed last week, TEDSTOCK got in the way. The Giants kicked ass. Great day all around.
Atlanta beats Miami
Tampa Bay beats Carolina
Cincinatti over Baltimore
Detroit beats Minnesota - Mike Tice eats his offensive line.
Jacksonville beats Houston
Oakland beats KC in this aincient rivalry.
Jets destroy San Diego - QB this week will be Joe Namath.
Cleveland beats Tennessee
New Orleans upsets Chicago ( I'm in Chicago - but they are in Baton Rouge )
Giants beat up San Fran like so many small children.
Seattle easy win over Arizona
Pittsburgh give Green Bay a shellacking.
Philly wins easy over Washington - without T.O.
Sorry I missed last week, TEDSTOCK got in the way. The Giants kicked ass. Great day all around.
Atlanta beats Miami
Tampa Bay beats Carolina
Cincinatti over Baltimore
Detroit beats Minnesota - Mike Tice eats his offensive line.
Jacksonville beats Houston
Oakland beats KC in this aincient rivalry.
Jets destroy San Diego - QB this week will be Joe Namath.
Cleveland beats Tennessee
New Orleans upsets Chicago ( I'm in Chicago - but they are in Baton Rouge )
Giants beat up San Fran like so many small children.
Seattle easy win over Arizona
Pittsburgh give Green Bay a shellacking.
Philly wins easy over Washington - without T.O.
Friday, November 04, 2005
LOVE STINKS
This confirms what I've always thought - Mike Love is an opportunistic jerk. He hated the Smile record, was on record as hating the record, and his contributions to it are nil. Fuck Mike Love. There's no way that giving away 2.6 million copies of a Beach Boys compilation can hurt him finacially. If anything it could spark a resurgence in interest in the Beach Boys. Maybe some Brits will go out and buy Pet Sounds like Paul McCartney told them to back in 66-67. Love should get on his knees and blow Brian for every cent Mike's been able to pocket over the past thirty years.
This confirms what I've always thought - Mike Love is an opportunistic jerk. He hated the Smile record, was on record as hating the record, and his contributions to it are nil. Fuck Mike Love. There's no way that giving away 2.6 million copies of a Beach Boys compilation can hurt him finacially. If anything it could spark a resurgence in interest in the Beach Boys. Maybe some Brits will go out and buy Pet Sounds like Paul McCartney told them to back in 66-67. Love should get on his knees and blow Brian for every cent Mike's been able to pocket over the past thirty years.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
WORD VERIFICATION
I didn't want to do it. At first I found it flattering, like they chose my blog because it's so great, but then I realized that they have no reason about their guerilla marketing. They care not for such as me - so fuck 'em! Blogspammers of the world; you suck, I hate you, and I've employed word verification to fend you off.
I didn't want to do it. At first I found it flattering, like they chose my blog because it's so great, but then I realized that they have no reason about their guerilla marketing. They care not for such as me - so fuck 'em! Blogspammers of the world; you suck, I hate you, and I've employed word verification to fend you off.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
IF DOGS READ MY BLOG
Blog blog blog TEDSTOCK, blog blog. TEDSTOCK blog blog blog. Blog blog blog blog TEDSTOCK. Blog blog blog blog TEDSTOCK blog blog blog blog TEDSTOCK.
Blog blog blog TEDSTOCK, blog blog. TEDSTOCK blog blog blog. Blog blog blog blog TEDSTOCK. Blog blog blog blog TEDSTOCK blog blog blog blog TEDSTOCK.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
HAVING ONE'S CAKE AND EATING IT TOO
It can be done. I am currently enjoying TEDSTOCK for the second time, and I can keep coming back for more. Chris, George and I recorded the event. It sounds pretty damn good too. We opted to bypass the Trash sound system, put up two mics, and record two track to DAT. I think it was the best way to go, and I'm very happy with the results so far.
Chris and I are mulling over how we want to approach it, but it's safe to say that we'll be offering some sort of TEDSTOCK record soon.
Everyone should be able to have their cake and eat it too as well.
It can be done. I am currently enjoying TEDSTOCK for the second time, and I can keep coming back for more. Chris, George and I recorded the event. It sounds pretty damn good too. We opted to bypass the Trash sound system, put up two mics, and record two track to DAT. I think it was the best way to go, and I'm very happy with the results so far.
Chris and I are mulling over how we want to approach it, but it's safe to say that we'll be offering some sort of TEDSTOCK record soon.
Everyone should be able to have their cake and eat it too as well.
UP THE HAMMERS
On the back of Iron Maiden's 1981 live EP, "Maiden Japan" it says in the liner notes; "Up The Hammers". At the time I though it was a reference to Hammer guitars. Adrian Smith played a Hammer Explorer at one point, so it sort of made sense, but at the same time felt wrong. I knew deep down that it was some sort of English shit that us Colonials didn't get. Years later I would meet Paul Daly and come to understand that the Hammers were in fact the West Ham United football team. So it should have dawned on me that it was in fact Paul and Leslie Daly who gave me the Maiden DVD - which is fucking awesome.
Iron Maiden were smart enough to document their sets going way back to the very early days. This DVD contains 3 concert films and a second disc containing at least one excellent documentary that I watched today, plus two other 'titles' that I haven't yet checked out, probably videos.
I have always been a big Paul Di'Anno fan, and he's very well represented here. Bruce Dickinson was the right choice for the band during one of many critical moments, and more often than not it's the same story - touring kills weak men. Di'Anno couldn't do it night after night, got depressed, and then it's what the drink and drugs do to you. If you are confident, and committed, and have a strong constitution, the drugs and drink work themselves out, but young men in rock bands in 1981 didn't get time for anything, certainly not rehab.
It makes me wonder what would have happened to Paul Di'Anno, Clive Burr, or Def Leppard's Pete Willis if they'd been given 28 days. Maybe it was for the best, because they are all still alive, and Def Leppard's Steve Clark, like so many others, is not.
Gee, I didn't want this to get so down. The DVD is great. Iron Maiden is great. Paul and Leslie are great.
On the back of Iron Maiden's 1981 live EP, "Maiden Japan" it says in the liner notes; "Up The Hammers". At the time I though it was a reference to Hammer guitars. Adrian Smith played a Hammer Explorer at one point, so it sort of made sense, but at the same time felt wrong. I knew deep down that it was some sort of English shit that us Colonials didn't get. Years later I would meet Paul Daly and come to understand that the Hammers were in fact the West Ham United football team. So it should have dawned on me that it was in fact Paul and Leslie Daly who gave me the Maiden DVD - which is fucking awesome.
Iron Maiden were smart enough to document their sets going way back to the very early days. This DVD contains 3 concert films and a second disc containing at least one excellent documentary that I watched today, plus two other 'titles' that I haven't yet checked out, probably videos.
I have always been a big Paul Di'Anno fan, and he's very well represented here. Bruce Dickinson was the right choice for the band during one of many critical moments, and more often than not it's the same story - touring kills weak men. Di'Anno couldn't do it night after night, got depressed, and then it's what the drink and drugs do to you. If you are confident, and committed, and have a strong constitution, the drugs and drink work themselves out, but young men in rock bands in 1981 didn't get time for anything, certainly not rehab.
It makes me wonder what would have happened to Paul Di'Anno, Clive Burr, or Def Leppard's Pete Willis if they'd been given 28 days. Maybe it was for the best, because they are all still alive, and Def Leppard's Steve Clark, like so many others, is not.
Gee, I didn't want this to get so down. The DVD is great. Iron Maiden is great. Paul and Leslie are great.
PRESENTS
I opened all my gifts early monday morning just after TEDSTOCK wrapped. I got some great gifts. The best gift of all was from my brothers, they gave me TEDSTOCK. Microdot's 'Left of the Dial' was a truly special gift that I will always treasure. Tony and Mrs. Alva gave me an awesome Chad Pennington jersey that I'm wearing at work today - looks great with the pink mohawk. I also recieved some money, which is always great. The Joe Man gave me a book on Shane McGowan and a DVD of Shakes the Clown - what are you trying to say Joe? Somebody, and I am shamed to say I can't remember who, gave me an awesome Iron Maiden DVD featuring classic early Maiden footage. Thanks!
The greatest gift a guy could get was the turnout, again, my thanks to all who atteneded.
I opened all my gifts early monday morning just after TEDSTOCK wrapped. I got some great gifts. The best gift of all was from my brothers, they gave me TEDSTOCK. Microdot's 'Left of the Dial' was a truly special gift that I will always treasure. Tony and Mrs. Alva gave me an awesome Chad Pennington jersey that I'm wearing at work today - looks great with the pink mohawk. I also recieved some money, which is always great. The Joe Man gave me a book on Shane McGowan and a DVD of Shakes the Clown - what are you trying to say Joe? Somebody, and I am shamed to say I can't remember who, gave me an awesome Iron Maiden DVD featuring classic early Maiden footage. Thanks!
The greatest gift a guy could get was the turnout, again, my thanks to all who atteneded.
