Yesterday afternoon, on the day of the premeire of Trey Anastasio's orchestral piece, Time Turns Elastic, a dress rehearsal took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. In addition to the new numbers, Trey performed Divided Sky backed by the full orchestra for a beautiful rendition of the Phish favorite. Orchestration was done by Don Hart.
jeremyandjoy was kind enough to upload Divided Sky (available in 5 easy installments of $0.00)
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Part 5:
Sunday, September 28, 2008
We Still Want The Funk
"George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love" (Shanachie) debuts at No. 34. It's the first Clinton album to chart since "Greatest Funkin' Hits" peaked at No. 46 in November 1996, and the highest-charting Clinton title since "T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M." went to No. 27 in June 1996.Clinton's run of solo chart albums began with "Computer Games" in December 1982, giving him a chart span of 25 years, nine months and three weeks. But you'd have to go further back in time to include his work with Parliament. That ensemble first charted in August 1974 with "Up for the Down Stroke," giving Clinton a chart span of 34 years, one month and two weeks.
But that still wouldn't paint a complete picture. Before he founded Parliament, Clinton assembled Funkadelic, and that group first charted in March 1970 with an eponymous LP, giving Clinton a career R&B album chart span of 38 years, six months and one week.
Source: Billboard
Long Train Running
The classic "Back in Black" album is No. 1 on the Top Pop Catalog chart for the second consecutive week and the third week overall. The album's first week at No. 1 was on the chart dated Feb. 11, 2006. "Back in Black" moved over to the catalog chart the week of March 8, 2003 after a 131-week run on The Billboard 200. With 714 weeks on the Catalog chart, "Back in Black" has now charted a total of 845 weeks.
AC/DC's first new single in eight years, "Rock'n'Roll Train," hit the band's Web site and radio outlets on August 28th. It features on the Oct. 20 U.S. release of "Black Ice," which will be sold exclusively via Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores, as well as ACDC.com.
Source: Billboard
Listen to the full 'Rock' n Roll Train' track via this HQ clip:
AC/DC's first new single in eight years, "Rock'n'Roll Train," hit the band's Web site and radio outlets on August 28th. It features on the Oct. 20 U.S. release of "Black Ice," which will be sold exclusively via Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores, as well as ACDC.com.
Source: Billboard
Listen to the full 'Rock' n Roll Train' track via this HQ clip:
Soul Singing
The new Oasis disc is not yet officially available, but there is no doubt that if you want a copy you can get your virtual hands on one online.
I read a well written, positive review of the album on the Canned Applause blog this morning and wanted to share it:
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul review
You can also listen to new track 'The Turning' here (via Hype Machine)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Will Zeppelin be in our Summer '09 Plans?!?
According to NME:
Led Zeppelin are planning a full tour for next summer, with singer Robert Plant set to rejoin the band, according to reports in The Sun today (September 26).Despite their massively-successful reunion gig at London's O2 Arena last winter, the band have so far declined to confirm whether they will plan any more shows together.Initially, it was believed that singer Plant was against a full tour with the band.However, today's report claims that Plant is now ready to join guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham in rehearsals for a tour set to start next summer.An unnamed source told the newspaper: "He [Plant] realised he couldn't face the thought of not being involved. The band were over the moon when he told them the news."
The Weight's Early Bonnaroo '09 Headliner Predictions: Zeppelin, Dead w/ Warren, Phish
I should probably book the Murfreesboro, TN Comfort Suites now!
Led Zeppelin are planning a full tour for next summer, with singer Robert Plant set to rejoin the band, according to reports in The Sun today (September 26).Despite their massively-successful reunion gig at London's O2 Arena last winter, the band have so far declined to confirm whether they will plan any more shows together.Initially, it was believed that singer Plant was against a full tour with the band.However, today's report claims that Plant is now ready to join guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham in rehearsals for a tour set to start next summer.An unnamed source told the newspaper: "He [Plant] realised he couldn't face the thought of not being involved. The band were over the moon when he told them the news."
The Weight's Early Bonnaroo '09 Headliner Predictions: Zeppelin, Dead w/ Warren, Phish
I should probably book the Murfreesboro, TN Comfort Suites now!
SAY WHAT?!?
So this is interesting: VH1 [choke] is counting down the top 100 rap songs of all-time. According to who?? Brooke Hogan?? This is laughable considering VH1 is about as in touch with Hip-Hop culture as ESPN is with the world of antiquing. Recall not long ago when VH1 was counting down the soothing sounds of Cyndi Lauper, Richard Marx and Michael Bolton (and God forbid any African-American unless it was Billy Ocean or Luther Vandross) while Yo! Mtv Raps and BET's Rap City were boldly spreading the word on EPMD, N.W.A., Too Short, Ice Cube, Kool Moe Dee and other rap pioneers.With respect to the list itself, how did Bondie's "Rapture" not make the cut? True, while not a "pure" rap track per se (although some may argue the contrary), didn't this song virtually introduce hip-hop to the mainstream "Mtv generation?" Notably, the list only includes about one song per artist, which is mesmerizing considering the number of revolutionary hits by Biggie, Tupac, Dre, Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J, etc. (and no love for Zapp and Roger?!?). Imagine a list of the greatest rock songs without a combination of at least 10 songs by the Beatles, Dylan and The Stones in the top 50. It doesn't exist.
Viva Ed Lover, Dr. Dre and Fab 5 Freddy!
For the full VH1 list, click here
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Lynx
The Hartford Courant reviews Ben Folds' new album 'Way to Normal'.
The Dallas Observer interviews Iron and Wine's Sam Beam.
VH1 is set to countdown the Top 100 Rap Songs Of All Time starting on Monday.
Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' holds onto the top spot on the Billboard chart for a second week and a solo Darius Rucker comes in at No. 5.
The Tuscon Weekly presents nine questions with Ben Kweller.
Chris Cornell is set to tour with Timbaland, who produced his latest album, 'Scream', where it will be performed in its 60-minute entirety.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Complete Unknown: Redux
Just to clarify -- I have nothing against rap music/hip hop and if I came off that way, it was certainly unintentional. I was merely making a very general observation, not an indictment against certain groups of people (indeed, it is common knowledge that the majority of people who buy hip hop/rap albums are white teenage males and females). In fact, some of my first (and favorite) CD's were hip hop and rap (De la Soul, Public Enemy, Gang Starr, BBD, etc.) This was, and still is, great music and mos[t] def[initely] helped shape my appreciation for all genres.
However, agree or disagree, I truly doubt that Ne-Yo or the Pussycat Dolls will go on to be the next Chuck D and Heart, respectively (it doesn't help that 95% of the acts out there today DON'T write their own music despite their claims otherwise, i.e. Avril Lavigne). Yet, they are still immensely popular for reasons I'll never understand.
I also completely agree that Jack White, Jeff Tweedy, My Morning Jacket and others represent the next generation of great artists -- in the same way that in the last two decades, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Metallica made some of the most important music of all-time. The problem is not the music per se; it's that the audience just isn't there or isn't responding. Unfortunately, the outlet for transmitting this material to the public is so limited because of the downfall of radio, Mtv, Rolling Stone, and the such. Maybe if the record labels and mass media paid more attention to the Raconteurs than Beyonce, we'd be in a better place...
Good stuff though, appreciate the feedback.
However, agree or disagree, I truly doubt that Ne-Yo or the Pussycat Dolls will go on to be the next Chuck D and Heart, respectively (it doesn't help that 95% of the acts out there today DON'T write their own music despite their claims otherwise, i.e. Avril Lavigne). Yet, they are still immensely popular for reasons I'll never understand.
I also completely agree that Jack White, Jeff Tweedy, My Morning Jacket and others represent the next generation of great artists -- in the same way that in the last two decades, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Metallica made some of the most important music of all-time. The problem is not the music per se; it's that the audience just isn't there or isn't responding. Unfortunately, the outlet for transmitting this material to the public is so limited because of the downfall of radio, Mtv, Rolling Stone, and the such. Maybe if the record labels and mass media paid more attention to the Raconteurs than Beyonce, we'd be in a better place...
Good stuff though, appreciate the feedback.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Complete Unknown
I'm losing faith in the American public. It's getting bad, really bad. Recently, I've found myself asking: What happened to art? What happened to culture? What happened to sophistication? Who is the next Fellini? The next Bob Dylan? The next Jack Kerouac? The next Jim Morrison? The next James Joyce? When will we wake up and realize that everything popular today will be forgotten tomorrow?
This wasn't always the case. Some things persevered...barely. In the 1600-1700s, Western Europe experienced, (after the Renaissance -- which was perhaps the most critical era in the history of the arts), the Baroque era of music -- a period primarily remembered for the works of Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Telemann, and of course, its patron saint, J.S. Bach. Music was not solely considered a mere form of art, but also, a sacred gift. While, much of the music was centered around the church, these composers were nonethless geniuses in their own right. Bach, for example, had an extraordinary understanding of composition, mathematics, music theory, not to mention, impeccable style and technique unmatched today. So much so, that academics and musicoloigsts are still fascinated some 300 years later. I can safely say that there will NEVER be another Bach. He is arguably the most important figure in the history of Western music; yet today, he goes unnoticed. Or, said another way, no one gives a shit. This is quite tragic. Sure, trends come and go; but certain things are meant to stay. Classical music, and on a wider scale, great art as a whole, is one of those things. Yet, for reasons I'll never fully understand, these things have little relevance today (at least on this end of the planet). Society's waning disinterest in classical music was the first of many blows to great art. They say history repeats itself, but I truly wonder if classical music will stage a comeback. Do you know the name Virgil Fox? Did you know that in the 70's Mr. Fox, an organist, made a valiant attempt to introduce Bach to the mainstream (via Pink Floyd-esqe light shows and all)? Probably not, right? Will downloading Liszt, Chopin and Wagner from iTunes ever become fashionable? I somehow doubt it. Have you ever heard Glen Gould play Bach's Goldberg Variations? If so, were you moved? Even a little? If not, you've probably caught "the bug."
Perhaps you've fallen to prey to the DE-evolution of the arts. There is no question that art is dying a slow death. Films and books that were once groundbreaking and controversial are now rarely discussed. But for The Simpsons' cryptic references to Truffaut, Munch, Scorsese, Hitchcock and others (many of which I'm certain go unnoticed by the majority of viewers), there is hardly any recognition of the great ones, the legends. There is more to life than pop culture people. Like it or not, there are centuries of great art getting shit on in favor of America's Got Talent (ironic title, isn't it?), Desperate Housewives and For the Love of Ray J. Expand your mind; don't be so short sighted. Don't be so ignorant. Don't shrug off the classics in favor of the pop-orgasm: here today, gone..well, in a few seconds.
Something very disheartening occurred last evening. I along with a few friends saw the Fab Faux at Radio City Music Hall. The Fab Faux is a "real" Beatles cover band -- not some costume-clad Vegas act that feigns Liverpudlian accents. The Fab Faux, which is more or less centered around Jimmy Vivino (Late Night with Conan O'Brien) centers around the core of The Beatles. They abide by a strict code of technique, style and interpretation. They happen to nail it. Unfortunately however, the band is forced to dumb themselves down to appease an audience that screams "play old Beatles" (whatever that means) for a majority of the show.
In any event, I noticed two things: 1) there were only a handful of audience members under the age of forty and 2) there were more than a few people dozing off during the show. HOW DARE YOU! As if you were forced to attend a lecture on quantum physics. This is the fucking BEATLES! Have you no respect? Have you no soul? I was appalled and embarrassed to say the least. First off, the age barrier revealed that for the most part, the younger generation either has no appreciation, let alone, any interest in listening to good music, or, are just so far gone that they are beyond hope. I truly wonder how many young adults got Jonah Hill's message in Superbad: "It was like the first time I heard The Beatles." Probably very few. And for the Neanderthals who were screaming out pointless song requests in order to quell some primal urge (see prior post on "The Concertwreckers"): shame on you. Go home to your dumb reality t.v. and and whatever else rots your brain.
At dinner, this same group of people I was with (including a fellow Weightstaffer) philosophized over the "blame game" -- namely, what came first, the chicken or the egg. Or, said anothe r way, dumb Americans or the programs that make people dumber? Is it really Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus who are morons (rhetorical question folks) or the people who perpetuate them? Is it really that T-Pain and Lil' Wayne are that "talented" (again, rhetorical question) or that the people who buy their CD's have zero concept of good music. It makes me sick to think that high school students today can name five songs by Rhianna but not The Doors, or that The Jonas Brothers sell more albums than Neil Young, or that Dane Cook is even allowed to star in a movie...and that people actually find him funny.
Bob Lefsetz, in a recent post, wisely observed, "We live in a dumbed-down society. We're supposed to lower our expectations. Say something is good because it makes a lot of money, or the audience it appeals to has never been exposed to the classics. At some point you feel you're just too old, you've seen it all. You won't fall for the machinations of the Hollywood apparatus and you seem to be saying no more than yes." Bob, I couldn't agree more.
Is there any hope? I don't think so. What began in the 80's has snowballed out of control and there is no sign of its end. Is anyone else the least bit troubled that Perez Hilton probably has more readers a month than Edgar Allan Poe and F. Scott Fitzgerald do in a year...combined?!? Or that the once symbolic insignia of the Grateful Dead is hardly recognized but for the occasional nod of a passing stranger; or that members of Pink Floyd are dying at a far too rapid rate; or that kids today can't name any of the guitarists who actually wrote the songs featured on Guitar Hero; or that Bergman and De Sica have been replaced by Harold and Kumarl; or that Ashlee Simpson, I assure you, has never heard of...Bach?!?
I dread the day Bob Dylan dies. With his death, I fear that all remnants of great music, poetry, art and history will depart as well. Dylan, rescue us; leave us with a message. Give us direction. You're our only hope. Who will step up to the plate when you're gone? Who has the talent, the soul, the passion, the sophistication, the longevity to bring about the next Renaissance? Will it ever come? I'm worried it might be too late.
This wasn't always the case. Some things persevered...barely. In the 1600-1700s, Western Europe experienced, (after the Renaissance -- which was perhaps the most critical era in the history of the arts), the Baroque era of music -- a period primarily remembered for the works of Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Telemann, and of course, its patron saint, J.S. Bach. Music was not solely considered a mere form of art, but also, a sacred gift. While, much of the music was centered around the church, these composers were nonethless geniuses in their own right. Bach, for example, had an extraordinary understanding of composition, mathematics, music theory, not to mention, impeccable style and technique unmatched today. So much so, that academics and musicoloigsts are still fascinated some 300 years later. I can safely say that there will NEVER be another Bach. He is arguably the most important figure in the history of Western music; yet today, he goes unnoticed. Or, said another way, no one gives a shit. This is quite tragic. Sure, trends come and go; but certain things are meant to stay. Classical music, and on a wider scale, great art as a whole, is one of those things. Yet, for reasons I'll never fully understand, these things have little relevance today (at least on this end of the planet). Society's waning disinterest in classical music was the first of many blows to great art. They say history repeats itself, but I truly wonder if classical music will stage a comeback. Do you know the name Virgil Fox? Did you know that in the 70's Mr. Fox, an organist, made a valiant attempt to introduce Bach to the mainstream (via Pink Floyd-esqe light shows and all)? Probably not, right? Will downloading Liszt, Chopin and Wagner from iTunes ever become fashionable? I somehow doubt it. Have you ever heard Glen Gould play Bach's Goldberg Variations? If so, were you moved? Even a little? If not, you've probably caught "the bug."
Perhaps you've fallen to prey to the DE-evolution of the arts. There is no question that art is dying a slow death. Films and books that were once groundbreaking and controversial are now rarely discussed. But for The Simpsons' cryptic references to Truffaut, Munch, Scorsese, Hitchcock and others (many of which I'm certain go unnoticed by the majority of viewers), there is hardly any recognition of the great ones, the legends. There is more to life than pop culture people. Like it or not, there are centuries of great art getting shit on in favor of America's Got Talent (ironic title, isn't it?), Desperate Housewives and For the Love of Ray J. Expand your mind; don't be so short sighted. Don't be so ignorant. Don't shrug off the classics in favor of the pop-orgasm: here today, gone..well, in a few seconds.
Something very disheartening occurred last evening. I along with a few friends saw the Fab Faux at Radio City Music Hall. The Fab Faux is a "real" Beatles cover band -- not some costume-clad Vegas act that feigns Liverpudlian accents. The Fab Faux, which is more or less centered around Jimmy Vivino (Late Night with Conan O'Brien) centers around the core of The Beatles. They abide by a strict code of technique, style and interpretation. They happen to nail it. Unfortunately however, the band is forced to dumb themselves down to appease an audience that screams "play old Beatles" (whatever that means) for a majority of the show.
In any event, I noticed two things: 1) there were only a handful of audience members under the age of forty and 2) there were more than a few people dozing off during the show. HOW DARE YOU! As if you were forced to attend a lecture on quantum physics. This is the fucking BEATLES! Have you no respect? Have you no soul? I was appalled and embarrassed to say the least. First off, the age barrier revealed that for the most part, the younger generation either has no appreciation, let alone, any interest in listening to good music, or, are just so far gone that they are beyond hope. I truly wonder how many young adults got Jonah Hill's message in Superbad: "It was like the first time I heard The Beatles." Probably very few. And for the Neanderthals who were screaming out pointless song requests in order to quell some primal urge (see prior post on "The Concertwreckers"): shame on you. Go home to your dumb reality t.v. and and whatever else rots your brain.
At dinner, this same group of people I was with (including a fellow Weightstaffer) philosophized over the "blame game" -- namely, what came first, the chicken or the egg. Or, said anothe r way, dumb Americans or the programs that make people dumber? Is it really Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus who are morons (rhetorical question folks) or the people who perpetuate them? Is it really that T-Pain and Lil' Wayne are that "talented" (again, rhetorical question) or that the people who buy their CD's have zero concept of good music. It makes me sick to think that high school students today can name five songs by Rhianna but not The Doors, or that The Jonas Brothers sell more albums than Neil Young, or that Dane Cook is even allowed to star in a movie...and that people actually find him funny.
Bob Lefsetz, in a recent post, wisely observed, "We live in a dumbed-down society. We're supposed to lower our expectations. Say something is good because it makes a lot of money, or the audience it appeals to has never been exposed to the classics. At some point you feel you're just too old, you've seen it all. You won't fall for the machinations of the Hollywood apparatus and you seem to be saying no more than yes." Bob, I couldn't agree more.
Is there any hope? I don't think so. What began in the 80's has snowballed out of control and there is no sign of its end. Is anyone else the least bit troubled that Perez Hilton probably has more readers a month than Edgar Allan Poe and F. Scott Fitzgerald do in a year...combined?!? Or that the once symbolic insignia of the Grateful Dead is hardly recognized but for the occasional nod of a passing stranger; or that members of Pink Floyd are dying at a far too rapid rate; or that kids today can't name any of the guitarists who actually wrote the songs featured on Guitar Hero; or that Bergman and De Sica have been replaced by Harold and Kumarl; or that Ashlee Simpson, I assure you, has never heard of...Bach?!?
I dread the day Bob Dylan dies. With his death, I fear that all remnants of great music, poetry, art and history will depart as well. Dylan, rescue us; leave us with a message. Give us direction. You're our only hope. Who will step up to the plate when you're gone? Who has the talent, the soul, the passion, the sophistication, the longevity to bring about the next Renaissance? Will it ever come? I'm worried it might be too late.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
For Those About To Run
With the prior post coming from the Manhattan WeightStaff office, I thought I would work up a contribution from the WeightStaff DC office. I have to agree that it's been a little quiet around here recently.
I haven't been as available recently because I've been training for the Chicago marathon, coming up on October 12th. I'll intercept your follow-up question by saying, "it's 26.2 miles long." Seeing as how there is no other distance for a marathon, you'd be amazed at how many people ask me how long my marathon is. As if I signed up for the three-mile marathon. This will be my 3rd marathon, following San Francisco and Cleveland in past years. I started my training in late June after arriving back home from The Weight's European Vacation to London. [We know....Big Ben]
Music is a huge part of my training. Each time I set out from my apartment during the week, I bring along my portable XM satellite radio player. Recently, I've taken to listening strictly to the songs I've saved to the device, sticking to the familiarity of songs I already know, rather than letting the randomness of live satellite radio exist as my soundtrack.
On my most recent run, I decided to switch back to live XM rather than the saved content. As I was spinning the dial, I stumbled on the newly formed AC/DC channel. For the next hour, I listened to nothing but kick-ass, balls-to-the-wall, motivational rock n' roll from the best Aussie band to be named for a sewing machine label. There were tracks I knew from owning AC/DC Live for many years and there were tracks from their new album Black Ice that I'd never heard before. But they all blended seamlessly together into one stellar soundtrack for a jog around DC's bridges and monuments. I found myself punching the air and air drumming, without a care for how ridiculous I looked to the people running towards me. I was so pumped up that I ultimately ran my fastest 6 mile training run so far....thanks Angus!
There are new rules throughout all officially sanctioned running events that headphones cannot be used in races (for the safety of the runners), but I don't know how I'll be able to run so long without them. It's amazing how listening to music while I'm running can make me forget about the challenge of putting one foot in front of the other for up to hours at a time. It can make me forget that I'm out of breath or soaked through with sweat. Even on the rare occasion when I'm running without headphones, it will be a song that I'm singing in my head which will get me through a rough patch. And sometimes I surprise myself with the lyric that will randomly pop into my head.
So for any of you who need some motivation to go out there for a run or maybe hit the gym for some lifting, bring along some AC/DC and I promise it'll give you the extra boost of energy you're looking for when you begin to get tired and you think you can't go on. I'm going to post the song that, above all the others, resulted in the most music-inspired fist-pumping in front of total strangers. It's the 1975 Bon Scott anthem "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)". Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be seeing them perform this track at MSG in November, because according to Wikipedia, Brian Johnson doesn't sing it out of deference for the late Bon Scott. But I sure as hell plan to be there at the Garden when the cannons fire. [Tickets go on sale for AC/DC's November MSG shows this Saturday at 10 AM]
I haven't been as available recently because I've been training for the Chicago marathon, coming up on October 12th. I'll intercept your follow-up question by saying, "it's 26.2 miles long." Seeing as how there is no other distance for a marathon, you'd be amazed at how many people ask me how long my marathon is. As if I signed up for the three-mile marathon. This will be my 3rd marathon, following San Francisco and Cleveland in past years. I started my training in late June after arriving back home from The Weight's European Vacation to London. [We know....Big Ben]
Music is a huge part of my training. Each time I set out from my apartment during the week, I bring along my portable XM satellite radio player. Recently, I've taken to listening strictly to the songs I've saved to the device, sticking to the familiarity of songs I already know, rather than letting the randomness of live satellite radio exist as my soundtrack.
On my most recent run, I decided to switch back to live XM rather than the saved content. As I was spinning the dial, I stumbled on the newly formed AC/DC channel. For the next hour, I listened to nothing but kick-ass, balls-to-the-wall, motivational rock n' roll from the best Aussie band to be named for a sewing machine label. There were tracks I knew from owning AC/DC Live for many years and there were tracks from their new album Black Ice that I'd never heard before. But they all blended seamlessly together into one stellar soundtrack for a jog around DC's bridges and monuments. I found myself punching the air and air drumming, without a care for how ridiculous I looked to the people running towards me. I was so pumped up that I ultimately ran my fastest 6 mile training run so far....thanks Angus!
There are new rules throughout all officially sanctioned running events that headphones cannot be used in races (for the safety of the runners), but I don't know how I'll be able to run so long without them. It's amazing how listening to music while I'm running can make me forget about the challenge of putting one foot in front of the other for up to hours at a time. It can make me forget that I'm out of breath or soaked through with sweat. Even on the rare occasion when I'm running without headphones, it will be a song that I'm singing in my head which will get me through a rough patch. And sometimes I surprise myself with the lyric that will randomly pop into my head.
So for any of you who need some motivation to go out there for a run or maybe hit the gym for some lifting, bring along some AC/DC and I promise it'll give you the extra boost of energy you're looking for when you begin to get tired and you think you can't go on. I'm going to post the song that, above all the others, resulted in the most music-inspired fist-pumping in front of total strangers. It's the 1975 Bon Scott anthem "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)". Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be seeing them perform this track at MSG in November, because according to Wikipedia, Brian Johnson doesn't sing it out of deference for the late Bon Scott. But I sure as hell plan to be there at the Garden when the cannons fire. [Tickets go on sale for AC/DC's November MSG shows this Saturday at 10 AM]
The Weight of 'The Weight'
What is a music blogger to do when their mind is elsewhere? It's my opinion that blog traffic is maintained via a steady stream of regular posts. Quality is required too, but there has to be quantity. And as anyone who has been to our site lately can probably tell, our level of postings has definitely been down [alot]. So, I thought it would be interesting to ruminate on why I've been inadequately stuffing the site with new entries lately (by the way, I am but one of three guys who post on this site, so I can only speak for myself!) This also allows me to get a new post up!!!
So here goes:
I have always thought of music as a staple in my life. My iPod has been with me consistently, well now its an iPhone, since 2003. Especially due to living in New York City, where you have to walk everywhere, I need something to freakin' do when I'm strolling to the subway every morning. And I can't listen to the radio when driving because I don't have a car (do you know how expensive parking is in this city?!?) so how else will I get my fix. Another staple of mine is going to see live music, which has been a hobby (no, a necessity) in my life since I first saw George Clinton and P-Funk blow my mind when I was 15 back in Summer 1995. Hundreds of shows later, I felt like I had amassed enough knowledge to actually participate in this blog with some semblance of authority on music.
But being in New York City, and working in the real estate industry, I have to say I have been buried in the business section, not music section, of newspapers and been reading real estate blogs ENDLESSLY of late. Many of my peers have lost their jobs and the ones who are employed aren't convinced they will be much longer. And EVERY pundit on television is telling me that we are in the worst crisis since The Great Depression. So you'll have to forgive me for not knowing about the latest T-Payne album drop. I guess I'm getting older. Ya know, I just wasn't thinking about this I was 16, racking up Phish shows, and counting my statistics of how many times I had seen Cavern performed live [18 I think].
So I have been cutting back on concert tickets [missing huge source of new material for The Weight], I'm not reading every music site out there [missing another huge source of new material] and I go to bed thinking that eating Subway every night for the next year only costs a total of $1,825 ($5 for a footlong!) [also not a good source for 'The Weight' material] Hell, I am only checking out Hidden Track once every couple days now (sorry guys, I love you and all, I've just been distracted!)
Maybe I need to take a step back, pull out my old favorite .mp3s, and just breath. Maybe I NEED to go to more concerts to refresh myself and I NEED to find new bands to listen to enrich my life. And I think I really needed to post on this site to reconnect with people who think like I do. So I apologize for the lack of content and I wanted everyone to know that we are still looking to make The Weight a home for music fanatics just like us..indefinitely. We aren't going anywhere, and we hope you don't either.
I'll leave off with a quote from Mr. Bob Lefsetz from one of his recent rants:
Doesn't matter that your loved one left you if the music is right. The music agrees you played your hand correctly, that you did your best, even if it didn't work out, and you'll get a chance to play again. The music helps you rebuild your life, in your mind. You're reminded of prior victories. You know good times will come again.
This is why we listen to music. Because the written word cannot convey this warmth, no movie. They can render the images, but they cannot encase you in their cloak, make you warm and whisk you away.
We live in a go-go world. We're networked, we're subjected to tweets. But, despite technology, the human condition has not changed, ever. We still feel alone. No matter how many texts or how much e-mail we get. How are we going to feel connected, a part of humanity. Get through the lull? By listening to music.
Thanks Bob.
So here goes:
I have always thought of music as a staple in my life. My iPod has been with me consistently, well now its an iPhone, since 2003. Especially due to living in New York City, where you have to walk everywhere, I need something to freakin' do when I'm strolling to the subway every morning. And I can't listen to the radio when driving because I don't have a car (do you know how expensive parking is in this city?!?) so how else will I get my fix. Another staple of mine is going to see live music, which has been a hobby (no, a necessity) in my life since I first saw George Clinton and P-Funk blow my mind when I was 15 back in Summer 1995. Hundreds of shows later, I felt like I had amassed enough knowledge to actually participate in this blog with some semblance of authority on music.
But being in New York City, and working in the real estate industry, I have to say I have been buried in the business section, not music section, of newspapers and been reading real estate blogs ENDLESSLY of late. Many of my peers have lost their jobs and the ones who are employed aren't convinced they will be much longer. And EVERY pundit on television is telling me that we are in the worst crisis since The Great Depression. So you'll have to forgive me for not knowing about the latest T-Payne album drop. I guess I'm getting older. Ya know, I just wasn't thinking about this I was 16, racking up Phish shows, and counting my statistics of how many times I had seen Cavern performed live [18 I think].
So I have been cutting back on concert tickets [missing huge source of new material for The Weight], I'm not reading every music site out there [missing another huge source of new material] and I go to bed thinking that eating Subway every night for the next year only costs a total of $1,825 ($5 for a footlong!) [also not a good source for 'The Weight' material] Hell, I am only checking out Hidden Track once every couple days now (sorry guys, I love you and all, I've just been distracted!)
Maybe I need to take a step back, pull out my old favorite .mp3s, and just breath. Maybe I NEED to go to more concerts to refresh myself and I NEED to find new bands to listen to enrich my life. And I think I really needed to post on this site to reconnect with people who think like I do. So I apologize for the lack of content and I wanted everyone to know that we are still looking to make The Weight a home for music fanatics just like us..indefinitely. We aren't going anywhere, and we hope you don't either.
I'll leave off with a quote from Mr. Bob Lefsetz from one of his recent rants:
Doesn't matter that your loved one left you if the music is right. The music agrees you played your hand correctly, that you did your best, even if it didn't work out, and you'll get a chance to play again. The music helps you rebuild your life, in your mind. You're reminded of prior victories. You know good times will come again.
This is why we listen to music. Because the written word cannot convey this warmth, no movie. They can render the images, but they cannot encase you in their cloak, make you warm and whisk you away.
We live in a go-go world. We're networked, we're subjected to tweets. But, despite technology, the human condition has not changed, ever. We still feel alone. No matter how many texts or how much e-mail we get. How are we going to feel connected, a part of humanity. Get through the lull? By listening to music.
Thanks Bob.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Richard Wright: 1943-2008
"And I am not frightened of dying.Any time will do; I don't mind.
Why should I be frightened of dying?
There's no reason for it—you've gotta go sometime."
--The Great Gig in the Sky
It is with great sadness we report that Richard "Rick" Wright, founding member and keyboardist of Pink Floyd, has passed away at 65. Wright, who helped pen such Floyd classics as, "The Great Gig in the Sky," "Echoes," "Time," and "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," died today after a short battle with an unspecified form of cancer.
Wright, a formally-trained pianist, was a main innovator of the psychedelic and progressive rock scenes of the 60's and 70's. His genius transcended the elements of free jazz, classical, and rock 'n' roll to conceive some of the most notable riffs and melodies in contemporary music history. Although infrequent, Wright's vocal contributions to the Floyd's recordings were integral; indeed, it is hard to imagine the lead on "Echoes" or the backing vocals on "Time" without Wright's both haunting and angelic tenor. But it was Wright's ability to create and compose that was magnificent. An underrated instrumentalist, Wright understood the nuances and intricacies that made memorable music -- music that is relevant to this very day. I'm still deeply moved each time I hear his and Clare Torry's collaboration on "The Great Gig in the Sky" -- a song which will have new meaning from this day on.
Certainly, the hope, albeit a distant one, of any Pink Floyd reunification has also passed with Wright's death. However, one can't rule out the possibility of a tribute concert (with Gilmour, Waters and Mason) to honor this legendary musician. I, for one, have high hopes.
"And no one sings me lullabies,
And no one makes me close my eyes,
And so I throw the windows wide,
And call to you across the sky."
And no one makes me close my eyes,
And so I throw the windows wide,
And call to you across the sky."
-- Richard Wright
1943-2008
1943-2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Oasis: Takin' It To The Streets
Ripped from the NY Post:
British rockers Oasis wanted to introduce their new album by playing it live.
But when a crazed fan injured guitarist Noel Gallagher last month, forcing their tour to be postponed, the band looked to the talent in the New York City Transit system for plan B.
Oasis paid several dozen subway musicians $100 apiece to play cuts from their new LP on platforms around the city yesterday.
It was a rare case of the covers coming before the band.
Thirty groups who regularly perform underground were given sheet music and a couple of days to practice before rehearsing with the band yesterday morning in a Brooklyn loft.
The band got a huge kick out of hearing all the different interpretations of their music, said Rob Mastrianni, 32, a beat-boxer with hip-hop rockers Next Tribe.
"Everyone has their own style, and nothing sounds the same as it will on the album," he said. "They were jumping up and down and shook our hands."
Jim Bauer, of the art/performance rock duo Dagmar 2, said he was thrilled to be the first to perform the album, which will be released next month, in what some described as a kind of pre-payola.
"We love Oasis, so why not help them out? And we're getting paid," he said. In keeping with the low-key approach, the band didn't comment about the stunt yesterday.
The band and Warner Bros. contacted the city's tourism agency, NYC & Company, a little over a week ago. The city had no trouble finding a slew of musicians willing to take part, officials said.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
AC/DC Live!
North American tourdates for Aussie rockers AC/DC were released today. I expect to have my face melted on 11/13 at MSG. I've never seen these guys and really never cared to in the past, but they've kept so quiet for the last 8 years that I'm really excited for it this time around. I've also heard the new single from their Black Ice album, and its exactly what you would expect from the band that brought us Back In Black 18 years ago.
Upcoming shows in the Black Ice World Tour include:
October 28 Wilkes-Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
October 30 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
November 3 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
November 5 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
November 7 Toronto, ONT Rogers Centre
November 9 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
November 12 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
November 13 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
November 15 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center
November 17 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
November 19 East Rutherford, NJ IZOD Center
November 21 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
November 23 Minneapolis, MN Xcel Energy Center
November 25 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
November 28 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
November 29 Seattle, WA Key Arena
November 30 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
December 2 Oakland, CA ORACLE Arena
December 6 Los Angeles, CA The Forum
December 10 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
December 12 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
December 14 Houston, TX Toyota Center
December 16 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
December 18 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
If you're on the fence about seeing Angus and Malcolm in person on this tour, relive the stadium rock of Thunderstruck and I guarantee you'll want to see it in person:
Upcoming shows in the Black Ice World Tour include:
October 28 Wilkes-Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
October 30 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
November 3 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
November 5 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
November 7 Toronto, ONT Rogers Centre
November 9 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
November 12 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
November 13 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
November 15 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center
November 17 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
November 19 East Rutherford, NJ IZOD Center
November 21 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
November 23 Minneapolis, MN Xcel Energy Center
November 25 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
November 28 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
November 29 Seattle, WA Key Arena
November 30 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
December 2 Oakland, CA ORACLE Arena
December 6 Los Angeles, CA The Forum
December 10 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
December 12 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
December 14 Houston, TX Toyota Center
December 16 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
December 18 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
If you're on the fence about seeing Angus and Malcolm in person on this tour, relive the stadium rock of Thunderstruck and I guarantee you'll want to see it in person:
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Trey Takes Manhattan
From Trey.com:
10/16 Capitol Theatre Show Moved to Roseland Ballroom
Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control, the October 16th concert originally scheduled at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY has been moved to the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. All tickets originally sold for the Capitol Theatre show will be honored that night at the Roseland Ballroom. Anyone who cannot attend the Roseland show should email treytickets@rlc.net no later than Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Noon Eastern to request a refund for the face value of the ticket(s). We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment and we hope to see you at the Roseland Ballroom.
Full information on the new Roseland show is below:
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Roseland Ballroom
239 W 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Doors 7:00pm, Showtime: 8:00pm
For more information, visit Trey.com
Sunday, September 7, 2008
In Good Company, MTV VMA's 2008
Joining the ranks of Guns N Roses (1988), Nirvana (1992), and Eminen (1999), this year's MTV Video Music Awards Best New Artist is Tokio Hotel.
Uh...yeah. The music industry is in great shape. [Does sarcasm translate well online?] Although they did beat out Miley Cyrus so maybe the world IS a better place today.
...Fast forward about 20 minutes later into the show, man of the moment Lil Wayne is rapping and dancing around to the Sweet Home Alabama riff on Kid Rock's performance of his summer anthem, All Summer Long. This is the best VMA's collaboration since Madonna corrupted Britney. You gotta love this train wreck.
...And finally, what was actually an interesting and dare I say magical performance, Bonnaroo's favorite son Kanye West closed the show with a new tune off a rumored new album. Damn Kanye, 4:30 am? Really?!?
Uh...yeah. The music industry is in great shape. [Does sarcasm translate well online?] Although they did beat out Miley Cyrus so maybe the world IS a better place today.
...Fast forward about 20 minutes later into the show, man of the moment Lil Wayne is rapping and dancing around to the Sweet Home Alabama riff on Kid Rock's performance of his summer anthem, All Summer Long. This is the best VMA's collaboration since Madonna corrupted Britney. You gotta love this train wreck.
...And finally, what was actually an interesting and dare I say magical performance, Bonnaroo's favorite son Kanye West closed the show with a new tune off a rumored new album. Damn Kanye, 4:30 am? Really?!?
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Lynx
Hootie & The Blowfish have split so that frontman Darius Rucker can concentrate on a solo career as a country star.
The Streets’s new album, Everything Is Borrowed, will be released in the US on October 7th.
Bruce Springsteen played more than 30 songs over 3 1/2 hours Saturday night on Milwaukee's lakefront for Harley-Davidson's 105th anniversary celebration.
Read the article that includes this alarmed quote from an anti-drug activist about a recent California Ziggy Marley concert she attended: "There were very few attendees who were not smoking marijuana."
Music-themed Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach completes its first summer season, and it did not go so well.
The Streets’s new album, Everything Is Borrowed, will be released in the US on October 7th.
Bruce Springsteen played more than 30 songs over 3 1/2 hours Saturday night on Milwaukee's lakefront for Harley-Davidson's 105th anniversary celebration.
Read the article that includes this alarmed quote from an anti-drug activist about a recent California Ziggy Marley concert she attended: "There were very few attendees who were not smoking marijuana."
Music-themed Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach completes its first summer season, and it did not go so well.
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