Learn More About the Beatles

With Memorial Day weekend coming to an end and the summer approaching, it's always good to have a few good books to read throughout the summer.  Here There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles by Geoff Emerick is by far the best book that I have ever read about the Beatles.  Emerick was the sound engineer for the Beatles starting 1966 with Revolver and up through The White Album, which when reading the book you'll discover why he chose to no longer work with them after that masterpiece.  I read this book four years ago, and I think I might have to pick it up and read it again.  It was in this book that I learned the Paul often had to teach Ringo how to play the drums for a certain song, and that the all the Beatles thought the other members where closer to each other than the individual member.  I has always known the George Harrison had and interest in Indian music and culture, but this book really explains that interest and what effect it had on the Beatles music and relationships with each other.  It also an intimate look into what could arguably be one of the best musical writing teams of all time, Lennon/McCartney.  Hmmm, this is now got my thinking about making the next countdown be my favorite rock books...

Anyway check out this book, you will not be disappointed.

K'Naan Interview

My friend and I were out on Saturday Night at a bar with a horrible juke box. Well it wasn't that horrible, but there was no Outkast, Tribe Called Quest, no hip hop that hasn't been on the Top Forty charts in the last year, or so it seemed. I was shocked when I finally decided that searching by genre was going to get me farther, and discovered K'Naan's "Waving Flag". It can only be explained that this has become the song for the World Cup and the Somali born artist is gaining an international audience.

A moth ago K'Naan was a guest on one of my favorite NPR shows, Sound Opinions. K'Naan is not just fascinating to see on stage, but he is fascinating to listen to in person. His music has a real message and his heartache and struggle comes through while not being totally depressing. "Waving Flag" is the epitome of an optimistic song. I always find it interesting to learn more about the artist behind the music and Sound Opinions really focuses on the music.

I am posting the link to listen to the interview online. The Sound Opinions website could use a little work, so to listen to the show click on the link HERE! and it takes you to their archive page. Go down to the show from 4/30/10, and you can either download the podcast or stream the show live to your computer. I also listened on Saturday to a great interview they did with Phoenix, so if you have any interest in history inspired pop rock check out the interview as well. Enjoy!

Billy Joel Armstrong Interview

I listened to this interview on Fresh Air with Terry Gross yesterday and really enjoyed it. If you haven't noticed the promotion everywhere, American Idiot has been turned into a Broadway show, and it sounds fantastic. I'm sort of excited that Broadway is now looking to punk and more updated pop music than Billy Joel and Elton John for influences. I think it will definitely appeal to a younger crowd.

This interview is not all about the Broadway show however, it's also about Green Day. It really reminded me how much I loved both American Idiot and Dookie. Also has inspired me to try to come up with a top ten numbing songs after hearing "Give Me Novocaine" and hearing Terry make the connection to the Ramones, "I Want to Be Sedated". Stupid but funny story, when I got my wisdom teeth pulled I woke up in this Lay-Z-Boy chair in the dentist office and my mom handed me my iPod. I put on "I Want To Be Sedated" and showed it to my mom, and in my sedated mind thought it was the funniest thing ever. Just another example how relating to music seems to always be floating around in my head, even when anesthetized.

Here's the link to the interview....

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126395459

New Kanye

THANK GOODNESS! I understand he is not the nicest person, but neither is Paul Simon nor James Taylor. He's still a genius.

Power (featuring Dwele)

Here's the link to download...

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PHBNUOVN

Amazing Photo

Thank you J for finding this. it's worth clicking on the photo so you can really see the look on Hova's face. Too funny.

Friday Countdown! New Albums Needed

It's been a while since I've done a Friday Countdown cause I've been busy and lazy. Both of those are awful excuses. However I am back with a much needed countdown for artists and groups that need to release some new music. I have not included bands in whichthe emmebers are currently engaged in other projects. For example Radiohead will not be on here cause Tom Yorke is a bit busy with Atoms for Peace, and while I love Blur their resident musical genius is a bit tired up with The Gorillaz. With that said, and in the words of Mos Def in "Child's Story"... heeeeere weeeeee goooo...

1. Lauryn Hill - I will never give up on you, even though it hurts my heart.

2. No Doubt/Gwen Stefani - In all honesty I would take and album from either, though I would prefer No Doubt. I know they went on tour last year, and released one new song, but that was a cover and really shouldn't count. Also I've read so many places the Gwen did tons of writing while she was on the road last year, so where is the album for all that writing? Come on No Doubt, get in a studio!

3. Amy Winehouse - It's been four years since Back to Black. I understand that she's an addict and she's trying to kick the habit and she's now busy replacing that addiction with plastic surgery, but I would appreciate some new tunes. I just hope it wasn't all the crack and heroin that made her so soulful in the first place.

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Maybe since Stadium Arcadium was a double album it's supposed to last twice as long, but once again it's been four years since that release. It should be noted that the past few albums have had about 3-4 years between releases and if that's the amount of time it takes to create those masterpieces then I get it. I also released I just broke my first rule I made since Flea is also involved in Atoms For Peace. Whoops.

5. Andre 3000 - I have mourned Outkast, I am over it, but Big Boi is coming out with an album this year and I wish Andre would follow suit. Plus he's making an appearance on a Big Boi record, so that's going to make me want even more.

6. Missy Elliot - Where has she been? Plus we need a new music video from her. I wonder what happened to all those dancing kids in "Gossip Folks"?

7. Justin Timberlake - Four years since Future Sex/Love Sounds. I heard him in an interview maybe a year ago say that he was not going to put out another album until he was really inspired. I wish he would hurry up and get inspired. Maybe now that T.I. is out of jail he'll come up with something.

8. The Thrills - I think they broke up. Sad. Best Irish/Californian rock group.

9. The Kooks - It's only been two years since their last album, but I miss them.

10. Black Star - After Outkast this is my favorite Hip Hop collaboration. Mos Def and Talib Kweli got together for a whole album in 1998 and released one of the greatest hip hop albums. I quoted it in the opening paragraph. Both Talib Kweli and Mos Def were on Jimmy Fallon last November and said there was a definite possibility of releasing a second album. These two constantly show up on each others albums, and obviously have amazing chemistry. You Tube their performance on Dave Chapelle,a nd buy the album if you don't have it.

Them Crooked Vultures Photos

These were some of my favorite shots from the Them Crooked Vultures show at the Aragon last week. By the way I've decided that Dave Grohl is the best drummer out there performing today. Sorry Travis Barker.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Last night I went the a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was beyond impressed. This is the second time I have seen them perform, and my seats this time around were much better so I was able to actually see what was going on. I found myself entranced with the conductor. It was addictive to watch him, cause he would make these large aggressive movements and a half second later something large and impressive would come from the instruments. Also they finished the night playing a Viennese Waltz composed by Strauss and all I could think of was Captain and Von Trapp and Maria falling in love dancing in the gardens in Salzburg. Also a study yesterday showed Vienna as the most livable city in the world, and this experience at the CSO last night has inspired me even more check it out.

Auto Tune Out of Control

I will start this post by saying that I have downloaded Usher's "OMG", and is it not only fun to dance to, but it also is a really good song to do sit ups to. That and Eminem's "Lose Yourself" have that perfect beat to keep you going. However, that is not what this post is about. While the song is fun, dancey, going to be a huge summer hit, I have a serious issue with it. I do not understand why Will I. Am felt the need to auto tune Usher Raymond's voice. The man can sing, in fact he has one of the more soulful voices in pop music. Am I the only one who remembers how good "Confessions Part II" is? "My Way" was one of the pivotal songs in my life to introduce hip hop radio stations into my middle school life. I was in 7th grade when the Usher poster went up next to my Jim Morrison posters. What has Will I. Am done? Did Usher catch Auto Tune Syndrome from T-Pain and "Love In This Club"?

I know Usher is used to success and that Will I. Am is the man to go to for record sales these days. Black Eyed Peas have been unstoppable for over a year, despite Apl.De.Ap's lyrics typically making little to no sense. (Just so you know I love the Black Eyed Peas too). Will I. Am is the now the Timbaland of 2006. Everyone wants to work with him because he sells, and it has worked for "OMG" that has been on the top of the charts for week. I also predict that with the crowd cheering noise in the background that this song will be pretty popular at the World Cup in a couple weeks, so expect it to get even bigger. We also know at least Will I. Am is the king of fusing commercials with music. But why did he have to go so heavy on the Auto Tune to a voice that is already amazing? I guess Usher wanted a back up in case his Justin Beiber investment didn't work out.

I'm going to go listen to Jay-Z's "Death of Auto Tune" now.

Janelle Monae

I have a new artist for anyone who reads this to check out. Her name is Janelle Monae and it is hard to put her in a genre. She worked with Outkast on the tragedy that was Idelwild, performing on one of the few gems, “Call The Law”. However I wouldn’t solely define her as hip hop. Actually I’m going to forget labels and not define her as anything, cause she’s too good to put in one box. Monae is a member of the Wondaland Arts Society in Atlanta, a collection of artists that range from musicians, to graphic designers to performance art. Consider this place "all artists welcome".

Janelle Monae is not actually a new artist, she already has a Grammy nomination under her belt. She also has been a must see at SXSW for the last three years. Just another reason to get to Austin. Monae has just released her sophomore album entitled The ArchAndroid, and it’s considered an extension of the first album. She creates a character of Cindi Mayweather and travels through the fictional city of Metropolis. Think of Ziggy Stardust updated.

So far off the album my favorite without a doubt has been “Tightrope”. Big Boi apparently thanked Monae for adding her vocals on Idlewild by dropping in on this track. I believe this is either the first or second single off the album. I heard Monae in an interview say that while ArchAndroid is a concept album, she wanted to make sure there were songs that you couldn’t help but dance to on it. That is what “Tightrope” is, a great up beat dance track. I can see this being huge and being mixed with all different types of music.

Monae will be in Chicago next week, at a concert that is sure to be amazing. She is opening for Erykah Badu and N.E.R.D. at the Chicago Theater. Unfortunately the Chicago Theater is way over priced and I have never seen a show there because I refuse to pay. She will also be playing with the reincarnation of the Lilth Tour this summer which is looking better and better by the day if forget that Ke$ha is involved.

Another Reason to Love Hip Hop

The other day I was watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and LL Cool J was the guest. He was touting some book about fitness, but the Roots played a great old school LL Cool J Jam, and the host and guest discussed the beginning on Def Jam Records. While Cool James is now better known for NCIS Los Angeles, Jimmy Fallon made sure that the audience did not forget just how influential this man was to hip hop.

On top of that LL Cool J was quick and hilarious. He was a great guest with a hilarious response to anything Fallon threw at him, and it got me thinking. Some of the best interviews I ever see are with rappers. It seems like lately rappers turned actors are everywhere. Common and Queen Latifah have been out promoting “Just Wright”, and they’re interviews are always authentic and funny. Also have you ever seen Mos Def interviewed? He cracks me up, so calm and cool, but so smart. I’ve spent hours looking for this one clip of Mos Def and Fallon bantering on Late Night and can’t find it. It’s laugh out loud funny. And let’s not forget that one of the most charming and successful actors working today got his acting start as The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. (Too bad his music career really isn’t as moving).

It makes perfect sense the MCs would make great conversationalists. These individuals made their names by stringing words together in meaningful ways. Rap battles are a common right of passage for the best of the best MCs, where you have to think quickly on you feet and feed off what the other person has said before you. Just chalk this up to another reason I want to meet some of my hip hop heroes. Nor just meet, but hang out with and talk to, cause not only have they done amazing things and are amazing artists, but they are probably pretty witty as well.

Record Store Savior

As I have lamented before on this site, record stores are a dying breed. Not only the independent stores, but the huge chains like Virgin have not been able to defend themselves against the digital music assault of iTunes and Rhapsody. Well luckily there are two pieces of good news that could help save one of my favorite cultural icons.

First is that vinyl sales have been steadily growing in the past few years. They were up 33% in 2009 with 2.5 million LPs being sold. I've been trying to put my finger on why this would be. Maybe people are nostalgic and we'll start seeing a rise in sales of record players too. I was also thinking that maybe it had to do with the rise in popularity of DJS, but most DJs have gone digital. Also the number one selling vinyl last year was Radiohead, which doesn't seem to be a particularly mix friendly band. It's also interesting to note the talk shows now always hold up vinyl records instead of cds before a musical guest performs. This may just be that obviously a larger square shows up on camera than a smaller one, but it does say something that all these artist even have vinyl out.

The other factor that could help out record stores is that the Universal Music Group has decided to lower the price of cds that put out to $9.99 or less. One of the biggest problems for record stores is that it has been cheaper to download albums than to buy the actual cd. This is a change that retailers and artist have been pushing for a while. It has always been the record companies that have been holding back, seeing as they make the majority of the profits in cd sales. Well now UMG is realizing that to remain competitive they are going to have to change. It will be interesting to see how this works. While price does have something to do with lagging cd sales, i also think convenience is a big deal. It's so easy to just download an album directly to the device you use for listening to music than go to a store, buy an album and then upload it to a computer and transfer it to an MP# player. And with online reviews right on iTunes, you don't even need the opinions of the records store hipsters. While I am excited that cds, at least produced by UMG, will be cheaper, I am not too optimistic that it will save the record store.

Canadian Genius

I just found out that the Canadian government offers grants to Canadian music act, which is a amazing because it gives a band or artist the ability to work on their craft without having to worry about making ends meat. They offer grants for both recording and touring. I learned about this when I heard that Broken Social Scene took advantage of this opportunity. It is just another reason why I might need to emigrate to Toronto or Vancouver.

I believe that this probably had two outcomes that I think can create great music. The first is that application for grants can be very difficult to write and it takes a certain amount of motivation and commitment to finish one. Not only that it takes effort to go out ans seek the grant and figure out how to write it. The point being is that the artist going after these grants must be motivated and intelligent people, which would lead you to think that their music in turn would be motivated and intelligent. I love intellectual music that makes you think, politically, artistically, or any new way. This is one of the reasons that I love K'Naan so much. On that thought, K'Naan is considered a Canadian artist having gotten his start in Toronto. I wonder if he's ever taken advantage of this opportunity...

The other outcome of this program is that it frees artist to focus entirely on their music. It give them time and energy to produce new and interesting creations. The only band that I know for sure applied and received a grant is broken social scene, but think about all the other great Canadian acts; K'Naan, Arcade Fire, Feist, STARS, Metric, The New Pornographers, The Fembots, Wolf Parade, and I am quite sure there are many many more that I have never heard and need to know. also some of the best acts in music history have come from out of Canada and I am excited that the Canadian government is supporting these artists in such an ingenious way.