MOG - Editor's Picks

Elvis' favorite giddup sells for $300k

Lyrikhan of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:52:10 GMT

The King's beloved peacock jumpsuit sold at auction yesterday for $300k, the largest amount ever for a piece of Elvis memorabilia.

Hot, ain't it?

From the AP article:

Presley paid $10,000 to have the outfit made by Los Angeles designer Bill Belew, who created all of The King's stage wardrobe between 1968-1977. It captured the rock 'n' roll legend's fascination with peacocks as a good luck symbol and the auction house said it was among his favorite Belew designs. Elvis first wore the costume at the Forum in Los Angeles on May 11, 1974, and later for the cover of his album "Promised Land."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ELVIS_PEACOCK_JUMPSUIT?SITE=MAFAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Rage Against the Republicans

Rawkkiddoh of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:50:45 GMT

As if the warnings about major congestion are not enough, it looks like there will be more fuel added to the fire come this September 3rd. We here in Minnesota have been warned about the hazards of traveling downtown during the Republican National Convention which will be held here September 3, 2008. Employees have been asked to work from home offset the 50,000 extra people who they feel will be coming to our wonderful city during that time.

Now, it appears as though Rage against the Machine want to party as well. Rage has scheduled a show in Minneapolis, MN on Sept 3rd. The show will coincide with the Republican National Convention. Rumors point to a similar show being scheduled in Denver during the Democratic National Convention. However, tickets start at $60 for the Minneapolis date.

Rage aren’t strangers to the Convention scene however. In 2000, they made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention to protest the two party system. Though accounts of exactly what sparked the riot differ, the show ended early with the power being cut as the crowd’s hurled rocks and broken bottles were met with tear gas and rubber bullets from police.

Either way, if you live close you better buy your tickets early.......I am guessing this will sell out rather quickly.

New Wave Wednesday: What do you want to talk talk about?

Misstee of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:45:57 GMT

I was running around doing errands tonite when this little 80s gem came on....

which led me to this song(which I haven't heard in YEARS)...

then in turn I found this vid which I've never seen...

Remember "Don't back date it...."

al-Qahira - Cairo, A Decade Ago

Dzendvokh of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:59:07 GMT

I have been looking for this cassette for quite a while and I finally decided to systematically dig through the drawer of about 300 jumbled tapes.

It reads: "Hadiiqatun Sawtiyatun: Fri. Nov13 1998" .... I'm not sure you can translate it this way but my intention was "Sonic Garden".

It's kind of funny that I recorded this ... and I only did it this once... (much to my current regret) ... because I have just in the past half year, really gotten in to recording many different sounds, and I realize it's something I really love to do.

I spent many a morning on the balcony that this is recorded from.... drinking my Nescafe.... watching the merchants pass by, listening to the traffic. Thinking about the day.

Listening to this now definitely brings back a very strong memory and sense of place and also a twinge of longing for that experience again ....

If I had a scanner I'd post my own photos, but I found some on the web that show a little of how I remember the city.

A sea of ramshackle buildings.

Lot's of sitting around at cafes smoking a sheesha

A clear day (in terms of pollution) for the city

And of course, the Traffic

Even today when I cross the street in a city and a car with particularly obnoxious exhaust has just passed, it takes me immediately back to this place.

On that note.... they just passed new traffic laws in Egypt

From the BBC:

"An estimated 6,000 people are killed in road accidents every year in Egypt and more than 30,000 are injured... The new laws impose fines and other punishments for such things as driving without lights at night, and travelling on the wrong side of the road."

.... driving without lights at night and travelling on the wrong side of the road .... from personal experience, I know what that means!

Musicwise... I generally remember the pop music, which, truth be told I like ... but I much prefer this:

I need help!!! MOG help me!!!!!!

walkingthecow of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:20:04 GMT

put together an 80's soundtrack! My good friend has an idea for an 80's movie and I am going to put together the most bitchin' 80's soundtrack EVER! Help me out...what are your suggestions?

So there are a couple of rules...

1. All songs must be written in the 80s

2. All songs must be written before 1986

3. John Hughes must come out of hibernation and direct this movie

I have already chosen a song...Real Life's Catch Me I'm Falling. Let's do this!!!!!!!

update

Rough outline of the movie...

"It's the year 2008 and the Class of 1986 finds out there was a computer glitch that has prevented the whole class from graduating. Little do they know that it was their Principal that has sabotaged their graduation and they now find themselves without degrees more then 20 years later. They must now go back for the last 2 weeks of school. Some of the members of the class of 86' have changed, others will always remain the same, but one thing is for certain...High School was a bitch!"

Criminal Records #5: Robbers by Cold War Kids

FluxCapacitor of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:01:17 GMT

In "Criminal Records", the Girlfriend and I discuss songs featuring criminal activity. This week: "Robbers" by Cold War Kids, which was suggested by mogger SunshineDaydream.

[While listening to the song…]

Me: Okay, the narrator is robbing from the blind. Then he’s turning around and saying, "It's not easy." He’s looking for our pity. "You know what? This is a hard life."

The GF: Hear the guy out. Give him a chance.

Me: What, so you think it is a hard life, robbing from the blind?

The GF: Yes, because blind people have little bells on all their stuff, so they know it’s the right thing they’re picking up. It's hard work removing all the little bells from the stuff in order to sell it on.

Me: So, the phone will have one type of bell, and the iron will have another? In case the blind people mix them up?

The GF: Yeah. Or their comb and their hair straightener. They’d burn the hands off themselves otherwise.

Me: This is how you think blind people live?

The GF: That’s the way I’d do it if I was blind.

Me: You’ve been blind drunk many times, so you have some sort of experience.

The GF: That’s right. I have some idea how to maneuver my way around the city of Dublin while blind—

Me: To all intents and purposes blind.

The GF: Yes.

Me: The mogger who recommended this song, SunshineDaydream, described it as her favorite song on the album. A song about robbing blind people. What does that say about her?

The GF: It’s a cry for help. "I rob from the blind, too."

Me: She’s coming out as a thief.

The GF: Yes, all her life she’s been thieving from the blind.

Me: Well, I’d say she worked up to it like other crimes. She started with the near-sighted, then moved onto people with cataracts, before going all out on the blind.

The GF: And now she's found a way to express it and admit it in public.

Me: Crying out through Mog.

The GF: Yeah. "My favorite song is about robbing blind people. Hint, hint." I think she should say sorry to all her victims.

Me: That’s all very well, saying sorry, but is it enough? The blind victim might say, "Yeah, thanks and all, but where the fuck’s my hair straightener? Look at my hair! I’m told it looks awful!"

The GF: Yes, give back the shit you’ve robbed from the blind, SunshineDaydream!

Me: Well said. Now, let’s listen to the rest of it.

[Afterwards…]

The GF: The drumming goes on a bit at the end. It sounds like those fucking blue people with their tin cans. I'd rather be deaf than blind if it came to it.

Me: You know, it’s kind of novelistic, this song. When I hear songs like this, I usually think, that’s great detail. With this one, I think, no, that’s too much detail. He seems to know everything there is to know about robbing blind people. That detail of the dirty kitchen sink--

The GF: Blind people won’t see the dirty dishes--

Me: The point I’m making is, the writer put an uncomfortable amount of detail in this song about robbing the blind and I’m worried that if the band doesn’t continue to do well in future, he will go back to what was clearly his former profession. So if there’s any blind people out there having this post read to them, I would say, buy Cold War Kids records, because your hair straightener could depend on it, your TV… no wait, that’s no good to them… your radio could depend on it.

The GF: Can you get a Braille television?

Me: Why not? It’s the 21st Century. So, in the end--

The GF: I think you could learn a lot about robbing the blind from this song.

Me: Criminals of Mog, hope you had your pencils and pads out for this one. But remember… it ain’t easy.

The GF: ...And to remove the bells before selling the stuff on.

...

Note: Suggestions for songs featuring crime would be gratefully received. Thanks.

Cut Copy On Pitchfork TV : Live @ Studio B

Chalky of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:11:37 GMT

http://terriblelovesongs.blogspot.com

A set performed by Cut Copy back in May of this year at the now closed down Studio B in Brooklyn is currently streaming on Pitchfork TV.

In case you don't already know, Cut Copy are Australian and sound like a mixture of something between New Order, Daft Punk and Human League with a little rock infusion. Indie dance, electro-pop, you get the general idea. I'm quite a fan. Here's the Pitchfork TV video so you can decide whether you are to.

Highlight tracks - So Haunted, Out There On Ice

So Haunted

Out There On Ice

Band Members:

Dan Whitford – lead vocals, keys, guitar
Tim Hoey – guitar, bass, backing vocals, sampler
Mitchell Scott – drums

Current Album: In Ghost Colours (2008)
MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy
Website/Blog: http://cut-copy.blogspot.com/

2008 Tour Dates:

8 Aug 2008 20:00 Little Vega Copenhagen
9 Aug 2008 20:00 OYA FESTIVAL OSLO
10 Aug 2008 20:00 SUDOESTE FESTIVAL Zambujeira Do Mar
14 Aug 2008 20:00 RAZZMATAZZ * special DJ set * Barcelona, Barcelona
15 Aug 2008 20:00 OLA FESTIVAL El Ejido, Almería
16 Aug 2008 20:00 LOOP FESTIVAL Brighton, London and South East
17 Aug 2008 20:00 FLOW FESTIVAL Helsinki
24 Aug 2008 20:00 CREAMFIELDS Liverpool, Midlands
25 Aug 2008 20:00 NOORDERZON Festival Groningen, Zuid-Holland
26 Aug 2008 20:00 ROWTOWN rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
29 Aug 2008 20:00 Stiff Kitten Belfast - Northern Ireland, Clare
30 Aug 2008 20:00 ELECTRIC PICNIC FESTIVAL Dublin, Dublin
9 Sep 2008 20:00 Calle 2 Guadalajara
10 Sep 2008 20:00 Escenica Monterrey
11 Sep 2008 20:00 Roots Magic Mexico City, Distrito Federal
13 Sep 2008 20:00 MONOLITH FESTIVAL (Red Rocks Amphitheater) Morrison, Colorado
15 Sep 2008 20:00 The Record Bar - w/ the presets Kansas City, Missouri
16 Sep 2008 20:00 Fine Line Music Cafe - w/ the presets Minneapolis, Minnesota
17 Sep 2008 20:00 the Metro - w/ the presets Chicago, Illinois
19 Sep 2008 20:00 Sound Academy - w/ the presets Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 2008 20:00 Club Soda - w/ the presets Montreal, Quebec
21 Sep 2008 20:00 Webster Hall - w/ the presets New York City, New York
22 Sep 2008 20:00 Webster Hall - w/ the presets New York City, New York
23 Sep 2008 20:00 Paradise - w/ the presets Boston, Massachusetts
25 Sep 2008 20:00 Trocadero - w/ the presets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
26 Sep 2008 20:00 9:30 Club - w/ the presets Washington DC, Washington DC
27 Sep 2008 20:00 Masquerade - w/ the presets Atlanta, Georgia
29 Sep 2008 20:00 Emo’s - w/ the presets Austin, Texas
30 Sep 2008 20:00 Granada Theater - w/ the presets Dallas, Texas
3 Oct 2008 20:00 The Glass House - w/ the presets Pomona, California
4 Oct 2008 20:00 DETOUR FESTIVAL Los Angeles, California
5 Oct 2008 20:00 Mezzanine - w/ the presets San Francisco, California
7 Oct 2008 20:00 Hawthorne Theater - w/ the presets Portland, Oregon
8 Oct 2008 20:00 the Showbox at the market - w/ the presets Seattle, Washington
9 Oct 2008 20:00 Commodore Ballroom - w/ the presets Vancouver, British Columbia
6 Dec 2008 20:00 HOMEBAKE 2008 Sydney, New South Wales

http://terriblelovesongs.blogspot.com

Fate up against your will

myeverpresentpast of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:28:36 GMT

Last night at the bookstore, satellite radio played The Killing Moon. Those opening riffs by Will Sergeant are like a mesmerizing seductive trance leading you towards Ian McCulloch's sultry vocal.

(I just discovered this rare alternate take of The Killing Moon. Different but I prefer this "dreamy take" to the nine minute plus (all night version) from the box set.)

It's been years since I've heard this song. Recently, The Killing Moon reminds me of Donnie Darko. I remember working at Tower Records in New Orleans, before Katrina and the demise of the company, I was on the rock floor when I heard the opening chords to The Killing Moon coming from the Video section. I immediately went over to see who was playing an Echo and the Bunnymen dvd. But it was the opening scene from Donnie Darko. What a scene! I rented the film soon after watching that beautiful scene. A perfect synchronicity of film and music.

The Killing Moon hints at Donnie's eventual demise and it works better than director Richard Kelly's original idea to use INXS Never Tear Us Apart instead. The Killing Moon is such a better fit. It foreshadows the fate, against Donnie's will, that we discover at the end of the film.

It's a little long but here's the opening scene from Donnie Darko with credits and all. Enjoy!

Major Drama with Wolfmother...Major!

Charley Rogulewski of MOG — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:54:57 GMT

Aussie psych- rock trio Wolfmother have split up and I'm pissed! Their 2005 eponymous debut, not only ruled but it also garnered the band a Grammy.

Wolfmother - Andrew Stockdale (Guitar, Vocals), Chris Ross (Bass, Keyboard), and Myles Heskett (Drums) - played their last concert this past Sunday at the Australian festival Splendour in the Grass in Bryon Bay.

The band's label Universal Australia Music released a statement explaining that immediately following the performance bassist/keyboardist Chris Ross jetted "due to irreconcilable personal and musical differences."

"They (Wolfmother) simply ask all fans to please understand that in spite of their best efforts over a long period of time, they just could not find a harmonious way to work together and that has lead to the decisions announced today," said to the Universal Australia press release.

Drummer Myles Heskett followed Ross' lead, and the pair have started writing songs and plan on starting a new project together. Stockdale will fill up the empty spots with new musicians, thus keeping the Wolfmother moniker alive.

"The label's statement went on to say, "Andrew Stockdale, Myles Heskett and Chris Ross will make no public statements at this time except to say that they are each really looking forward to making their new music over the years ahead." The last time I checked up on the band via their Web site it said they were happily hacking away at a new album. What gives?

Reading between the lines it sounds like the afro-haired frontman (Stockdale) started to become a major asshole and none of the other guys in the band wanted to work with him. So he got to keep the Wolfmother moniker, probably cause he's all "I AM Wolfmother" and the others jetted. Just sayin'. Right? But I could be totally wrong and maybe its because someone is huffing coke like its fresh air which never ends well. You never know with these things.

Anyone got the scoop? Anyone catch their set at Splendour?

Introducing Hanggai

incurablyerin of MOG — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:29:45 GMT

Beijing is being torn down. As the Chinese capital readies itself for the Olympics, the reconstruction taking its place is a modern metropolis that might look normal in just about any Western, media-soaked country. Against the backdrop of the slash-and-burn renovations, some of the folks in China aren’t as eager to cast aside their roots — certainly not for the sake of the world’s thirst for Olympic-sized entertainment.

Hanggai, a six-piece Mongolian-style folk band, are bringing their Chinese heritage back into the limelight. Lead singer, Ilchi, a former punk frontman, first founded Hanggai after traveling to his father’s homeland in China’s Inner Mongolia and studying traditional music and vocal techniques there.

So, what exactly does Mongolian folk music sound like? Honestly, it’s surprisingly diverse. There is not one particular niche style that all traditional Mongolian songs are structured around, but rather, a large set of techniques that can be (and are) used in a broad range of sounds, tempos, songs structures, and emotional values.

Each song on Hanggai’s album, for example, represents a different type of songwriting—and each extends far beyond Inner Mongolia. Introducing Hanggai has a lullaby ("Borulai"), a drinking song ("Drinking Song"), a war ballad ("Five Heroes"), a love song ("Haar Hu"), a heartbroken lament ("Flowers"), a tribute to nature ("Four Seasons"), and a handful of other folkloric, storytelling songs.

Hanggai’s vocal techniques have a consistently forceful, gravelly baritone timbre—a style of throat-singing called khoomii. Along with traditional techniques of singing and playing, Hanggai unsurprisingly use traditional Mongolian instruments which include a two-stringed lute called a tobshuur, a horse-hair fiddle called a morin khuur, cymbals, and even something similar to an Australian didgeridoo (what instrument that is, I am not entirely sure) heard in "Yekul Song."

The album begins with the spritely, almost bluegrass finger-plucked notes of "My Banjo and I" over hand-beat drums and sensitive, long-drawn bow strokes of these traditional Mongolian stringed instruments. This style of string-playing is intensely expressionistic; it has a similar effect to the way that classical ballet comes across visually. By the end of the album, the earnest tone of the vocal harmonies and stark, drum-less, stringed percussion of "Four Seasons"—a song of journeys and life cycles—leaves us with a sense of mourning, yet renewal.

These are certainly no pop songs, and the record might not make for the most dance-worthy house party, but Hanggai’s music holds an important place in our repertoires of cultural identities. Amid all of the scarcely distinguishable new indie trends—power punk bands borrowing from punk bands of old—nu-metal bands recycling and regurgitating glam metal, but with boosted testosterone levels…well, it’s nice to hear folks embracing their roots every now and then.

As Hanggai rediscover their musical heritage, we are fortunate enough to be able to discover it through them. That, I believe, is a privilege in which we should capitalize.

Venetian Snares - Detrimentalist (Planet Mu)

Headphone Commute of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:19:13 GMT

We can always count on Aaron Funk to punish us at least once a year. If you're not familiar with Venetian Snares, it's time for you to open up that hole and crawl out. Seriously. Winnipeg (Canada) based Funk is a prolific champion of the edgiest of genres - from modern-classical orchestral arrangements violated with breakcore to noisy IDM sprinkled with clicks and cuts. Among the collection of labels, he has managed to span some of my favorites - Zod, Distort, Sublight, Hymen and of course, Planet Mu. Detrimentalist is Funk's twentieth (!!!) album, in which he steps away from classical themes sampled and revisited in My Downfall (Planet Mu, 2007), and brings back the early drum'n'bass loops only the way Venetian Snares can. Planet Mu describes the release as "Venetian Snares' 332nd official studio album of disgusting ejacutronic rave horn." After a couple of rotations the intelligent design behind complex time signatures stands out from the imitators' attempts at making [whatever]-core simply for the sake of it. The first two tracks, Gentleman and Koonut-Kaliffee set the tone for the entire album, and the grind never stops. The cover art is sprinkled with an array of neon green aliens, robots, skulls, wingdings, guns, cassettes, and other demented and detrimental paraphernalia. And ducks. My favorite track is Eurocore MVP with ragga vocal samples, Funk's staple bass rips, drilling Amen breaks and an obligatory snare rush. This is breakcore at its finest. Keep it coming, Funk... We're listening... For similar styles, check out Bong-Ra, Shitmat, End.user, and my new favorite, Igorrr.

myspace.com/venetiansnares | venetiansnares.com
myspace.com/childrenofmu | planet-mu.com

Ital Tek - Cyclical (Planet Mu)

Headphone Commute of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:27:45 GMT

OK, I was going to de-capitalize the artist and album name appropriately, but it screws up my nice formatting. I'm sure that Alan Myson won't mind. Hailing out of Brighton (UK), this is Myson's first full length release. There were a couple of 12" back in 2007 various labels, plus a few file releases here and there, but that's all. I first came across iTAL tEK on 10 Tons Heavy compilation, followed by 200, and now Mary Anne Hobbs drops his tune on her Evangeline - all released on Planet Mu. The above appearances should lovingly pigeonhole Myson's music into a dubstep genre. Through eleven tracks, Myson explores all facets of the uprising style, from dark to melodic, and from experimental to dance-floor. As an album, it is a very involved listening experience, begging to be returned to over and over to uncover its multi-layered production that will satisfy the break-,IDM-,and bass-heads alike. In the recent years, dubstep has been a hit or miss for me. I mostly end up tossing away records that exploit the genre's popularity by applying the tiring old formula - sample this here, apply the syncopated beat there, drop in the wobbling bass, and repeat. The volume of current underground output reminds me of the days when gabber swept Rotterdam in the mid-90s: anything was up for grabs as long as it employed the squirrely vocals and distorted 909 kicks spun above 150bpm. Only the gems outlast the hype to survive through history for another rotation. Myson stands among the few artists that integrate and employ the genre's characteristics with an intelligent design, bringing dubstep closer to the electronica for listeners, and gaining a permanent presence on my shelves of classic albums. That being said, Planet Mu is responsible for pushing the boundaries of electronic evolution, keeping up with the trends and exciting our neurons. It is with a full support of such an established label, among the many independent and progressive smaller counterparts, that the musicians and fans alike, will benefit for the years to come. Thanks, Mike [ed. Paradinas]! Keep it rolling. My good friend, Rob Booth, over at Electronic Explorations, is also a big fan. He recently hosted Ital Tek's Exclusive Mix with a couple of unreleased tracks - it's a must. Recommended for fans of Boxcutter, Pinch, Vex'd, The Gasman, and Distance.

myspace.com/italtekmusic | planet-mu.com/artists/italtek
myspace.com/childrenofmu | planet-mu.com

Two and a Half Questions with Ital Tek

I placed you somewhere between dubstep and IDM - how would you describe your music?
I'm really bad at this question usually! I think that's a fair description though. I've tried to create a middle ground in my records between bass heavy music that works really loud in a club but also so you can listen to it at home/in the car/walking about etc. I think albums are really important as whole pieces rather than just collections of tracks and so I wanted to make one that people would want to listen to all the way through. I love bass music/dubstep but sometimes I want to listen to something with a nice melody aswell. I try to tick both the boxes. Old electronica - Aphex, Muziq and then the sort of textures and soundscapes that bands like Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead make have had a big influence on the way I go about making music.

Do you feel that you have found your own unique voice in your compositions?
I don't know about having created a unique voice, I'd say it's pretty hard to be creating anything unique. I just enjoy sitting for hours making something I want to listen to, and something that excites me.

Anything fun on the horizon? Live shows? Collaborations?
There are a couple of collaborations that I had been putting off whilst finishing my album so hopefully they will get sorted now. I'm sure there will be something new out later this year, there's lots of things I'm working on at the moment. Aside from writing I'm doing some more festivals for the rest of the summer and then more gigs around and about most weekends after that.

What's the story about iTAL tEK capitalization?
The capitalisation thing was just how someone wrote it a few years ago on a flyer and then it kind of stuck with some other people doing it, and it going on the records like that etc. I don't mind how people want to write it. I've told some people who've asked that it's because of a sponsership deal with iTUNES... I think they believed me.

myspace.com/italtekmusic | planet-mu.com/artists/italtek

The first Jamaican 45

Baudolino of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:18:29 GMT

with an authentic drum and bass version on the B-side, as opposed to the A-side with the vocals removed. Rhythm duties here are taken by Aston and Carlton Barrett

Paris 1 McCain 0

ZenPop of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:21:25 GMT

...and now a break from the music for a political ad... I TOTALLY approve this message, too.

And the award for creepiest song of the day goes to...

jimmyether of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:29:16 GMT

It's been a looooong time since I really listened to this song. Slint loomed so large as influences to the math-rock/post-punk scene here in Atlanta when I first started really playing in bands, but now you hardly ever hear anyone mention them.

I love this song though. It's unnerving. The drum beat makes you feel like ocean waves are washing over your head. The hushed, spoken vocal is super-high on the creepiness scale. I honestly get a little chill by the end when he screams "did I miss you!?". There are only a handful of great songs about shipwrecks and drowning... this is one of them. Wonderful early Brian Paulson recording too (one of my heroes).

On a side note, I always found it very intriguing that Slint viewed their lineup to be incomplete. They were likely going where they wanted musically, but apparently they did not want to be doing vocals. It cracks me up that such a seminal underground release prominently posts "interested female vocalists write 1864 Douglas Blvd. Louisville, KY 40205".

R.I.P. Robert...

dmcd of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:14:26 GMT

Farewell to a Philly icon.

Posted on Wed, Aug. 6, 2008 Posted on Wed, Aug. 6, 2008

Robert Hazard, Philly rocker, dies at 59

By Michael Klein

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Robert Hazard, 59, the Philadelphia-bred rock troubadour who wrote the pop anthem "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," died yesterday after cancer surgery in Boston, his widow, Susan, confirmed today.

Mr. Hazard, who lived with his wife and two teenage sons in the Adirondacks and in Vero Beach, Fla., last month had canceled a planned fall tour without explanation.

Robert Hazard and the Heroes, born out of the late-1970s punk movement, were a fixture on the local bar scene through the mid-1980s.

One night in a motel in Delaware, Mr. Hazard sat in a bathtub and in 15 minutes wrote "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," a sprightly pop tune covered in 1983 by Cyndi Lauper. Labeled a feminist anthem, it shot to No. 1. Miley Cyrus' remake is included on her new album, Breakout.

In an autobiography from 2003, Mr. Hazard - born Robert Rimato - acknowledged that his father was an opera singer. "Obviously, I didn't follow in his footsteps, but did learn a bit about music appreciation," he wrote. "I started singing and writing songs about about age 10. I didn't really play guitar till much later. In my teens I would audition at coffee houses like the Second of Autumn and the Edge" in the Philadelphia area. "I never got a job, but learned about acoustic music by hanging out at these places listening to Eric Andersen, Chris Smither, Jimmy Webb, and other great song writers and poet guitar players."

From his first marriage, he had a daughter, Corrina. With Susan, whom he married in 1986, he had sons Rex and Remy. The couple own an antiques shop near their home in Old Forge, N.Y.

In his autobiography, Mr. Hazard recounted his big break in 1982:

"One night, we were playing a little joint called J.C. Dobbs on South Street. Kurt Loder was in town to review the opening of a world tour by another band called the Rolling Stones, who were playing at JFK Stadium that same night. After the Stones concert, Kurt stopped into Dobbs for a beer. I stayed up talking with him till 5 o'clock in the morning. The next month, there was a two-page spread in Rolling Stone magazine, pictures and all, raving about the band. Soon after that, we were signed to RCA Records."

The Hazard song "Escalator of Life" charted soon after.

In more recent years, he delved into country, forming a band The Hombres. He said his favorite shows were what he called "the stripped-down acoustic concerts I did with my buddy Michael Pilla. I thought these were the most rewarding and the most appreciated by my audience."

Memorial services were incomplete today, though Susan Hazard said something would be planned for next week in his hometown.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080806_Robert_HazardPhilly_rockerdies_at_59.html

Scene On The Street

Jonh Ingham of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:11:57 GMT

It must be Rock And Roll Wednesday. The "turn it up!" kids are out on the street: too tall, too skinny, too much black, too many bangles, too much hair styling, all rocking the music on their t-shirts. In five minutes of walking I see:

Sonic Youth logo
T-Rex logo
A Sounds magazine cover from 1976 featuring Thin Lizzy
First Joy Division cover (a day not seeing that is a day you spend at home)
Led Zeppelin US Tour 1975 (ditto)
A Germs Starwood poster (liquid nitrogen cool, that one)
"Lewd, Rude and Tattooed" (no prizes for guessing what this boy looks like)
Jimi Hendrix
Kurt & Dave & Krist
Your Son Is In Good Hands (the guy she is with looks justifyingly smug)

As I turn the corner, Pete Doherty passes me, disguised by a snazzy green hat. I didn’t realise he was so tall, over six feet. Fittingly, he wheezes a consumptive cough in my ear. Two doors up, the people sitting outside the retro clothing shop are discussing him. "It’s so sad," says the lady, looking as though tears are about to start.

Then I see my friend Ian, just back from overseeing merchandise on a 39-date tour by Kiss. Ian is like a talking spreadsheet, maybe exaggerating, but full of rock and awe. In one night in Oslo, they made $1.2 million from merchandise. Charging $1,000 for the privilege of meeting the band backstage, Kiss made $100,000 a night. What else can you say to that, but 'Rock! And! Roll!'

Underrated Uses Of Music In Film: Episode #9

satisfiedmind2 of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:14:53 GMT

Harry Nilsson's classic tune sets the tone for what is in my opinion, one of the finest movies ever made.

Using the term 'Underrated' for these posts was a really bad idea. Not sure if an Oscar winning film could ever really be underrated, but so it goes. This was just the perfect song choice to start this amazing film about a small town man who takes his shot and moves to New York City. Enjoy 'the ballad of Joe and Ratso.'

And another bonus cover, this time New York singer/songwriter Jesse Malin's take on the same tune:

Everybodys Talking - Jesse Malin

Got "Pum Pum"? New Lee Scratch Perry Video Has Plenty Punanny!

mollifire of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:01:17 GMT

Lee Scratch Perry returns to Kingston, Jamaica to film his new video for "Pum Pum" - the lead single off his upcoming new album. Old age tends to be kind to the INSANE, so L.S.P. stopped aging about 25-30 years ago. Back then, he still dubbed all day long in his Kingston-based Black Ark studio; creating new riddims and new genres out of reel to reel master tape recordings. Now the mad mad mad mad dub scientist is somewhere in his 70's, married to a sexy Swiss Miss who doesn't seem to mind his wandering eye and roaming hands! Nonetheless, Scratch can still rock a racy video filled with sexy dancehall kittens without coming across like a dirty old man. Check out all the "Pum Pum" in the room:

I posted this song at the beginning of July, along with the tracklist for Repentance. I only had audio at that time, so this is the premiere release of the video for "Pum Pum." Repentance will be out August 19th and features an unusual cast of all-star guests. Scope the previous post for all the album deets.

Currently, Lee Scratch Perry is on tour in the US, soon to hit San Francisco (he plays SF on Thursday and Friday August 28-29). So if any mog headz in the Bay Area want to get Dub Crazy this month, let's have a DUB Mog Meet at one of the SF shows.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So, based on what you've seen here (or heard elsewhere), can you guess the meaning of the phrase pum pum? Let's see how many different words we can come up with to define Pum Pum!! Toss your mind in the gutter and start typing those scandalous words here in the comments! Let's make this the raciest conversation ever on MOG!

Did anyone else buy Dub Music on ROIR cassettes in the late 80s?

qballvolpe of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:18:32 GMT

I did. Even though I missed a lot of punk stuff that was happening, I was listening to a lot of DUB music that I was able to get on the ROIR cassettes sold at Bleaker Bob's.

I loved Lee Scratch Perry, Augustus Pablo, King Tubby, etc. Of course I don't have any of those tapes any more. They are long gone. But there was one, and damnit I can't remember the name or artist for the life of me.

It was supposed to be the FIRST dub recordings ever made. I think family man Barrett was on bass?!? It had a Yellow and Black cover. I know, that is no help.

Maybe the best way to phrase this question is:

What was the first Jamaican Dub recording made? (Because that's what I thought it said it was in the liner notes.)

Secret Identity Of Burial Revealed At Last! PLUS - 4 New Tunes On The Way!

mollifire of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:20:13 GMT

Burial wants everyone to know that he's a real person and it's not a big deal. The elusive musician made airwaves flutter round-the-world last year with the release of Untrue. The album of experimental electronic music is touted as the most accesible and mainstream dubstep creation to date. The success of Untrue made Burial a household name, but not a familiar face. Nothing was known about the artist who didn't participate in publicity events or perform live, even during the peak of Untrue's hype and popularity. It seemed only his label boss - Hyperdub's Kode 9 - knew the secret identity of the one they call Burial. Kode 9 helped promote Untrue to the masses with no hint of who was behind it. So - of course - some people began to speculate and, recently, rumours were getting out of hand. For starters, Burial is not Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, aka Brighton Port Authority. Burial cals himself will bevan and he likes being lowkey. As such, he doesn't like to be so lowkey that it draws attention to his identity rather than his music. So, he dropped a sweet little note onto his myspace blog to say hi. The sweet little note also happens to contain a BOMB piece of info -

"theres going to be a 12" maybe in the next few weeks too with 4 tunes. hope u like it..."

Great news!! I can't wait to hear them! Jump over to his myspace note to be properly introduced and find out what else will is up to these days. And, as for the DJ Kicks compilation that he's supposedly curating, his sole other blog entry neither confirms nor denies the idea. He mentions that the leaked tracklistings are fake and concludes with this:

"if i do djkicks it will be mostly old jungle tunes & new tunes..."

I like! Yes please! I'd simply love to hear jungle music that Burial likes! Well, as always with this low-key South Londoner, fans will be pleasantly surprised when unknown sonic treasures are un-Buried from their ethereal depths.

"Ghost Hardware" from Untrue:

"Etched Headplate":

And for the Hat Trick

dshs70 of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:09:41 GMT

A hockey reference form someone who's only ever lived in sub-tropical and desert climates. Ha. Thanks 90's era Wayne Gretzky videogames.

So here's the last bit of stuff I accumulated whilst while MOG decided to take its ball and go home. And it's the sort of thing I normally hate with a passion most people reserve for their worst enemies...... acoustic folk.

And now that half of you have fled in terror, allow me to introduce The Dutchess & The Duke, who earned my immediate respect when they seem to have made the title of their first release a Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince reference. Also, they're actually quite good. They look like the comination filthy hippie/filthy hipster that I usually want to kick in the face, but thats ok, because so do plenty of people I actually like and they can sing. It helps that they seem to have an impressive understanding of how to make a song catchhy without resorting to expensive, complicated production. They manage to pull it off with a tambourine, an acoustic guitar, and an 8-Track recorder.

Just give it a shot, because if I can love what is ostensibly a folk record, anyone can.

(Resevoir Park was my first choice to use, but it was already on MOG in their only other post, so I went with something different. Give that one a listen.)

The Virgins - Private Affair video

Rawkkiddoh of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:21:27 GMT

Not too often do I find myself actually laughing out loud during a video. I like it when it happens though, and it is even better when it comes from a band that I like. A few months back I downloaded Fernando Pando by these guys and fell in love with them right away. I have seen a few posts here on MOG about these guys, but have yet to see anyone post anything about their latest video for the song Private Affair. While watching I felt like I was transported back to 1988 in Josh Graff's living room watching late night Cinamax shows on cable. Two things to note here : 1. Dale, not sure if you are going to like this and 2. Troy, I know for sure you will.

Weezer Announce Tour Dates With Angels & Airwaves, Tokyo Police Club

GarageRock of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:24:35 GMT

After hinting at their tour itinerary in a clever YouTube video, Rivers Cuomo and Co. have revealed their Red Album tour dates. Weezer will be bringing along both Angels and Airwaves and Tokyo Police Club this time around, leaving their Hootenanny tour buddy (and "Pork & Beans" subject) Tay Zonday to mull how he’ll follow up "Chocolate Rain." The band kicks off their new tour with a September 23th show in Boston then circle the country before ending the tour a month later in Atlanta on October 25th.

Weezer
September 23 - Boston, MA Tsongas Arena September 24 - New York, NY Madison Square Garden
September 26 - Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Casino September 27 - Camden, NJ Susquehanna Center
September 29 - Detroit, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills September 30 - Toronto, ON Air Canada Center
October 2 - Chicago, IL All State Arena October 3 - St. Paul, MN Xcel Arena
October 5 - Denver, CO Broomfield October 7 - Salt Lake City, UT E Center
October 9 - Portland OR Memorial Coliseum October 10 - Vancouver, BC GM Place
October 11 - Seattle, WA Key Arena October 13 - San Jose, CA Events Center
October 14 - Los Angeles, CA The Forum October 17 - San Diego, CA Cox Arena
October 18 - Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair October 20 - Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
October 21 - Dallas, TX Nokia Theater October 23 - Houston, TX Reliant Arena
October 25 - Atlanta, GA @ Gwinnet

The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale E.P.

Ben Heller of MOG — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:50:51 GMT

The retro resurgence of Hip-Hop isn’t a new deal, so The Cool Kids (Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish) refine and pinpoint their stylistic affection and influence to 1988 for some form of individuality. With their gaudy gold ropes, Starter jackets, and high top trainers, the Chicago boys are faithfully rooted in the fashions of the time. For new devotees to their music, it’s not exactly new either. Much of "The Bake Sale E.P." has been floating around on their Myspace page and the previously released "Totally Flossed Out" mix tape for a considerable time, and one immediately wonders if this cobbled together set of songs is a delaying tactic until their debut album is finalized.

What The Cool Kids may lack in originality, they certainly make up for in energetic attack. The beats are raw and direct, the raps fresh and enthusiastic; they replicate their 80’s heroes with a humorous excitement that would inoffensively charm the big pink pants off any Hip/Hop fan. The highlights include their debut single "88", "Black Mags", "Mikey Rocks" and the genuinely funny "A Little Bit Cooler".

It’s all good, but one gets the impression that The Cool Kids are holding something sizeable back, and I for one will be waiting with way more than just a passing interest. C’mon guys, get to it!

7/10

"Black Mags"

dEUS... just add syrup.

jimmyether of MOG — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:31:08 GMT

One of my all-time favorite bands is dEUS. They are the best thing to come out of Belgium since the waffle. And that's saying a lot. Not just because I love waffles so much, but because there are a lot of amazing bands from Belgium (Evil Superstars leaps to mind for one!).

But of all those great bands, dEUS owns my heart. And I am often shocked at how few people in the states know about them. Well, maybe not shocked... since the only reason I knew about them is a Belgian friend turned me on to them years back (I, in return, convinced her of the brilliance of Neil Young's early catalog... so it was a nice trade).

But finding the right dEUS song as an intro to the band can be difficult. They are all over the place, and no one song really epitomizes how strangely awesome a dEUS album can be. I can go with one of their more immediately accessible tracks like "Hotellounge (Be The Death Of Me)", a fantastic song, but not indicative of their other material. On the other end of the spectrum we have something like "Fell Off The Floor, Man" which is just plain wacky. And there there is everything in between.

So, today, I'm instead going for simple and intimate with one of my favorite songs... "Disappointed In The Sun" from In A Bar, Under The Sea. If you have never listened to the band and like this, I recommend diving in with both this album and Worst Case Scenario. They are often the soundtrack looping inside my head, and it makes me a happy person. :)

And for a little contrast... here's a video of "Suds & Soda" from Worst Case Scenario

Would You Trade Your Current Job To Be A Rock Star?

mollifire of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:36:11 GMT

Yep - so would 1 out of 5 Brits and probably 1 out of 3 Americans as well. A scientific study, conducted by the O2 Undiscovered music program, revealed that 20% of the British population who responded to a poll would prefer to be employed in the music biz. Respondents said they would kiss their current job goodbye to pursue a music career if they felt they had the chance. Even more interesting, it's mostly "builders" who want to be musicians, with doctors as the second most wishful profession. According to NME's report:

Three quarters of those surveyed said they had not been encouraged at school or by their parents to pursue a career in the music industry. Around half said there was not enough information about careers in the industry provided by schools.

See NME.com for more of the specifics. Would YOU trade your current job for something in the music biz? If so, what do you currently do and what role would you prefer? To be in a band? A singer? A music critic? Journalist? Often, just proclaiming your wish "out loud" can start you on the road to achieving it!

Muse And The Streets Collaborate

Ben Heller of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:29:22 GMT

Mike Skinner and Teignmouth's finest have joined forces for this song entitled "Who Knows Who". The track was recorded a couple of months ago during a late night jam session featuring a blues riff the band have been using during live performances. Skinner came in and added vocals.

Back in April last year Muse frontman Matt Bellamy revealed his desire to work with Skinner during an interview with 6 Music, saying he wanted to create "England’s answer to Rage Against The Machine" .

Buying music

qballvolpe of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:58:39 GMT

I'm kind of new to actually buying music. I never had anything to play it on for a long time. The last stereo I had had a record player. If anything, the last few years, I just listened on the computer. Then came Youtube which gave me a much larger exposure to music I missed out on. Now I bought an iPhone (because I don't have a home computer, TV or phone and all of these are taken care of by a device I can put in my backpack), so................now I want to add some music to my iPhone feature.

iTunes is expensive. I did find one site Emusic which has some nice deal like 75 downloads for $20..sounds good. I did it one month. But the selection is skimpy for what I'm looking for (70s/80s punk).

After a few days, a new month will start so I'll have another 75 to download. (Also the problem with liking punk is that some songs are only 28 seconds, I mean I really like the Minutemen but you can almost hear their whole album on Amazons previews.) What I mean is you pay the same someone would for an epic jam band song. Is it fair?

Also it takes me a few listens to know whether I like an album or not.

So my question:

Pere Ubu has always been a group I wanted to check out after hearing Waiting for Mary (and I know they made the song (I heard) as a kind of joke pop song and it's not serious Ubu) but in your opinion knowledge what it the ultimate Pere Ubu album? The same question goes for Husker Du.

Thanks

This Reminds Me Of Home

hushush of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:00:45 GMT

Being the Ben Gibbard fan that I am I have made it a quest to aquire as much music of his as I can. I lack a couple DCFC EPs but I think I have all the songs anyway. I recently order and received the album from one of his side projects, All Time Quarterback. And also while perusing youtube became aware of a collaboration cd featuring the song You Remind Me of Home, which I listened to via the live youtube version and was enthralled with. I ordered and received that as well. This post will consist of my thoughts on this collaboration.

The album is part five of a series created by Post Parlo Records. The concept was to have a split cd of raw material from two acclaimed singer/songwriters of the indie rock persuasion. This edition is Ben Gibbard for four tracks and Andrew Kenny of American Analog Set fame. I had not known who they were before this record.

The cd begins with my favorite, You Remind Me of Home. 6 of the 8 songs are fairly short to my dissmay, less than 3 minutes each. However they all warm my heart within those 2.5 minutes. In listening to these songs the title of the first really says it all to me. I feel at home in the melodies and vocals. That may be the goal since the series is called Home. However, its rather rare to be able to hit the nail on the head so well. And I commend Post Parlo Records for doing so. The second song, Carolina, flows just as beautifully as the first as if on a quiet stream in the summer. Track three is Farmer Chords. It is the only track with drums. The final song of Ben Gibbards half is Choir Vandals, a cover of the American Analog Set. I haven't heard the original yet and will look it up at a later time. It seems a little darker than the other songs to me but still meshes well.

From there we go to the four tracks by Andrew Kenny. I'm listening to the tracks as I write this so bear with me. The acoustic guitar in the background of Hometown Fantasy is a lovely soft hold. However, Andrew's voice is a bit shallow for my taste. Its got a whispery airy sound to it. But its not a bad thing. The second song of his set, Secrets of The Heart, is absolutely lovely. Still has the hushed voice but also a bit of an echo too that gives it a very artistic value. And the catchiness of the do doo doo's makes me sway back and forth. Church Mouse in The Church House is a little slow starting. But also a great compliment to the album. His voice is a bit clearer, less hushed in this track. The guitar is also stronger. Of the songs on this cd this is the loud one, for the most part. A very distinctive crescendo and decresendo to the entire song. And finally, to round off the cd is Andrew's cover of the DCFC song, Line of Best Fit. Its a very stripped version. I can hear Ben singing it in my head but its certainly its own peice. Its a bit more airy as appears to be Mr. Kenny's style. But it doesn't take anything away from the song. Its a bit longer, more guitar, somewhat labored, but as lovely as ever.

The cd is certainly worth the cost and a lovely album to listen to on a mellow summer night. Or any night for that matter. While I do have preferance to Mr. Gibbard's half of the record I certainly won't shy away from the back four. I'd recommend checking it out, and the other compilations in the series, which include tracks from Conor Oberst on Volume Four. I don't know how hard it is to aquire the cd, I ordered mine from BestBuy.com No trouble at all. So enjoy, put your feet up, and make yourself at home.

the first high school musical

deedee of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:35:50 GMT

I recently read (or, more precisely, skimmed) the chatty, spottily written, anecdotal memoir by Charles Strouse, composer of (among other things) Bye, Bye Birdie and Annie. Birdie was the first Broadway musical to incorporate rock and roll, or the idea of rock and roll, at a time when it was considered a passing fad. (They began work on it in 1958; it opened on Broadway in April 1960.) It's not real rock and roll, of course (it's not Elvis, just a simulation), but it's tons of fun; I'm partial to "One Last Kiss" and "A Lot of Livin' To Do" and "An English Teacher" (cut for the movie), and though I've never seen a moment of High School Musical, I would wager that there's absolutely nothing in it to match the sheer ebullience, bounciness, and fun of "The Telephone Hour."

And what would high schools do without it? Look for clips on youtube and mostly what you find (other than the pretty awful mess of a movie version) is school productions. (Even the Bronx High School of Nerds did it, or at least they did "The Telephone Hour," in the early '70s.)

About that movie. Why are film adaptations of musicals usually so... so much? What are producers thinking? "Let's make it splashier, and louder! And sillier! Let's trim down the parts with the grown-ups, and focus on Hugo and Kim! For Hugo, let's cast that charismatic musical-comedy star Bobby Rydell, and for innocent just-turned-16 Kim McAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio, let's get sultry, pouty 21-year-old Ann-Margret! Let's ask the composers to turn out a totally gratuitous title song..." Then again, as Strouse says, "Ann-Margret sang that title song with a wind machine blowing through her hair. It is still the film's most vivid image, and the song became a hit."

There's talk of a Broadway revival next year, and (having seen it on stage only in a staged concert version at City Center a couple of years ago) I'm kind of excited about it. Or at least I would be if I didn't suspect that they'll do some reality-show casting like they did for Grease and Legally Blond, or some stunt casting like... oh, let's have some good suggestions, the goofier the better.

Here's my question: Did you any of you appear in a school production of a musical? Which one, and what part did you play? (I'll start. The Sound of Music, and Liesl. I was 10 going on 11.)

Also: If anyone among you actually attended the original production of Birdie, please share with the group.

Here's Ann-Margret closing out the movie and, for us old-timers, a clip of the show's two original cast members reuniting a couple of years ago. (He was just past 80, and she in her 70s.)

2 for 1: Movie and Music Pick

Nella Mia Anima of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:03:12 GMT

Another incredibly artful film by Wes Anderson. I saw this movie last night and felt it was necessary to share, not only how wonderfully entertaining this comedy/drama/adventure is, but also how audibly pleasing the soundtrack is. Three songs from The Kinks, "Playing with Fire" by the Rolling Stones and one particular song that plays numerous times throughout the movie, "Where Do You Go to (My Lovely)" by Peter Sarstedt. The video I posted of it below isn't the full 4:38, but I had to choose that video purely for the black and white kickback images. Plus it's really Peter Sarstedt singing it, which I thought was better than some random clips showing while the song played.

The movie is about three brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman) who reunite, after not speaking to one another in a year, to venture through India with hopes to ignite the relationship/bond they once had. This "spiritual quest" takes a few different turns, which were of course unplanned. But, like most unplanned events, they happen for a reason; they bring you to exactly where you wanted to be, but usually in a richer and more fulfilling way.

I actually found myself wanting to watch it again today, and that never happens to me. Hopefully, if you haven't seen it, you'll make it a point to watch it in the near future. Oh, and the short film, that in itself is a little treasure.

Cheers!

"...So we will share this road we walk
And mind our mouths and beware our talk
'Till peace we find tell you what I'll do
All the things I own I will share with you
If I feel tomorrow like I feel today
We'll take what we want and give the rest away
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one..."

at last! the beatles' 'fits of giggles' tape!

emscee of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:13:23 GMT

LONDON — A newly discovered tape of The Beatles laughing and chatting during an early recording session has sold for about $23,000, an auction house reported Tuesday. The tape features John Lennon and Paul McCartney collapsing into fits of giggles as they try to finish the ballad "I'll Follow the Sun."

You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this. I"ve gone on websites, and haunted bootleg stores, and contacted traders, only to hit one dead end after another.

One collector claimed to have the "I'll Follow The Sun" 'fits of giggles' tape, but it turned out to be about two minutes of wry chuckling during the recording of "Norwegian Wood."

Then there was the site that seemed promising, until I clicked on the link. It was just John mocking Ringo, playfully, to be sure, but neither was actually giggling.

On Ebay, someone posted "I'll Follow The Sun, Beatles reel-to-reel, rare giggling version, minimum bid: $10,000." That seemed a little high, and further research revealed that it wasn't The Beatles doing the actual giggling: the seller just recorded HIMSELF giggling while he played "Beatles '65" on his turntable. What a scam!

But now, it seems the real thing has turned up. And so many questions will be answered: Why didn't George and Ringo join in the merriment? Who started laughing first? How much of the song did they get through before the 'collapsing' started?

The world is waiting.

Download New Keane Single for Free!

Hello Mimi of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:40:31 GMT

Most bands aren't ready to give away entire albums for free, but a good number seem willing to give fans a little teaser of their new work. I think it's a brilliant idea as Sigur Ros's Goobledigook and Coldplay's Violet Hill are two of my recent promo acquisitions. Now Keane is getting in the game with Spiralling off of their forthcoming October release Perfect Symmetry. From now till August 11 you can grab it for free off their website.

Understanding Eno, Brian Eno in His Own Words...

contrabandwidth of MOG — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:52:21 GMT

Groon kicked off the Brian Eno love fest by posting a track from Brian Eno/David Byrnes new colaboration Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. I believe Eno to be one of the most important people working in popular music today - but probably one of the hardest to pin down as to what exactly he does. Frankly, Eno is a renaissance man, making music, writing, creating art instalations, and producing albums. He is a Rock n' Roll Marcel Duchamp. But he is extremely eloquent in explaining his thoughts on music, and is able to synthesize his somethimes theory heavy ideas into ways that everyone can understand. So I hope to do a few posts, maybe many more, leting quotes from Eno explain Eno. I have been reading the wonderful book Brian Eno: His Music and the Vertical Color of Sound by Eric Tamm. (Here's a link to download the tree free version (Word) or a PDF version of the book). This quote was taken from that book.

"I suppose people here [in the U.S.] might think it’s strange to regard
doo-wop as magical music, but I did, because in England we had no
tradition of it whatsoever ... It could have been from another galaxy for
all I knew. I was absolutely entranced by it, from the age of seven or
eight, when I first heard those early songs like "Get A Job" [The Silhouettes,
1958]. I thought, "This is just beautiful." I had never heard
music like this, and one of the reasons it was beautiful was because it
came without a context. It plopped from outer space, in a sense. Now,
in later life I realized that this removal of context was an important
point in the magic of music. One of the things I’ve been concerned
with quite a lot is to deliberately dismantle or shift contexts around so
that something comes from an area where you didn’t expect it, or
something appears and it has a certain mysteriousness to it."

(Jim Aikin, "Brian Eno," Keyboard 7 (July 1981), 62.)