MOG - BobDobalina's Posts

Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert Review

BobDobalina — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 04:18:40 GMT

I got a call at about 4:30 pm today from a guy I work with who asked if I wanted to go see the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

My first response was, "No way." I had too much to do. But some gentle arm twisting and the realization that I would be passing up a free concert ticket made me change my mind fairly quickly.

The opening act was Mars Volta. I had heard of them, but never heard them so I was interested to see what they sounded like.

Lemme tell you something, I have never heard a worse live act. If you're reading this and you're a fan of Mars Volta, please feel free to explain why. Because as far as I'm concerned, they blow.

It was such an assault on all things good and true that I felt violated. Sonically violated.

The Chili Peppers were good. If you're 25 and under (and there were a lot of you at this show), you probably thought they were amazing. That's because you were probably introduced to them sometime after Mother's Milk. Most of what they played was from that era.

Songs I can remember them playing (in no particular order): Dani California, Under the Bridge, Give it Away, Californication, Scar Tissue, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and Hump de Bump. There were obviously more, but I just don't remember them all.

I don't begrudge them the right to play stuff off Stadium Arcadium and propmote the album. And it's not a bad album. It's just not as good as the stuff from Uplift Mofo Party Plan or Freaky Styley or even Mother's Milk.

As a result, I'd give them, say, a 7 or an 8 out of 10. A good show worth seeing, but not my favorite of all time.

Regina Spektor

BobDobalina — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:37:00 GMT

Hey, all you Regina Spektor fans out there!

I'm willing to give this chick a try, but I don't want to get all off on the wrong track (no pun intended) and listen to something that's not that great and then not like her.

So, if you're a RS fan, what's the best album?

Also, what are the best tracks off of any album?

Multiply Question

BobDobalina — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:58:33 GMT

I've used Multiply on the supply side several times, which is to say I've used it to post songs that I want to share with people on MOG and in general.

However, it wasn't until recently that I downloaded any songs from Multiply. Specifically I downloaded a couple of Ray LaMontagne songs from Anti-Amy's page.

However, and here's my question, the songs all ended at around 3 minutes. Is this common? Does Multiply only allow you to download a limited amount (about 3 mins) of a song and that's how they get around the illegal file sharing concern? Or is it just me? Has anyone else had this problem?

God Help Me, I Like a Janet Jackson Song

BobDobalina — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 03:17:56 GMT

When I heard it come on iTunes tonight I cursed the Party Shuffle feature for digging an embarassing nugget out of my library and showing it to the world.

It's like the musical equivalent of one of your friends bringing a picture of the fat girl you dated in high school to your ten year reunion. Or so I would imagine. I only dated girls who were pretty on the inside.

But I digress. I won't be made to feel ashamed for the fat girl in my music library anymore. I like Janet Jackson's "That's the Way Love Goes." I do and I don't care who knows it.

I think the song simmers. It makes me think of cognac, which I don't drink, but I think if I did it would taste dusty and dark and warm. That's what this song sounds like to me.

Don't be afraid: http://bobdobalina.multiply.com/music/item/6

Love,

Bob

Iggy Pop's Concert Rider

BobDobalina — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 21:20:01 GMT

Apparently Iggy Pop has one of the funnier concert riders in the industry.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1004061iggypop1.html

From "The Smoking Gun:"

Lust For Laughs Iggy Pop's concert rider funniest in rock history?

OCTOBER 4-- As if you need another reason to love Iggy Pop, the veteran rocker (and his band The Stooges) have the single most entertaining concert rider TSG has ever obtained. The document - all 18 pages of which you'll find below - describes Iggy's requirements in terms of amplifiers, security, lighting, stage set up, and dressing rooms. But unlike most similar documents, Iggy's rider is written in a rollicking, stream-of-consciousness fashion that delivers multiple laughs per page. Apparently written by roadie Jos Grain, the Iggy rider is peppered with witty gems, tasteless asides, and typos. For example, in describing how Iggy's dressing room should be made to "look less like a typical rock & roll dressing room," the rider suggests that promoters "just let someone loose with a little bit of artistic flair...Er, do you know any homosexuals?" Explaining the need for two heavy duty fans, Grain notes, "So that I can wear a scarf and pretend to be in a Bon Jovi video."

Sex by Madonna

BobDobalina — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:41:09 GMT

Does anyone remember Madonna's book "Sex?"

I was dating this girl Jennifer at the time and her mom bought it for me for my birthday. I don't think she knew what was in it. Or maybe she did . . . She was hot for a mom. I wouldn't have ruled her out.

My only question is, do you think Madonna looks at it today and says, "Good Lord, how did Vanilla Ice get in there?"

iPod Charging Strategies

BobDobalina — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 19:47:25 GMT

Charging my iPod, while a seemingly simple project, gives me constant agita.

I have had a number of unfortunate experiences with products that have rechargable batteries - cell phones, cordless phones, Archos Jukebox, etc.. Specifically, I have been careless when recharging and the batteries develop a false memory such that they won't retain a charge after a while.

So when it comes to my iPod, I'm extra careful. I always let the batteries run down to empty or just about empty before charging them up again. And when I charge it up,I charge it all the way to full. But that creates a couple of problems. One, I always seem to be doing something where I really want to have use of my iPod (gym, long walk, etc.) when the batteries die. Two, I'm always reluctant to synch my iPod because doing so charges it up. I see that little lightening strike on the screen and I'm paranoid I'm wrecking the battery.

So what's the deal? Am I just being overly cautious? Does the iPod have a sufficiently advanced battery that it can withstand being charged repeatedly even before the charge fully expires? I mean, it seems like it should because otherwise, why would they charge it when you synch?

Or am I being smart? Unlikely as that may be.

Fight the Power! (My Favorite Protest Songs)

BobDobalina — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:25:35 GMT

We're in an unpopular war that no one seems to know how to win. We're fighting an enemy we can't find who uses tactics we don't employ. Goals and accountability seem to be in short supply. The public is clamoring for a change in policy, but a change to what?

And the year is 1969.

Nearly forty years later we're in a similar boat.

Both eras (and the intervening periods) have had their fair share of protest music. Some good, some bad. Although I don't think we have the anthems now that the activism of the 60s inspired.

My favorite protest songs in no particular order (war or otherwise):

The Times They Are a-Changing - Bob Dylan Ohio - CSNY Copperhead Road - Steve Earle Fight the Power - Public Enemy Biko - Peter Gabriel Anarchy in the UK - Sex Pistols Army Reserve - Pearl Jam Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire (Is this begging for a cover, or what?) If I Had a Rocket Launcher - Bruce Cockburn

Ranking John Cusack

BobDobalina — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 03:46:46 GMT

I like two things about John Cusack movies:

- Most of them seem to have good music.

- Walter Gibson, Lloyd Dobler, and Martin Blank all seemed to be within a few years of me when their respective movies came out.

The five best John Cusack movies:

1) Grosse Point Blank

2) Say Anything

3) The Sure Thing

4) The Grifters

(Sorry, no trailer.)

5) Runaway Jury

Ranking Pearl Jam

BobDobalina — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 17:10:13 GMT

Pearl Jam's studio albums in order from best to worst:

Vs. - Sophomore effort holds up the best from start to finish. "I am fuel, you are friends. We've got the means to make amends. I am lost. I am no guide. But I'm by your side, I am right by your side." Brilliant.

Ten - Groundbreaking first album changed rock music. Powerful.

No Code (tied with) Yeild - Plenty of straight up hard rock, but with a soul. In My Tree, Given to Fly, Wishlist, Red Mosquito are highlights. "I wish I was the full moon shining off a Camaro's hood." Again, brilliant.

Pearl Jam - Most recent work finds them angrier than usual, but they harness it for some great songwriting. Army Reserve is a favorite.

Riot Act Binaural - Unimpressed by what seemed like uninspired, soulless music.

Vitalogy - Weird packaging represented more than just a desire to be different, it signaled an album that doesn't fit. It's probably a stronger effort than Riot Act or Binaural, but after Vs. I was so excited for it that it felt like more of a let down. Ranking it last is punative.

Five Best Movies About Music (Non-Documentary Category)

BobDobalina — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 03:04:28 GMT

In order:

1) Almost Famous 2) 24 Hour Party People 3) Eddie and the Cruisers 4) Spinal Tap 5) Ray DH) School of Rock

(School of Rock added as a supplemental pick because Bob was lame and forgot about it.)

Playlist for a Wedding

BobDobalina — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 04:22:08 GMT

I have been tasked with creating a playlist for a wedding. Okay, I wasn't so much "tasked" as I siezed control of the playlist and currently refuse to let anyone else have any say. Some people have "Do Not Play" lists they share with the DJ. This wedding will have a "Play These Only" list.

What would you put on the playlist?

I figure there are three categories:

1) DINNER (Songs of love and happiness that make people feel good even if they don't know why.)

2) SLOW DANCE

3) DANCE

PS - Props to MOGger kb who posted a Tom Waits song that prompted me to solicit views on this subject.

Bob Flogs Four New Songs

BobDobalina — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 03:33:11 GMT

The thing I enjoy the most about MOG is the way in which it exposes me to new artists. And I feel like if I’m taking away that sort of new info, I have to give something back. And, what’s more, if I just post new recommendations, people might not see them and then how will they know that I’m giving back? And why give if people don’t know about it and give you credit for your giving spirit?

So, without further delay, here’s four new recommendations:

A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left - Andrew Bird. This is a good example of the power of MOG. A fellow MOGger posted this video of Andrew Bird doing his song “A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left.” For the life of me I can’t remember who it was to give due credit, but the post of the video dared me not to like it. Dare accepted. I liked it enough to buy the CD and now I’m repaying the favor by sharing it with you. Frankly, I think the live version is better than the CD version.

UPDATE: Now I remember who turned me on to Andrew Bird. It was pinkfish

Ageless Beauty (The Most Serene Republic Remix) - Stars. I think this song should be in the soundtrack to a movie about lovers in the 1930s. It’s got a jazzy, sepia-toned feel and the vocal harmonies I find very relaxing. It makes me want to sip lemonade.

Kings of the Hoedown - The Sammies. If The Greasers weren’t such pretty boy punks they’d listen to The Sammies. You should listen to this while driving fast and reckless with a woman you barely know in a car that’s not yours. Okay, maybe you’re saying, “Hey, Bob, I _am_ a woman. How should I listen to this song?” Well, duh. Exactly as suggested. That would be hot and The Sammies would want it that way.

My Buzz Comes Back - Slo-Mo. I dare you to try and listen to this without moving some part of your body. Me, I have to bob my head. Slo-Mo is a Philly guy and he plays with Marah pretty regularly. If you're having people over for a Labor Day weekend party, you should probably have this song for either the beginning or end of the day. It's a mellow groove and while I would never advocate the use of what I'm told is referred to on the streets as "Mary Jane" or "doobage," I think it would make the song even better. Guest vocals on this track from Mic Recka.

You can download any one of these songs here.

Posting these songs on Multiply was my idea and most certainly was not an idea I stole from Jorobot.

Radio is Dead. Long Live Radio

BobDobalina — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 17:22:37 GMT

When I was young, like in junior high, I loved the radio. I mowed lawns to save money to buy a radio headset. This device was basically a big, yellow headset with a weak antenna. You could get some FM channels and most AM stations, but nothing came in particularly well. Of course, this was around the same time that I thought the Culture Club was a pretty good band, so it's unclear whether my love of the radio was genuine, or a result of the general cluelessness that comes with being young.

I lost interest in the radio somewhat during high school when I figured out how to make mix tapes, but that changed when I got to college and got a gig at the school radio station as a DJ. That was fun because you could basically play anything you wanted. Like I'd play a George Carlin comedy track and then follow it with something from Laibach. I'm pretty sure no one was listening.

At this time KROQ in Los Angeles was cool and non-corporate, so my love of the radio grew again. But that was short-lived. I moved to Washington, DC only to find a wasteland of corporate radio that either sounded like Hootie and the Gin Blossoms or Hoobastank (I’m pretty sure that’s a real band).

Recently, however, I’ve been experiencing a radio renaissance.

There’s so much good online radio out there that I listen more and more.

Check out the recommended list of online radio to the left in the TOP FIVE widget.

Here’s what I recommend:

KEXP (Seattle, WA) - I don’t live in Seattle, but I wake up every morning with John in the Morning. Great music and he’s a good jock.

WXRT (Chicago, IL) - Is there a better city in the world than Chicago? I don’t think so. And WXRT is their best radio station. You do the math. They play it all.

WXPN (Philadelphia, PA) - Non-commercial and independent. This is where the “World Café Live” program is recorded, if you’re lucky enough to get it. Station could be edgier, but still better than 95% of what’s out there. Check out their HD station, “XPoNential Music," too.

KDHX (St. Louis, MO) - “Fishin’ with Dynamite" is my favorite program on this station. Too bad it’s only on once a week.

Musical Justice - Not technically a radio station, but still, it plays good music on a more-or-less uninterrupted basis. What else would you want?

Which ones am I missing?

I Was at Woodstock

BobDobalina — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 00:07:36 GMT

No, I wasn't really at Woodstock.

But I think everyone has a show they went to that makes them cool. You know, the one where you say, "U2? Oh yeah, I saw them _years_ ago when they were first starting out in a small club in Fond du Lac. Great show."

For me it was the Smashing Pumpkins opening for Jane's Addiction at the Cabaret Metro (before it became just The Metro) in Chicago. It was November 1988 and the show was $5. Billy Corrigan had long hair and he wore a paisley shirt. Very 80s. Jane's Addiction never played "Jane Says," disappointing numerous suburban high school girls.

So, share with the class. What concert makes you cool?

Compelling You to Listen to These Songs

BobDobalina — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 05:01:16 GMT

Sometimes, maybe, it’s not enough to simply say, “These are songs you should be listening to” and then just leave it at that. Sometimes, maybe, you need to sell them just a little.

(As an aside, and I don’t want to be the Hall Monitor here, but shouldn’t the widget where you recommend specific songs be titled “Songs to Which You Should be Listening”? I mean, what are we, savages? The kind of reckless brutes who leave participles dangling about? I think not.)

So, if I may, let me sell you my current list:

Marah - Faraway You I saw Marah open for Steve Earle in Washington, DC in 1999 and I was instantly hooked. If The Replacements climbed into one of those teleporters like they had in “The Fly” (the original one, not the remake with Jeff Goldblum) and right as they turned the machine on, Bruce Springsteen jumped in, the mutant transformation that came out the other side would be Marah. That, of course, would make Marah the world’s last greatest rock band. For my money, “Faraway You” is as good as any of their tunes. Although on another day you could catch me saying it’s “The Catfisherman” or “Roundeye Blues.” If you want to check out Marah, start with one of those three, then try out something from the first album, “Cut the Crap . . .” Then, move on over to the more recent “If You Didn’t Laugh . . .” Try anything off the “Float Away . . .” album at your own risk.

The Black Angels - Sniper at the Gates of Heaven There was a girl I knew when I lived in Los Angeles who was a little intimidating. She had her nose and tongue pierced and this was before you could get that sort of thing done at the mall. She was tall and athletic and she liked to take her clothes off if you played “It’s My Life” by Talk Talk. She liked to stay out all night and go to raves and after hours parties. She liked public displays of affection. And she was really hot. Hanging out with her made me nervous because the chances of me getting arrested were about as good as the chances of me getting laid, but I never said no when she asked me to come over. That’s kind of what it feels like when I listen to The Black Angels. A little dangerous and a little reckless, like something could go wrong at any moment. But I never say no.

Paul Brill - Begin at the End I read a story about MOG in the Philadelphia Inquirer and it seemed like something up my alley so I signed up. That was a day ago. I’ve already found some great new music, including this fellow, Paul Brill. This one is a delightful jangle of a song that you could call alt-country, Americana, roots rock, or whatever the cool label is that the kids are using these days. You can get it on eMusic, which, as I’ve previously declared, is far superior to iTunes.

Art Brut - Formed a Band Do you ever wear inappropriate clothes to work? Or get drunk before Sunday dinner with grandma? Art Brut does. Art Brut is what The Finger would look like if it was music. Brilliant, hilarious British neo-punk rockers. Plenty of energy and swagger. They’re band that’s going to write the song that makes Israel and Palestine get along. Or at least that’s what they said.

eMusic: Good. iTunes: Bad.

BobDobalina — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 04:02:17 GMT

I’m not sure I can remember the first song I ever downloaded, but I’m pretty sure it was so long ago that Napster was still in the Beta phase. I think it was late 1996.

Which is really neither here nor there, but just to say that I’ve been yanking music off of the world wide internets for a while and I’ve recently decided that iTunes is bad.

First of all, I find the iTunes program to be non-intuitive and not particularly friendly. Kind of like the ladies at the DMV. I much prefer to use a program like MusicMatch to play, burn, and rip my music.

Which brings me to my second gripe with iTunes. I hate that I can’t play a song I download on iTunes on any player other than iTunes. If I download, say, Neil Diamond’s “Cracklin’ Rose” (And really, who among us has yet to pull down that gem?) on iTunes, I can only listen to it on iTunes, I can’t listen to it on MusicMatch.

(Truth be told, the same is true of MusicMatch. Songs I grab there can’t be played on iTunes or on my iPod, for that matter.)

Frankly, it all had me a little bummed.

Then I found eMusic.

(Disclaimer: Neither I nor any member of my family work for or receive remuneration of any kind from eMusic. I just like it. Which isn’t to say that I wouldn’t take free stuff from them.)

For $10 a month you get 40 downloads of good old fashioned, American made mp3s. The kind you can play anywhere. iTunes, iPod, MusicMatch. eMusic downloads work on all of them.

And the music is great. Check out the Critics Picks and just start listening to stuff you’ve never heard before. If you find something you like, grab it. You’ve got 39 more before you run out. The counter resets every month.

eMusic has not only cool stuff you’ve never heard before, but it has old stuff that makes you remember girls you haven’t thought of in decades. I downloaded Art of Noise and Frankie Goes to Hollywood the other day. I hadn’t heard “Krisco Kisses” since Jennifer Powers put it on a mix tape for me when I was a junior in high school.

If you’ve been experiencing the sort of iTunes malaise that had me down, give eMusic a try.