MOG - consumerx's Posts

SUTC ?

consumerx — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:56:38 GMT

Sunday's never been a big MOG day for me and consequently I am a little unsure of the Sunday Under the Covers concept. I'm guessing it's cover songs posted on Sundays, but I like to make things as difficult as possible, so I wonder if there is something else or whether it's a completely different thing. Anyway, a Baudolino post had me thinking of solid covers and naturally because it started with one of his I gravitated to reggae. Seems there's been a few posts on these guys, although mostly on their last album - Radiodread.

I definitely prefer the first, this one - Dub Side of the Moon, to the second one. But Toots does have a great cut on that. And, if I may be so bold, I prefer some of these versions to the originals as recorded by Floyd. That's right Z, I said it. On this track, I love the bong bubbles and inhale in place of the cash register in the original.

AT 3 with a dash of California

consumerx — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:06:18 GMT

This whole album is pretty sweet. So choosing one track was tough, so I tried for one that din't have a real heavy US influence, of say Rock, R&B or Soul. There is still some in this one too, but it'd decidedly African for me. Although my guess is that it was recorded in California as Hugh and Letta appear to have been in the states in the late 60's.

FF Funks the clave

consumerx — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:15:34 GMT

Cody turned me on to this album with a post or comment a while back and i am glad he did. There is some great stuff on it.

Sadly, I can't tell whether this track is in or out of clave, the primary rhythmic element of many types of Afro-Cuban music. But it's definitely funky and real laid back. I've read that rhythm players in Afro-Cuban styles, especially bassists, use a term I like called "funking the clave." It seemed suitable for this post.

Perhaps it's just me but I think I hear a direct link between this song recorded maybe 20 years ago and some very current Budos Band sounds.

AT2 - Mog Meet Up in Timbuktu?

consumerx — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:41:15 GMT

Tough decision on what to offer for AT today. I've decided on one of the many (was very close to tapping Tinariwen) nice tracks from a Festival in the Desert disc I picked up several years ago. I like this one by the The Songbird of Wassoulou, Wassoulou being a historic region in Mali south of the Niger River. For me it's got a great desert blues feel, but also other elements that sound as if they'd be right at home in an Irish Reel.

I think I have Robert Plant and NPR to thank for learning about the Festival in the Desert, a celebration of Malian music and Tuareg culture. He went out in 2003 and had something to do with the recording of the album I got as well as one of his own albums while there.

It sounds like an absolutely incredible experience. Three days in the desert with nomads and tribesmen from all over enjoying music. I think it would make an excellent Mog Meet up. Depending on how complicated my life gets in the next few months I very much intend to be in Essakane, Mali on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of January 2009. Here is an interesting story from The Guardian with footage from this year's event.

Afrique Tuesday and the return of Baudolino

consumerx — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:54:18 GMT

Since Baudolino's back, I decided to make my first AT post a reggae cut. I hear that I am not programmed, from an evolutionary standpoint anyway, to like this sort of thing, but gosh darn it, I do (sorry couldn't resist).

Alpha Blondy (First Bandit) has a slew of quality albums, so choosing was difficult, but this track from Revolution easily puts me in the mind of the capital city of a former french colony, perhpas 20 or 30 years ago. Not that I've ever been, but it works for me nonetheless.

The "lyrics" are an address by the president of the Cote d'Ivoire at the time and I have yet to divine that person's name. I do know that one night my brother and I browbeat a very cute young frenchwoman into listening several times to the entire 10+ minute track so she could tell us what was being said. Perhaps it was too late or too many drinks in to the evening, but she swore that it was some dialect that she could not really make out. I have heard that in Abidjan, the capital of the Ivory Coast, they have a french of their own.

The Dawn of Funky Friday

consumerx — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:17:39 GMT

I gotta hit the road a bit later today, so this is it for my FF moggin. Hope ya like it. It's fun. He's old school, it's got a little bounce and the JB vibe. Don't know much in the way of history. If anybody's got any please enlighten.

Afrika

consumerx — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:02:43 GMT

Alright, it's not exactly on point (and it's late), but I just couldn't resist. Perhaps its because I've been out half the night having cocktails...Nah, I was thinking this already. I'll check in next week with some more legit Afrique, but for now this is what U get.

FF - reprise

consumerx — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:46:46 GMT

I was hypin the album on Cody's FF post earlier today. So, I thought I'd follow up with a few more from the excellent compilation - The Funky Precendent. I know, it is a compilation, and I've met more than few musical snobs who look down on them, but this one is happenin!

Take me back to West Africa

consumerx — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:50:58 GMT

I've never been, but Ivylander got me all hot and bothered with a most excellent Kora-Senegal post. So, I'm riding some coattails with a little Baaba Maal.

I've yet to catch him live and I hear it's worth every penny one might spend, but I very much enjoy his recordings. They're generally quite lively and often have a certain childlike element of uplift or just some very pure energy, even during relatively chill songs.

Totally 80's

consumerx — Sat, 24 May 2008 10:25:06 GMT

Can't say I'm a huge Press fan, but I do like this track quite a bit. Strangely, it somehow reminds me of OMD's "If You Leave" and I can't determine why.

Melancholy Saturday

consumerx — Sat, 24 May 2008 09:56:44 GMT

It's late on Friday and I'm feeling a little 'cholia. So, I offer this piece. It's got kind of a Cinematic Orchestra vibe. And the more I listen to the horns, on this track anyway, I get a little Everything But The Girl. Wish I could say more about the band, but I've nothing to offer. Except I did hear they had to change their name because a Finnish metal band challenged them on who had the right to use it.

Fonky Friday

consumerx — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:47:11 GMT

Actually I can't say this track qualifies as 'fonkay' but certainly in relation to the rest of the release it is pretty funky. As a result of hours in the car and on the road of late, I've been going through full albums instead of just mixes and I finally heard this track on Return to Cookie Mountain. I really like this album, all sorts of great production and arrangements and the lead singer gets into all sorts of voices, including early Ozzie-esque moments. Anyway this one appears to be a bit of an afro-beat homage with some heavy Peter Gabriel influence.

All's quiet on the Funky Friday Front

consumerx — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:47:21 GMT

Do my email accounts deceive me? No FF posts today? I can't let it stand. And since it's been almost exactly a year since contrabandwidth submitted them for FF, I feel a Praxis double dip is order. http://mog.com/contrabandwidth/blog_post/70667

They were/are? a supergroup of sorts put together by Bill Laswell. On this, their first album, they included Bootsy, Bernie Worrell, Buckethead, Brain (from Primus) and several others. Bootsy brings the spacebass, Buckethead shreds, Bernie gets all over the place and there's lots of shrill and sometimes weird little flourishes. Some of it would definitely be appropriate for Metal Wednesday.

No Fess for me

consumerx — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:28:35 GMT

I had planned to be chomping at the bit by now with a Wednesday, April 30 departure for New Orleans and weekend 2 of JazzFest. Unfortunately, some heavy family stuff has come between me and fun travel. So, I post this track as very belated Funky Friday Fess homage.

My path to the Wild Tchoupitoulas is kinda interesting. Baudolino put up a Wild Magnolias post that I dug quite a bit and which inspired me to go grab one of their albums. Then I mention to my boss (the one from Louisiana) that I am digging on the Wild Magnolias and he says, "yeah they're good, but the Wild Tchoupitolouas are even better." And he was kind enough to let me borrow some product.

So here is "Hey Mama," and the source of what I was tickled to learn is the primary sample used in "Cumin in Ya Ear" (with a mike and drummer) by The Goats.

Latter Day Congos

consumerx — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:10:20 GMT

Baudolino's got me fired up (ready to go!). He graced the mogosphere with a lovely post on Cedric I.M. Brooks this afternoon and filled me in on something I'd never taken the time to learn about - Satta Massagana. I've heard many versions of this song by some great reggae bands, but never got what they we're about.

Anyhow, he also discussed the horn work and arrangements of Cedric and that somehow led me to the Congos. On this album, there's some decent horn work, but I think I went there because Cedric Myton's falsetto definitely operates in the space that a horn might.

This is the title track. The album was released on Young Tree, which is sorta interesting. They appear to be the studio and label outgrowth of a far NorCal rootsy reggae act called Groundation, whose singer seems to be an accolyte of Cedric's as he sings in a very high register (sometimes too much).

Hope you like, and if we're lucky Baudolino will stop by and hold forth on the Congos.

Opus Who?, take 2

consumerx — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:34:47 GMT

Opus Akoben. A fine progressive/conscious rap act out of DC. Comprised primarily of Sub-zero and Kokayi, they recorded a real nice album with live musicians in France a few years back called Raw Life. And the result showcases their ability to spit and brings some fairly jazz oriented grooves. Like so many good US acts they have yet to get much of an audience at home, but do well in Europe and other regions.

Oh and I just realized some applicability to the great rock v. hip-hop debate waged by Zarpex and Cody B. Mullytron and Cody brought that to an elegant close a few weeks back, but I believe this track meets the "something other than 4/4 timing" requirement.

Orgone Again?

consumerx — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:56:20 GMT

I put something up about these guys a few months back after I caught them live and picked up the album. They are definitely standing the test of time for me. And every time I listen to this cut I find myself thinking of Chuck Brown's "Bustin' Loose." I think it's the drums and percussion - congas specifically, but I"ll take any feedback.

Funkee Friday

consumerx — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:20:14 GMT

I don't think they're a new outfit, but they are new to me. I'm enjoying them quite a bit. Especially this track - "Fondle Rock." Interesting title and the cowbell is slammin.

Speaking of funk. I bowed out of the Bay Area meet-up because I had other plans which are now disintegrating. Then to add a little more fun. The meet up spot was Zeitgeist, which boasts a wonderful backyard beer garden kinda spot, but it's raining for the first time in several weeks. Unlucky.

Ken Lazarus

consumerx — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:04:12 GMT

Baudolino has inspired me. He's been dropping some pretty choice cuts and lot's o' knowledge on some old school reggae and pre-reggae artists.

I only have Ken Lazarus on vinyl and find myself without the tools and dedication to rip those tracks. So, here's a not very visually exciting vid I found. The audio fidelity is solid, though.

I don't know much about Ken except his albums (some made for Federal) looked pretty interesting in the bin, so I picked them up and have enjoyed them quite a bit. Can't find much on the web with some cursory searches. If anybody has more, please chime in.

Brownout Brings tha Funk

consumerx — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:23:19 GMT

Just got turned on to this outfit. Enjoying very much. They're actually competing for my attentions right now with Cookin' on 3 Burners who Cody B kindly turned me on to a week or two ago. Speaking of Cody, where is the Funky Friday post?

So, here's the deal as I know it on Brownout. They are a side project of Grupo Fantasmo out of Austin. Never heard of G F, but will be looking into them. Caught an LAist review of this album and they made comparisons with the Beastie's first instrumental album, The In Sound From Way Out. I hear it in this first track that I am posting, but as the album progresses, it is much more dynamic - real funky, active horns and falling somewhere between Malo and Irakere (I love both the Beasties instrumental albums, but they are pretty chill affairs).

I do like this first track quite a bit. As a bassist I always love working these creepers, where you're just riding in the pocket and giving that chill vibe, but knowing you're about to blow it apart a little later in the set.

Hope you like it too!

More Chuck

consumerx — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:34:08 GMT

This is from his album Your Game. At least four years old now, but still gettin it, for my money.

Chuck Brown Sampler

consumerx — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 05:25:49 GMT

Cody B shined a light on Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go, for his Funky Friday offering. I left some long winded comments there, but couldn't get any music or images into my comments, because I am definitely not tech-savvy. So, I'm gonna do my thing here.

Here's some older school Chuck, with a heavy jazz influence:

Things to do in Corona

consumerx — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:58:53 GMT

So, I'm in SoCal for a surprise trip to look after Grandma. Bless her heart she insists on living alone at 90 and she took a spill yesterday morning. Fortunately, she's gonna be fine. She's Tuff!

So, on the way down Interstate 5, I checked out some serious tunage, both new and old. And managed to fight my urge to listen to mixes - albums babee. Here's most of the lineup

The Dont's - Inner El Camino Hendrix/Band of Gypsys - Live at Fillmore East Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur? Citizen Cope - The Clarence Greenwood Recordings (Why, because it's right below Cinematic Orchestra on the pod and it's a great album)

I think my fave, and this mostly due to its newness, is The Dont's. As I was checking out "Motherfather" I got to thinking about the reason for the trip (taking care of Grandma) and previous drives on the 5 when I went through Bill Withers - Live at Carnegie Hall and his song "Grandma's Hands." He is an entertainer. Gotta listen to that album through sometime, if you haven't already, although "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Use Me" are great singles too.

Now, I'm trying to work and posting from a coffeshop with a playlist that is all over the place. I think I just heard a Danny Gatton version of "Harlem Nocturne" then that swedish outfit Bjorn and something with their catchy little whistling tune, wherein they sing something about not caring about the young people and then someone knocking off Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr perhaps. Interesting for sure.

Orgone funked me up

consumerx — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:46:40 GMT

I've been digging on Breakestra hard of late and then last week a co-worker tells me there is a hot funk band called Orgone playing on Friday night. So, I do some sniffing around on the web and while checking out a few tracks at their myspace page, I learn that the band is comprised of several Breakestra vets. That was enough for me.

They did not disappoint. Nice set, very funky with a super talented singer. I like their cover of "Do Your Thing" too (but maybe not as much as the Kashmere Stage Band's version). If you get a chance, check 'em. Bought their disc, Killion Floor, too and I'm likin' it.

Here's some vid from their record release party. Not the greatest sound quality, but I think you'll get the idea.

Orgone funked me up

consumerx — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:46:31 GMT

Here's some vid from their record release party. Not the greatest sound quality, but I think you'll get the idea.

Cake's new release

consumerx — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 01:08:41 GMT

I've liked these cats for a long while now, so I'm biased fo sho. But I have to admit to getting a huge kick out of this album. There's something about a slightly nerd rock crew like Cake covering Barry White that makes me giggle. Scratch and sniff liner notes are cool too. They note that they were made from recycled paper and vegetable dye, which is cool, but it would have been nicer to do away with the jewel case entirely. A small thing. Very Fun album.

Here's a vid with their version of "War Pigs" another fun tune with them.

Props to Blackalicious and Zion I

consumerx — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 06:36:28 GMT

Just a quick post to give it up for some artists supporting a candidate and encouraging folks to get involved.

I caught most of Blackalicious (I think they were missing one of their rappers) and Zion I in Oakland on Sept. 31. They appeared at an event in Oakland celebrating the opening of the Barack Obama office there. The performances were very spontaneous with some impressive freestyling, and sounded good considering the circumstances - a stage on a city street in a concrete canyon. They were real clear that the most important thing is for us all to pay a bit more attention and demand accountability by, among other things, voting. H Despite my ardent support for Obama, I can't argue with that.

Jaco - 20 years gone today

consumerx — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 01:56:45 GMT

I didn't know it until someone forwarded the NPR story, but today is the 20th anniversary of the death of Jaco Pastorius. I'm guessing there's some moggers out that are familiar with this absolute genius and legendary bass player. NPR does a decent job of covering his life, and his work and his death with some remarks from Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and Marcus Miller. They also have stream of "Continuum" on the page. Incredible bass playing - he's plaintively talking through his instrument. Great growling chorusy sound on his fretless. On my last pass through this I think I heard what must have been some inspiration for Vangelis and their Blade Runner soundtrack.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14578299&sc=emaf

Here's vid I found on the 'tube. Not the greatest audio or visual quality, but he is flat out shredding with another bassist.

RTW - off the beaten path

consumerx — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:17:18 GMT

The Real Tuesday Weld just released another album and it got me thinking how much I appreciate his stuff. Some of it is downright quirky, some whimsical, but on the whole it is some of the most creative stuff I have heard in a while. And if it is not, there are very few doing what he is doing - I call it antiqued electronica. It usually inspires a love-hate reaction in people I play it for. I love it, especially at 2:30am, when the customers are gone and I am sipping a beer and having a smoke while cleaning the bar.

The vid is for track one off the new album. If you like the visuals he's got several others out there with a similar style.

Sunday Night Noise Hangover

consumerx — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 06:46:36 GMT

Title aside I enjoyed the concert. It was my first at the Design Center. Surprised at the very warm feel in this somewhat cavernous space. My fears about the sound in a hall like this were unfortunately well founded as the low end for both acts was terribly muddy. Maybe it don't matter, but as a rhythm player myself, I like to hear things more clearly.

Matisyahu was entertaining, fo sure. Big tall cat definitely has some charisma and the spiritual element he brings is nice too. He did some beat boxing, which also was fun.

311 brought a bit more in the entertainment department (I guess they do have more material and more practice at this sort of thing). Super tight as always, they broke out "Love Song" and since I haven't kept up with them too much in the last several years it was totally new for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZqEqypU4cs

It was also cool when they brought Matisyahu out to lay some of his vocal stylings down during that number. Their drummer had a huge solo which was fun and then they all jumped on various drums and rolled with the percussion for a nice long drumline type groove.

Let me see ya lightas - Reggae Rising

consumerx — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 06:51:03 GMT

Finally starting to recover from 4 days and three nights in Humboldt County with all sorts 'a reggae. Don't have any pics or vids (I saw a few on youtube from cellphones and they don't do the artists or the event justice).

I had a great experience. Real psyched I didn't camp at the venue - our spot was a bit of hike, but real chill and had access to several great swimming spots on the Eel River.

So, about the music. Top set for me was Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang AND Horace Andy. They kicked the grooves like we know 'em and love 'em, but they stretched too and went to some new places with real intensity. Anthony B had big ups for the ganja farmers and some serious energy, but not the originality of Sly and Robbie.

Steel Pulse had a good set and always a warm spot in my heart. I appreciated some of the older cuts they broke out "Bodyguard" and "Your House."

Of the various Marley brothers, I think I enjoyed Damian the most. Stephen coming out to join him was very cool. Ziggy sounded incredible from most every spot in the whole venue, but he doesn't emote enough for me. I think he's very into what he's doing, but it seems very self-contained - almost as if he's in a bubble.

Freddy MacGregor was perfect for 4:30 on Sunday afternoon in the heat. Nice voice, good songs and a real chill, almost folksy manner.

All in all a great event for me (solid venue, good food and beer for somewhat high, but not ridiculous AT&T Park-type prices), although I am new to it and still a little clueless about the various debates and controversies between Reggae Rising and the old Reggae on the River.

I'd recommend it next year to anyone down for a few days of car camping, swimming in a river and listening to some great reggae performers.

http://reggaerising.com/home.php

Brazilian Chanteuse with a more complex angle

consumerx — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:39:54 GMT

Here's a really interesting vid for a Cibelle piece. I do like her, but I have to admit to being perplexed with her as well. Given her voice and background and some of the musical elements she uses, I often unconsciously expect lighter tropicalia and such, but she definitely comes at her music from different angles. There's something dark in there, but then again, I don't know if dark is the right word. Maybe complex???? U tell me.

worldly wise dub vibe, just a bit on the lectronic tip

consumerx — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:33:02 GMT

Here's an album that falls into that category of things I have to consciously limit, because otherwise I'd overplay it and burn myself out on it. Nusrat's Qawwali vocals tracks over some pretty fat dub created by Gaudi. Good stuff

This one's for U ch33! See you on the Eel River bra!

I'm diggin' this album

consumerx — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:00:29 GMT

Maybe because it's been sooo long since they had a quality release, but more likely it's because they got some nice rasta vibes working in this one as well as the thrashers, complete with Dr. Know's menacing and crunchy lines (I always kinda feel like I'm listening to a hardcore and scarier version of that sound you'd hear in the Jaws film just as someone was about to be torn up).

I did a brief search online for maybe a vid or cool photo and got sucked into a few reviews and was surprised that several were very lukewarm.

I really like the big switch in "Universal Peace."

I am impressed!

consumerx — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:09:05 GMT

I just got back from a funky little club in the Richmond called G3. Not much of a venue, but I'm excited because I was treated to an amazing performer.

I went to see my friend and co-worker's act, Phonofly. They were tight. It being a Sunday night, I fgured on jetting as soon as they finished, but my buddy said he thought the next act would be interesting. So, I stayed. And I am glad I did.

TERI UNTALAN. She had me absolutely transfixed for her first several songs, which she played solo. Then she had some quality players join her (on bass and drums). She was fabulous in this weird club on a very rudimentary PA with not nearly enough people in the house and terrible lighting. As she sang, I thought of several female vocalists of note, including, Emmylou Harris, but with more soul. As her set went on, I was thinking of Patsy Cline too.

It was great. Spare guitar lines and poignant lyrics delivered with impressive dynamics and then she was a little playful too when interacting with the audience AND she broke out a viola for a few songs. Like a lot of music that I enjoy and respect, I found myself mentally filling spaces of some songs with leads and other flourishes. I don't know if she and other artists consider filling in their arrangements with more and then decide to leave things to our imaginations or not, but I've got much respect for compositions that have that kind of space.

Here's a track that she said she'd be cool with me posting.

I think I messed up

consumerx — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:34:42 GMT

So ahhh I had a previous Burnside post that included a streamable track, but I got to thinking...I wonder how MOG licenses those mp3's that I keep seeing on other mog posts? I didn't spend a ton of time looking and the results were as follows:

-no mention of any licensing agreements -Terms of Use stipulate that one shouldn't post anything they don't own or control

Since all i own is cd by Burnside Exploration, I'm thinking I don't have the right to post it. Am I wrong? I did it in the first place because I had seen so many other things posted, I ass-u-me-d that MOG had some licensing bases covered. I dunno. I'm confused, but I'm gonna try an play by the rules.

Just Can't Stop It

consumerx — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:44:26 GMT

I know I'm gonna burn out on it, because I've been rocking it just too damn much, but i can't stop. The more I listen, the deeper I get. It seems obvious to me now, but it took several plays for me to hear the massive Band of Gypsys vibe in this track.

Caught these dudes at the 'Fess and they absolutely ripped it up.

Late to the Party

consumerx — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:52:21 GMT

My first Jazz Fest. Increible señor. Dont' really know where to start. I guess I'll start with night one - drinks and warm mufaletta at the Napoleon House then many very reasonably priced High Lifes at One-Eyed Jacks for the Hot 8 and Soul Rebels with a surprise appearance by the Gangbe Brass Band fron Benin. Damn I love the brass. Somethin about the tuba carrying the bass line and one cat kicking snare high-hat while another works the bass drum.

From there it was one great restaurant after another cool venue after hot act after many drinks with old friends. AND Shellfest. Can't say enough about the Shell Fest. My only complaint is that I didn't pace myself and was basically done by Sunday, but it was all good 'cause we chilled and feasted on crawfish before heading off to see George Porter, Eric Stoltz, Russell Batiste and Leo Nocentelli, Bernie Worrell and others tear it apart at the new Howlin' Wolf.

I've attached a video of Kermit at Tip's. I saw him (sort of, Vaughn's was so packed, we hung outside and listened) at Vaughn's and at the Rock-n-Bowl. One of many incredible artists we caught - Burnside Exploration Project, Dr. John, pap Grows Funk, George Porter, Calexico to name a few.

Let the tears fall where they may

consumerx — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:35:00 GMT

Just found another song that makes me cry, "The Gymnast, High Above the Ground," by the Decemberists. That opening bit struck the nerve and then thoughts of my father, who passed away several years ago, but was a massive force for good in my life, had me all contorted and shedding the tears.

I'd have to say this post definitely qualifies as navel gazing, but I figured if any group might be open to some blather about the ability of music to have profound impacts on one's emotional status in the near and long terms, it would be moggers.

See I'm of an age where I can't say that I was told this, but I definitely internalized the notion that men, especially american men, don't mess around with things like crying. So after the age of ten I might have cried five times in 15 or 20 years. Then my Dad passed and I experienced some emotions that wouldn't be kept inside. And I'm glad that I did. I don't know if it's the physical release that's so liberating or my bittersweet pleasure at knowing six years after his death my father still plays a positive role in my life and I'll miss him until my time comes and we meet again.

But let's get back to the music. It is music that diverts this flow of emotion that seems to be in constant motion and allows for the occassional release. And far from being depressing, it is affirming because music is central to my existence.

Other personal tear jerkers: When All the Shyfolk Finally Get It On - Bourbon Tabernacle Choir There I Thought I Saw You Once Again - The Low and Sweet Orchestra

Guitar God - an artist not and athlete

consumerx — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 03:23:23 GMT

Alright the damn photo won't upload, but if you don't already know about him and you can appreciate rockabilly, country and general guitar greatness, you need to experience some Danny Gatton. I'm just getting around to it, because my boy back in DC just got on MOG - check him out - MCKC. And another buddy of mine is visiting from the east coast and alerted me to these youtube clips.

Here is a link for some footage of him ripping it up. He's doing it at a long defunct little bar that was around the corner from the house I grew up in in DC. No cover, no pretension, just great music. The big shout at the end of the clip is from one of my old buds who was a huge fan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS5XH84mmI4

Better to burn out or fade away?

consumerx — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:33:14 GMT

Does watching the grammys count for seeing a good show recently. I tuned in to them for a bit so that i could get a taste of The Police 25 years later. They seemed solid and possessed of a fair amount of exuberance for this reunion thing they have going. I'm wondering, though, whether this is such a good idea.

Don't get me wrong. I love them. Synchronicity is not my most favorite album, but I'll pretty much be happy to listen to them whenever and however. In fact, I'm still fired up about the double live disc I picked up from Tower in its waning days. BUT I sort of feel like their record and their records are fairly unblemished and leave them well placed in the pantheon of rock gods for many. Now they're gonna hit the road in their 50's and I worry a bit that some folks, especially those too young for them the first time 'round will get the wrong idea. That is, if they can afford the idea - I read concert tix will start around $90 bucks.

Am I wrong? Should I care? Should I be doing back flips like just about every one of my contemporaries?

Some tour info: http://billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp? vnu_content_id=1003544435

Hendrix at his best

consumerx — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 07:32:55 GMT

I'm feeling it's his best work. This stuff is so gritty and nasty and raw and clearly Hendrix at his peak. A buddy just hooked me up with some of it after it stayed stuck in my craw for months. See it all started on this trip to Mexico, but the seed was planted firmly at a super cool bar and gallery outside of Todos Santos as the sun was setting between the cacti and me and some amigos downed fresh chocolate clams and cold pacificos. I was worried when I got the disc that the tunes wouldn't resonate as strongly without the setting. I was wrong. The day the disc arrived I spent three hours in the car rockin' tha f&*k out! Lookin' like a fool to passers-by and fellow drivers I'm sure as I was bouncing around playing air drums.

I'd like to give you a clip, but I ain't signing up for youtube or perhaps I'm too technologically challenged. Anyway here's the URL for one of several i found.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V96_T8xLUys

The file sharing lowdown?

consumerx — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 21:31:46 GMT

So, for a variety of reasons I am am attempting to get a better handle on the unauthorized sharing of music files. Between being a bit of a Luddite and wanting to respect the rights of artists and to a lesser extent their record companies, I haven't done any of it myself, but I've yet arrive at a cogent position on the whole thing.

Some recent readings posit that there are essentially three types of file sharers. A) Money poor and time rich. They're music fans and share plenty of files because they can't actually afford to purchase. B) Tasters. They use file sharing as a more interactive and perhaps efficient form of radio and once they find artists and music they enjoy, they will make purchases. C) The totally unreconstructed. They can afford to purchase music, but for various reasons, mostly political, they refuse. It's said this type is a more modern version of the folks who made tape after tape from the radio 15 years ago.

What's the vector Victor? I'm down for any input my fellow Moggers would like to offer.

The Demise of Tower Records

consumerx — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 06:33:12 GMT

Yesterday I went to Tower. Why? Because following their second and most recent bankruptcy declaration they were sold to a company that is going to liquidate them. That means the prices on everything will come down until it's all sold. So, I went to feast on the carcass.

Still a lot of meat on the bones, but then the sale is only 15 - 30% off right now. There were shoppers aplenty in the store located on Upper Market in SF. I asked the guy behind the counter, who looked sort of managerial, if the traffic was normal. His response was "no, and the funny thing is we have had better sales than this." I was already feeling a little guilty for being a vulture and this brought on a twinge.

Not so sure why I feel guilty when I consider some of what has led to the downward spiral of the cd in brick and mortar establishments. Could it be because the majors colluded to keep the prices of cds artificially high for years? Could it be because rather than developing artists with new and interesting sounds they sat back releasing back catalogue and looking for the next soundalike megastar? Could it be that a store like Tower still has shelf space for mediocre dated bands, but not Antibalas? Probably not. It's probably because the pie-in-the-sky idealist in me wants there to be a viable marketplace for music physical and otherwise wherein creative and talented musicians and their record companies can earn something like a living for their efforts.

Upon further consideration that place may never have been Tower.

Some interesting comments and info available here:

http://digitalmusic.weblogsinc.com/2006/08/23/the-motley-fool-on-tower-records-bankruptcy/

My 1st Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

consumerx — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 06:34:37 GMT

Bragg was his good old political self and mixed his songs with plenty of stories and exhortations. "Conservatives aren't the enemy, cynicism is..." The music was good, but the performance was great. Also the event - a three day, totally free festival in Golden Gate Park - is an incredible way to get some nature, some good vibes and good tunes.