Summers here and its time to enjoy all that thumpthumpthump bass-heavy gubbins eminating from the local youths tricked up Astras. I frequently despair about the lack of originality in the music choice of these dudes. I would hope the Afterword massive, cruising the local McDonalds drivethru would be accompanied by some Nick Drake, The Residents, Eskimo or a little early Van Morrison. I remember on a road trip to the States, coming out of a screening of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and exiting the mall to the sounds of Carter USM doing The Impossible Dream or the 50th anniversary of the Mini, driving along Blackpool sea front with The Self Preservation Society blasting from our Minis cd player while we sang along with gusto. I will actually purchase and then doff a cap to anyone who has this playing on their car stereo…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-2IIJ2YKGw
How do you take it?
The threads on music playing devices and iPod classics highlight distinct differences in attitudes to streaming and owning music. Some put sound quality above functionality. Some appear to have not been near streaming services for a while and perhaps don’t appreciate the progress in the last year or two.
I can’t remember the last CD I bought (but it was probably second hand, cost £1.50 and was made more than a year ago). I have virtually stopped buying downloads and am about to cancel my eMusic subscription after 6 or 7 years.
Apple music serves my purposes very well and with WiFi well on the way to becoming ubiquitous, along with cheaper than ever data plans, I don’t see myself buying any physical products anymore. In fact, if I did, it’s more likely to be vinyl than CD. And I don’t own a record player.
Most of this change has been in the last couple of years as my devices become more integrated and the apps become better at dealing with the process of streaming.
People seem to be less passionate about physical products for films and tv with Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer and the like not drawing the » Continue Reading.
What instruments ruin a song?
I went to see Paul Carrack last Monday. He reminded me of two rules that I have about music and songs as he managed to break both of them in one gig.
The first relates to flutes. I cannot think of a single song that has been improved by the addition of a flute. Before Twang retorts with a Jethro Tull rock a flute very nicely, I have to say that I haven’t heard anything by Jethro Tull that I like.
The second rule is whistling. It always strikes me as a sort of filler – one up from la la la lyrics (Into The Valley by The Skids is the biggest sinner here). It always feels so lazy.
Does anyone actually like whistling or flutes in their rock? Or does anyone have any other rational dislikes?
Nashville
Is anyone else watching Nashville? The country music industry provides a great frame for what is basically a high quality soap. Established stars coping in the new industry, young stars coping with fame, talent looking for a break and, the heart and soul of the series, an alcoholic singer songwriter who struggles with his place in the business whilst loving the music perhaps more than anyone else in the show.
So far, so formula. But the thing that makes Nashville rise above the normal TV drama is that the music is done so well. T Bone Burnett is the musical director and it shows with the songs being a key part of the show.
And it really makes you want to go to Nashville and visit the Bluebird Cafe and take in show.
Anyone else watching it?
Dawes – New Single (or whatever singles are called now)
It’s jolly good.
https://www.youtube.com/PNpSpMMfQis
