nuTsie got a nice mention in a NYT article on mobile music yesterday. I’m so proud. Not so much of the mention but of helping to create such a cool product.
Archive for June, 2009
nuTsie in NY Times
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009Todd Snider, Dock Ellis and Grunge
Monday, June 29th, 2009
I was reminded of the great singer-songwriter Todd Snider today when I stumbled upon his hilarious song about Dock Ellis pitching a no-hitter while under the influence of lysergic acid. For the record, I advocate strongly against all psychoactive drugs, as they’ve certainly never done me any favors.
Some of you out there will remember Todd Snider’s “Talkin’ Seattle Grunge Rock Blues.” It would be sooooo funny if it weren’t sooooo painfully accurate.
The part where he sings about blowing away the people at the Grammys by not playing and not even going really strikes home. I went to the Grammys one of the two years the Presidents were nominated (two-time losers!). Pearl Jam won a Grammy that year. Ed Vedder got onstage said, “I don’t know what this means. I don’t think it means anything.” WTF?! Why the hell did you show up, then? Why not give me the damn Grammy?
Thank you, Michael Jackson
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Sweet inspiration
Hard to believe. My first response was a sense of relief for the man’s restless, troubled soul.
I would not have wanted to play music if not for The Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson. I still have my vinyl copy of the Got To Be There album. Hearing him on Casey Kasem’s Top 40 and seeing him on TV made me want to do that.
He was a skinny little kid with an afro and a high voice. I was a skinny little kid with an afro and a high voice. I had no idea of the gaps (in culture, class and, most importantly, talent) that separated us. He was like me.
Dessert vs. Desert
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009I’ve already shared a couple of my “dessert bar discs” with you. Which begs the question of my actual desert island discs.
Here’s a playlist you can listen to that offers a sampling of stuff I really like.
No accounting for the mix — just things I like. Included in the list is at least one Muddy Waters recording. I saw Muddy Waters in 1980, at the Showbox. Sat right in front of the stage in a big old armchair and was one of 5-6 people able to shake his hand when he reached into the crowd after the show. Any talent or luck I’ve had as a musician I attribute to that moment — being touched by a true prophet.
Dessert Bar Disc #2
Sunday, June 21st, 2009
I can’t say that I truly hate any music or particular musicians. There are a few, however, who strike me as hopelessly insincere and pretty much just a waste of valuable time.
#2 in my series of songs you might think I should be embarrassed to like features one of these time-wasters, one who compounded his treacly worthlessness as a pop artist by being such a scumbag he divorced his second wife by fax.
Yes, I’m talking about Phil Collins. He’s an easy lover. His suckiness is entirely counterbalanced on this tune by the incomparable Philip Bailey, from one of my favorite bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire.
The Ventures, RIP
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009I just heard on the radio that Bob Bogle, co-founder, original lead guitarist and, later, bassist for The Ventures, died yesterday. Somehow that makes me so sad — maybe because he was a fellow Pacific NW local. But more so because The Ventures’ sound is one of eternal spring and summer, of endless optimism and hope…a very American sound, and one that always seemed immortal.
The Worst Music Video of all Time
Monday, June 15th, 2009No contest. I challenge you to find one that’s worser.
Iggy Frenching Himself
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Or at least showing off his French vocab in titling his new album.
The first time I saw Iggy play I was alarmed by what a maniac spazz he was. This was 1982, so there was no intrawebs and I had no idea what he might do on stage. I expected him to dance around like James Brown or Prince or something, all sexy-like. Instead he was just a straight-up crazy spazz. Liked him even more after that.
Is the new record any good? Does it matter?
The Greatest Band on Earth
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Three words: O. A. Sis.
Oasis? Yes, Oasis.
How great are they?
So great they can stare at their shoes for their whole set, the lead singer can regularly quit in the middle of a tour, they can write and record the same two or three songs over and over again for their whole career…and still kick your band’s ass.
So great they can violate my “all great bands are defined by their drummers” rule. Depending on how you count, they’re on their fourth drummer with Chris Sharrock, formerly of many bands, including The La’s, whose “There She Goes” was in my summer playlist from a few days ago. Though it could be argued that their signature sound and biggest hits owe much to the feel of 2nd drummer Alan White, who was with the band for 10 years. Not to be confused with Alan White from Yes, who also played on on John Lennon’s “Imagine” and who, for some crazy reason, ended up living here in the suburban Seattle area and can be seen around town from time to time.
No other band makes me want more to write a great song, to get up on stage and plug a guitar into a big amp, to be in a band…to be in a gang.
I met Noel once. He was backstage at a Presidents show at Brixton Academy with his first wife (then girlfriend) Meg Mathews. They weren’t there to see us but to see the very great band Kula Shaker, who were opening for us and whom Oasis had taken under their wing.
It was awkward. Noel and Meg were the only guests backstage, talking very quietly between themselves. There was no VIP area or anything. We had beers in our dressing room, so I ran and grabbed them each a beer. They gave me a very polite thank you. When Kula Shaker started playing we all walked toward the side of the stage to watch. Noel asked, “Right, you’re the one plays the Gibson SG?” Making conversation. I was so flummoxed and intimidated that I stammered out something about, “No, I’m the one on the Strat,” and then our exchange died back to awkward silence.
My friend Scott met Liam in a Chicago hotel bar late at night this year. Scott mentioned that I was his connection to the music business and Liam replied, “Yes, he’s the bloke what plays four strings and sings ‘Peaches’.” That’s the coolest thing anyone ever said about me, even if not entirely accurate.