One of my clients at work turned me on to this great music resource: Pandora. I think I'd heard of it before, but never played around with it.
Basically, you enter music you like (either an artist, a band, or a song) and it finds that music. Then it feeds you similar music. You tell the program if you like it or not, and it tailors the music to your tastes.
I also get a kick out of reading why it plays each song. Some reasons it's given me include "extended vamping", "acoustic guitars", "a great tenor sax solo", and "minor tonality".
Registration is required, but free. Enjoy!
Here's my station Music is Love
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
A Place to Discover Music
Do you ever feel like you want to check out some new music, something different?
Hop on over to Wolf Lullaby.
"Ms Alex" bills the site with this tag line:
"A little music to soothe, to provoke, to delight. Music as medicine."
It's a resource for all kinds of music new and old, styles vary.
Hop on over to Wolf Lullaby.
"Ms Alex" bills the site with this tag line:
"A little music to soothe, to provoke, to delight. Music as medicine."
It's a resource for all kinds of music new and old, styles vary.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
RIP Lime Spider
I just wanted to comment on a recent article I read about the closing of an Akron, Ohio music hotspot; The Lime Spider. While I have never actually gone inside this hole in the wall bar it is often the focus of music related discussions and is known for bringing a wide range of musicians to Akron. It is unfortunate it is closing, especially because the closing is the result of several robberys. I can only hope a new night spot will open in a safer area that will still have the magnet pull of bands that The Lime Spider once had.
-Alyson
-Alyson
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
RIP Bill Barber
I just learned of Bill Barber's passing.
He was a super talented tuba player who did a great deal of work in the jazz realm. Possibly his most notable performances were with Miles Davis on The Birth of the Cool.
The tuba world, and musicians and people, lost a great talent.
He was a super talented tuba player who did a great deal of work in the jazz realm. Possibly his most notable performances were with Miles Davis on The Birth of the Cool.
The tuba world, and musicians and people, lost a great talent.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Fully Exposed
"I'll know I'm old when I stop caring about new music."
My friend John said this to me years ago, at some point during our senior year of high school.
New music can be something you've just never heard. When I was in 7th grade I "discovered" Pink Floyd and The Who because of a 9th grade boy on my bus who made me tapes any time I asked what he was listening to.
New music can be a new style you've never cared to check out. When I was in 9th grade a guy named Brandon handed me a CD that was making rounds within his circle of friends. Their enthusiasm alone made me eager to listen to Nirvana's Nevermind for myself. Several TV shows use interesting music, and sometimes fans of those shows share that music, and now thanks to a random fan of House somewhere on the internet, I adore Goldfrapp.
New music can be just that - brand new music. As much as I don't want to, I always get sucked into watching American Idol. Even though he isn't the best singer, I think Blake is wonderful (Charlotte disagrees) - he's fresh, he mixes it up, he's not afraid to turn music sideways. Carlos and I keep talking about how much we wish everyone would stop comparing him to Justin Timberlake - because Blake is so much more musically interesting to us.
Being exposed to new music can be challenging; being exposed to new music that you want to listen to takes some serious effort.
As I was finishing up my college years, I started listening to Dave Matthews Band. Soon I found myself in the wonderful world of live music trading. I started out with some B+P offers here and there, and soon had my own (rather small) list of live shows available to listen to and trade. And as people sent me shows, they would occasionally throw in an extra disc or two of a different band they though the world deserved to hear, and I was exposed to even more music.
I started frequenting a handful of message boards centered around certain bands and/or the live trading scene. I read about new bands daily. A few years ago I took a suggestion to show up to a Dave Matthews Band show early enough to catch the side stage act called Carbon Leaf. I discovered one of my favorite bands.
As we were enjoying post-practice wine after our quintet rehearsal last night, the subject of listening to music came up. We discussed the fact that whatever you're into in your early 20s becomes your identity and what you continue to listen to. Holly revealed she doesn't listen to any new music - and she doesn't know how to find it. The question was asked, "Do you know how to steal albums off the internet?" Of course Holly didn't, and a few minutes later she had a burned CD in her hand of something newish to listen to and report back on, because she's become someone's "music project".
Most of the people I've mentioned in this post are musicians. They create and play music. They deserve to be paid for their time, and effort, and talent. So why do we freely give away other artists work?
Because it's good and we think other people should know that.
Because we have an emotional connection with it and we want to share that.
Because we're that excited about a song or a band that we want our friends to get into them as much as we are.
Because exposing people to something new might just create more people to invest in that artist's work. Those people then decide they want to hear more of that band, and go buy a CD or download some singles off of itunes.
I've generally found that people who share music are the ones most passionate about music. Sure, there are those people who just don't want to pay for anything because they're cheap, or just because they grew up with (old) Napster and that's all they know. Those people tend to be the ones who listen to highly marketed music for awhile, and then move on to the next big thing - music is disposable to them, so why would they want to invest a lot of money into it? I'm not saying it's right to not pay for your music - I'm just saying I can understand that mentality.
There is an interesting article on jambands and copyright. Jambands are often financially successful, even when they are just 4 or 5 guys touring around in a beat up van. Jambands discovered that if you play good music, people will love it. They'll want to listen to it all the time. They will respect you as people and artists, and as such they want to throw money in your direction so you can keep making more great music. (Here's another article about live music trading if you're interested in it's impact on artist revenue, record sales, etc.). I also discovered as I listened to more and more jambands that the fans are seriously into music, and they are into a lot of different kinds of music. My music appreciation grew much more from these people than from my music literature class in college.
Stealing music off of the internet (or anywhere else) is not okay. Downloading music to see if you like it, trading live music shows (from bands who allow taping), giving your friends a mix tape - all better than okay. As long as the result is more people hearing good music, and more people supporting good music through album sales, concert tickets, merchandise, whatever they like, everyone can be happy and enjoy good music.
Now I have to go listen to the U2 show from 1987 that I just downloaded.
My friend John said this to me years ago, at some point during our senior year of high school.
New music can be something you've just never heard. When I was in 7th grade I "discovered" Pink Floyd and The Who because of a 9th grade boy on my bus who made me tapes any time I asked what he was listening to.
New music can be a new style you've never cared to check out. When I was in 9th grade a guy named Brandon handed me a CD that was making rounds within his circle of friends. Their enthusiasm alone made me eager to listen to Nirvana's Nevermind for myself. Several TV shows use interesting music, and sometimes fans of those shows share that music, and now thanks to a random fan of House somewhere on the internet, I adore Goldfrapp.
New music can be just that - brand new music. As much as I don't want to, I always get sucked into watching American Idol. Even though he isn't the best singer, I think Blake is wonderful (Charlotte disagrees) - he's fresh, he mixes it up, he's not afraid to turn music sideways. Carlos and I keep talking about how much we wish everyone would stop comparing him to Justin Timberlake - because Blake is so much more musically interesting to us.
Being exposed to new music can be challenging; being exposed to new music that you want to listen to takes some serious effort.
As I was finishing up my college years, I started listening to Dave Matthews Band. Soon I found myself in the wonderful world of live music trading. I started out with some B+P offers here and there, and soon had my own (rather small) list of live shows available to listen to and trade. And as people sent me shows, they would occasionally throw in an extra disc or two of a different band they though the world deserved to hear, and I was exposed to even more music.
I started frequenting a handful of message boards centered around certain bands and/or the live trading scene. I read about new bands daily. A few years ago I took a suggestion to show up to a Dave Matthews Band show early enough to catch the side stage act called Carbon Leaf. I discovered one of my favorite bands.
As we were enjoying post-practice wine after our quintet rehearsal last night, the subject of listening to music came up. We discussed the fact that whatever you're into in your early 20s becomes your identity and what you continue to listen to. Holly revealed she doesn't listen to any new music - and she doesn't know how to find it. The question was asked, "Do you know how to steal albums off the internet?" Of course Holly didn't, and a few minutes later she had a burned CD in her hand of something newish to listen to and report back on, because she's become someone's "music project".
Most of the people I've mentioned in this post are musicians. They create and play music. They deserve to be paid for their time, and effort, and talent. So why do we freely give away other artists work?
Because it's good and we think other people should know that.
Because we have an emotional connection with it and we want to share that.
Because we're that excited about a song or a band that we want our friends to get into them as much as we are.
Because exposing people to something new might just create more people to invest in that artist's work. Those people then decide they want to hear more of that band, and go buy a CD or download some singles off of itunes.
I've generally found that people who share music are the ones most passionate about music. Sure, there are those people who just don't want to pay for anything because they're cheap, or just because they grew up with (old) Napster and that's all they know. Those people tend to be the ones who listen to highly marketed music for awhile, and then move on to the next big thing - music is disposable to them, so why would they want to invest a lot of money into it? I'm not saying it's right to not pay for your music - I'm just saying I can understand that mentality.
There is an interesting article on jambands and copyright. Jambands are often financially successful, even when they are just 4 or 5 guys touring around in a beat up van. Jambands discovered that if you play good music, people will love it. They'll want to listen to it all the time. They will respect you as people and artists, and as such they want to throw money in your direction so you can keep making more great music. (Here's another article about live music trading if you're interested in it's impact on artist revenue, record sales, etc.). I also discovered as I listened to more and more jambands that the fans are seriously into music, and they are into a lot of different kinds of music. My music appreciation grew much more from these people than from my music literature class in college.
Stealing music off of the internet (or anywhere else) is not okay. Downloading music to see if you like it, trading live music shows (from bands who allow taping), giving your friends a mix tape - all better than okay. As long as the result is more people hearing good music, and more people supporting good music through album sales, concert tickets, merchandise, whatever they like, everyone can be happy and enjoy good music.
Now I have to go listen to the U2 show from 1987 that I just downloaded.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Joe Firstman | Columbus, OH 4.12.07
Spending a weeknight in a little dive of a music venue is usually one of the best ways to hear some great music.
Joe Firstman's show at The Basement in Columbus, Ohio on April 12 was the perfect example.
The opener was a singer/songwriter named Brian Wright. Wright, originally from Texas, had more than a streak of country in his style, but also a lot of rock-n-roll. Shyly performing solo, he sang a series of fabulous songs, accompanying himself on guitar.
Wright later joined Joe Firstman and his band for the bulk of the night's show. Firstman's music is soulful and bluesy and hard hitting rock - often at the same time. His lyrics are different and thought-provoking. All of these things would have made it a good show no matter what.
The energy from the entire band made it an amazing show. There was a spirit in the air that everything was fresh and new and exciting. It was obvious that, despite the small crowd turnout, the musicians were delighted to be able to spend their Thursday evening making music. If there was a setlist, they strayed from it. They took requests. They switched instruments with each other on the whim of their bandleader. They made great music. This was the kind of show that reminds you of what live music can be, when the musicians want to make the best music possible every time they play.
Joe Firstman's show at The Basement in Columbus, Ohio on April 12 was the perfect example.
The opener was a singer/songwriter named Brian Wright. Wright, originally from Texas, had more than a streak of country in his style, but also a lot of rock-n-roll. Shyly performing solo, he sang a series of fabulous songs, accompanying himself on guitar.
Wright later joined Joe Firstman and his band for the bulk of the night's show. Firstman's music is soulful and bluesy and hard hitting rock - often at the same time. His lyrics are different and thought-provoking. All of these things would have made it a good show no matter what.
The energy from the entire band made it an amazing show. There was a spirit in the air that everything was fresh and new and exciting. It was obvious that, despite the small crowd turnout, the musicians were delighted to be able to spend their Thursday evening making music. If there was a setlist, they strayed from it. They took requests. They switched instruments with each other on the whim of their bandleader. They made great music. This was the kind of show that reminds you of what live music can be, when the musicians want to make the best music possible every time they play.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Alyson's Intro
Hello, my name is Alyson and I am looking forward to reading and contributing to this site. There are very few outlets where I live for sharing and enjoying new groups. Most of the local radio stations only play a few types of music, mainly country and pop. My music tastes are vey broad, I like everything from Frank Sinatra to Queen. I also enjoy hearing small up and coming groups like Red Wanting Blue. I hope that this will be a good platform for sharing new bands, music news, and discussing music in general.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Heeeeere's the Queeeeeers! but not really
I need to remember to plan ahead, my inability to commit cost me an opportunity to see a really great band last night...but it wasn't just my inability to commit. Monday I asked my one friend in the area who likes punk too if he wanted to see the Queers on friday night, he said (and I quote, but recall this is Monday) "dude, I'll have to see, this week has been pretty rough, I'll call you thursday."
Whatever. Thursday comes and goes, Friday morning and afternoon comes and goes, no call. So I'm not planning on going by myself (my classic rock-loving husband offers to go with me, but it was like offering to give his last pint of blood). Then at 10:30 last night I was like "screw it, I'm going." So I venture downtown, only to be greeted at the door with "They're sold out"
Damn! Meanwhile underage young'uns who have never even heard of the young ones and couldn't possibly appreciate punk are bouncing in and out to smoke their fags (the venue is great for prohibiting smoking), Grrrrrrr!
But the music trickled to the street, so I hung out getting a contact buzz from the dang cigarette smoke, chatting with the punksters (saw an old, old friend, too), and dancing to the Queers. Almost as good as being inside...not really.
Moral: Don't wait for friends, just buy your ticket.
Whatever. Thursday comes and goes, Friday morning and afternoon comes and goes, no call. So I'm not planning on going by myself (my classic rock-loving husband offers to go with me, but it was like offering to give his last pint of blood). Then at 10:30 last night I was like "screw it, I'm going." So I venture downtown, only to be greeted at the door with "They're sold out"
Damn! Meanwhile underage young'uns who have never even heard of the young ones and couldn't possibly appreciate punk are bouncing in and out to smoke their fags (the venue is great for prohibiting smoking), Grrrrrrr!
But the music trickled to the street, so I hung out getting a contact buzz from the dang cigarette smoke, chatting with the punksters (saw an old, old friend, too), and dancing to the Queers. Almost as good as being inside...not really.
Moral: Don't wait for friends, just buy your ticket.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Upcoming Live Show Reviews
You can look forward to a couple show reviews after this weekend, complete with photos and videos!
Shows being reviewed are:
We bring you rock-n-roll, folksy-soul, and rockin' celtic music. Welcome to the variety show.
Shows being reviewed are:
- Joe Firstman at The Basement in Columbus, OH on April 12
- Megan Palmer & the Hopefuls at Dick's Den in Columbus, OH on April 13
- and maybe Knot Fibb'n at Byrne's Pub in Columbus, OH on April 14.
We bring you rock-n-roll, folksy-soul, and rockin' celtic music. Welcome to the variety show.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Just Because I Don't Dress Like You Doesn't Mean I Don't Know Who Skinny Puppy Is...
Greetings from Saint Louis, MO (well, at least this week...)!
I'm Charlotte & I guess I sparked Carrie's creative thought process when I was complaining to her about my coworkers who thought I had no clue who Skinny Puppy was. (Not that they are a fav of mine, but, cheese & rice, I *HAVE* heard of them...) I am a firm believer in the whole I don't need to dress the part to prove I like the music. Grrr...
So, let me tell you about my musical tastes: I am that person who has Jay Z sitting next to Elvis Costello, who is sitting next to Air, which happens to be right next to Pachelbel, which happens to be right next to Garth Brooks, who happens to sandwiched in between Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell. Eclectic best describes me.
I really do like all kinds of music. My all time favorite artist is Elvis Costello, and my favorite songs of all time are a tie between "In a Big Country" by Big Country and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" by Elvis Costello. But, I'm also starting to really get into the old Texas country and bluegrass music right now. (Must be due to the fact I now live in the great state of Teh-has...)
I am looking forward to reading/discussing what everyone else has to say!
I'm Charlotte & I guess I sparked Carrie's creative thought process when I was complaining to her about my coworkers who thought I had no clue who Skinny Puppy was. (Not that they are a fav of mine, but, cheese & rice, I *HAVE* heard of them...) I am a firm believer in the whole I don't need to dress the part to prove I like the music. Grrr...
So, let me tell you about my musical tastes: I am that person who has Jay Z sitting next to Elvis Costello, who is sitting next to Air, which happens to be right next to Pachelbel, which happens to be right next to Garth Brooks, who happens to sandwiched in between Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell. Eclectic best describes me.
I really do like all kinds of music. My all time favorite artist is Elvis Costello, and my favorite songs of all time are a tie between "In a Big Country" by Big Country and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" by Elvis Costello. But, I'm also starting to really get into the old Texas country and bluegrass music right now. (Must be due to the fact I now live in the great state of Teh-has...)
I am looking forward to reading/discussing what everyone else has to say!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Muy fresco...
Thanks for the invite, consider me the antagonist in a Socratic dialogue if the discussions center around music, art, literature, or that crazy little thing called feeeelings. Why does a particular song/score/passage/nuance of light and shade appeal? I'm all about the why. And I'm honored to be part of this sovereign little enclave where free thought & discussion about music & such is encouraged...my name is Helen, and (dramatic pause) Neil Diamond shares a home with Cajun clanky-clank, Steve Earl, Prince, and the Queers in my CD collection...the orchestra is tuning, soon the music will begin...
The Introductory Post
The Little Music Renegades is all about sharing music and sharing thoughts on music with other people who love music.
The site was inspired by a few events & ideas:
#1: Charlotte expressing her frustration with people who just can't believe she listens to some of the music she loves (Sex Pistols, Morrissey, the Clash, etc.) based on her choices in fashion (i.e. not punk rock/sk8r chic). And the fact she also sometimes likes pop music a là Gwen Stefani, and experiences no guilt about enjoying this wide range of music.
#2: Watching the RIAA and major record companies fight so ridiculously hard against file sharing as their sales plummet, while little indie bands on their own labels or small labels encourage such actions, and are experiencing growth. (Note: I have and will continue to download free music. To me, it's the equivalent of being in jr. high and a friend making me a tape of a band they are stoked about. And if I don't like it, we leave it at the tape, but if I do get excited about it, I buy the tape myself, and a t-shirt, and a ticket to the show).
#3: Personal observations on how digital audio players (DAP) such as ipods, zunes, etc. are turning the music industry sideways. I have filled my ipod with bebop, symphonies, reggae, ngdombolo african music, 70s punk, jam bands, alternative rock, and various new bands friends have recommended, and I haven't touched the storage capacity (yet) or scratched the surface of what I will load onto it. This is typical.
People really don't always want to listen to just one form of music, and they aren't really stuck in little boxes. And many people in the industry haven't grasped how to get our attention. (Hint: Promote good bands, don't try to craft them into a "thing", let them be the band you hired to begin with).
#4: The realization that I spend an insane amount of time blogging about, talking about, and reading about music. And often find myself frustrated at the saturation of certain artists, while little known gems get left to flounder at the cusp of musical greatness.
I've invited a few friends with varied musical tastes and backgrounds to join me in posting articles, reviews, thoughts, and miscellaneous musical notes. We hope you find the music here @ The Little Music Renegades!
The site was inspired by a few events & ideas:
#1: Charlotte expressing her frustration with people who just can't believe she listens to some of the music she loves (Sex Pistols, Morrissey, the Clash, etc.) based on her choices in fashion (i.e. not punk rock/sk8r chic). And the fact she also sometimes likes pop music a là Gwen Stefani, and experiences no guilt about enjoying this wide range of music.
#2: Watching the RIAA and major record companies fight so ridiculously hard against file sharing as their sales plummet, while little indie bands on their own labels or small labels encourage such actions, and are experiencing growth. (Note: I have and will continue to download free music. To me, it's the equivalent of being in jr. high and a friend making me a tape of a band they are stoked about. And if I don't like it, we leave it at the tape, but if I do get excited about it, I buy the tape myself, and a t-shirt, and a ticket to the show).
#3: Personal observations on how digital audio players (DAP) such as ipods, zunes, etc. are turning the music industry sideways. I have filled my ipod with bebop, symphonies, reggae, ngdombolo african music, 70s punk, jam bands, alternative rock, and various new bands friends have recommended, and I haven't touched the storage capacity (yet) or scratched the surface of what I will load onto it. This is typical.
People really don't always want to listen to just one form of music, and they aren't really stuck in little boxes. And many people in the industry haven't grasped how to get our attention. (Hint: Promote good bands, don't try to craft them into a "thing", let them be the band you hired to begin with).
#4: The realization that I spend an insane amount of time blogging about, talking about, and reading about music. And often find myself frustrated at the saturation of certain artists, while little known gems get left to flounder at the cusp of musical greatness.
I've invited a few friends with varied musical tastes and backgrounds to join me in posting articles, reviews, thoughts, and miscellaneous musical notes. We hope you find the music here @ The Little Music Renegades!
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