By now you've probably heard the news about Radiohead's new album. You've probably had time to think about it, read about it what other people think about it, talk about it, and maybe you've even had exciting conversations about it. Me too. It's very exciting, scary, revolutionary, monumental, ground-breaking, unique, brilliant, brave, and maybe crazy. Actually, what's crazy is that I'm not even talking about the album itself. I'm a big Radiohead fan. I still count their show in West Palm Beach in 2003 as one of the most awe-inspiring (and I mean that as in awesome and inspiring) musical events I've ever seen. I'm sure their new album will be just as good as I expect it to be, but I haven't even really thought about what kind o... read more >
I still remember the first TV I had in my room. I don't remember what brand it was, but it featured knobs that actually turned and pulled in and out, as well as classic V-hold. Cable existed at the time, but not in my room, so I actually had to adjust the tape on my clothes hanger antenna so that I could watch Saturday Night Live and not just listen to it. Clearly times have changed. I don't actually have a TV now, but many of my friends do, and many of them enjoy high definition. I love High Definition. I love watching a hockey game and actually seeing the puck. I love watching nature shows and seeing the sleep boogers in the eye of an ant. It thrills me that if they ever make a show as funny as Arrested Development again, ... read more >
Jack Johnson is probably a really nice guy. He's a good surfer, he makes much better than average surf movies, and I like a lot of his songs. He seems to have learned a lot from his hero Ben Harper, though he hasn't expanded his virtuosity or been anywhere near as eclectic. But I am not here to talk about the catchiness of 'Bubble Toes' or the lack of evolution in his music, as much as I would love to. I'm actually here to discuss the legacy of Jack Johnson. Like I said, I am a fan, and I would love to go on a surf trip with him. I would even be totally stoked to sit around a campfire and trade Ben Harper covers with him and discuss the finer points of underwater photography. Ah, but we would definitely have to discuss the lega... read more >
I don't mean to be a music snob, but I'm not that into cover bands. I'm not intrigued by anyone's My Sherona/ Green-Eyed Lady medley. I don't feel the urge to dance to Angel in the Centerfold, and I don't get pumped to see a Sublime tribute band. In fact, I'm liable to walk in a bar and turn straight around if there's a cover band that's going to come between me and the loving conversation I plan on having with at least two adult beverages.
But the existence of live music, even in it's most irritating, soul-wrenching, tasteless form, is a necessity. A blessing even, because for every 50 renditions of Margaritaville you might be subjected to, you might get one creative Martin Sexton cover. It's our right as Americans to fr... read more >
Ladies and gentleman, I'm here to openly admit that I pulled a Britney the other night. It was my first time, but oops I'm going to be doing it again and again. I played along with recorded music during a live performance. I didn't do it because I had a vocal chord problem, or because I needed to conserve my breath for my huge dance moves, or because I was trying to fool anybody. I did it because I was lonely. And afraid. Afraid of becoming repetitive and boring.
I've been playing on a stage the size of a deluxe outhouse for three hours every thursday. I set up my PA, sit on a tiny stool squeezed in between my amp and a wall, and I sing along with my guitar. Things get really interesting when I whip out my electric ba... read more >
