Dot Matrix Radiohead

A Glascow art student’s final project. Lotta work there.

Big Ideas (don’t get any) from James Houston on Vimeo.

Portishead in Portishead

English band Portishead are releasing their third studio album (appropriately titled Third) on April 28th. I found this video of them performing some of the songs live in a studio in Portishead, England. Their last album came in 1997, so fans have been waiting for this one.

How to Fix a JBL EON10 G2

So your JBL’s are rattling when you pick them up, eh? Getting that uneasy feeling about that clunky noise when you move them? If it’s the same unsettling noise I heard, then I have an easy fix for you. 1. Disconnect the speaker from all power sources.* 2. Place the speaker face down and open up the shell by unscrewing all the screws around the outside edge. There’s like a million of them, so use a power drill with a long #2 phillips driver bit. 3. Lift the shell off and set it aside. Be careful not to lose any of the screws. 4. Locate the magnet coil and tighten the bolt that runs through the center.
5. Replace the shell. 6. Tighten all screws. 7. Enjoy your clunkless speakers. NOTE: I am NOT a licensed repairman, electrician, or lawyer. I have no idea if fixing this problem will void your warranty, so don’t blame me if/when JBL won’t service your speakers. Nor will I assume responsibility for you doing something stupid while dinking around with dangerous electronics. Make sure you unplug the speaker first and don’t touch anything inside. If you kill the speaker or yourself, I am not liable.

CD’s selling out!

I just went out to the car to check the inventory in my merch buckets. I counted everything up and found out I have less than 60 copies of my “Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York” EP left. This means that 1000 copies of my EP are floating around the world somewhere and I need to order more. Hopefully I’ll be making the order before the end of the week. Thank you to all of you that have bought my music. In this day and age, it means so much to me to have people purchase my music instead of stealing from the internet. I encourage you to keep paying for the music you listen to and love. Every dollar you give to an independent artist guarantees that he or she will be able to make the next record. Much gratitude,
Scott

Motor City Bass Lines

This week I got to spend time with my buddy Dan Wilton up near Detroit. On Friday morning he laid down some bass lines for the new album. Some I had planned out already and some were freshy fresh from the mind of DW. The tracks are going to be so much more vibrant with some real bass in there. Now I gotta clean up the tracks and ship them off to Lynn Graber for some hot drum action. I’ll post some previews soon.

The Whirlwind Reprieve

Greetings my precious web babies. What’s the good word? Has February been nice to you so far? I hope so. I’ve been all over Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan trying to survive the frigid weather. Went in the ditch last night during one of the most intense wind storms I’ve ever experienced. The road was super icy and drifts were all over the place. Besides a crack in the plastic bumper and another in my ego, everything turned out okay. Be careful out there!

In the last ten days, I’ve played 10 shows, so tonight feels like a much needed Friday for me. I get three days off then hit the road again. During this break, I’ll be hard at work on recordings. Right now though, I just wanna crash. So night, night.

Take Me To The Moon

Recording an album on the road is proving to be quite difficult, but I’m making some headway. I’m collaborating with my friend Eric Orr and we’ve had some great discussions about the direction of the album. In development is a story that will serve as the literary backdrop for our musical stage. At this stage, we’re exchanging song ideas in digital format and beginning to nail down some key points in the plot line. Here’s a short list of some of the tools we’ll be using to make the album.

• Macs
• ProTools
• Reason
• GarageBand

10 Reasons I’m Taking the RPM Challenge in February

February is shaping up to be the most insane month I will see so far. Tonight is the first date of a 20 date February tour that will take me from Wisconsin to Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. That’s crazy enough as is, but on top of that I’ve decided to take the RPM Challenge and record an album in the month of February. RPM Challenge has outlined an album as 10 songs or 35 minutes (Is that whichever comes first?). There is no real incentive to take the challenge. I suppose the big goal is to motivate artists to stop procrastinating, make an effort, and do something. Like my song “Oceans of Blood” says, “The perfect moment will never come. Is that what we’re waiting for?” So here are my top ten reasons why I’m taking the RPM Challenge. 01. To stay in touch with friends. I’m going to collaborate with some of my various musician friends scattered across the map. Nothing brings people together like a common goal. 02. I want my mind to be fresh. Doing something new with music will keep me on my toes. Hopefully it will open some new horizons and maybe some untapped talent I didn’t know I have. 03. There’s no time to second guess. This is both exciting and scary. Having to produce something in a short order will force me to make quick decisions, some which I will no doubt regret, but this will help me develop my “under-pressure” skills. 04. Recording will be good practice. Who can’t use a little practice. Tiger Woods has said that he often practices up to 14 hours a day – sun up to sun down even! 05. Why not? Besides it making my life hectic, what’s there to worry about? Gotta fill time in February somehow. 06. I’ve been wanting to experiment with some ideas anyway. This is just a good excuse to make new music. 07. I’m trying to adopt a can-do attitude. That’s what makes life enjoyable and the American life so attractive. I’m determined to make 2008 the best year of my life so far. 08. I can’t not do it. Seriously, I just felt really compelled. I know I’m in over my head, but all the more reason to start swimming. 09. Good will come of it. Unknown benefits will come from this. I can’t wait to find out what. 10. Community. By participating, I’m becoming part of something larger than myself. If myself is the only thing I live for, then I lead a sad life. This project will get me involved in a greater community of artists. That’s it. I’ll try to post something here on a regular basis, though probably not daily, as I did in January. It’s only day one, but there’s already a plot developing and conspiring telephone calls. Ooooo, so mysterious! Even I’m intrigued – and I know what’s going on!

31 January Is For Videos: OK Go – A Million Ways

Today is the last day of January and so our little ‘January Is For Videos’ blog series comes to an end. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to see some of the music videos that have influenced me. This was not an exhaustive list by any means, but gives you a glimpse at what makes me tick. I liked having a project for the month and have a similar idea planned for next month. February can be equally as drab as January, so I’ve got a pick-me-up planned that I think you’ll find interesting. I’ll announce my plans February 1st, so come back tomorrow, my friends, and get all the juicy details. For the final installment of this series, I’m presenting the video “A Million Ways” by rock band OK Go. Though this Chicago-born band had connections with They Might Be Giants and made some waves on Chicago Public Radio‘s This American Life, it was their viral video spreading across the internet that eventually brought them fame. You wouldn’t think that a homemade one-take video of four dudes dancing awkwardly to their own song would catch people’s attention, but it did. Between the fall of 2005, when it was dumped into the internet tubes, and August 2006, it had been downloaded 9 million times – the most times a music video has ever been downloaded. In July of 2006, they released their famous “treadmill” music video for “Here It Goes Again,” which had just under 29 million views by the time of this blog being published. If you ask me, this signals another media master for the music industry. Much in the same way “Video Killed The Radio Star” changed the landscape of pop music, the internet is changing it again. In fact, the internet is changing things so drastically that the old music business models are failing. A new standard has not yet been established and the music industry feels a little bit like the old west. Everyone is rushing out there, trying to stake claim in something. Fortunes are being invested, sought, made, and lost. It’s an untamed world and no one knows for sure when it’s all going to settle down. So here’s to the future. Someday your kids will look back at this low budget video and ask what all the fuss was about. You can tell them – you were there. Link

30 January Is For Videos: Buggles – Video Killed The Radio Star

The very first music video shown on MTV was “Video Killed The Radio Star” by the band Buggles. Though New Wave would eventually wane in popularity, this band certainly ushered in a new era for pop music. Their song correctly prophesied that radio’s domination of pop music days were slowly coming to an end and video would be the future. I’ve often wondered about the complete effect that the medium of video has had on music since that day. I suspect our simultaneous obsession/hatred of appearance-driven music economics has been exponentially magnified by videos. If you look at the long list of popular musicians prior to the music industry’s use of video, you find fewer and fewer good looking people (and some might say better and better music). Truly, there were some real monsters in the looks department that made amazing music. The classic insult “you have a face for radio” comes to mind. It could be argued that video not only killed the radio star, but killed some good music along the way. I shudder to think about the great music we’ve possibly missed because it didn’t come in a package pretty enough for television. Today, it is extremely difficult to be a successful musician and not be at least halfway decent looking. Are all the best musicians getting better looking or are we turning away some amazing talent? Sadly, some lines drawn when it comes to gender. The effect is more pronounced for women in the music industry. The guys seem to be able to slip past the attractiveness inspection much easier than the ladies. I won’t name any names, but there are some seriously butt-ugly dudes in the game. When’s the last time you saw a really homely girl making it in rock, hip hop, country, etc.? Shame on us all! Enough soap-boxing for today. Here’s the video that changed it all….
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE BUGGLES KILL THE RADIO STAR

29 January Is For Videos: Pink Floyd – (Echoes part I) Live At Pompeii

Today, I bring you another enduring English rock band from the ’60s and ’70s, Pink Floyd. This band delved into philosophical, political, and social discussion through their own brand of psychedelic progressive rock. They wrote album-sized themes in quirky time signatures and still managed to capture the attention of Top 40 radio.

Pink Floyd is another band that I listened to a lot in college thanks to my friend Ben. Another one of the VHS tapes he had and we watched repetitively was Live at Pompeii, which featured footage of Pink Floyd playing live in an amphitheater in the ancient volcano-buried Roman city of Pompeii, Italy.

There are so many things to like about this video. They snuck into the ruins and setup all their gear, which is as much a part of the performance as what they play. The slow tracking shots around them and their equipment give the viewer the feeling of actually being there and being able to look around. The cinematography and atmosphere of that location really frame the music in a way that seems both natural and surreal.

Enjoy this one. It’s nearly 10 minutes long, but it’s just the first song. You really need to watch the whole movie to get the full effect.

28 January Is For Videos: Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You

Back in the late sixties and early seventies, the English blues/folk/rock band Led Zeppelin was considered one of the first to play a new breed of rock called heavy metal. In hindsight, that genre never really fit them, though, admittedly, our definition of heavy metal has evolved . Today’s metal is quite devoid of any blues influence and instead focuses it’s efforts on speed and volume, among many other things, which vary from one sub-genre to the next. The number of metal genres that exist today is nearly equal to the number of metal bands that play them. Looking back, it’s obvious Led Zeppelin knew they were not metal, but used the attention they were getting anyway. Sure they were loud, theatrical, and edgy, but they believed their work to be an extension of the blues. Indeed, a listener with no prior knowledge of Led Zeppelin (Is this even possible?) would probably classify their music under progressive blues/acoustic folk rock today. Musical misclassification continues to happen all the time, as the words to describe new music are drawn from the currently available vocabulary. Proper terms are usually invented well after the music has been released. For example, look at the wide variety of music that was considered alternative in the 90′s. Much of that era’s music has demoted or dropped the term “alternative,” which paints music with a much-too-wide stroke, and has been retrofitted with proper genre labels. Regardless of how Led Zeppelin were classified, they have remained one the world’s most influential super groups. Band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones each were among the best at what they did. They were virtuosic pioneers exploring soundscapes that have endured over the years. A large majority of today bands cite Led Zeppelin, nearly as often as the Beatles, as a major influence. In 1976, Led Zeppelin released a film called The Song Remains The Same, that featured live footage from a series of 1973 concerts at Madison Square Garden, behind the scenes looks at the band’s touring and management, as well as some very odd fictional scenes of each of the members of the band. In college, my friend Ben Albright introduced me to and got me hooked on Led Zeppelin, which without a doubt influenced the sound of our 3 – and sometimes 4 – piece band, Caramel Concert. (The name for our band came from a box of chocolates found in the trash, which in a way has origins similar to the name of Led Zeppelin.) Ben had a copy of The Song Remains The Same on VHS and we watched it countless times, while “working” on our art projects. A few years ago I bought the DVD version and have been able to watch it whenever I like. The part of the video that has always impressed me is when they play “Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You.” The emotional performance, broad dynamics, proficiency of their playing, and over all mood of the song are so rich. The young musician has much to learn from watching these pros.

27 January Is For Videos: Amy Winehouse – Rehab

I’ve been wanting to post this video for some time, but couldn’t justify it until now. In light of some recent news, I thought it might be more appropriate. There’s some light at the end of the tunnel. What’s this all about? Well, the UK’s beloved, but inebriated pop star, Amy Winehouse has finally checked into rehab. Despite her hit single “Rehab” being an adamant proclamation that she will never go to rehab, she’s taken the right steps and checked herself into Edward House, an outpatient rehabilitation center in central London. For months and months, friends, family and fans have been begging Winehouse to get some help and to everyone’s relief, she did the right thing. I’m happy to see someone with so much talent take the steps necessary to keep on going. If you don’t know Winehouse’s music, it fits somewhere between jazz and pop. Feels old school and new at the same time. Typically, Winehouse can look a little rough and depressed, but in this video she’s cleaned up and seems relatively happy. There are several other video versions of this song, but this live take from Later with Jools Holland is my favorite for that reason. I absolutely love the tight drums, woodwinds, and claps. Great production, well executed. Another video with no embedding:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH AMY WINEHOUSE SING REHAB LIVE

26 January Is For Videos: Nine Inch Nails – The Perfect Drug

Another dreary January day today… {{{{ sigh }}}} In the late 90′s, a rash of darkly themed videos became more and more common on MTV and VH1. Among the culprits Nine Inch Nails (NIN) (brainchild of Trent Reznor) stood out. My favorite NIN video is “The Perfect Drug.” The number of archetypal references to classic art, literature, and pop cultural in this video is astounding and probably explains the reason it has become cemented into my brain. Whether the references are intentional or not, I have no idea, but would suspect they are. Here is a short list of some of the references I saw. There are probably more, so if you think of some, let me know. I’ll post those you find too.

1. The opening scene of Reznor and the three men playing old instruments reminds me of Picasso‘s Old Guitarist from his Blue Period.
2. The clips of the convex mirror are reminiscent of Jan Van Eyck‘s Arnolfini Portrait or even M.C. Escher‘s Hand with Reflecting Sphere.
3. The legs behind the large vase make me think of the legs of the Wicked Witch of the East poking out from under the Dorothy’s house in the Wizard of Oz film.
4. When Reznor partially hides behind the curtain, I think of the stark directness and simple surroundings found in the paintings of Mexican surrealist, Alfredo Castañeda.
5. The “outdoor” scenes – especially the topiaries – are very Secret Garden-ish, only darker. In high school, I was in several musicals, of which The Secret Garden was my favorite.
6. The large painting at 1:13 looks similar to the work of Gustav Klimt. (Can anyone identify that one? I don’t think it’s a Klimt.)
7. The green part of the video with the men in tophats, unidentified potions, and scenes running through the garden maze are like an an absynthe-induced binge reenactment of Alice in Wonderland.

As for the music, I especially like the outro from 3:05 to the end. Such beautiful polyphony in those many layers of sound. I love when the number of parts occurring at one given moment is greater than the number of parts your brain can process all at once. I believe this number to be somewhere around 4 parts or greater. Sorry, to give you another video with embedding blocked. That’s just the way it is.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PERFECT DRUG BY NINE INCH NAILS

25 January Is For Videos: The Killers – Mr. Brightside

The music video for “Mr. Brightside” by the The Killers is captivating for several reasons. First, the music. What’s a music video without the music anyway? And here the music is über catchy. I’ve gone for days with this song stuck in my head. The melody, despite being relatively monotonous in the verses, is like candy. The lyrics are hooky and infectiously easy to sing. The way the song starts with cymbal splashes is funny too. Second, the video. I’m a sucker for the rich, but muted jewel tone colors and exquisite layered ornamentation of the Parisian cabaret theme. This video and the movie Moulin Rouge! have a lot in common. The big production of the video also helps the make up of front man Brandon Flowers fit in naturally. Third, the idea. Sure, the whole thing is about a girl cheating with another man and the jaded boyfriend feeling jealous, but there is a glimmer of hope. I love defiant optimism in the face of betrayal. If only bravery came that easy all the time… Embedding is disabled for this video, so off to YouTube you go!
CLICK HERE TO WATCH MR. BRIGHTSIDE BY THE KILLERS

24 January Is For Videos: Bob Dylan – Love Sick

The 1998 Grammy Awards show was littered with shocking moments. Among them was an unscheduled performance by Michael Portnoy (better known as the Soy Bomb guy) in the middle of Bob Dylan‘s song “Love Sick.” This premeditated “art” piece by Portnoy was so odd, and Dylan’s response so unshaken, that for a while I didn’t seriously thought it was part of the plan, not an interruption. Apparently, many of the people there, including security, felt the same way, because Portnoy managed to stay on stage for about 40 seconds before he was quietly pulled off stage. That’s an eon as far as live airtime is concerned. Portnoy caught everyone so off guard that he became a part of pop culture trivia. I’m showing you this video today, because it made quite an impression on me. I was amazed by Dylan’s lack of shock. He played it so cool that, for a moment, he managed to play this wild card like it was part of his hand. Of course he’s probably seen his fair share of odd things, but this guy snuck up behind him on live television at the Grammy’s. Dylan quickly hides his surprise and continues on with the song as if nothing happened. Well done, Bob, well done… Now, the Soy Bomb incident could be the whole reason that I post this video, but it’s not. I would be a fool not to recognize Dylan for his song writing and iconic presence over the past half century. Very few would give laud to his voice as being among the best, but you would be hard pressed to find a man whose songs have been more influential. Dylan’s song have been covered by thousands of artists and connected intimately with millions of listeners. This particular song has a lyric I find especially nice. It’s the chorus of the song; it acknowledges the way that love can really screw with our heads and leave us almost wishing we had never loved someone. I love the internal rhyme and resonance of the “i” sounds.

“I’m sick of love but I’m in the thick of it
This kind of love I’m so sick of it.”

23 January Is For Videos: U2 – Where The Streets Have No Name

In 1987, Irish rock band U2 released their fifth (and arguably their best) studio album, “The Joshua Tree.” The opening track, “Where The Streets Have No Name,” was the album’s third single and became an international hit, in part because the lyrics transcended beyond the streets of Belfast. During my trips to Ireland, I’ve had the opportunity to see those streets that produced U2, a band that after 30 years is still one the biggest in the world. I’ve heard stories of the fighting, division, and troubles that the people there have endured, and are still enduring today. Though as an American I may never fully grasp the culture from which U2 came, I’m beginning to see a history familiar to all cultures that frames the big picture of their music and mission. While some see lead singer/activist Bono ( born Paul Hewson) as an egotistcal rock star, I can sympathize with his desire to use his position and influence to change the world for the better. Unfortunately, attempting to change the political and social systems that men have set in motion often calls for drastic measures. You gotta shake things up to make people rethink how life is lived. Usually men will resort to guns, bombs, and violence as their tools of change. U2 were born of that environment and yet have bucked that trend and chosen music as their weapon of choice to accomplish the change they believe is necessary. In March of 1987, U2 set up their gear on top of the Republic Liquor Store in Los Angeles to film a music video for the song “Where The Streets Have No Name”. It could be debated whether the video was shot as a publicity stunt, or to call attention to U2′s greater cause of transcending the situations in which we find ourselves to be. Truth be told, it’s probably a bit of both and either way, it is exciting to see such a crazy idea implemented and interesting to observe how all the players involved respond to an extraordinary event. This music video documents what happens when the routine of a city is shaken up. The heart of the debate concerns whether the city’s traffic flow or a free concert should have priority and whether it is the people or the police that should determine that answer. Some might see this as a test of government sovereignty and its right to maintain peace and order, while others will see it as citizens’ right to free assembly and the importance of the human spirit. How do you see it? With all things considered, how should it be? Why?

22 January Is For Videos: Victor Wooten – Amazing Grace

Sometimes it is healthy for a person to sit down and get schooled. Sure, it is disheartening to be slapped in the face with the reality that you indeed suck and someone else is incredible, but that dose of truth can help put everyone back into their rightful place. If you think you are good at music, and especially the bass guitar, today that will happen to you. I’m pleased to introduce you to Victor Wooten, bassist extraordinaire and member of Béla Fleck’s Flecktones. Today’s video is of Wooten performing live with the Flecktones (a must have DVD, by the way). He will take you to school and make you cry. His skills will make you feel like a little girl. His technical prowess will both inspire you and make you want to quit. There’s a little bit of irony here. While he’s demonstrating that he is obviously far superior to us, he’s playing his version of “Amazing Grace.” Through this old hymn, he is telling us, that he indeed possesses the knowledge and skills to kill us just by playing his bass, and yet he is being merciful and will spare our lives. Instead of killing us, he merely blows our minds into useless peanut butter. Don’t say I didn’t warn you… BONUS VIDEO! Here’s another video of Wooten performing “Amazing Grace” in Budapest on January 22, 2007, exactly one year ago today. He begins with a brain blasting solo then works into the song just before your face melts. He’s employing techniques that I’m not even sure existed before that moment. Prepare yourself for mental explosions!

21 January Is For Videos: Johnny Lang – Anything’s Possible

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. holiday designated to observe King’s birthday (January 15th), honor his life’s work, and celebrate human rights. While it would seem that MLK Day, a federal holiday, would be a holiday everyone celebrates, the reality is different. All federal government offices are closed today, but some banks and schools, and very few businesses close their doors. This disparity reflects the general attitude about what the day commemorates. Sadly, it also reveals that we either still possess some racial biases and/or are ambivalent to it’s very real existence and problems.

In Indiana, typically, only those schools with minority students tend to observe this holiday. Those that do not celebrate it will often set it aside as a winter storm cancellation make-up day. I suppose there could be debate discussing the merits of closing schools or not. Should we make the holiday more reverable by canceling classes? Or should we keep schools open and dedicate that day to focus solely on human rights education?

Regardless, I would hope that everyone, not just those with a diverse enrollment, workforce, or neighborhood, would use this day to celebrate human rights. Really, this holiday should be as important to white people as it is to black people. I certainly don’t view it just as a day to celebrate King’s life, his work, and the freedom that was eventually won for minorities. It is a day to remind ourselves of the awful bigotry that scarred our nation’s history, the very present reality of modern day racism, and the ugly effects of hatred fuel by ignorance. I think it is important to take time to assess our beliefs and actions in light of that knowledge and to celebrate the freedom of all men and the spirit of brotherhood that we all should have.

To honor MLK Jr. Day, I thought it would be nice to show you some Jonny Lang.

“What?! Jonny’s white,” you say.

I know, but on “Anything’s Possible” from his most recent album Turn Around, Lang sings about Martin Luther King Jr. and even includes part of King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, so it seemed quite appropriate to feature this song today. It has encouraged me to keep going when times are rough.

I really love this album; I can’t recommend it to you enough. At a young age, Lang gained attention as a phenomenal blues rock guitar player with mature sounding voice. he could sing, but he was known for his guitar playing. Now his voice is at the forefront of a bluesy/R&B gospel album, showcasing his unbelievable vocal range and emotion, while exposing his maturity as a writer, musician, and man. The track “Only A Man” is a beautifully intimate duet sung with his wife; it has brought me to tears several times before. This is an excellent disc you must have.

If you read reviews of this album, ironically, you’ll find that the negatively tinged reviews often have the undertones of extremely reluctant tolerance for religion. Lang is quite open about his renewed zeal for Jesus Christ and has created a really well executed album that talks about his experience. While his religious views may not connect with everyone, it seems that those opposed to the idea of religion (and especially Christ) can’t get past the lyrics to objectively assess the music. For example. below is a review from Amazon’s Hal Horowitz that is barely covers his disdain for Lang’s renewed Christianity and thus, the music as a whole.

Amazon.com
The churchy organ that opens and closes Jonny Lang’s fifth album reveals its direction. After 2003’s Long Time Coming plunged the once-up-and-coming blues guitarist into more soulful and commercial waters, Turn Around completes the transition. Lang is lyrically direct in his spiritual awakening, and the uplifting if sometimes pedantic lyrics make it clear that any vestiges of the teenaged guitar slinger that knocked out an impressive version of the lascivious “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” on his debut are far in the past. A few short leads aside, Lang shifts into full Stevie Wonder/Prince mode, but unfortunately without the quality material that made those artists’ work transcend genre. With vocals that shift from guttural howls to sweet and screaming falsetto on tunes like “Don’t Stop (For Anything)” and a penchant for oversinging, he’s not aiming for subtlety. But there are some winning melodies here: songs such as “Anything’s Possible” and “One Person at a Time” boast catchy choruses in a funkified, gospel-tinged, adult-alternative vein bound to appeal to audiences that lean towards obvious religious references in their music. This is a well crafted, undeniably heartfelt set from Lang, who makes it abundantly clear he feels his destiny is to make the world a better place through Jesus. It’s a valid enough objective that doesn’t quite connect with Lang’s rather heavy-handed lyrics, affected singing, and derivative tunes.

Here we are, in 2008, still trying to get a grip on bigotry. While Lang’s music may help to stamp out some racial tension, some of his reviewers are letting their religious hatred surface on prominent mainstream web sites. Sad, sad, sad. Amazon, you should be ashamed. Horowitz, go sit in the time-out chair until you’re ready to play nice.

Anyway, as for Johnny Lang videos, I couldn’t find many online, especially of his more recent stuff. This gritty live video will have to do. Although the quality is poor, I think the live video does help show that this guy is for real. When first hearing Lang sing, you might think, “This can’t be a young white guy.” Just by singing like he does, he breaks down racial stereotypes.

20 January Is For Videos: Counting Crows – Catapult

Back when Counting Crows were just coming into their heyday, they released a disc called “Recovering The Satellites.” The best know track “A Long December” was heavily played on top 40 radio and helped sell the album. I hadn’t heard any of the other tracks, but I liked that track, so I bought the album. I took it home, threw it in my CD player (one of the old boombox types that took 30 seconds or so before it would spin up and start playing), and turned around to start cleaning up my messy room. To this day, I can vividly recall the next following few minutes. While walking away from my dresser, where the CD player sat, the music started playing the opening organ riff from the first track “Catapult.” I froze. I turned my head and looked back at the CD player. For the first time ever, I was hearing a sound that somehow connected directly to me. It was as if I had been looking for this music my whole life. Needless to say, I didn’t clean my room. I quickly grabbed the CD case, ripped out the liner notes and laid down on my bed. For the next 59 minutes, I just laid there soaking it in. I cannot describe how deeply I connected with this album. I doubt you will have the same experience either. But it may help you to see into a part of me. As you can tell from Letterman’s long intro and begging, they really connected with him too.

19 January is For Videos: No Doubt – Don’t Speak

When No Doubt‘s album “Tragic Kingdom” debuted in 1995, underground ska punk rock bands everywhere got excited. The disc featured the hit singles “Just A Girl” and “Spiderwebs.” Hopes were high, as it seemed that ska (in an updated form) would have yet another rise to the top. For a moment they did. Bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Reel Big Fish saw big time air play and commercial success. Lots of skacore, ska rock, and ska whatever bands popped up out of the woodwork. But when No Doubt released their third single “Don’t Speak,” this was a signal that were going to change. No Doubt was no doubt the biggest ska-influenced band and they were taking a step away from ska. They saw the future as being less ska and more pop. “Don’t Speak” has become a staple of 90s alternative music. Despite the dominance of heavily grunge-leaning music in that era, No Doubt was able to shine. Because their music was so different from the songs being broadcast at that time, it helped them stand out. The most famous member of the band is, of course, Gwen Stefani. Even at that early point in No Doubt’s career, the music video alludes to the somewhat inevitable future stardom of Stefani without the band. She has since gone on to make a solo career for herself. I like this video because it shows two different sides of Stefani: the polite, dressed-for-church girly singer, asked to sing for a garage band and the athletic, wrestle-with-the-boys, leader of a high energy band. The cuts between live clips and studio footage reinforce this dualism. I like the artsy opening and closing scenes too, which acknowledge Stefani’s relationship and break up with bassist Tony Kanal. The video also shows the band both loving the music and almost hating it at the same time, as I’m sure most musicians feel at some point. There are lots of things going on here, which makes for a good video.

18 January Is For Videos: Randy Newman – In Defense Of Our Country

You may not know who Randy Newman is, but you’ll instantly recognize his voice from that song “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.” I like Randy Newman. His familiar, timeless, no-bull-crap kind of approach to song writing is something I admire. He’s an old fella, but clever as ever. He and Steve Jobs must be tight; Newman has scored a large number of Pixar movies and appeared recently at the Macworld Expo 2008 during the Apple Keynote. He played his song “In Defense of Our Country,” which, in part, is why I’m posting it today. The other reason I’m posting this video is because I can relate to Randy in having to defend myself and the U.S. as a whole for the current state of affairs. I’ve had similar experiences in the places I’ve been, having the distinct privilege of representing our wonderful country and the awful burden of defending her too. Being over seas can be quite disheartening when the discussion turns to U.S. politics. Often I am forced, reluctantly, to be an unofficial ambassador, explaining why Americans are the way we are. I know we’re not all evil warmongers, we don’t know everything that the current administration is doing, and that it only speaks for some of us, but often that’s the stereotype I’m faced with. I grow tired of defending something I know isn’t completely terrible, but also isn’t the best right now. Mostly, I grow tired of being blamed for it, as if responsibility for the whole situation rests solely on my shoulders. There are over 300 million people living in the U.S. and somehow I’m supposed to give an answer for them? I don’t want to make excuses and foolishly defend bad policies and practices. What good is that? Is that patriotism? Or reckless loyalty? This reminds me of that line from “Drops Of Jupiter” by Train: “Your best friend always sticking up for you, even when I know youre wrong.” Blegh… Makes me cringe every time. The best I can explain it is this: Imagine your brother has done something wrong. You don’t control him; he does what he wants. But because he’s your brother, you have to give an answer for him. You know that what he did isn’t right, and you don’t excuse the injustice he caused, but you defend him because you love him. You know he has good in him and he’s not completely awful. Instead of giving up on him, you see him through it all, so he’ll eventually become a better person. That’s how I feel about my country. Sometimes it’s hard to defend her, but I love this place. I’ve said a lot, but I think Randy Newman has put it best here, in this song.

17 January Is For Videos: Mates of State – Like U Crazy

Need a new anthem you and your friends can sing at the top of your lungs? Here’s one for you: “Like U Crazy” by indie duo Mates of State. This song comes from their fourth release called “Bring It Back,” which is their first release as one of those über cool Barsuk bands. I was recommended Mates of State by my friend Lisa, a connoisseur of fine bands. This recommendation didn’t let me down, though their album cover creeps me out. It’s his eyes or something. I don’t know. Doesn’t matter, the music is good. When the verse comes in, the snap of that snare is perfect. On with the show!

16 January Is For Videos: The Mars Volta – Televators

Ready for a creepy video with non-sense lyrics and really cool music? No? Well, you’re getting it anyway. The Mars Volta (commonly and erroneously referred to as just Mars Volta) are notoriously known for creating their own blend of crack-laced Spanglish progressive rock. They, along with Sparta, are the offspring of the band At The Drive-In. There’s some bad blood between the two bands resulting from monstrous drug abuse and the politely phrased “creative differences.” Here’s “Televators” from their disc “De-loused in the Comatorium,” an epic (and undecypherable) story about a man named Cerpin Taxt. Trying to wrap your mind around this is like trying to fully understand “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Best of luck to you.

15 January Is For Videos: Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight

Today Apple Computers announced their latest addition to the Mac family, the MacBook Air. Despite my Mac fanboism, I’m somewhat skeptical. This new all wireless subnotebook has only one usb port, no firewire, no optical drive (making an external drive or another computer necessary to install or use anything on CD or DVD), no user-replaceable battery, no audio input jack, memory soldered to the board (meaning no upgrades), a 1.6Ghz processor (a big step back in speed), and another new proprietary DVI connection. The hard drive choice is either a small 80GB drive or an even smaller 64GB solid state drive (which, if like flash, I undestand would have limited rewrites. I could be wrong on that though.) So, yeah, I’m not impressed at all with this new offering from Apple. Regardless, the MacBook Air has inspired today’s edition of January Is For Videos. I have a Phil Collins tune for you that talks about air. Not the French Duo Air, the stuff we breathe. Collins is a rare breed. As a former member of Genesis, he served as both the drummer and eventually the lead singer, after Peter Gabriel left for a solo career. He’s kind of like the Dave Grohl of his era; a switch hitter with lots of hits. In 1981, Collins himself endeavored into the realm of solo work and released his debut album “Face Value,” featuring a bunch of tracks he had done at home. “In The Air Tonight,” the first track off that disc and features one of the best known drum fills in rock history. This is Collins performing “In The Air Tonight” on his “First Final Farewell Tour,” a jab at the rash of relic rock bands hosting multiple farewell tours attempting to milk out a pension plan with their former status.

14 January Is For Videos: Radiohead – Nude

Well if the hype of their new pay-what-you-want-to-pay record hasn’t already got your attention, then your Radiohead Radar must be broken. “In Rainbows” was released October 10th of 2007. With it came a flood of media attention and downloads (unbelievably many of which were still illegal even though the band was offering the tracks for free from their own website). Radiohead’s seventh album was ushered into the world through the veins of the internet as a sign of the demise of record label tyranny. Most hailed this new method of music transaction as a great new way to do business outside the traditional model. Some blasted it as a media gimmick that only the rich bands can afford to do. Either way, “In Rainbows” has garnered attention, become a profitable album, and still managed to have critical success. A few weeks ago I was lying in bed, ready to drift asleep, and decided to pop on my headphones. This, I believe, is the best way to listen to music – especially Radiohead. I started listening to the first few tracks of “In Rainbows” and got stuck at track 3, “Nude.” My ears were being washed with such gorgeous, rich sounds. I put it on repeat for a few times and just let it soak in. I recommend you do the same. This is the music video for “Nude” and I think it’s quite elegant. The simplicity, subtle flickering, and slo-mo are quite peaceful.

13 January Is For Videos: Mariah Carey – Fly Like A Bird

Normally I don’t watch awards shows, however, in 2006 I caught part of the Grammy’s. I didn’t see much except for Mariah Carey singing “Fly Like A Bird.” I’m not a huge Carey fan, though I do respect her amazing abilities. Not many people can belt it like she does. This performance was remarkable for several reasons. 1. Her tremendous singing. A lot of people lip-sync at awards shows, but this is live. Gotta respect that. 2. The emotional performance of the band and choir. Everyone is into it. That’s exciting. 3. An overtly spiritual message in a secular venue. There’s a clear call for people to trust in God. Gutsy, but encouraging. So, on with the video. Check it out:

12 January Is For Videos: Johnny Cash – Hurt

In 2002 Johnny Cash recorded his final album, “American IV: The Man Comes Around.” Among the songs he recorded for this album was a song called “Hurt,” written by Trent Reznor, mastermind of Nine Inch Nails. Despite their vastly different musical styles, Johnny was able to make “Hurt” into something of his own. He recorded the video in the four months time between his wife’s death and his own. This the last video he made. I don’t have much else to say for this video. It speaks for itself.

11 January Is For Videos: Paolo Nutini – New Shoes

Every time I hear Paolo Nutini, I think of Florida, specifically the time when I was on tour with my friends Lynn Graber and Katie Nelson. On the road we listened to Paolo’s debut disc “These Streets” about a hundred times. Sandy white beaches, convertibles, late night lounging in the pool… Ahh… the memories. I’ve written about Paolo before, so if you want to find out why I like his music, click here to check out that blog and video. I wanted to post another video of his. This is “New Shoes,” his fourth UK single (his second in the States). I like the UK version of this video because it’s really straight forward; he acts out exactly what he’s singing about. This is refreshingly simple and direct. Good direction for such a light-hearted song. Lynn, this video’s for you. Hope you’re enjoying your time in Florida!

10 January Is For Videos: The Fifth Element – The Diva Plavalaguna

I’m not an opera guy. I don’t know what the problem is; maybe it’s the language barrier. Most opera songs are in Italian, so I can’t understand it. (Funny how death metal and screamo have this in common with opera.) Or maybe it’s the long drawn out arias that seem to go nowhere but up and down the scales. Regardless, along came The Fifth Element, written and directed by Luc Besson, and changed my mind about opera. This movie is a futuristic, sci-fi masterpiece featuring interwoven stories, bright colors, quirky characters, and funny aliens. There are numerous quotable lines like “Aziz, light!” and “Mool-ti-pass”, among others. But the thing that always stands out to me the most is the scene in the theater on Fhloston Paradise, a ritsy, flying resort. Our hero, Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), attends a performance by the Diva Plavalaguna, played by Maïwenn Le Besco. The voice is that of Inva Mula-Tchako, singing a medley of the “Lucia di Lammermoor” and “The Diva Dance Song.” There is some debate, but from what I can gather, she sang all, or nearly all, the notes you hear in this video, which is quite outstanding. I don’t know what it is that connected with me on this song, but I enjoy it. In fact, I prefer the first operatic part more than the last bit, which is more electro-pop. The aria is an extremely beautiful piece and done very well. I have to applaud Luc Besson for setting it in the middle of a high energy, mainstream movie, thus exposing the general populous to good opera.

09 January Is For Videos: Sleeping At Last – Needle & Thread

I was introduced to Sleeping At Last sometime in 2003, shortly after their album “Ghosts” was released. My friend and bassist Dan Wilton knew them from way back when. He let me hear the disc and I was blown away. This 3 piece band from the Chicago area makes beautiful music – mountains of it. I’ve had the honor to open for them and been a guitar tech for them on occasion, so I can vouch for how excellent they really are. I could go on and on about their spot-on live shows, the great songs and music they write, and how nice they are, but then i’d be gushing. If you have a chance to see them, go! It’ll be one of the best. I promise. This video is “Needle & Thread” one of my favorite songs from their 2006 release “Keep No Score.” Enjoy!

08 January Is For Videos: Tom Waits – Lie To Me

In the past few months I have really grown to love Tom Waits. I’ve bought nearly every album of his and wish there was more. This guy is pushing 60 and still has the energy to dance around like a young punk. His music is raw and untidy. His voice is like gravel soaked whiskey. His songs are like old hymns, sad ballads, and vintage jukebox country covered by years of dust. When I hear Waits sing, I think of grandpa, Bing Crosby, southern plantations and dirty saloons, gritty auto shops blaring AM radio, the Mississippi delta, old men that wear hats and hang out in barber shops, Victrola record players, and run down theaters gilt with gold and torn red velvet curtains. How to know if you’ll like Tom Waits: 1. If, when watching a movie, your favorite character is the old man wearing a worn out jacket, smoking a cigar, mumbling to himself, and who always seems to be the guy with the right answer, though no one ever listens to him, then you will love Tom Waits. 2. If a collaboration between Bob Dylan and Tim Burton sounds like a good idea, then Tom Waits is for you.

3. If you can’t wait for Jack White of The White Stripes to turn 60, play out-of-tune upright pianos, and sing old spirituals, Tom Waits will help fill the void. 4. If, in your mind, a male singer is only good if he has a clear voice like Clay Aiken, then there is no hope for you. You are not living life. You need to get your hands in the dirt, ride a motorcycle, and not comb your hair every day. You should burn all your music and start over. I’m kidding… kind of… not really. But seriously, you won’t like Tom Waits and that’s sad. Anyway, this video is Waits performing his song “Lie To Me” from the three disc album “Orphans.” If you don’t like this song, give his others a chance. I’m sure you’ll find something that will make you laugh, cry, or feel at home again.

07 January Is For Videos: Mark Mathis – Two Days To Live

Last year I was on tour all over the eastern U.S. and found myself in Charlotte, NC. While there, I was given a CD by the father of a local solo artist named Mark Mathis. When I am given a disc, I reluctantly give it a listen because usually (99 out of 100 times) I don’t like it. The music is more than likely subpar, uninteresting, or just not my style. This time was different. I popped Mathis’ “We Both Was Young” CD in the car and was greeted with an intentionally lo-fi banjo tune wrought with unconventional percussion called “Sharecropper Takes A Colored Wife.” It was beautiful, quirky, relaxed, ambitious, political, and inspiring. I thought that maybe this was the best track on the disc. It’s not uncommon to find a really good song in midst of a bunch of groaners, so I kept listening, half expecting to find the next track would let me down. If it was blah, then I could toss this disc on top of the ever-growing pile I’ve collected and move on. But track 2 was good, really good. Track 3, good too. Tracks 4, 5, 6 and so on… good. The whole disc was full of great music. Here was the first disc I found in a long time that I loved every track. I was blown away. So of course, the next time I had internet access I had to look him up. Who is this guy with a down-to-earth and confident tone that both gives you hope and breaks your heart? I was happy to see that he has several CD’s out. So I bought them. I was not let down with these either. In my mind, Mark Mathis is the voice of the new church. He speaks the truth without mincing words. He’s direct, but not bible-bashing. He’s down home, but not backwater. Young, but wise for his age. Indie, but high quality. So refreshing… The video for today is him performing his song “Two Days To Live” live on what appears to be a local Christian TV show. It’s the only YouTube video I could find of him online. SUPPORT GREAT INDEPENDENT MUSIC:
1. Buy his discs/tracks on iTunes or from his website.
2. Add him as a friend on MySpace too.
3. Tell a friend. Just send them to this blog post by clicking here.

06 January Is For Videos: Joanna Newsom – The Sprout and The Bean

Many thanks to my friend and college roomie, Magee, for making me listen to Joanna Newsom. Magee, had you not made me borrow her “Milk-Eyed Mender” disc, I might not be posting this video right now. So, thank you! I was skeptical at first because Joanna’s voice is not typical Top 40 tambre, but after a few listens, I was hooked. If you know me at all, I’ve probably recommended her to you as one of those amazing artists you have to hear. I might have even made you listen to a track. My position has not changed. Joanna Newsom is brilliant. Her most recent disc “Ys” confirms this to an even greater degree. I hope that you’ll give this one time to soak in, because once you do, your world will have a larger, more beautiful and elaborate horizon. Some things to keep in mind:
1. Don’t go into this expecting Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, or Beyoncé. Think fairy tales and wood elves.
2. Don’t try to fit this music into a box you already have. You’re gonna need a new box.
3. Don’t thank me. Thank Magee. Joanna Newsom singing “The Sprout and The Bean”

05 January Is For Videos: John Cougar Mellencamp – Small Town

John Cougar Mellencamp is from Seymour, Indiana, just 217 miles from Gary, Indiana, home of Michael Jackson and family. Some know this soft rocker as John Cougar. To others he’s John Cougar Mellencamp. He tried dropping the cat to be just John Mellencamp. Now I hear he’s now referring to himself as Jean Paul “Le Tigre” Diddycamp*. Whatever his name, in the 80′s I was growing up in small town Indiana and knew him as John Cougar Mellencamp. My third grade teacher would help us learn our multiplication tables and cursive writing (both of which I’ve given up using in real life, thanks to computers) by bribing us with odds and ends from her prize box. Mrs. Taggart was a dyed-in-the-wool John Cougar Mellencamp fan, so one fortunate day, after completing some extremely difficult third grade task, I got the best prize in the box: a John Cougar Mellencamp “Scarecrow” cassette tape. I wore that tape out. After school, I would go to my room, put the cassette in my boom box, pull out the liner notes, and lay there in a pile of my Legos, reading along to the most rock and roll thing I had ever heard. Mellencamp sang about farmers, small towns, girls, Jesus, the government. It didn’t make sense to me, but it rocked. He was rough and untamed, yet still seemed to emote respectable values. I couldn’t quite grasp everything he said, but it resonated with me. He was rock and roll and a Hoosier. In those days, I didn’t know that being from Indiana was actually a strike against someone when dealing with the entertainment industry. I was oblivious to the Midwest Curse. Maybe growing up in Indiana wasn’t very cool in the eyes of east and west coast folk, but man I felt proud to be from Indiana when I listened to “Small Town.” In many ways, I still am proud to call Indiana home, thanks to John Cougar Mellencamp. The YouTube video embedding is disabled for this video, so you’ll have to CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE “SMALL TOWN” VIDEO. *Not factual.

04 January Is For Videos: The Jackson 5 – The Ed Sullivan Show

Well, it’s Friday, so I wanted to bring you something light-hearted and fun for the weekend. Here is the Jackson 5 in their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, where they played “I Want You Back/ABC” and “The Love You Save.” Sometimes I forget just how talented the Jackson family is. Michael’s voice on ABC gets me every time. Absolutely outstanding. I recently bought “Thriller” and it’s crazy to see the progression that his career has taken over the years. Despite all the weirdness, I feel sorry for the guy. He’s had a crazy life and I’m sure that didn’t help his mental health. If you are unfamiliar with his story, just read up on it. Disregard the spanish subtitles on this video, unless you need them, of course.