Pop Culture

Most people are quick to discard pop music as devoid of all merit. One can say catchy tunes are frivolous, but it's not easy to craft a song that will make the masses smile.  If it were, everyone would do it and make a zillion dollars. 


Sure mediocre artists become popular with hit songs that are slick and polished sounding, but that's because the real talent is working behind the scenes.  There are an army of gifted songwriters, musicians, engineers and producers making sure that what you hear will stick in your head on repeat until you want to bite your own ears off.  It's usually the person performing the pop music who is vapid. (e.g. Britney Spears) 

Even though she's a bonehead, I am able to recognize that the songwriting doesn't totally suck. There is something going on, when it comes to the structure and execution of her music.  People gravitate to her songs because of the well crafted design, whether they know it or not.  Britney, thankfully, has nothing to do with that aspect of her career.  She's too busy staying famous for all the wrong reasons.  


There often isn't enough credit given to music that is readily accessible.  I say to you, dear readers, that quality and mass appeal are mutually exclusive.  You can have one without the other, and yes, sometimes you can even have both!


The Beatles were the poppiest of pop bands back in the day, yet they always had a level of quality that they upheld.  I'm not sure anyone would argue that a song like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, is anything but a musical triumph.  That very song was able to climb the charts 2 times in a span of 15 years because of its ability to capture the listener. 

Frank Zappa never enjoyed popular success, but churned out quality while staying under the radar.  Artists like Pitbull release dog shit by the heap, yet remain at the top of the charts.    

I am a fan of good music, regardless of genre.  I will always give a song a chance, no matter how popular or obscure.  There are some songs that slay me on an emotional level, and there are some songs that challenge my intellect lyrically/musically.  There will always be songs that are just there for fun and amusement.

Having been a professional musician for some time now, I've run into this issue on the creative side.  I like to write every song that comes to mind. The process is like fishing, some days you cast out your line and get nothing.  Other days, you get a few nibbles, you start to reel it in, but then it falls off your line. Then there are those days where you catch a whopper, despite a huge drawn out fight.


Once you've caught this musical fish, you say to yourself "do I want to record this song and put it out for people to purchase and support my career?"  This is an important question for every artist to ask if you want to continue making music for a living.  All bands have to make concessions at some point and realize that it's not an entirely self indulgent endeavor.  If you've done good, you've created a song that you like, and think others will like too.  


I often have arguments with musicians who say that they aren't in a band to make music that sells.  To them I say, have fun with your hobby band, because the longer you remain an elitist, the less likely you'll gather an audience.  Music is an inclusive artform.  It is the immediate, visceral translation of a sound into emotion, and vice versa.  Anything that is published must first go through a process of editing.  Unless you're Jack Kerouac - whom you are not.


Being a music snob must be exhausting.  The equivalent would be like eating filet mignon every single night.  Sure it's totally yummers, but every now and then, it's nice to have In 'N' Out Burger.

Speciale Edition

Looking up into the clear blue sky on this Sunny, 65 degree Los Angeles day, it's easy to forget that Christmas is just 4 days away.  People often don't realize how easy it can be to change someone's life through the simple act of giving.   I am very inspired by the prospect of our limitless potential as human beings (...or as Van Halen would say "Humans Being").  

Reconciling my creativity with productivity, on the other hand, is not so easy.  Ideas come and go most often unrealized.  I'm sure we've all forgotten more of our "million dollar ideas" than we've been motivated it capitalize on... but I digress.

Someone recently told me that expressing oneself through the written word is an essential part of being an artist.  Well here I am, being productive and writing away.  Just a thought or two, on what inspires me to continue moving forward on my path.  The story of how I got my foot in the door readily comes to mind.
Brian Reingold (aka Mr. Speciale [yes, with an "e" at the end]) was the first person to ever give me a job in the movie biz.  He was the Unit Production Manager for the Belladonna Studios production "L.I.E."

Like most everyone these days, I had no job or even a single lead straight out of college.  It also doesn't help when you get your degree in Film Studies.  So within days of graduation, I took it upon myself to walk around Manhattan, and go into a string of production company offices cold, resume in hand.  They would all tell me the same thing; that they weren't hiring right now or that they would put my resume on file.  There seemed to be little or no hope, really.

Then one fateful day I walked into the Belladonna office in Chelsea, Manhattan, I was greeted by a bald, hyperkinetic guy with a thick Buffalo accent.  He introduced himself as Brian, but everyone eventually called him Mr. Speciale.  Within moments of meeting him, he said a word or two about his German film producer with the French name, he went on rapid fire style, about his son's major league baseball ambitions, then quickly changed gears again and offered me a gig on the spot despite my lack of experience working on a film set.  I sat there in an illustrated state of dumbfounded excitement.

I distinctly remember the 1st Assistant Director, Jose Gilberto Molinari-Rosaly, coming over and glaring at me, with a "Who the hell is this?  What the hell is he doing here?  Get him the hell out of here! I don't want him to be on my production staff!" look on his face.

After a few tense moments between the two of them as they argued right in front of me over whether or not I should be hired, I butted in and let them know that I could ask a bunch of my former classmates to help out if they needed any more production assistants. I got the job, much to the chagrin of the 1st AD and through much situational massaging on the part of Mr. Speciale.  I also happen to supply the film with 5 other PAs.

Me and my fellow alumni busted our asses working on that movie, and after the first week Jose ate his words.  He actually congratulated all of the PAs and told us we were the best team he had ever worked with!

Why recount this story?  Well, I'm glad I asked!  Because I am inspired by one's willingness to take a chance on someone unproven, solely based on their first impression.  These days it's damn near impossible to find a job without knowing someone first.  It's not what you know, It's not even WHO you know, but rather who knows YOU.  It's true... look it up.

Mr. Speciale hooked me up, got my foot in the door and helped me get other tv/film jobs etc. For that I am eternally thankful. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone randomly help them out like that. Pay it forward in this season of giving.

Merry Christmas Everyone! :)

Cars Parked in the Sun

My LA experience has been nothing short of phenomenal.  I've had an unbelievable reception from the greatest of welcome wagons.  Friends, new and old have been incredibly accommodating and want nothing more than to help out in any way they can.  Though it has its detractors, LA is truly an inspiring city.  A lot of people would sooner gag on a spoon from hearing me say that, so to them I say, "bon appetit."

It's a whole different scene out here versus Long Island, New York.  My general experience here has been that people just want to help you out.  Everyone is here to work, to get jobs and to give jobs.  However, one always has to factor in the LA "flake" quotient.  Being from New York, I tend to say what I mean and do what I say I'm going to do.  If we agree to meet or do something, I'll hold you to it.  People in LA ... not so much. 

It's been about a month and a half since I arrived in this sunny city of Angelenos, and I've discovered that the music scene here is alive and well.  I've seen many local bands including Shadow Shadow Shade, Telstar, and most recently The Child.  I make it a habit to go out just about every night, just to see what's crackin'.

The Child was quite impressive with their spacey David Bowie-esque sounds and atmosphere.      They had an eclectic look, solid rhythm section and you can't beat a band that has 2 chick singers.  It was their EP release party, and it was a lot of fun to watch. 

At this show I ran into Dhani Harrison (Son of George), and had a bit of a chat with him.  I was quite impressed with Dhani's words and wisdom, having recently seen him in the Scorcese documentary "Living in the Material World," about his father.  The son of the famed "quiet" Beatle was exceedingly nice and was somehow convinced that he had met me before.  He was sure that I was one of two Aristotles that he knows and that I was the one he had met while hanging out with Zowie Bowie.  I insisted he was mistaken, though in retrospect, I should have just went along with it.

Some Things I Can't Remember

The mind is like a dryer... every now and then you lose a sock full of memories.  I sometimes think about the line in the 40 Year Old Virgin, when Steve Carell is hammered and when asked how much he's had to drink says "Oh, how many times have you gone to the bathroom in your life?!" There's really no way to tell.

I was pouring my cereal in a bowl this morning thinking about how 10 years from now, I will have absolutely no recollection of this minor event, unless a big brown bear smashed through the wall at that very moment.  If that were to happen, I would inevitably recount that story by saying how I was just minding my own business, pouring a bowl of cereal and all of a sudden... etc. etc. etc.


It also happens to be laundry day.  We really don't remember these moments in between.  My meaningless cereal pouring on the morning of December 8th 2012; the 22nd anniversary of the death of John Lennon; the date that Dimebag Darell was shot to death on a stage in Ohio;  My sister's birthday.  All of these events are effortlessly etched in the forefront of my mind on this date... but my cereal and laundry will be lost.


I often think about how we never really see the actual events of someone's life in TV or Film.  The hit show "24" boasted that every hour was in "real time" but I don't remember the episode where Jack Bauer was gone for 10-15 minutes because he was in the bathroom.  I figure that could be a whole segment, between commercials.  Everyone standing around, looking at their watches, waiting for Jack to shit or get off the pot. 


Goodbye my Rice Crispies, you were my arbitrary choice of morning sustenance.  The event of my pouring you, dousing you with milk and your consumption shall forever be forgotten... unless I write a blog about it.

We Are 99% Confused.

As I was exploring the great city of Chicago last night, I randomly stumbled onto the Occupy Chicago protestor parade which was en route to Grant Park... So naturally I jumped in the queue to see what they're all about.


When we got to the park, a half hour was spent laying down the ground rules for the forum. Then they asked the first speaker to make a proposal, but nobody spoke.  It was a meeting to discuss further meetings and few if any solutions were proposed with this particular group.  In my mind, the only solid proposal to counter corporate greed is to encourage people to close their accounts with large corporate banking institutions and to put their money in local banks or credit unions.  


Other than that, it mostly felt like one big gripefest.  

On The Road Again... Again.

I'm officially 2 days into my journey out West.  I'm headed back to Los Angeles, California, to go prospecting for gold plated diapers... never question Bruce Dickenson. Back in '05 I went to live in LA in search of a recording contract and was able to focus my efforts which ultimately led to my band getting signed.  I'm going back there to shake it up and make things happen again.  

Yesterday, I was able to stop at the Jackson family house in Gary, Indiana. It was in an incredibly unassuming neighborhood, right off of the interstate... and by unassuming I mean SCARY.

Right now, I'm in Chicago, and so far I can't tell weather the locals are angry or just talking. The world famous deep dish pizza here is a bit of a disappointment, naturally, having eaten New York pizza my whole life.  I'm afraid you can just smother corn bread with spaghetti sauce and call it pizza.  Sorry guys, try again.

American Industry

Last night I noticed about 5 songs that were by former American Idol contestants in the background while I was dining out at a restaurant. It's become quite apparent that AI has taken over the music industry. It's a no brainer -- The acts have already been "focus group" tested by the American public. At this point all they have to do is get packaged and marketed. It's become quite apparent that AI has taken over the music industry.

The last thing you want to do as a contestant on American Idol is to actually win the competition! It seems there are only 2-3 winners that have stuck around. Most of the airwaves are polluted with the castoffs and we rarely even hear about the winners. Where is Fantasia Barino these days? Probably hanging out with Taylor Hicks at Euro-Disney.

In my experience, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone in the entertainment industry willing to take a risk these days. Almost every song you hear on the radio has been put though the same "hit making" mill, which continuously churns out frothy, forgettable pop. Even Bon Jovi is pumping out country hits. When the hell did that happen? I suppose it's the only way to stay relevant for some. Most industry folk will only go for the "sure thing." This also explains why every single movie that comes out today is either a remake, a sequel, based on a comic book, novel, TV show, toy, a theme park ride, a cartoon carrot, a talking toupee, a popsicle stand, a dog & pony show, a salad dressing, etc. etc. etc.

All safe bets. Where are the original ideas? Where are the "Ghostbusters" of today!?



Our world today lacks vision and needs a great big fucking pair of bifocals.

The King of Second Chances

How do you go from being in the biggest rock band in the world then to … being in the biggest rock band in the world now?! Just ask Dave Grohl!

(Dave is the prime example of what it is to be a Rock Star.)

For me, this week has been all about the new Foo Fighters album "Wasting Light." It's another great bunch of songs that just hammer home the fact that Foo is good for you! (I'm listening to the album for about the 10th time as I write this.)

In my opinion (which is always right), Dave's career is unparalleled and a paradigmatic anomaly. Usually it's hard to resurrect, let alone surpass a larger than life rock star status after a key member of your band implodes. (i.e. Led Zeppelin ended overnight when it was bedtime for Bonzo, and he decided to never wake up.)

Instead of crashing and burning out into obscurity after Nirvana ended, Dave flipped the script and rose from the ashes. Not to keep mixing metaphors, but he has really managed to kick rock's ass in the face! Not only has Foo Fighters seemingly had more hits that Nirvana even had songs, but they've managed to capture the spotlight every single time they come around with a new album.

I'm sure it's abundantly clear at this point that Foo Fighters is Dave's deal. He's created a band situation for himself where he's in charge of who comes and goes and doesn't have to push the "reset button" if anyone else in the band decides to blow their head off. This is a valuable lesson that I've taken to heart, having learned it the hard way. It's a model that I've decided I will follow in the future.

This is not to say that none of the other guys in the band (Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflet, Taylor Hawkins, and Pat Smear) are unimportant. Quite the contrary; Dave has hand picked these kick-ass musicians to create an unmistakable and legendary sound. After watching their Documentary, and seeing what it's like for them in the studio, it's clear that Dave micromanages every single note, snare hit, and scream on their recordings.

I think the most important thing gleaned from the Dave's success is that he seems to have surrounded himself with good, loyal people and he's always stuck to a clear vision of what Foo Fighters represents. If I've learned anything in my own personal experience it is: Always go with your gut, never compromise your integrity, and if anyone stands in your way -- stomp their face in.

When Kurt Cobain took his own life, he left a major void in the rock-time-continuum. It is my belief that after the way things went down 16 years ago, Dave feels the insurmountable burden and compulsion to personally fill that void in his own way. I get the feeling that he has the need to live up to his earned status, and never wants to let the fans down. Whether he was like that before Nirvana or not, he has since shown that he has a maniacal urge to constantly prove himself on every song; on every album.

There are many lyrical allusions to my hypothesis on Wasting Light, such as the line "...here comes the king of second chances" (Bridge Burning); "...Getting good at starting over every time that I return. I'm learnin' to walk again -- ...I never wanna die!" (Walk); and the song I Should Have Known which Dave says was written with Kurt in mind.

It has the refrain: "No I cannot forgive you yet, No I cannot forgive you yet, You leave my heart in debt, I should have known.

(It's nothing short of chilling to hear Krist Novoselic play the heavy
handed, nasty, bad-ass bass line in the bridge section of this track
[the "middle eight," if your British] with the legendary Nevermind producer, Butch Vig
at the helm. Pat Smear is back for this Fighting round, and happens to be one of the
few among the Foo who knew what it was like to play/tour with Nirvana. A
fittingly therapeutic step toward closure regarding the whole
fucked up shit-uation that must have spiraled out in their personal
lives after Nirvana's abrupt and untimely end.)

To me, those lyrics are a key insight to what motivates Dave's indomitable spirit. For years it seemed that Dave would rarely if ever admit to musical references to Kurt/Nirvana, but now, it seems Dave is comfortable enough to go there. It's okay to talk/write about it now. Though there's obvious bitterness still there, it seems to be what propels Foo forward. Ain't nobody gonna dictate Dave's destiny but him!

It was a wise decision to record their latest album, "Wasting Light" on old fashioned 2" tape. I learned a great lesson from Rick Rubin, (via Howard Stern, by way of Chris Rock) which is "always set yourself apart from the pack." This album is sonically unique in today's homogenized digital/Pro Tools universe. The rawness is realness. The imperfections are present, and are what give the sound its character; Its authenticity; Its purity. Something that Dave has carried over from the Nirvana days to the current state of Foo Fighters.

(I often think there is a certain kindred spirit between guys like Dave
and his Them Crooked Vultures band-mates (John Paul Jones
[Led Zeppelin], and Josh Homme [QOTSA/Kyuss]). These guys are all
great rockers who blew up in other bands, and shine when they have a vehicle to showcase their badass-itude. They all also seem to be
career-minded musicians, rather than total fuck-ups.)

This particular album pushes their sound even further. The mastering leaves some overhead for the mix to breathe. It's great to be able to hear all the layers of what was actually recorded rather than squashing it all into a modern rock sound sandwich.

Song-wise, the album just fuckin' rocks as I keep listening. Miss the Misery just came on. The 4/4+2/4 balls out rock riff immediately has my head banging. As the song plays, I'm only able to continue typing this with my pinkies and pointers as my hands have automatically and uncontrollably locked themselves in the devil horns position! \m/ \m/

(Sidebar: One time a sound engineer told me that you can't groove to a 7/8 time signature… that engineer must have never heard FF's Times like These... )

I really get the sense that Dave is constantly working at maintaining a certain level of quality. He works hard, and seems to have no limit to is desire to top their last hit. It's apparent that Dave is well aware and appreciative at how rare it is to be given a second chance at being among the gods of rock.

Evidently, Dave was always destined for greatness, despite his mid-90's hiccup. One can only infer that the secret must be in his ability to win people over with his charisma, wit, great rock songs and even more so, HARD WORK! They just don't quit.

Foos keep on Fighting.

(Thanks to my friend Keith for forwarding this link just now

and reminding me that being a class act also can help your
longevity. A good way to to put a button on this blog entry.)

Charlie Sheen and the Violent Truth

Last night I caught the unstoppable, infinite-car-pile-up-traffic-accident that is Charlie Sheen. He was performing at Radio City Music Hall on his Violent Torpedo of Truth / Defeat is Not an Option tour. I must say, I found him funny and quite amusing for a bit, but as the show went on and the crowd got more intoxicated, things got... more interesting?

Warlock = Tigerblood + Adonis DNA

The audience was calamitous and people were complaining that they wasted their money. What were they expecting, Shakespeare?

I don't mean to pop your bubble-yum, but Charlie is NOT a stand up comedian, he's a Movie and Television star whose had 6 weeks to develop a touring act for which he's had absolutely no experience. Everyone who bought a ticket knew this going in, so I'm confused as to why anyone would be disappointed. I went to the show, without any expectations, just to be open to what might happen and be witness to the whole cultural phenomenon surrounding Charlie.

I very much appreciate the spectacle of it all in an Andy Kaufman kind of way.

Andy had the unique ability to deliberately turn audiences against himself. To me, this is a brilliant form of meta-comedy that I enjoy. During some performance pieces, he would create awkward silences, and insist that the audience stop laughing at him. I actually saw one bit he did on Letterman, where he went through the crowd asking for money because he fell on hard times after getting fired from his hit TV show, Taxi. People actually dug into their pockets to give him a hand out!

Little did the audience know that they were a part of the whole joke, and that there is a much bigger social punchline that becomes defined afterward and is hilarious in the context of time. Like a magician, Andy used slight of hand to keep you looking where he wanted you to look, but all the while he was pulling a rabbit out of your ass.

I will not go as far as to say that Charlie is orchestrating his theatrical demise each night. However, I will point out that the recently unemployed actor has sold thousands of tickets at venues across the country, strictly on his pop-culture capital. That is an ingenious way to take the limes you've been handed and turn them into a margarita flavored Porsche. Ultimately, the joke is on anyone who is taking this whole thing seriously at all.

I'm not laughing at Charlie, I'm not even laughing at the crowd (...well maybe I am) -- I'm laughing at the context and enjoying the all encompassing absurdity. The fun is in the reaction it gets! I find it hilarious when people flip out and say how much they either think Charlie sucks, or think he's the greatest thing since cheeze waffles were invented.

Charlie is a fascinating case study in our culture's morbid obsession with celebrity melt downs. In the end, I got my money's worth because I'll always get to say that I was there to see it... whatever it was.

Piaaaaaaaa!

How could America vote off the best singer in the competition??? The elimination of Pia Toscano is a big enough upset for even me to quit watching American Idol!

I'm convinced the voters must all be smoking crack in order to have voted her off and keep the lame country, microphone flautist Scotty "McDreary."

American Idol has officially OFFICIALLY jumped the shark after this unforgivable moment. This show has always been about likability and vocal talent. They've really offset the ratio by voting for talentless teenyboppers and putting the actual musicians in jeopardy. It just goes to show that you really don't need ability or even good looks to make it in the music biz. The remaining contestants are a bunch of interchangeable garbage faces and Casey Abrams. Let me know who wins, cuz I ain't watchin' no more.

Is Josh Freese the greatest Rock Drummer in the World?

Yes.

Radiohead Rush

The anti-Arcade Fire:

I love how in this video, Thom Yorke is a marionette
whose strings are being pulled by the music.

These guys are otherworldly. They do what every dopey indie-rock band wishes they can do but can only pretend to do.

Hey Look everybody! A band that actually possesses vision, artistry, unparalleled musicianship and amazing sounding recordings! Novel, ain't it?! If you go obnoxiously around saying how much you prefer "Lo-Fi" recordings, you're just belying your misguided affinity for rudimentary recording equipment and terrible engineering.

I can't believe I live in a world where Radiohead has never won a Grammy for Album of the Year, and the much lesser band, Arcade Fire has.

Way to go Grammys!!! -- Getting it right since Jethro Tull won over Metallica for best metal performance! I mean at least they've been nominated, right? For instance, Radiohead's Kid A was nominated for Album of the Year in 2001, but they unfortunately lost ... to Steely Dan.

STEELY DAN!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I'm far from finished with this topic…

Arcade Fire Extinguisher

Arcade Fire is a bunch of mediocre musicians staring straight ahead with conviction while they play. Am I supposed to think they're great just because THEY think they are? They've surely hypnotized their audience by pretending to be good.

Their mysticism apparently worked on the Grammy Academy having just won the Album of the Year award. I see right through AF's pretense. It's much like the emperor's new clothes, except everyone could clearly see the emperor's balls. Arcade Fire has no balls... they have tantrums on stage that people mistake for defiance.

One day their luster will wear and people will see that what they were really listening to was just a shiny turd... featuring the accordion! While I'm on this topic, I might as well bash all of the "indy rock" hipsters. I'm all for independent music, but this concept is lost on the hipster crowd. It's a conundrum -- people get so upset whenever their favorite indy band gets popular or "sells out." How else does anyone expect to keep hearing music from these "unknown" bands unless they make some sort of living and continue to make music. You can't have it both ways.

Their attitude exceeds their talent. I get annoyed when I see the indie rock equivalent to a pop star who is also undeserving of elevated status. It's hyperbolically and inversely ironical. Arcade Fire approaches the Indie rock event horizon, whereby the smaller the audience, the cooler they are -- at one point, not only will the band be the SIZE of its audience, it will actually BE it's own audience.

The hipsters love them because they secretly fantasize about sneaking up on stage with them and blending in with the over 400 band members, in the hopes that while they beat their ladle on a pot (out of time), they can get caught between some of the snarky looks that the guys in AF constantly shoot each other while performing. Won't that just feel so cool!

Moreover, they can go suck an egg.

Casey Abrams threw it down.

I've been watching the 10th season of American Idol and the judges (Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler) are completely confounding me with who they send to Hollywood. There's a lot of schlocky stock talent that they've been sending through just because they shed a few tears and said "pretty please!?" The only person that showed any sort of actual musicianship and ability thus far has been Casey Abrams. He effortlessly trumps the other contestants with his jazzy, horn-like vocals, and feel. Sure there have been some people that can "sing nice," but no one has shown that they can actually throw down, command attention and suck you into their performance. Although they edited his introduction to make him appear somewhat awkward, he seems to be the kind of guy who's bigger than the show itself.

Black Swan

Black Swan is a really good movie, maybe not great... but definitely really good. Darren Aronofsky's latest effort is true to his form. I'm pretty sure he's the only director that can make an edgy film about Swan Lake. I like that he maintains a certain level of freshness to what he brings to the screen.

The film captures the obsession and utter despair of someone who is a perfectionist. We ultimately learn there is no perfection in life. Natalie Portman does a fantastic and convincing job in her role of the obsessive dancer. People are saying she should get the Oscar, but we'll see who else is in contention. A lot is being said about Mila Kunis' performance and that she should get an Oscar nod for supporting actress, but I think Barbara Hershey was much better in her supporting role.

I've been a fan of his since π -- despite it being almost the exact same premise of a screenplay I had written in college!

True Art

An artist never compromises her vision. It may get tweaked and guided along the way, but the kernel of the original idea should be the prevailing theme in the finished work.

A real artist's work can never be duplicated. Others may reinterpret, but all true art is inextricably linked to its originator or unique collaborators.

To me, a worthy band is one which can not be mistaken for another. This is to say their sound, their style, their technique can only be reproduced by those particular individuals. A great example of this would be Tool. Whenever someone tries to duplicate one of their songs live, it just doesn't cut the mustard. I've seen bands attempt this way too many times and it invariably will sound like an inferior imitation. (Like when you really wanted an iPod Touch for Christmas, but you end up getting a Zune.)

Music covers tend to be a different story. A true artist can reinterpret a great song when they come at it from a new angle. A new approach, like Ryan Adams' version of Oasis' "Wonderwall."

Or Johnny Cash's incredibly powerful remake of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails... (which I will not post here because I don't want any one to get massively bummed out.)

I tend to disdain when people try to update a song simply by running an electric guitar through some distortion while playing the exact same thing at a faster tempo. For some reason people think this is a valid way to remake a song. Those people are dumb.

I've had some significant experiences dealing with those who have tried to redirect my vision because of their own inability to grasp what I was going for. This tends to happen a lot when artists deal with inflexible engineers, producers and other middlemen. In my own experience in dealing with particular recording engineers, I've had to fight tooth and nail to get my auditory "vision" across. Certain technicians learn only a few ways that things are conventionally done and only want to do them as such. These are people who don't want to find a new angle or new approach to something. I don't see how one can go through life this way.

I've spent a considerable amount of time developing my bass technique and what I believe to be a truly unique style. I will get more into the specifics of why my style is super-kick-ass in subsequent posts, but in the meantime you can read more about it here -> Wikipedia and watch videos here -> Youtube.

When recording in the studio, I will be working on "dialing in" my sound the way I hear it in my head. This is initially met with, "let's just make this sound like a bass and move on," by Joe Engineer. I generally want my bass to sound like purple thunder up your ass... which takes some time.

When recording my most recent album (Vaeda "Unsafe at any Speed") I had our producer rearrange our 45 day recording schedule so that we had twice the time originally slated to record bass. Though I am equally proud of my songwriting contributions, what I do on bass is a fundamental part of the sound and should not be compromised. Whatever ends up on record should sound distinctly like Vaeda. All parts of sound should serve the song, and many of our songs were born out of my bass. (I will elaborate on my experiences in a later posting which will be entitled "The Case for Bass.")

In the case of recording I've always stuck to my guns. I know what I wanted and pushed for it to come across in the final product sonically. It can cause tension and conflict, but I'm not making art to placate anyone. If it's not up to my standards, y'all can suck it.

The GaGa Saga - Round 2

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Dyami wrote:

Nice post. Hope it drives traffic and further talk. That said, if we were debating I'd win because I don't see how you've disproved my point, which I'll re-state here:

 Pop Music - The music is irrelevant (to make Lay Gaga relevant, which she probably is, you've called here a "singer/songwriter who unapologetically forgoes coffeehouse angst ridden folk music". Yep. She's more than a Pop artist. If she was all pop, she'd be all crap). Pure pop artist are about the show, the entertainment. Not the music.

To diverge from my point, and explain my reasoning, as a non-professional musician I will re-state that what's important to me is if I enjoy it. Nothing else. I can respect Lady Gaga for many things but she don't float my boat.

By the way, it's Pearl Jam, Frank Zappa, Tito Puente & Vaeda.

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As I stated in my previous post, we were sure to hear again from my good friend Dyami (follow his blog here -> The Penultimate Woodshop) about my beloved GaGa. I really have to thank him for igniting a fire in my belly about this issue and inspiring me to start posting again. I haven't been this fired up with angst about something since they stopped selling cheez waffles at my local 7-11!


So Pop music is purely about what you see than what you hear, eh? This is an absurd statement, since music is to be heard. Where does one get to SEE a show on the radio? What you're describing is pure entertainment, which could probably only best be demonstrated as... I dunno, a chimp in a suit, riding a bike...

But even still, you'd have to train the damn thing, and I'm sure there's an art to that... This has nothing to do with music.

If it's music we're talking about then the fact of the matter is: Pop connects with the largest audience. Plain and simple. That is what makes Pop(ular music) popular. To me, your statement is fatally flawed regarding the subject of debate... thus making me the winner by default! :)

I'm not going to argue that you should like her music, but I am going to discuss the inconsistencies in your approach.

Now you may say that all Pop music is successful because it's the "least common denominator." With that I would tend to agree that this happens more often than not. But in rare cases, you actually find an artist, like GaGa, who can extend her reach beyond the depths of mediocrity by actually connecting with the masses by providing music that is both good AND popular. Again, the greatest example of a group that was able to do that (and there really are a precious few) would be The Beatles. Is GaGa's music as good as The Beatles? Fuck no. But I think my point here is clear.

Regarding music in general you've stated that "as a non-professional musician... what's important to me is if I enjoy it. Nothing else." I can accept that you don't enjoy her music, though there is the insinuation that because I am a professional musician that is the only reason why I do. This is where you have painted yourself into a corner, my friend. Sure, I am able to relate to her on that level but one needn't be a musician to get down with GaGa. I would imagine that most of her fans are non-professional musicians... and/or as gay as a Summer scarf... but that's neither here nor flair.

With my expertise, I am only able to intellectualize and explain WHY she has such musical mass appeal. Nothing else.

Just as all tall buildings must have a reliable structure so that they can stand; or how all visual arts have universal principles of design that dictate what one is likely to find pleasing to the eye; or even how great cuisine requires knowledge of flavor proportions: -- music follows the same basis in method. The most irresistible foods are those that can be fundamentally expressed as a balance of fat, salt and sugar. If you mix those three components elegantly along with skill and understanding, you will please most palates with the tastiest of treats.

This is Pop music.

Like Pop, pie can suck or pie can be orgasmic. Granted one also needs protein and fiber to survive, and that's why every once in a while it's nice to eat a big hearty piece of GaGa Pop Pie.

Are you adding a note or a person?

So, everything that I mentioned in my last post (i.e. her excellent production value, skillful songwriting, strong melodies, lyrical content, infectious rhythms etc.) ARE the very reasons WHY people find music enjoyable... whether they perceive it or not.

This is why a select few producers, engineers, mixers, instrumentalists, songwriters get paid millions of dollars to do what they do... because they make recordings and create sounds that are enjoyable for most people's ear holes in any given genre. Though any of these professionals would be the first to tell you that they've "polished a few turds" in their time just for a payday, but again - GaGa is someone who rises above in her standards.

(Frank Zappa was extremely popular at being unpopular. A genius in every way, he was a pioneer who I'm sure made it easier for people like GaGa to exist in the mainstream. There are even those who would discount GaGa's artistic legitimacy simply because of the fact that she's overcome obscurity. What is wrong with connecting with millions? It just means more people like your work! What was Zappa's most commercial success and considered his masterpiece? That's right, "Joe's Garage!" He connected with most people with the music on that album because he sarcastically wrote in a POP rock format. Writing in a fashion that connects to the masses is truly a gift and a musical art form. Zappa was an artistic virtuoso... but I digress.)

Fundamentally I just think her music sounds great and I find her to be... cool. Her sound sucked me in right away because it was catchy and bold. Upon further investigating I became intrigued after seeing her on television all suited up in her unconventional duds, challenging audiences with her provocative performance pieces and constantly defying her interviewers with witticisms. I was sold once she revealed that she got her name from the song "Radio Ga Ga" by Queen.

On this subject I am winding down as I think I've thoroughly illustrated my position on what I consider quality music. I don't want to over inflate GaGa's stature (not that she needs any help) but I absolutely have to give her credit where it's due.

Thanks again to Dyami for his contributions and his nod to my favorite band... Vaeda!

Defending Gaga

I'm going to see Lady Gaga for the SECOND time tomorrow night and I couldn't be more excited. But of course there will always be those haters out there. The following is an excerpt of a debate I'm having with my friend "D" about the state of Gaga... keep in mind, my friend owns 100's of Pearl Jam CDs and bootlegs. Now I love Pearl Jam just as much as the next bloke - but I do give other artists a listen from time to time. As far as I know "D" only listens to Pearl Jam, Frank Zappa and Tito Puente.

Read on... I just love how it becomes a sauce-fest. There's more to come, I'm sure.


(Me)
I just remembered I am going to see Lady Gaga tomorrow night so we will not be able to attend the festivities that were planned at el casa de tu.

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(D)
No sweat. See a catch crappy artist. Get in the vibe. Enjoy what is sure to be a amusing & entertaining show.

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(Me)
not quite sure how to decipher your email. You don't want to catch me on a rant about Gaga... because I'll take you down.

:)

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(D)
Yeah. In my opinion her music is useless, much as crap is (though if you burn dried crap it will make fire). That said, I do see the entertainment value in her. I find her an amusing personality and I'm sure she puts on a amusing & entertaining show. She reminds me of Madonna. I also have little use for her music but she's entertaining as hell (or at least used to be).

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(Me)
Your ears must be old shriveled and completely vestigial. Remind me never to discuss relevant pop music with you since it would be like trying to explain picasso to stevie wonder.

Have a great day!

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(D)
You've made a mistake. Pop music by definition is irrelevant. Give me rock, or any other of many interesting sub-genres and I'm game. Any genre that can allow Ace of Base, Kris Kross & Sean Combs to rise to the top is clearly not based on the quality of the music. Some of them may be good showman or businessmen, but you couldn't pay me to listen to any of them.

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(Me)
D - Downer,

First of all I'd like to say that I find it tragic that it pains you should anyone derive enjoyment out of something you disagree with. That being said, your argument is as flimsy as Richard Simmons. If you've ever seen "The Devil Wears Prada," then you'll appreciate the fact that I'm about to "Meryl Streep" you about the color blue...

The three artists you name -- one being a hip hop producer (Sean Combs), one being a rap group - kris kross, only one of which is a true pop artist - Ace of base. These groups all stem from the early to mid 90's with only Sean Combs staying relevant, purely through, association, reality tv and business saavy -- not musical ability. Biggie Smalls getting killed was the greatest thing to ever happen to Diddy (aka Sean "Puffy [Puff Daddy {p-diddy}]" Combs) I hate to tell you, but there have been at least 1 or 2 outstanding pop artists since then. This only further illustrates my point that you've stopped listening along the way. Which I'm sure you don't disagree with but it's absolutely crippled your ability to appreciate, acknowledge or even perceive artistry in Pop.

Yes, there have been horrible Artists and Eras in Pop, but you're only turning a blind eye on Third Eye Blind (pop-rock) or Limp Bizkit (nu-metal), or Nickelback ('modern rock' aka 'beer and lifestyle rock' aka 'pure shit') , or Creed (alt-christian rock)... Creed who incidentally gained popularity because they sounded (to the casual music consumer) like Pearl Jam (grunge / altrock). :) All these bands obviously fall under the umbrella of "Rock," which I would never completely disregard because of a few shit artists.

You mention Madonna, fair enough, but not quite the same. On the surface, of course there is the obvious parallel but Madonna never wrote a hit song on her own (since Lucky Star), nor can she play a lick on any instrument. She fakes playing guitar sometimes, because she's a fake musician and she's half the singer Gaga is. They are both brilliant at marketing themselves, but once again when Madonna emerged on the scene there were countless comparisons to Debbie Harry and Marilyn Monroe. It's all the same noise, but Gaga is something quite unique. To my ears, the quality of her music production (sound) alone is by far head and shoulders above and beyond the state of the art in recording and she actually co-produces her own music...

You don't give a shit, you say?

Ok then, take her musical ability - she performs/sings live (something no other pop artist would be caught dead doing these days), she's a phenomenal pianist and does countless interpretations of her own music which all could be and have been viable radio hits.

So fuckin' what?

Ok then, her songwriting alone eclipses any other artist in pop today. She brings a fresh perspective with ACTUAL songs (in the truest sense), melodies, rhythms and yes, lyrics. She's a singer/songwriter who unapologetically forgoes coffeehouse angst ridden folk music for the more profitable and accessible world of Pop. She adheres to the art of songwriting and has actually reinvigorated the world of today's music. Her songs have been interpreted in any number of the rock sub-genres that you've mentioned - and they all sound fantastic (except for 30 Seconds to Mars' version of Bad Romance... but that's just because Jared Leto is a bit of a douche) which is the mark of a great songwriter.

(27,682,452 views on youtube and counting -- Also Lady Gaga gave this kid a record deal after she saw this video.)

Again, she can have just as compelling a performance with an enormous production behind her or completely alone with a keytar. She's not a poser, it's not all lobster hat gimmicks... although that's incredibly amusing and all of her own invention and artistic collaboration.

Irrelevant? Most artists are copying her already.

You say that her music is "useless" which only reminds me of your utilitarian nature for everything. I suppose if you could build a shed with her music, you'd find value in it... Just as I'm sure that by now you can re-shingle your house with pearl jam cds. :)

The very fact that you and I have equal and opposite feelings regarding her and her music only proves that she is a relevant, powerful personality and compelling artist. If you want to dismiss her as "pure entertainment" that's your prerogative though completely inaccurate. She is culturally relevant in that she challenges viewers and takes a few pages out of Andy Warhol's playbook. Andy Warhol, of course being the face of "Pop Art." Like it or not, she's the only true "Rockstar" in these modern times, and the world of music hasn't seen the likes someone like her since Madonna/Michael Jackson. I don't think this is a point worth arguing.

Frankly, I don't give a crap that you think she's crap, it just comes off as a ill-informed pompous posturing.

I only ask that there be a 24 hr radio silence (as you prepare your saucy retort) regarding this because I prefer you didn't poop on my gaga parade as I gracefully withhold my comments about pearl jam. Comments like their first 2 albums are the only good ones and they've probably had about a dozen half way decent songs since then -- not to mention the fact that I don't think I could stomach watching another concert of theirs as they perform with 2% of the passion they once had. :P

If we continue to have these weekly arguments, I'm going to ask you to co-host my podcast! Also, thanks for giving me more fodder for my blog!