Welcome to the Twelfth Edition of Weekend Music Links. We've streamlined these posts because they were getting a leeeetle bit too long. So we moved some of the other portions of these weekly posts to our Facebook Page, which will be updated according to the following schedule:
Monday - Quote of the Week Tuesday - Found Instrument of the Week Wednesday - Upcoming Music Events
If you would like to be featured in our Local Spotlight (which we will be getting back to momentarily) or have some upcoming gigs you'd like to promote, feel free to contact Ford Seeuws or Justin Weathermon on Facebook, and we'll be happy to feature you.
This week we feature two contemporary composers who have been influential in recent years.
Clint Mansell
Chances are, you know Mansell's work even if the name doesn't ring a bell. The piece that put him on the mainstream map had been written for a string quartet that was featured in the soundtrack of the film Requiem for a Dream, but it wasn't until it had been re-orchestrated by another group of composers for the second half of The Two Towers trailer under the name "Requiem for a Tower" that everyone took notice. At that point the piece became the heir apparent to Karl Orff's famous O Fortuna as the go-to cue for trailers and movies that want to capture "epic" without all the hard work of composing something new.
Proof that Requiem for a Tower makes anything epic:
But Mansell hasn't let his success with Requiem straitjacket his compositional creativity. While his piece Dead Reckoning from the soundtrack for Smoking Aces does share more than a few fingerprints with Requiem, his soundtrack for the new film Moon is right on the mark.
The Kronos Quartet has had a pretty close relationship with Mansell for quite some time, performing the soundtrack for Requiem for a Dream, and here they perform pieces from his soundtrack for The Fountain live at a concert in Madrid:
Steve Reich
Steve Reich is one of the most influential composers who gets lumped into the "minimalist" category. Reich pioneered the art of "phasing," which requires musicians to play an identical melody, but at different tempos, so while the performers sound like they are playing something identical at first, one begins to sound a bit off-tempo, then as if it were an echo and finally comes back into unison at some point.
The effect phasing creates is unique, and while it sounds simplistic, it is not easy. You pretty much have to be a human metronome to be able to play Reich's phasing works accurately. One such example is Peter Aidu performing his one-man rendition of Reich's Piano Phase. This guy's got rhythm:
Glenn Kotche, drummer for Wilco, uses one of Steve Reich's pieces, Clapping Music, as a warm-up, which he demonstrates in the following promo from Modern Drummer's 2006 Festival.
For more information on Reich and his music, check out this interview from American Public Media, or take a look at this excerpt from a documentary about Reich, which tells the story behind Riech's discovery (invention?) of phasing as an art form.
Welcome to Playground Music's fifth edition of Weekend Music Links. If you have any favorite blogs, message boards, videos, sites, bands, upcoming events, or anything else that you think deserves a mention, please send them our way. We love to get your feedback!
Remember-If you are a local musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out about upcoming shows, releases or projects, drop us a line.
Anthony Peebles Last Friday Night Anthony performed at Save the Ship's show with his band the Dukes of Appleton. After hearing rumors of his dynamic voice, my interest was piqued, so I contacted Anthony to find out more about his band and to hear them for myself.
It turns out that last week's show, though their first, was the Dukes of Appleton's last because their keyboard player is leaving for college. But Anthony is still in Panama City and is committed to continuing his solo work...and that's a good thing because not only can he carry a tune, but he carries it with a confident earnestness beyond his years.
At age 18, when most contemporaries would be concerning themselves with learning the fine art of screamo or angst-ridden whining, Anthony cites the likes of the Beatles, Fleet Foxes and John Denver as his most profound influences, and judging from his delivery, he's carrying on these traditions well. Word has it that during Friday night's show he proved that he has some other tricks up his sleeve, crooning soulfully on a bluesy original song called "When Angels Cry."
Anthony started his musical journey with drums a few years back and made the transition to playing guitar and songwriting two years ago. When pressed to give advice for up-and-coming musicians, Anthony's unassuming answer was, "Just sing what pops into your head while you play your riff. It'll turn out grand most of the time."
Judging from what I've heard, this has worked so far Anthony, so do yourself a favor and check out his MySpace and if you hear that he's playing, be there. - Anthony's MySpace Music Page Anthony will be opening for Cool Hand Luke's show at Lynn United Methodist on August 7 (see below).
Heart of David Worship Series BRITTANY LEWIS-WILLIAMS accompanied by Thomas Watts,II will present selections of Christian Music ranging from Gospel, Contemporary and Liturgical Arias Sunday, July 26, 2009 6:00pm - 7:00pm GULF BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH 10620-HUTCHISON BLVD Panama City Beach, FL Heart of David Worship Series Facebook Event.
Cool Hand Luke, Save the Ship, Lily White and Anthony Peebles Friday, August 7 6:30 pm Lynn Haven United Methodist Church - 4501 Transmitter Rd. $7 Check their Facebook Event Page for more info.
The Carolinas, Lily White, and The Bookends Live at the Rabbit Hole Friday, August 14 6:00pm - 9:00pm The Rabbit Hole on Harrison Ave. $5 Check their Facebook Event Page for more info.
Ongoing Events
Backstage Pass Concert Series ON CALL BAND (Jazz/R & B) Performs Tonight!! Dark and cool speakeasy atmosphere. Show up early and tour the backstage area. Local bands and you on stage! Friday Nights from July 24th-August 28th 6:30 - 8:00 Marina Civic Center (Stage Entrance at Northeast corner of building) $5 Tickets are available in advance - online at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at Civic Center box office window.
Live in Concert at the Martin Theatre Sundays from now through Sept. 13 The Martin Theatre Green Room 3 - 7 p.m. $2 This week featuring Grant Peeples. Details: 3 to 4 pm is a meet and greet with the artists, at 4 we begin recording the show for WKGC. Come and be a part of the show. 5PM to 7PM is music and more music. Every week Lucky Mudd opens up the the afternoon of music for a different musical guest. For more details visit Emerald Coast Studio.com.
Jazz Jam at the Granite Cafe Every Wednesday The Granite Cafe (on the corner of Beck Ave and 10th St. in St. Andrews) 6 - 10 pm FREE Bring an instrument and a bit of rhythm and join the jam!
YOUTUBE TALENT
* A friend did this, so maybe my objectivity is a bit lacking, but I thought it was hilarious: JT on Drums.
* Stan Gibson keeps a phenomenal blog on just about anything you can imagine-from philosophy to analysis of popular music and television to theological musings and literary criticism. In one of his latest posts listing links and comments on various topics, he linked the following video and had this to say about it,"I am pretty sure that if you looked up the word ‘horrifying’ in the dictionary, this is what you’d find."
Yes, let's all agree not to do a cover like this...ever.
* But If you're bent on co-opting counterculture, you might as well do the source material justice. Justin found a perfect example: Nirvana gets Rick-Rolled.
* The Dallas Brass is no stranger to Panama City, but if you happen to be a stranger to them, definitely give them a look. I attended one of their performances a few years back at the Marina Civic Center in which they managed to hold the attention of a packed house composed of the toughest critics imaginable: middle-schoolers. Perhaps it was Nat McIntosh's demonstration of multiphonics or his rendition of popular hip hop songs on Sousaphone that did the trick (see above). They play musical numbers from just about any style imaginable with stirring technical ability that is shaped by their nuanced musicality. They are big on the education side of things, providing clinics for school band programs, too. - The Official Dallas Brass Web Site - Dallas Brass on Myspace - Dallas Brass on YouTube
* Another bit of brass news: NPR Music had trumpeter Dave Douglas and co. appear for their Tiny Desk Concert Series. If you're unfamiliar with the series, Bob Boilen, host of NPR's All Songs Considered has musicians over to perform live in his office. This week, the staff was wary to have a brass ensemble in the cramped space, but everyone seemed impressed by the show. - Dave Douglas and Brass Ecstasy - Tiny Desk Concert Series Home Page
* Babelgum's ad on Facebook is trying to sell Coldplay's Strawberry Swing Video as Radiohead-like. No offense to the video itself because it is fantastic, and no offense to Coldplay because the song is fine, but Radiohead? Posh... The video is very well done, however, taking sidewalk chalk to a whole new level. Incredibly visualized: Strawberry Swing.
* We sent out an update this week with the following gadget, but in case you missed it, check out the following video/mixer/time waster...thingy. Special thanks to Bob Boilen (again!) of NPR's All Songs Considered for the heads up on this one. - Time Killer in B Flat - All Songs Considered
Welcome to Playground Music's third edition of Weekend Music Links. If you have any favorite blogs, message boards, videos, sites, bands or upcoming events you wish more people knew about, please send them our way. We love to get your feedback!
This week we introduce two new sections dedicated to local talent: Local Artists and Upcoming Music Events. If you are a musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out, drop us a line.
The Carolinas’ first release, Songbook 1: Moonlight or The Ghost, is filled with alternative country gems and indie rock n’ roll anthems. A labor of love that compiles a year worth of songwriting and rehearsing has resulted in an album that is pure, engaging, and poised for a grand reception with energized fans. Songbook 1 features the talents of Lee Baker on the guitar and lead vocals, Casey Morgan playing bass and vocals, and Adam Carter on the drums and vocals. Ben May, a great friend, played guitar on the album and Weston Hine has stepped in to play guitar for the band live. The entire record was tracked live over a two-day span at Branch Studios in Panama City, Florida.
Often compared to famous musicians such as Ryan Adams, Wilco, Kings of Leon, Son Volt, and Tom Petty, the Carolinas are founded on blue-collar work ethic, friendship, and exceptional songwriting. “I can honestly say I’ve never been more proud of any record I’ve ever been a part of,” Lee explains. “Songbook 1 is just four guys in a room playing songs and having a great time, and I think that translates when you listen to the record. You hear the stories, the imperfections, and the beauty of these songs and what they’re about. I hope people really connect with the reality, warmth, and energy of this record.”
Check out their Facebook Page to hear their stuff. They're having a show this weekend, too (see below).
ERIC SCHROTENBOER
Eric released his first solo album in High School, and since then he has released five additional albums and written scores for various motion picture productions.
His most recent work was featured on the feature length documentary The Anatomy of Hate, an official selection at the Boston International Film Festival and the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (samples here).
He's new to Panama City so let's make him feel welcome! Visit his website to learn more about Eric and check out his Facebook Page.
UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS
The Carolinas Saturday July 11th Blender Clothing/Pier Park 2-5pm Free Facebook Event Page
Bay Arts Alliance's Backstage Pass
Bay Arts Alliance is hosting a summer concert series showcasing local talent. The details: Friday Nights July 24-August 28 The Marina Civic Center 6:30 pm $5 Admission Enter through backstage corner on NE side of building For more info visit Bay Arts Alliance or check out the event on Facebook: Backstage Pass.
For drummers and/or fans of The Dark Knight: check out Tom Grosset's The Dark Knight Remix.
LINKS/NEWS
* Not music related, but...today is National Cow Appreciation day at Chik Fil-A, and if you are willing to dress up like a cow, you can get a free meal. So if you're a chicken sandwich addict, pull out a sharpie and some old t-shirts and get over there. WJHG has the whole story on their website.
* Saxophonists and jazz enthusiasts: check out Jeff Rzepiela's Page. He offers free transcriptions and some fantastic online lessons addressing improvisation.
* Local writer Del Stone Jr. has cataloged his own list of worst songs ever at The News Herald. My favorite is #4...
* Some of us (myself included) probably did not even know what an ocarina was until the good folks at Nintendo released a Zelda game that was built around the instrument, but apparently St. Louis has a whole store dedicated to Ocarinas, which has now released the Teacarina: a teacup that doubles as an ocarina. See Take Me Out to the Ballgame performed on said instrument here. Never again will you have to set your Earl Grey down when you have that uncontrollable urge to play the Song of Storms. (Source: NAMM)
Welcome to Playground Music's second edition of Weekend Music Links. If you have any favorite blogs, message boards, videos, or sites you wish more people knew about send them our way. We love to get your feedback!
World's Fastest Guitar Player? - According to the Guinness Book of World Records-Yes. (admittedly not a Youtube link, but still video).
LINKS
If you're interested in forming a band, but don't know where to start check out Band Mix. Functioning like a classifieds or personals page for potential band members, the site could be a useful addition to your networking arsenal.
For trumpeters: Dave Douglas, a composer and famed trumpeter, maintains a blog with entries that span everything from Dave Grohl's latest project to brass happenings and composer news. Check it out at Green Leaf Music.
NEW ALBUMS
We're new to the music review scene, so we'll probably just be linking to other sites for the most part. If you consider yourself an expert on the topic, we'd love to have your input. The CD's this week have been getting some pretty favorable reviews on the whole, so if you have heard any of the below albums and disagree, we'd love to hear your thoughts.
Also, if there are albums you'd liked to see plugged here, let us know ahead of time. You can always visit Billboard to see what albums are being released, or if that list is too long (which it is), you can take a look at Metacritic's List.
Hard Rock Killswitch Engage - Self-Titled (2009) Fans of melodic metalcore should be pleased with KE's fifth album. Reviews on Ultimate Guitar.com are solid. Sonic Dice says that this album is definitely worth taking seriously and gives it a 5 out of 6. Hear their stuff on their MySpace page.
Alternative Rock Wilco - Self-Titled (2009) Wilco's new self-titled album is getting generally favorable reviews according to Metacritic. The consensus seems to be that though the album is not earth-shaking, it has enough in it to keep fans of the genre happy. A chances are, if you haven't heard of Wilco, then you are probably not a fan of the genre, but take a listen just the same at their MySpace page.
Electronic/Eclectic Moby - Wait for Me Moby's latest is also receiving fairly favorable reviews according to Metacritic. Moby says that he wanted to get back to the basics with this album, shooting less for commercial success than for artistic expression, so he recorded the album in his home. You can hear the album and read some of his musings on his website: Moby.com.
Country Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night The Washington Post extols American Saturday Night as being filled, for the most part, with songs that showcase Paisley's stirring delivery that is "full of feeling and fine-tuned to its emotional core." The Dallas News gives the album an A-. For samples and news visit Paisley's Blog.
Pop Rock Rob Thomas - Cradle Song Rolling Stone and the L. A. Times have praised Cradle Song as a surprising success in its attempt to merge various styles and appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners. Mikael Wood of the Times says, "What's surprising about "Cradlesong" is how rarely Thomas' please-'em-all attitude saps his music of its distinctive vitality." Visit Thomas' MySpace page to hear some sample songs.
Greetings, and welcome to Playground Music's first edition of Weekend Music Links. We'll be taking a brief look at what's happening in the world of music.
Just a reminder to our patrons and fans: the Panama City store will be closed the week of June 29-July 4. But remember that our website is always open for business!
Youtube Talent
Admit it-we probably all cave in to those "you gotta' see this" moments in which we try to one-up our friends with our Youtube discoveries. In case you're running low on videos in your Youtube quiver here are a few with some wow factor, all of which will hopefully prompt the instrumentalists among us to get back in the practice room.
In case there was any doubt that "classical" music is here to stay, have you ever listened to any Philip Glass? If you have, you may have found more than a passing resemblance to a prominent band frequented by listeners who are growing tired of Coldplay, but perhaps not quite ready for Radiohead. Listen to Glass' "A Rubric" and then listen to this.
We're definitely not the first ones to notice the similarity: my blank page
It turns out that this band was in fact influenced by Glass' work in the making of two of their albums according to this source.
So, kids, start practicing those arpeggios-they may be useful one day!
New Albums:
Dinosaur Jr. - Farm : While reviewers are giving it passing ratings, The Onion makes it clear that you will have an early nineties flashback, but in a good way. Check their stuff out here
Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings: Ever since the late eighties Dream Theater has been pushing the limits of virtuoso performance. On this, their tenth album, Petrucci, Portnoy and co. balance their technical wizardry with some more approachable metal hooks, but there are still a couple of 10+ minute songs for the guitar heroes out there to geek out to. Check them out here
Regina Spektor - Far : Considerably more approachable than Dream Theater's offering, Spektor's new album is receiving pretty solid, though not stellar, reviews according to Metacritic. Her piano-based tunes are whimsical and relaxing. Her song Laughing With gives you an idea of what to expect.
Developments:
Low Notes - If you like the sound of the cello, but don't relish the thought of toting a cello around, a violinist named Mari Kimura has discovered a way to make deeper sounds on a violin that sound eerily cello-ish (you just have to hear it to believe it).
Kimura discovered these new tones (subharmonics) while practicing an advanced bowing technique. It fascinates me that people are still discovering new tricks on an instrument that is over 400 years old. Visit Kimura's page for more information about this stunning development.
Electricity + Air + a little programming love = Music? - If technological advances are more your speed check out these singing tesla coils also known as Zeusaphones
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