I hadn’t felt like I had anything to blog about the last few months. In my last post I asked for new music recommendations and Steve (Teenage Rock Opera) kindly referred me to Mayer Hawthorne.
What does he sound like? Ultra-smooth vocals and sweet melodies in posh soul trimmings. Yeah, think Motown, but I’d get even more detailed and say he’s somewhere between the 60’s hook-laden sounds and the more mature 70’s soul. Hawethorne is solid listening. Check him out via WXPN’s World Cafe.
I’m so overwhelmed with interviews & job hunting that I barely have been listening to music the last few weeks. Plus, my computer is maxed out – I can’t stream while I’m filling out apps or doing research. Bottomline: I could use some of your recommendations!
Speech Debelle has been awarded the Mercury Prize. Wouldn’t have guessed she’d have won, but the pattern of winners seems to go back and forth between more well-known artists and little-known artists. Here’s a track to see what she’s all about:
This reminds me how frustrating it was at my last job – the powers that be who rated our music library rated Underworld’s hit, “Born Slippy” as a 2/5. Whether or not you like the song, I think most folks I know would say that when you consider popularity in this genre (which is what the scale was suppose to represent) it would be a 4 if not 5.
This was a perfect example of how skewed the music library became. So glad that’s not my problem anymore.
Let’s get right to business – who should Idol execs choose to take Paula’s place? I personally like the process of 3 judges rather than 4 and think the “guest judge” plan sucked. But they’ve already signed last years’ rookie judge, Kara DioGuardi, for another season. (She probably didn’t get negative numbers from focus groups.)
So here are my suggestions:
1) Kay Hanley
Kay’s seen it all; fame with a spunky 90s band and writing poppy music for kids.
2) Anastacia
More contemporary, perhaps? Anastacia was actually a finalist in a TV talent contest (MTV’s The Cut).
3) Shirley Manson
Opinionated, talented and has a cool accent. She couldn’t hurt the ratings.
All three of these ladies would offer constructive criticism since they’ve been in the trenches of the music scene. Each one is talented, full of personality and has a unique personal style – all points the judges like to drive home on American Idol.
Been on this mailing list a short while and listening to this new online music offering, Goom Radio. Currently checking out The Tastemaker station. A few things that make Goom a little different: in studio appearances; DJs; ability to create your own content. The Temper Trap will be in the studio this week (7/30) on The Tastemaker.
Obviously there aren’t tons of stations at this point, but they are in ‘Alpha’ mode. I will be keeping an eye on these guys as they look to be doing some things to stand out from the crowd. Will keep you posted and if you want to check them out now, go here.
You’ve probably heard me mention Bryan Head before – one of my favorite drummers. Saw him play with Black Lab in ‘96 or ‘97 and he was unbelievable. He’s a true journeyman. I wish I could keep better track because regardless who he’s playing for he alone is worth the ticket.
Found him on YouTube this week. And here is a short video of him having fun with surf guitar king, Dick Dale :
Do you remember earlier this year the phone number made famous by the Tommy Tutone song was up for auction? There was some press about it and supposedly it sold for over $250,000. The story didn’t end there.
The deal fell through and nothing happened until the owner contacted a chain fitness group. What’s the connection? The chain is called Retro Fitness whose concept targets Gen-Xers with an 80s theme-based fitness facility. Based mainly on the East Coast they have plans to expand.
As they do so this Fall you may just catch adverts in your area using the song along with voiceovers by former MTV veejay Martha Quinn, according to Billboard. The gym features lower monthly prices and perks such as watching 80s movies while you work out. Sounds totally tubular.
Opinionated, talented and has a cool accent. She couldn’t hurt the ratings. 
