eScala or Scala?

The last of the semi-finalists for Britain's Got Talent.
And for my money I think the best.
I think this band is really, really good.
The only thing I'm not sure of is are they Scala or eScala?
Whichever, enjoy.
Maybe by now they have won it all. Tonight is the night of the final.



Not sure it is just me, but are these two presenters even more annoying than Ryan Seacrest?

Results: George Sampson won it.

Southland Tales and other tunes

A couple of nights ago I watched Southland Tales, I'm still not sure if it was a cult classic or a huge mistake. It was made in 2006.
It is a sci-fi thriller set in the future (2008) which makes it funny watching their take on what they thought Bush would be doing and what he is doing, nothing as usual.
The more I think about it, the more I think I liked it. Despite Bush.

And whatever you think of the movie I thought it gave Dwayne Johnson and Seann William Scott another chance to show they are actors and not characters. Dwayne has always impressed me for his acting, coming from that there "rassling" background.

I do tend to have a taste for weird movies. They don't always have to have a beginning, middle and end for me. If it sets my brain to thinking it is good.
One of the big delights for me was to see Rebekah Del Rio again, she does a really different version of the National Anthem.

Rebekah Del Rio sings the Star Spangled Banner on board Baron Von Westphalen's MegaZeppelin. Officer Ronald Taverner and Martin Kefauver steal an ATM machine. Backing her are The Section Quartet.




The Section Quartet - Sampler Video - '"The Worlds Loudest String Quartet"


The Section Quartet - "Undertow" (Tool cover)
Live at The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA - August 27, 2007.
Recorded by Joshua J. Smelser

Benny Goodman

Today is Benny Goodman's birthday, he would have been 99.
What a wonderful sound he had.
Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz musician, clarinetist and bandleader, known as "King of Swing", "Patriarch of the Clarinet", "The Professor", and "Swing's Senior Statesman".
The styles of music he played and his discography are way too huge to even think about showing, so try Wikipedia as a start and you can progress from there.
But whatever you do give him a listen.
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

Benny Goodman Orchestra "Sing, Sing, Sing" featuring Gene Krupa-Drums, Harry James-Trumpet from "Hollywood Hotel" film (1937)



This clip comes from "The Powers Girl" (1942). The arrangement appears to be the Jimmy Mundy revision Benny commissioned in 1941 of the Mary Lou Williams classic, originally immortalized by BG's '37 band. Decimated by the WWII draft, this transitional ensemble was trashed by critics as one of Goodman's weakest...but six decades later, Benny and the band sound awfully good indeed! Bonus: Watch for George Murphy and Dennis Day. ("The Powers Girl" also gave moviegoers a relatively rare opportunity to see Benny sans specs.)

Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading is an upcoming comedy film, set for a September 12, 2008 release, starring John Malkovich, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt, and made by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film is due to premiere on August 27, 2008 when it will open the 2008 Venice Film Festival.

According to the Coens the plot will focus on the world of the CIA, physical fitness in Washington, D.C., and internet dating. The film is the brothers' first since the Academy Award winning No Country For Old Men and has been described by Tilda Swinton as "...a kind of monster caper movie. All of us are monsters - like, true monsters. It's ridiculous. It's much lighter than 'No Country for Old Men.'"

The title of the film is an allusion to former CIA director Stansfield Turner's book Burn Before Reading: Presidents, CIA Directors, and Secret Intelligence.
[Wikipedia]

This looks like it could be much more fun than No Country for old men, more along the lines of Fargo and the Big Lebowski. Which is fine by me. As much as I enjoyed "No Country" it was a bit dark, I prefer my dark with a bit more light.

Feeling Good - Lyambiko

She performs as Lyambiko.
It's her father's family name. He's from Tanzania.
Her late mother was from East Germany, which is where Lyambiko was born and grew up. Lyambiko's father had studied engineering there.
She grew up in the town of Greitz.
When she was growing up in East Germany she listened secretly to western radio stations. And did covers of songs by, among others, Tracy Chapman, Eric Clapton and Janis Joplin.
She went to Berlin shortly after the wall came down.
The city -- and jazz -- saved her.
Lyambiko discovered Nina Simone there. And Billie Holiday.
And she took her current Afro-centric stage name.
And the rest as they say is history, give her a listen.
A very worthy successor to Nina Simone!!!
I am listening to her new album "Safronia". If you like Nina Simone or other Jazz singers in that arena, try it. You will not be sorry.


The video is not very interesting, but the sound is great.

Britain's Got Talent - semi finals

This week they were running the semi-finals in Britain, and here are some that made it to the finals and some that didn't.
All have pretty good talent anyway.

Andrew Johnston - Tears in Heaven


Kate and Gin - Wonder Dog


Sophie Mei - Belly Dancer





For bookings visit Sophie Mei here. Her official site.

George Sampson - Singing in the rain

More from Britain's got talent 2008.
This kid probably does the ultimate dance you will ever see to "Singing in the Rain".
This version is : Mint Royale Ft. Gene Kelly Remix.

Disco Bear

Here's a bear who can dance better than this Bear.
He's got rhythm.
This is a Grizzly bear vigorously rubbing on a tree regularly used by other bears in Glacier National Park... to the beat of DISCO MUSIC!
Cool! Better than the average bear, boo boo.

Beckham 70 yd empty net goal

Just to prove empty netters are not just for hockey.
David Beckham scored this 70 yard goal against Kansas City Wizards on May 24,2008.
Check out the ESPN article.
That's what you get when you go rush-goalie. I don't know if that is the correct term, but it's what we used to call it as kids when your goal keeper came out to assist the rest of the team.
In case you slept through it Becks plays for the LA Galaxy.

Elbow - Grounds For Divorce

Elbow are an English band from Manchester, who have been active from the late 1990s.
Acclaimed for their innovative sound and frontman Guy Garvey's candid, evocative lyrics, Elbow has received vast critical acclaim and been endorsed by major artists Blur, R.E.M. and U2. The Velvet Underground's co-founder John Cale selected Elbow's "Switching Off" as one of his eight chosen records on the BBC's "Desert Island Discs" radio programme. Commercial success, however, has yet to match Elbow's critical acclaim and status among fans.
Maybe this is the one.
The guys on KFOG keep playing this one, and it really get's into your brain.

Same as it Never was - Herbaliser

As soon as I heard this I thought this is for me. I have been around the net as sameasiteverwas for ever.
So I just had to hear Same as it Never was!!! And boy was I right, really cool sounds.
Check out this video about their new album.
Same as it never was by The Herbaliser.
I cannot recommend the album too highly, go out and get it.

Omnitah

Here is a young lady who was born in Sweden and now resides in Germany, this much I have gleaned from reading her site. The site is in German and my German language skills are nonexistent. So I could be wrong.

From her album "Diary of a Gypsy". The first song is in English, the second in German I believe. But I cannot find a translation of it anywhere. Not to worry her beautiful sound needs no translation. Just enjoy.

I give you the wonder of Omnitah.


Lovable you


A szívem ég

Face Plant for Cheese

Do you remember the Cheese Rolling back in 2007, either way I had to continue the tradition. Here's the 2008 craziness.
Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling 2008 video. Death-defying clips from the 2008 Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake, where every year fearless competitors from around the world tumble down an almost vertical hill in Gloucester, UK, chasing an 8lb Double Gloucester Cheese. It can never really be caught as it reaches breakneck speeds but the first person to cross the line at the bottom of the hill wins the coveted cheese. Thousands of spectators turned up to watch again this year, and there were also a few of the usual injuries. Thankfully St John's Ambulances were on hand to whisk the casualties away to the local hospital. See here to find out more.
You don't have to be crazy to enter, but it helps.

Songs for the Road - David Ford

I have featured David Ford before on this site. Two of his songs are featured on the great Sun Studios web site, Go to Hell and State of the Union. I finally got his album "Songs for the Road' [Thank you Amy] and it is awesome. His lyrics rank up there with early Dylan when he was in political comment mode. I have been playing it incessantly ever since I got it on Friday. One of my favorites is Requiem. So I went looking for some video to add here. And I found these two (and others) which are a live performance from The Shepherds Bush Empire (London) and a political statement video created by a fan.
Check them both out, but more importantly for yourself check out the album.


Requiem - Live at Shepherds Bush Empire


Requiem - a political statement

Accident

Sent via e-mail by a friend. I have to share this with y'all.
This is a recording of some guy's cell phone conversation after he witnessed a fender bender on a Texas road. Passed on to a radio station which is then inundated with requests to repeat it. The accident involves one guy who clips the car of four little old ladies and the ensuing fracas. Including beatings with a purse and a bible.
You have to listen to it here.

I know it's probably not true, it's been around since 2005 or 2006 but it sure is funny.

Leonard Cohen

As if you didn't know Leonard Cohen is on a world tour. He started out in Canada, and a few vids have escaped from his concert in Fredricton on May 11, 2008.

Let's hope there are many more.
And I just can't wait for the USA portion of the tour to be announced.

Please come to San Francisco.

Just a kid with a crazy dream



Who By Fire


Everybody Knows


Hallelujah


Courtesy RansomNoteMusic

Moby

Moby (born Richard Melville Hall, September 11, 1965) is an American DJ, songwriter, musician and singer.
He plays keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and drums. After eight top 40 singles in the UK in the 1990s he released the album Play, in 1999, which sold 9 million copies worldwide. His follow up albums, 18, Hotel, and Last Night sold 6 million copies and have achieved gold and platinum status in over 30 countries.
He has also released music under the names Voodoo Child, Barracuda, Brainstorm, The Brotherhood, DJ Cake, Lopez, Mindstorm, Schaumgummi, and Pork Guys, and as a member of the bands Vatican Commandos, AWOL, Caeli Seoul and Gin Train.

The following two songs for me are two of his best, and they are really close to the blues. Because it is Blues Friday again.

Natural Blues


Honey

Groaning The Blues - Eric Clapton

Arguably one of the greatest guitar players of all time, here Eric is fully at home in his preferred genre. The Blues. Eric plays a fine version of this Otis Rush classic from an the documentary 'Nothin' But The Blues' by Martin Scorsese.
Just unbelievable sounds.

Crazy Horses - John Otway

John Otway plays a cover of Crazy Horses by The Osmonds at Lichfield Guild Hall on 11th April 2008 - accompanying himself on guitar and theremin. This is some seriously wild theremin jamming. I really need a theremin.

Creep

I was never a great fan of this singer, but I really like the song.
This particular version was from a recent concert in California.
Rolling Stone gave it a terrific review, and featured a video. It was removed at the artists request.
Why is this guy so paranoid?
One of my friends in work is a huge fan, and she is trying to convert me.
I am finding some of his stuff to be pretty good, his last album was cool.
I can understand this guys anguish.
Stopping people from downloading your music is one thing, but stopping them from posting their own videos on YouTube. Come on now. Who does he think he is? Disney?
Remember when Disney made a kindergarden paint over a mural of Disney characters?
I don't think he even likes you to use his image, so I didn't.
So watch this, it is not a great video but it has meaning for the folks who were there. It was probably taken with a phone cam.


8-13-2011 Another attempt to keep one afloat. Apparently the article below had some effect.

Update: May 30, 2008 Radiohead on our side.

Firefox 3

Have you tried Firefox 3 yet. It's the only way to surf. So much more than Explorer.
Just start typing in the Location Bar to search your bookmarks and history. It adapts and learns as you use it.
Experience the fastest Firefox ever — twice to three times as fast on today's complex web applications like Google Mail or Zoho Office.
I really like this version.
I liked the graphic when they introduced it as well.
If you have the time, give it a trial run.

Blue Floyd

Blue Floyd are :
Matt Abts - Drums & Percussion (drums with Gov't Mule & Dickey Betts)
Marc Ford - Guitar & Vocals (guitar with The Black Crowes)
Johnny Neel - Keyboards, Harp & Vocals (keyboards with The Allman Bros.)
Berry Oakley, Jr - Bass & Vocals (bass & vocals with Robby Krieger, Bloodline)
Allen Woody - Bass, Mandolin, 12-String, Steel Guitar & Vocals (bass with Gov’t Mule & Allman Bros. Band)

Through the crucible of a pioneering, improvisational/blues collaboration by an eclectic mix of acclaimed, contemporary musicians - Blue Floyd endeavors to deconstruct the classic compositions of the legendary Pink Floyd, into their primal, elemental form. As much an homage to the influence of Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters as a re-discovery of both Floyd classics and rarities, Blue Floyd plays iconoclastically familiar songs, heard again as if for the first time.
Look out for their new album "Begins" which features the original line-up of: Allen Woody, Matt Abts, Marc Ford, Johnny Neel and Berry Oakley.


Speak To Me/Breathe In The Air


Drum Solo


Live at The Norva, Norfolk, Va

Llorando

While working on the previous post and finding the David Lynch inspired clip it got me to thinking.

One of my favorite, but challenging, directors is David Lynch.

I also like how he features songs from the great Roy Orbison.



Take for instance this clip from Mulholland Drive where the chanteuse sings Crying in Portuguese.





Llorando - Rebekah Del Río


And check out Dean Stockwell and Dennis Hopper in Blue Velvet


Even the trailer for Blue Velvet featured In Dreams and not Blue Velvet.


Just to wrap it up here is "The Art of David Lynch" a short movie, or is it?
And of course Roy's music makes an appearance.

Lisa Gerrard

Lisa Gerrard is an Australian musician, singer and composer.
Gerrard is best known for her deep, haunting contralto voice. Her career began in 1981 and she has been involved in a wide range of projects. Gerrard received a Golden Globe award and an Academy Award nomination for the score for the 2000 film Gladiator on which she collaborated with Hans Zimmer. She also sings and is an instrumentalist for much of her work, most prolifically using the Yangqin (a Chinese hammered dulcimer).
Born April 12, 1961 in Melbourne, Lisa Gerrard grew up in the multi-ethnic suburb of Prahran with her Irish immigrant parents, where she was exposed to Greek, Turkish, Italian, Irish and Arabic cultures. Her upbringing in this diverse suburb had a large influence on her music, particularly on later Dead Can Dance albums and in her solo and collaborative work.

Lisa Gerrard was/is one half of Dead Can Dance (with Brendan Perry). She has an amazing voice, which has been added to many movie soundtracks (Gladiator, Whale Rider, etc) and has various solo and collaborative albums released.
One of the many joys of LastFM is the fact that you acquire friends who recommend singers, bands and songs to you.
I have to send out a big thank you to Susana for the tip that led me to seek out Lisa Gerrard. What a wonderful voice.
Lisa has obviously been around a while, Dead Can Dance were formed in 1981. But although I know I have heard her stuff before, I've seen a lot of the movies she scored, it has taken until now to tie the sound to the name.

Here are a few samples

David Lynch Inland Empire short (Vespers)
Video montage, images from the movie, song by Lisa Gerrard & Patrick Cassidy.

And of course David Lynch adds that extra slice of coolness.

Sanvean (I am your shadow)
From the album: The Mirror Pool


Sacrifice with Pieter Bourke
The awesome power of her voice, amazing!


The Wind That Shakes The Barley - Dead Can Dance

Carrie Rodriguez

Thanks to a friend at LastFM, wendell3, I found out about Carrie Rodriguez.
When you have a beautiful young lady with a fine voice and awesome violin skills how can you go wrong.
Carrie Luz Rodriguez (born 1978) is an American singer-songwriter and the daughter of Texan singer-songwriter David Rodriguez. She was discovered by Chip Taylor at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, in 2001, and he invited her to perform with him in Europe. They teamed up to record 2002's Let's Leave This Town. The pair released The Trouble With Humans the following year and the critically acclaimed Red Dog Tracks in 2005.

Carrie Rodriguez released her debut solo album, Seven Angels on a Bicycle, on August 15, 2006.
If you would like to hear aforementioned Seven Angels on a Bicycle listen to it, and other songs, here at LastFM.

Midnight on the Water, Say Little Darlin'


Waterbound


Wild Thing - with Chip Taylor
Performance of Chip's 60's hit song - WILD THING - at the Louisiana Musicians Hurricane Benefit concert.
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet November 13, 2005



Angel of the Morning - with Chip Taylor
Another of Chip's song's probably from the same concert as above.


Chip Taylor (born January 1, 1940 in New York City) is the stage name of American songwriter James Wesley Voight noted for writing the song, Wild Thing. Taylor's brothers are the actor, Jon Voight, and the geologist, Barry Voight. He is the uncle of actors Angelina Jolie and James Haven.

The gentle art of flip flopping

A "flip-flop" (used mostly in the United States) or a U-turn (used in the United Kingdom) is a sudden real or apparent change of policy or opinion, while trying to claim that both positions are consistent with each other. Usually it will occur during the period prior to an election in order to maximize the candidate's popularity.
The charge was originally used to attack politicians for making contradictory election policies, while denying the self-contradiction.
Example 1: "Candidate A, after finding out that weapons of mass destruction won't likely be found in Iraq, flip-flopped to keep Candidate B from using his previous stance against him."
Example 2: "During his previous campaign, Candidate B promised to regulate the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as a pollutant, but declined to do so after taking office. Candidate A could now cite this as a flip-flop."
The charge has more recently been used to attack politicians and in some cases other public figures for any change of policy for any reason whatsoever, including new information becoming available or a change in circumstances. Such changes in policy are considered evidence of a lack of political conviction.
Example 3: "C opposed the treaty on greenhouse gas emissions but has since changed his mind". An opponent of C might describe this as a 'flip-flop' while C might claim that both positions were based on his interpretation of evidence at the time.

Maybe it's time for standardized testing.

This video would appear to be the definition of either "flip flopper" or "dumbass", your choice.

The Day there was no News

If only this was true, wouldn't this be a great thing? Nothing happening.
A true case of no news is good news. Just imagine how peaceful it would be.
This amazing clip from Pixelsurgeon is so calm and serene, a wonderful job.

Fcuk Planet Earth

This is an enhanced version of the BBC's Planet Earth series. Someone, Max Goldberg I assume, has translated the animal sounds into everyday English.
If adult language or humor offends you please pass on to the next subject.
But if you want a good laugh, check it out.

Kalinka

"Kalinka" (Russian: Калинка) might be the best-known Russian song of all time. It has been mistaken as being a genuine folksong, but was actually written in 1860 by the composer and folklorist Ivan Petrovich Larionov 1830-1889 and first performed in Saratov as part of a theatrical entertainment that he had composed. Soon it was added to the repertory of a folk choral group, and the rest is history.
The song celebrates a snowball tree, with a speedy tempo and lighthearted lyrics. Singers and dancers many a time get into a frenzied celebration of song and dance while performing this song. The actual content of the song cannot be translated, as it possesses many Russian expressions and words that can hold a double meaning and have no equivalent in other languages.
In 2003, Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea FC. Since then, Kalinka has been associated with the London based Football Club and is often played before or after important matches, including the Champions League clashes with FC Barcelona and the Carling Cup final.
So for your enjoyment today here's a few versions.


Three beautiful violin players


Yamboo


Moskova
Photos from Moscow, I believe this is the original Red Army Choir recording.


Red Army Choir
This is the straight choir only, click here to see them with The Leningrad Cowboys.


And finally......
Chelsea 2 - Arsenal 1, Carling Cup Final 25th Feb 2007 (anybody who beats Arsenal is OK in my book, kinda like anyone who beats the Yankees).

Japanese version The Office

This from SNL on 17 May, 2008. Ricky Gervais shows his true feelings about the American version of The Office and also explains where he got his inspiration from.
Very Funny.

The Last Shadow Puppets

Domino announced the release of the debut single by The Last Shadow Puppets, entitled 'The Age Of The Understatement', on Monday the 14th of April 2008. The album, of the same name, was to follow a week later on the 21st of April. (May 6th in North America).
'The Age Of The Understatement' is a wide-screen, bold and brilliant introduction to the band. The Last Shadow Puppets are Alex Turner (from Arctic Monkeys) and Miles Kane (from The Rascals). Firm friends ever since Arctic Monkeys toured with Kane's previous group, The Little Flames, the pair were so inspired by listening to the likes of Scott Walker, early Bowie and David Axelrod, that they hatched a plan. The result is 'The Age Of The Understatement'.
The single features exclusive b-sides, including the band's 'Two Hearts In Two Weeks' and interpretations of David Bowie's 'In The Heat Of The Morning' and Billy Fury's 'Wondrous Place'.
'The Age Of The Understatement' will be available on CD (RUG288CD), 2 x 7's (RUG288 & 228X) and via digital download (RUG288D). The digital single will be available from the 7th of April.

Interesting marketing concept. Nice single. Give it a listen.

Gogol Bordello

Gogol Bordello is a multi-ethnic Gypsy punk band from the Lower East Side of New York City that formed in 1999 and is known for its theatrical stage shows. Much of the band's sound is inspired by Gypsy music, as its core members are immigrants from Eastern Europe. The band incorporates minor-key accordion and fiddle (and on some albums, saxophone) mixed with cabaret, punk, and dub as well as multiple languages. Phill Jupitus has described the band as "a bit like The Clash and The Pogues having a fight... in Eastern Europe," while Kenneth Partridge of The Hartford Courant described lead singer Eugene Hütz's voice as "somewhere between that of Borat and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog"
Nikolai Gogol, the band's namesake, was an ideological influence because he "smuggled" Ukrainian culture into Russian society, which Gogol Bordello intends to do with Gypsy/East-European music in the English-speaking world. "Bordello" refers to a brothel or a "gentleman's club". The band was originally titled Hütz and the Béla Bartóks, but Eugene Hütz says that they decided to change the name because "nobody knows who the hell Béla Bartók is in the United States"
If you haven't heard them you are missing something unique. Give them a listen.


Supertheory of Supereverything


Start wearing purple


Wonderlust King

The GOP Illogical Song

If you think the 'C' average Yale White House occupant, and the Harvard educated lawyer with a faulty memory suck, what makes you think Mr. 894 out of 899 in his graduating class is going to be any better? From HeadonRadioNetwork.
Does anyone with a brain really believe their is a difference between Bush and McCain other than age and accent? And what a great use of a fine song.
Check out Americas Liberal Voice.

Wicked Game - Chris Isaak

I think everybody I've ever talked to regarding this video all agreed that it is the sexiest music video of all time. It is not blatantly over the top. It is only slightly risque. No boobs, else it wouldn't still be on YouTube. A tremendous song, with great lyrics. Sung by a great singer. And I gotta believe Chris enjoyed making the video. Can you believe it is almost twenty years old?



The music video of the song was directed by Herb Ritts and featured top model Helena Christensen rolling on the beach with Isaak. It was shot in black and white. Both Christensen and Isaak were topless through most of the video, although clever camera angles concealed any actual nudity. Viewers still reacted to Christensen's sexually suggestive performance, and the video was later featured on MTV's Sexiest Video of All-Time countdown. The video won the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Male Video, Best Cinematography and Best Video from a Film. A previous version of the video was commissioned for the Wild at Heart soundtrack, and was directed by David Lynch.

The video was ranked #13 on VH1's 100 Greatest Videos and was also ranked #4 on VH1's 50 Sexiest Video Moments. The video was ranked #73 on Rolling Stone magazine's "The 100 Top Music Videos".

I still disagree with their number 4, it is number one in my book.

Empty vessels make the most noise

Kevin James is a numbnuts!
Is he even capable of reading Richard Clarks book?
I'm thinking they didn't teach history too much at the University of Oklahoma or the University of Houston.
Or he partied away his time there.
Partying gives one a loud voice, you have to be heard over the noise.
Is it possible he has never seen the "Peace in our time" speech as Chamberlain stepped of the plane?
I would have thought that everyone in the civilised world has seen that at one time in their lives.
I also wonder if Bush has a clue about what he said, and if he could have answered the same question.

Chris Matthews needs a mute button.

David Ford - State of the Union

Another great performance from the Sun Studio Sessions. David Ford sings "State of the Union" and explains how he recorded it. As entertaining as his explanation is make sure to listen to the lyrics of this song. And if your name is Bush, listen to them twice. Check out his Go to Hell also. I am really digging this guy.

Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel, CGP (born 31 May 1955) is an Australian guitarist, best known for his fingerpicking style and energetic performances.
Tommy was born in the Upper Hunter in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. He received his guitar in 1959 at the age of 4 - being taught by his mother to accompany her playing lap steel guitar. At the age of 7 he heard Chet Atkins on the radio. He vividly remembers this moment and says it greatly inspired him.
By the late 1970s, he was playing drums with his brother Phil in the group Goldrush as well as doing session work on countless albums and jingles. During the early 1980s, he joined the reformed lineup of leading '70s rock group Dragon, touring widely with them, including a 1987 tour with Tina Turner. He left the group to embark on a solo career.
Throughout his career he has played with many notable artists including Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Air Supply, and John Denver.

Whoever he's with, whatever he's playing, man this guy can pick.

Tall Fiddler live at Soria Moria in Norway 16. november 2006.


The Robin on KBS1(TV Channel in Korea) before his concert in Korea.


Acoustic version of Golliwogg's Cakewalk.


Heartbreak Hotel

Thundercrack - Bruce Springsteen

This 1973 video of Bruce and The E Street Band in a great live version of Thundercrack.
Dunno where stoneponyclub found it, but he deserves a round of thanks from all Bruce fans.
Bruce in his early days was very cool.

Battle of Evermore

April 25 2008 New Orleans Jazz Festival Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin with Alison Krauss The Battle of Evermore Live! Awesome show! Yes i know the camera moves a little too much but i was up front with a lot of people. [ wrote sharktooth5000 ]
I would have loved to have been there.
With concerts like this who needs a Led Zep reunion tour?
I still believe their album was one of the best of last year.
I mean of course Raising Sand.

Mindi Abair

Mindi Abair (born May 31, 1969) is an American smooth jazz saxophonist with a strong Top-40 pop music background.
In 2003, Abair decided to give jazz a try, and the move proved to be successful. Often billed as "the second coming of Candy Dulfer," she scored big hits like "Lucy's," "Flirt," and "Save the Last Dance" (which takes its name from the Julia Stiles-Sean Patrick Thomas movie). Mindi also sings occasionally, as evidenced by her vocal cover version of the Eagle-Eye Cherry hit "Save Tonight" on her debut album. In 2006, she released the single "True Blue".
Abair also plays the flute and keyboard, and she is the host of the syndicated radio program Chill with Mindi Abair, which focuses on chill out music. She took over hosting duties for the show, then known as Chill with Chris Botti, from previous host Chris Botti in 2007.
The sound is so cool, this is one talented lady.
So enjoy the cool sounds on a hot evening. 99 degrees currently here in Fremont.

Come As You Are
This is a music video that was shot when Mindi Abair was opening for Josh Groban on his sold out American tour. It's from her #1 hit "Come As You Are".

Updated for the usual reasons 7-12-2012 - Bear
Do You Miss Me
"Do You Miss Me" video by Mindi Abair from the album "Life Less Ordinary"


Everytime
Mindi performs "Every Time" for Panasonic for use in their worldwide HD marketing campaign. Really nice sounds and a great video.

Another update 7-12-2012 - Bear

My Morning Jacket - I'm Amazed

Music Video of My Morning Jacket's new single "I'm Amazed" from their upcoming album Evil Urges which is being released June 10th 2008.
Way different from Wordless Chorus.
But enjoyable just the same.

The Bourne Conspiracy Paul Oakenfold and Cee-Lo

Get two great artists together and what do you have? An event!!!
Two world-class artists, Paul Oakenfold and Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley, have collaborated to create a music video for Sierra Entertainment's major June release, The Bourne Conspiracy. The "Falling" music video blends Oakenfold's performance from the "Bourne Sessions" concert event, which featured members of the Florida Classical Symphony along with Cee-Lo, with cinematic footage from the game. As part of the "Bourne Sessions" set, Oakenfold also created a "Bourne Medley" that mashed up songs he composed from the Bourne Conspiracy soundtrack. To produce the performance, Sierra engaged The Den of Thieves, the legendary production company responsible for the MTV Video Music Awards, which resulted in a music event unlike any approach in video game history. So sit back and enjoy.
Falling

Amy LaVere - If Love Was A Train

I love these Sun Studio Sessions, and this one with Amy LaVere really rocks. Great song by Michelle Shocked. Amy LaVere is an American singer, songwriter, upright bass player and actress. Her music is classified as Americana, combining a blend of classic country, gypsy jazz, and southern soul. She has released two albums on Memphis label Archer Records, and has multiple acting credits in major motion pictures.



Sadly the Sun Session disappeared.  So here is a live version from the Basement.
Updated 7-21-2011

Faryl Smith

Britain's still go talent. Give a listen to 12 year old Faryl Smith with her amazing version of Ave Maria.
Simon Cowell thinks Faryl Smith could win Britain's Got Talent.
He was so impressed with Faryl that he has arranged special singing lessons to help her prepare for the semi-finals.
She has been hooked up with X Factor singing coach Yvie Burnett.
Faryl told The Sun: "After my audition the producers rang and said Simon said it would be great if I could get even better.
"I've been to her twice. She's really nice."
Faryl has also received tips from Katherine Jenkins in the past.
She won a singing competition in Wales two years ago. [MyPark]

We'll do it live

Some people get very upset over little problems. Boy is Bill steamed.
I saw this last night on Keith Olbermann's Countdown. And you know it is so good there has to be as many links to is as possible. Everyone in the world need to see this.
This is Fox at it's finest. I mean who knew? Bill had hair.

Bo Diddley

Here's some great music for the weekend.
Bo Diddley broke new ground in rock and roll's formative years with his unique guitar work, indelible African rhythms, inventive songwriting, and larger-than-life persona. He will forever be known for popularizing one of the foundational rhythms of rock and roll: the Bo Diddley beat. He employed it in his namesake song, "Bo Diddley," as well as other primal rockers like "Mona." This distinctive, African-based 5/4 rhythm pattern (which goes bomp-bomp-bomp bomp-bomp) was picked up from Diddley by other artists and has been a distinctive and recurring element in rock and roll through the decades.

Unknown


New York


London 1972


Filmore (with Tom Petty)

Screamin Jay Hawkins

Jalacy Hawkins, best known as Screamin' Jay Hawkins (July 18, 1929 – February 12, 2000) was an African-American singer.
Famed chiefly for his powerful, operatic vocal delivery & wildly theatrical performances of songs such as "I Put a Spell on You" and "Constipation Blues," Hawkins sometimes used macabre props onstage, making him perhaps the first shock rocker.
I vividly remember buying "I put a spell on you" the 45 back in the late 50's and wearing the hell out of it, because it was constantly on the turntable. I think we also wore out a couple of copies down at the local juke joint (corner cafe).

Here are some concert clips from 1990 or thereabouts. First up his all time classic.

I Put A Spell on You



Just to prove what a great baritone voice he has listen here as he slows down the tempo and gives a gentle rendition of the Paul Robson classic.

Old Man River



And finally a real treat, a duet with Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Serge Gainsbourg on another of Jay's hits.

The Constipation Blues



03.21.2012 - Updated due to missing "Constipated Blues".
Added Bear Rating.

                                                    5 Bears

Fly me to the moon

Everybody wants to go to the moon. So here's your chance.
Well at least send your name to the moon.

Sign up to send your name to the moon. Names will be collected and placed onboard the LRO spacecraft for its historic mission bringing NASA back to the moon. You will also receive a certificate showcasing your support of the mission.

The deadline is June 27, 2008 for the submission of names. LRO's objectives are to find safe landing sites, locate potential resources, characterize the radiation environment, and demonstrate new technology.