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Muxtape update

Posted on by dots and spaces

Almost as soon as I posted about the wonders of muxtape, a note appeared on the site saying that it had closed down due to problems with the RIAA Recording Industry Association of America which acts to prevent piracy and copyright theft. Although the note promised users that it would get sorted out and that it would return, my rss feed has been flagging an error sign since.

I checked the other day though, and there's some good news and bad news. read it here. Its interesting, saying that negotiations have been taking place for some time, and that deals were in the off about licensing with the major record labels. Everything seemed to be going well, but then the RIAA intervened, and the site went down, making it harder to get finance, and harder to work. It sounds like Muxtape's Justin was going to meeting after meeting, being bullied by big business who stumbled around, not knowing whether to take him to court or hire him. Of course they recognized the importance of muxtape, and what a great site it was, but they couldn't help themselves, trying to ramp up the marketing, change the way it worked, **** with it, basically.

So, to end this sorry tale, Justin pulled out, walked away. You have to admire him, with great integrity he reminded himself why he set it up in the first place, because he loves music and loves listening to new music. Hang on, the good news is that Muxtape will be back, but in a different guise. It will belong to bands, who can load up their muxes, promote themselves with a page and some pictures, and use it to get out there.

I'm sure the Pirate will help out with a tape. Muxtape is dead, long live Muxtape.

Walk it off

Posted on by dots and spaces

I like this little video that's appeared on The Breeders website – here's the deal – you click the different views (1-4) and you sort of cut your own version. This is the first time I've seen this sort of idea and it is very clever. In fact it's just another example of some new video forms that are floating around the web. At the moment there seems to be some subtle evolutions to the ways we watch moving image on the web. I'm enjoying long photos on flickr – there are some amazing pieces. If you see something you like, tell me about it. (comments are open)

muxtape

Posted on by dots and spaces

Muxtape

Remember those super mix tapes that we all made when we were holed up in our bedrooms all those years ago? I use to record the top 40 but it drove me crazy that you tried to press pause before the dj interrupted the song. There were some seminal tapes growing up – I had a tape that Pete did which had all this rockabilly stuff on it, Guana Batz, Long Tall Texans, Batmobile etc.. then the tape that had a few early pixies songs that I still have now, and then there's this ancient tape with loads of stuff I still haven't figured out who's on the damn thing, just remember now that there is that Elvis song – guitar man, that's great.

Well, there's a web equivalent of everything isn't there – so head over and have a listen to my muxtape and see what you think. I just love the simplicity of this site, its quickly replacing last.fm as my way of streaming music when I work from home, so many surprises to be had. I like that you can update it and that there's even a rss feed to keep you updated with new tracks from your favourite muxtapes.

 

Noir

Posted on by dots and spaces

Noir

We had a great time at SFA, a stripped down version of their usual crazy set. Gruff explained that the horn section, percussionist and backing singers had been kidnapped en route. Fair enough, it meant new versions of old favourites, the opportunity for a little refresh and the chance to see how beautiful these tunes can be.

I have to say it was a particular thrill to see Jim Noir in the support slot, presenting some new songs with a new band. I’ve heard a few negative comments about his old one, that they didn’t particularly give him the chance to front up and display his own light and breezy personality. This set up seems to give him a bit more freedom and you can see it reflected in the new songs such as "Alright", which you can listen to on Jim’s myspace page.

I’ve had a fondness for le noir for a while now since my friend Steve directed his "A Quiet Man" video. By the way, please check out Steve’s site, full of the wonderful movies he’s been making since film school. A talented man I’m sure you’ll agree, with many good things in the pipeline. Be sure to check out "A Heap of Trouble" my personal favourite.

in rainbows

Posted on by dots and spaces

Inrainbows

I know of course that two days after the release of this radiohead album I must be the last person posting about it. There were even "live" reviews written as the writer listened for the first time. Well, this release certainly got everyone’s attention. Just to recap – this is the seventh studio album and is now available for download, and you decide the price, that’s right – anything you want between zero and £100. I opted for £4+45p download charge which I think is about right and what I’ve heard is the average price. There’s talk of a January release on CD and I imagine I’ll probably buy it then too, I’m a sucker for nice packaging. If you’re really into this, then there’s also a £40 option, which is a box set with booklet, vinyl editions and extra tracks. This is a little too steep for me.

So, to the music itself – first off, it’s fun and it sounds like the band are enjoying themselves. For the first time since OK Computer it feels like the band are reunited in the same room. Kid A and Amnesiac feel like members are working on their own little bits and Nigel Godrich is bringing it all together. Hail to the Thief had a little more togetherness, but not as much as here. For Radiohead, its life-affirming and positive, reminding me a little of Four-tet’s "Everything Ecstatic" – a joyous and playful record that remains experimental and challenging. Radiohead seem to have rediscovered the simple joy that is making music, and its a treat.

I’ve heard grumbles that the website wasn’t working and that the quality of the downloads is a bit poor, but to be honest, it was one of the easiest ways to get a record I’ve ever had. I think three clicks and I was away having a listen. On a final note, I made some little covers, mostly so that I can find it on the new, wonderful ipod touch that arrived from New York via my wonderful parents a couple of weeks ago. The wi-fi capabilities are amazing, and sites like Youtube, Facebook and Itunes have their own small screen versions which in someways out do the actual sites.

 

bestival

Posted on by dots and spaces

Bestival

Had a great time at bestival. its one of the smaller "boutique" festivals in the UK, although at times it felt just as crowded as any other festival, especially in the main stage area – 30,000 people are still, quite a crowd. The bands ranged from good to dull, I’m afraid The Go Team! and The Chemical Brothers just didn’t float my boat, instead I sought out Electrelane, who just played one of the best sets I heard over the whole weekend. I think, at a place like Bestival, you can find a few gems.

I should also mention that I had a good time at The Loungs and watching Bat for Lashes on a cool, relaxed sunday morning. On saturday night, The Beastie Boys claimed the "Isle of Mike" as their own, with some big tunes for us, Intergalactic, Sure Shot, Pass the Mic and some tunes for them from their new instrumental album.

I had a few grumbles, like the sheer amount of litter, which was a bit depressing – I mean, isn’t this suppose to be the eco-conscious set? and people, please – don’t take babies to festivals. I saw one little mite scared witless as the drums started up on the main stage – they don’t get anything out of it, its just cruel.

Saturday’s fancy dress was amazing, the theme was Kings, Queens and Pirates – and there were some great costumes, giving the whole place a slightly surreal air – check out some of the pics at flickr – enjoy.

Apart from that, I should mention that I was there as part of a stag-do, with my friend Jim wearing various humiliating costumes. I met a lovely bunch of fellas, we hung out, ate, drank, listened to music, slept in tents…almost perfect. In fact, then tent wasn’t bad, just the fact that we were three feet from a spotlight that was so powerful, it actually got darker as at sunrise.

Super Furry Animals – Hey Venus!

Posted on by dots and spaces

Only around ten days to go until the release of the new SFA record Hey Venus! – the single Show your hand is already available from record shops and download. But really you’re missing out if you only download it. You’ll be missing out on gorgeous cover art from Keiichi Tanaami who is the first person not called Pete Fowler to do some artwork for them.

I know that hardcore fans will be a little disappointed, but from early reports, its a good move as the album is a little gentler and homely than recent releases, signifying a slight chance of pace and a show of maturity. I don’t know much about Mr Tanaami, but I hear he’s a cult figure in Japan, where his art is much admired.

The furries sent him a letter, saying they were fans and wondered whether he might be able to help them. Apparently he neither spoke to them or heard them, and the project was veiled with secrecy, surreptitious emails and messages. There’s a little more about this enigmatic artist in this clip from Japanarama with Jonathan Ross. Also check out the SFA site for downloads, widgets, more artwork and latest news. I can’t wait.

I also just wanted to say, that when all is said and done, for every cool new band I hear on the radio, Super Furry Animals are my favourite band in the world – and they always will be.

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