This week, how about some videos of vinyl goodness? A while back I posted a great link to how vinyl records are made; seems lots of other folks are also eager to share some analog-centric YouTube videos for your viewing pleasure. So feast your eyes on some of the better ones I've found so far:
Remember Paul Mawhinney, owner of "The World's Greatest Music Collection?" I blogged about his massive collection when it was for sale on eBay. Fortunately for you, Mr. Moneybags, Mr. Mawhinney's musical treasure trove is still up for grabs, at least according to his website; so check out this video if you wanna see what his collection is all about:
Those of you in the vinyl know are no doubt already familiar with Stan Ricker, analog mastering engineer. If you don't know the name, no worries: just know that Mr. Ricker is basically known as the almighty deity of record mastering, and I'll bet all yooze vinylphiles out there have at least a handful of records mastered by Stan The Man. Here's Mr. Ricker himself talking about how records are cut and how Blue Note did it straight to two-track back in the day:
Also, check out this super-steezy video of the United Record Pressing Plant--some great insight into the world of record manufacturing. There's even some vintage footage on how records and sound systems work, to boot!
Alright fellow audiophiles...If you've been following this year’s
presidential race, then you know that it has been a long and heated debate. Was
it going to be Hilary Clinton, or Barack Obama that clinched the democratic
nomination? Now that Barack is in the pilot’s seat, will it be Barack, or John
McCain? Obama seems to be edging ahead in the polls, but with 2 weeks and some
change left, what will McCain be pulling out of his senatorial sleeves? Well I
say that instead of politics as usual, we should spice it up a bit this time
around. I thought of a few candidates that I was thinking of adding to my
personal short list of presidents and I figured I would share them with the
people.
Vote Penguin 08! This constant thorn in the caped crusaders side is outwardly
against mud slinging in his campaign, always is "in the company of the
law", and last, but certainly not least, wears a monocle. If you ask me
nothing says "distinguishable leader of one of the greatest nations on the
planet" better then a good old fashioned monocle.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely? Why not ask our good friend Skeletor
what he thinks about that? Something tells me that he may just have the edge
that it takes to get people excited about the political process again. And
well...If for some reason you feel that he doesn't have what it takes, no big
deal. He will simply don a weird, jagged suit made of pure gold and zap you
with bolts of energy from his eyes until you see things his way. My way or the
highway, eh old skelly?
Ever have trouble getting out of bed before noon on the weekends? Bathing
every morning a bit of a challenge for you? Do you find it slightly overkill to
put on fresh clothes each and every day? Does the thought of our next commander
in chief writing his speeches with 3-4 White Russians in his belly instill
confidence in you? Then you my friend need to be voting for The Dude in 2008!
I think he may just have my vote. If the average American's life equaled the comparison of driving a car in the fast lane, then the Dude's life would mean you didn't even own a car. And maybe we need that? I could see living by the code of The Dude for
the next 8 years or so.
I say unless it's enough to get the Dude riled up, then it's not worthy of my time. That could work well because in all reality, the Dude
never really gets riled up about anything. Of course on the flip side the economy would tank, the population would drop dramatically, and the United States would most likely cease to be a heard as a voice to the rest of the world. But, that's just like, my
opinion man...
Much to Hillary's chagrin, another close contender that I may write in when
it's ballot time is the Log Lady. Remember her? From that lovable early 90's
suspense-laden drama Twin Peaks? Her pseudo-philosophical speeches may be just
what we need to hear as answers to the hard hitting questions...Or not. Can you
imagine the American public’s reaction to hearing any of these responses to
questions about the economy? Health care? Education?
She's so off the wall, that it may be just crazy enough to work...And even if
it didn't, what a show it would be. I would watch an Obama/McCain/Log Lady
debate with a new found passion and interest for politics that I haven't had in
years. To dig deeper which party would she affiliate herself with? Something
tells me she would be checking the "other" box when registering to
vote herself...
That's all that I've got for now, but who knows? The presidential election isn't for a few weeks so anything could happen really. If anybody is interested in campaigning for any of the above potential candidates let me know. I have a paypal account started and am accepting cash donations towards the cause.
Good news from the Blu ray front: After some initial delays, LG's BD300 Blu ray/Netflix player is now available at a street price of only $399. Featuring 1080p via HDMI 1.3, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, upscaling to 1080p for standard DVDs, and BD Live, the BD300 is the first Blu ray spinner to include Netflix' instant streaming feature. Perfect timing, since Netflix also recently announced a partnership with the Starz network that will grant them access to over 2,500, recently-released streaming movies. With a total of more than 14,000 newer and legacy titles now available for instant viewing, this should prove to be a very popular feature of the BD300.
Need a good corner mount solution for your nifty new flat panel HDTV? Try something from the Peerless Direct Corner Mounting System. The line consists of three different models, available in either black or silver, to accomodate flat panel sizes ranging from 32" to 60" depending on the chosen model: choose the CM50 ($265) for 32"-50" panels; the CM60 ($315) for 40"-60" panels; or the CM850 ($658) with pull-out function for 32"-58" screens. What's more, all Peerless corner mounts can be kitted with their accessory shelf (ACC324, $99) for your cable or set top box, Blu ray spinner or the like.
Last week I brought news of the Meridian/Dunhill self-contained system, and before that came the Meridian/Ferrari system. Well now you can add American icon McIntosh to the ever-growing list of marquee manufacturers who've thrown their hat into the small audio system ring. Spotted at the CEDIA show was this absolutely gorgeous Mac mini complete with amp, CD/SACD spinner and speakers (which you can replace with Aperions of your own choosing, I'm sure!). Price has yet to be determined; McIntosh is guesstimating between $6-8k. (Courtesy Stereophile).
Movies Released Last Week.
DVD: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; Indiana Jones - The Complete Adventures Collection; The Universe - The Complete Season Two; Alfred Hitchcock Premier Collection; Notorious; War, Inc.; Rebecca; Nash Bridges - The First Season; The Sarah Silverman Program: Season Two, Vol. One; Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan.
Blu-ray: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; The Ultimate Matrix Collection; American Gangster; Poltergeist; Constantine; Casino; Romancing the Stone; Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan; Eastern Promises; The Jewel of the Nile; War, Inc.
Movie Releases for this Week.
DVD: The Incredible Hulk; The Strangers; Flight of the Red Balloon; Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed; The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - The Complete Series; Family Guy - The Complete Collection; Eclipse Series 13: Kenzi Mizoguchi's Fallen Women; Missing - Criterion Collection; Knight Rider: The Complete Series; Six in Paris.
Blu-ray: The Incredible Hulk; The Strangers; Sweeney Todd; Halloween; James Bond Blu ray Collection, vols. 1 and 2 (indivual releases of all six titles also available); Casino Royale (Special Edition); The Breed.
A while back fellow guru Oliver Amnuayphol turned us on to HDTracks, a High Quality, DRM free source of music supported by David and Norman Chesky of Chesky records fame. At that time, HDTracks offered a sampler album to help generate interest in their content. I gotta say, it worked for me! I've been eyeballing their site regularly and snapping up must-have content whenever I see it.
On a regular shopping stop this morning, I noted that HDtracks is now offering another collection ABSOLUTELY FREE of charge. Check out "Gibson Presents: Hot Tones in High Definition", a compilation of the world's best guitarists doing their thang in pristine HD formats such as AIFF, FLAC and 320kbps MP3 audio.
My tracks aren't quite done downloading, but I've had a listen to the Eric Johnson cut and it is a nice bit of ear candy for this rainy Monday Morning. What a great way to kick of the week. I highly reccomend you go get your free tracks right now!
Times are tough, my friends. The economy's on a continual downward spiral and will only get worse. Our retirement accounts are dwindling away, people are buying and spending less, and we're still getting supremely fleeced at the pump. If you're a working stiff like me, you're probably feeling the pinch too, right? So what's a vinyl-junkie of modest means to do? Me? I like to daydream and pretend I'm Über-Loaded, spending my scrilla on crazy vinyl wares. What I want is an out of this world, muy-expensivo turntable--something that looks like it should be registered as a lethal music-making weapon. Something that costs as much as my pretend Bentley that's parked outside of my pretend mansion. So: wanna see how the upper-crust audiophile rolls? If you're a big analog-luvin' daydreamer sort (or do in fact have mad loot), I've got some crazy record-spinning rigs to tell you about:
--ClearaudioStatement turntable ($125,000): German analog specialist Clearaudio has a nearly 30 year history making a wide range of turntables, and the Statement is the culmination of everything they've learned. This playback system features a magnetically-driven, contact free, high-mass acrylic platter, Kardan turntable suspension, automatic horizontal leveling, and an 80 kg pendulum weight for self leveling of the top platform. And lest you think the Clearaudio Statement is all bling and no sing, Harry Pearson of The Absolute Sound is completely over the moon about this 700 lb. wonder. Feast your ears on one if the opportunity allows.
--Continuum Audio LabsCaliburn turntable, Cobra tonearm and Castellon stand ($112,000): Once the world's most expensive turntable, this Australian LP spinner takes perfectionist engineering to the nth degree and is the reference turntable for the biggest vinyl die-hard of 'em all, Michael Fremer. The Continuum combo makes liberal use of cutting-edge tech previously unheard of in turntable design--like acoustically optimized shaping and finite element/vibrational analysis. Featuring a nested platter, hydrostatic bearing, floating platform-based stand, outboard vacuum hold-down, and fully-computerized control unit, the Continuum combo is a technical marvel.
--GoldmundThe Reference IIturntable: When your slogan is "Luxury Audio and Home Theater Products," you ain't messin' around. This Swiss Miss is limited to 25 totalproduction units, sold only by subscription at five per year. What's more, the Reference II features turntable tech this analog guru has never even heard of, let alone comprehend. How about a "Liquid-nitrogen-rectified belt, as the original Reference - Servo speed capture by optical encoder"? Or "Hyperbolic tracking correction using endless speed-adjusted translation with 1 micron precision"? Huh? Regardless, Goldmund gear has always had a stellar reputation for sound and build quality; certainly the Goldmund gear I've heard is beyond reproach. And a team from Goldmund does fly to your house to install and calibrate the 'table and included stand, after all. But I guess if you're the sort who wipes your tushies with Benjamins, you probably don't care about any of that: you only care that the Reference II is indeed the world's most expensive turntable at THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. So if you want the ultimate altar to the vinyls, forget about remodeling that pool house this year: buy the Reference II instead.
The title of Talkdemonic's third album, Eyes at Half Mast, suggests sleepy time music and while there is a dreamy quality that runs through all of their work, it is too engaging to be dismissed as a mere collection of modern day lullabies. While the Portland, Or. based band is a mostly instrumental duo by no means is their sonic palette constrained by a lack of band members. While Kevin O'Conner is a drummer first and foremost and Lisa Molinero, also known for her work with The Decemberists, primarily plays viola, between them they also play over fifteen other instruments throughout the course of the album.
Most of the tracks feature some sort of keyboard or synthesizer reflecting O'Conner's love of electronic sounds, but one somewhat surprising aspect of this album in comparison with their other two is the amount of acoustic guitar. It's not the first time that acoustic guitar has been used by O'Conner, but songs like "Black Wood Crimson" are built upon a strummed chord progression rather than just using the instrument as yet another coloration technique. Elsewhere, a banjo rises to prominence in the mix, further increasing the folk component of their music. Eyes at Half Mast isn'ttraditional by any means, but the songs are slightly more linear this time out, which helps the listener form a more emotional connection with the themes they present.
While Talkdemonic clearly have a love for keeping things eclectic with hip hop beats butting up against strings, accordions and noisy synths, they are also adept at sustaining a mood and creating a cohesive song. Of course it helps that that their compositions are concise and to the point, with the longest tracks clocking in at just over three and a half minutes. Furthermore the album itself, like it's predecessor 2006's Beat Romantic also released on Arena Rock Recording Co., is under 40 minutes which cements their commitment to quality over quantity.
Even though creating atmospheres remain the primary focus of their music, Eyes at Half Mast does feel like a small step forward in the songwriting department as the band begins to embrace structure and leave their collection-of-sounds aesthetic behind. Production technique remains an important element however, and one thing that impressed me in that regard was the use of stereo effects. Many tracks feature snares and cymbals skipping from one speaker to the next, so I highly recommend the album for testing out the imaging of your system, Aperion or otherwise. Talkdemonic show that they still have much to say without using any words and that they remain one of Portland's elite musical acts.
The internet has produced it's share of entertaining phenomena, from dramatic hamster to star wars kid, but one of the best has to be the "Rick Roll". Never heard of it? Well you my friend are in for treat, check out one of the most exciting trends in music today! If you clicked on that, then you too have now been Rick Roll'd. So the question becomes, what can equal the perfection of a well placed Rick Roll? Here are my top candidates for the next generation of musical annoyances:
10. Flock of Seagulls- I Ran (So Far Away)
9. Michael McDonald- Sweet Freedom
8. Michael Bolton- Soul Provider
7. Michael Jackson- Black or White
6. Wham!- Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
5. Kajagoogoo- Too Shy
4. Baja Men- Who Let the Dogs Out?
3. Milli Vanilli- Blame it on the Rain
2. Vanilla Ice- Ninja Rap
1. Paula Abdul (feat. MC Skat Kat)- Opposites Attract
This week, a little of this, a little of that: For starters, how about some most excellent LP news? One of the premier vinyl re-issue labels in existence, Classic Records, has cooked up an all new, clear vinyl LP formulation appropriately dubbed Clarity SV-P II. Known to have some of the best vinyl profiles around, Classic Records will debut Clarity in four initial, 200-gram, single-sided, 12"-45 rpm releases: John Coltrane, Blue Train; Cannonball Adderly, Somethin' Else; Leo Kottke, 6 & 12 String Guitar; And Cannonball Adderly, Autumn Leaves and Alison's Uncle. Classic claims their clear vinyl formulation isn't just for show; word is Clarity SV-P II sounds much better than black licorice pizzas for reasons that definitely make sense to this vinyl junkie (see the Clarity link for a detailed explanation). Blue Train and Somethin' Else are available now; second two titles are shipping very, very soon.
If you were spinning the vinyls during the 80's, you probably remember British electronics manufacturer Revolver, maker of the low cost but fine sounding Rebel turntable. Revolver has been quietly making speakers ever since those dark days of vinyl replay, but now with the analog revival in full swing, they've decided to debut a new turntable, the Replay ($3500, available now). Featuring a marble split-plinth design, 1.5" thick polyester resin platter, single-point bearing and unipivot tonearm, the Replay promises to build on the Rebel's excellent reputation with modern day machining tolerances and cutting edge build quality.
If you're like me, chances are you've found yourself thinking, "Hey--wouldn't it be great if there were some sort of website dedicated to, ahem, all things vinyl?" Well high praise to the vinyl-luvin' web gods at Big Black Disk (http://www.bigblackdisk.com/) for their vinyl-junkie repository. Full of LP reviews, vinyl news, a forum, and lots of other LP goodness, you can bet this analog lover will be visiting Big Black Disk with a fierceness.
New and recent vinyl Releases.
Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat: 20th Anniversary Edition (45-rpm 2 lp set); Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8; Wee - You Can Fly on My Aeroplane; Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger; Hayden - In Field & Town; Billie Holiday - Music for Torching; Jolie Holland - The Living and the Dead; Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning - Something for All of Us...
As I get older I find it increasingly difficult to rationalize going out to shows. Why should I leave my comfortable home, outfitted with my favorite Aperion speakers of course, and cram myself into a room with several thousand hooligans? So with that mindset it was with some trepidation that I prepared to go see Sigur Ros at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In an attempt to stoke some excitement I watched the band's Heima DVD the night before which chronicles the band's free shows in their native Iceland at the end of their 2006 tour. There is some amazing footage of Iceland's natural beauty in this film, and apparently everyone in Iceland is required to own a sweater like the one pictured here. As I watched it my wife turned to me and said "This sure is sissy music.", and unfortunately I tended to agree with her analysis. The slow burn and crashing quality of their music was entrancing, but it potentially lacked the oomph factor that I like to see in a live show. Also the fact that I had seen them in 2003 crammed into a standing room only bar probably wasn't helping my expectations as this is the kind of show that can best be appreciated sitting down.
As the show approached I toyed with the notion of selling my ticket since I could probably make a couple bucks on this sold out show. Thankfully, as I approached the venue I wasn't tempted by anyone looking for tickets and I made my way inside. My mood hit rock bottom when I noticed my former boss from a previous job in the restroom at the venue, fortunately he either didn't notice me or we both mutually pretended to not see each other. After hanging out in the lobby with friends during the opening band I found my seat next to Aperion's own David Bolt.
The lights went down and the opening organ chords of "Svefn-G-Englar" from their album Ágætis Byrjun filled the room. Almost immediately I knew that this was going to be a special night as this was the very song that got me into the band seven years ago. Lead singer Jon Thor Birgisson came in with his signature bowed guitar that sounds something like an iceberg slowly scrapping the side of an oil tanker and I was instantly transported to the frozen tundras of Iceland. Surprisingly, although they did play a few songs off of their new album, Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust, the bulk of the show was taken from their previous album Takk. I actually don't own this album but I can assure you I will be getting it quite soon as these songs really came alive in concert.
The most impressive thing about their music is that while it is very delicate, it is also powerful at the same time. Even though I can't understand the lyrics, especially those that are in a made up language called Hopelandish, it seems that a theme of vulnerability runs through their music yet there is a quiet strength as well. The crowd was not only respectful of this strength and vulnerability but at times seemed almost reverent. There was one point where Birgisson was playing an old wooden organ and in between chords you could actually here the creaking of the box as he rested his hands on the keys even from 18 rows back. Another time the music stopped for a moment and I swear I could hear the woosh of the air ducts above me, which is pretty amazing for a 2700 person capacity room.
Speaking of which, the Arlene Schnitzer is an amazing concert hall with impeccable acoustics. The hall originally opened in 1928 and was fully restored to it's beautiful rococo glory in 1984. I remember seeing the Oregon Symphony there when I was a kid just after it reopened and I also attended a memorable Arcade Fire show there last year. We were sitting just under the balcony, the underside of which is outfitted with dome shaped impressions that help direct the sound to your ear. At one point I had to use the restroom during the show and I had completely forgotten that a soundboard feed is piped into both the restrooms and the lobby outside through in ceiling speakers, unfortunately not Aperions, but you can't blame them as we weren't around in 1984. Hearing the feed in another room was a whole experience of its own and I lingered for a few moments to enjoy this different perspective.
The incredible room, Sigur Ros's emotionally epic sounds and my friends all combined to make for a peak music experience as well as a lesson that taking a chance and getting off the couch can still be a richly rewarding experience, even as an over 30 married guy. If Sigur Ros is playing in your town in the near future I highly recommend seeing them or checking out their new album Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust on XL Recordings.
Last week I brought news of the 
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