(Source: BuzzFeed)
The King of Pop was nearly excommunicated from the Jehovah’s Witnesses for making the most famous video of all time.
And more…
http://www.buzzfeed.com/perpetua/18-things-you-didnt-know-about-michael-jacksons
18 Things You Didn’t Know About Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”
24 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in General Posts Tags: michael jackson, thriller
Recommended Albums #27
23 Oct 2012 1 Comment
in Recommended Albums Tags: camel, moonmadness
Camel: Moonmadness (1976)
Seldom given their due as one of the great classic British progressive rock bands, Camel produced some sublime work in their peak years, which intersected with Dark Side-era Floyd and the Peter Gabriel-fronted Genesis.
Moonmadness, Camel’s fourth LP and the last by their classic lineup (Andrew Latimer, guitar/vocals/flute; Peter Bardens, keyboards; Doug Ferguson, bass; Andy Ward, percussion) doesn’t boast the eccentricities of early Genesis or the druggy, languid, exquisite despair of Dark Side of the Moon. But this record stands alone in its gently intoxicating jazz rock fusion, a sound that evokes the grandeur of the ethereal and the celestial. Camel could rock, but most of this album was given to creating a downysoft bed of music textures, a fertile sound scape for the listener’s imagination, a magical musical dream.
Moonmadness lends itself to active or passive listening. This album’s soothing sound makes it one of my favorite things to fall asleep to. But it’s a layered collage of excellent musicianship for the engaged listener to appreciate. Latimer’s guitar playing is tasteful and impeccable–he’s really one of 70’s rock’s unsung guitar heroes. And once drummer Andy Ward’s tasty embellishments coax you to follow the drum track through “Song Within a Song” and “Another Night”, you’ll never be able to unhear it.
We should own music for every occasion and mood we cycle through in life. This isn’t dance music, workout music, or music to motivate you as you clean your house. But for the pensive Sunday afternoon, for the walk under starlight, for the minutes before you drift off to sleep, Moonmadness is the ideal thing. If you’re acquainted with the iconic 70’s art rock albums and want to go a little below the surface of the genre, give this one a fair listen. It might be that lost masterpiece that’s awaited your discovery.
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/04/02/songs-you-may-have-missed-379/
Listen to: “Song Within a Song”
Listen to: “Spirit of the Water”
Listen to: “Another Night”
Listen to: “Air Born”
Songs You May Have Missed #205
23 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ben gibbard, benjamin gibbard, something's rattling (cowpoke)
Benjamin Gibbard: “Something’s Rattling (Cowpoke)” (2012)
Ben Gibbard is best known as lead singer of indie rock band Death Cab For Cutie (a band which by the way took its name from this The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band song, which appears in the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour film:
and for having been married to Zooey Deschanel for two years.
Gibbard was also a member of The Postal Service, who released one highly regarded album in 2003. “Somethng’s Rattling” is from his 2012 solo debut. He mixes an old time country western yodel with a mariachi arrangement to channel Marty Robbins here.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé Lose Bid to Trademark Daughter’s Name
23 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in General Posts Tags: beyonce, jay-z
(Source: The Guardian)
Jay-Z and Beyoncé have lost a bid to trademark the name of their daughter, Blue Ivy. The musicians’ petition was denied by the US patent and trademark office, permitting an American wedding planner to continue using the name.
“Money doesn’t buy everything,” Veronica Alexander told Rolling Stone. Until recently, Alexander had been in danger of losing the rights to the name of her own business: although Blue Ivy Events was founded in 2009, Jay-Z and Beyoncé were seeking to reserve the phrase “Blue Ivy” as a brand name for their own line of baby products. The couple’s first daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, was born on 7 January 2012.
Alexander responded to Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s trademark claim by submitting her own application. The trademark office has now authorised her to continue using the Blue Ivy name for her events company, while the hip-hop power couple can allegedly use the name for other kinds of businesses. “If this [hadn’t worked], I’d go after both of them,” Alexander said. “There’s no way by way of being a celebrity they should have entitlement [to the name]. Shame on them.”
Alexander recalled being surprised when she learned about the name of the little girl: “Nobody names their daughter Blue Ivy,” she said. But their decision – and the controversy – has been good for her business. Besides, should the couple be unsatisfied, the 32-year-old told the Telegraph there’s an easy solution. “If Beyoncé and Jay-Z want to buy me out,” she said, “I’d welcome that.”
I think the only decent thing to do here is for all of us fans to start fundraising on behalf of this unfortunate couple, as it’s clear another way must be found to help support this poor child.
The Rolling Stones Want You To Pay $1,853.50 For Their “Tongue Pit Package”
23 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in General Posts Tags: the rolling stones
(Text and photo: BuzzFeed)
The Rolling Stones are going to play two concerts at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on December 13th and 15th to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band. Demand for these tickets is basically off the charts – these two gigs are their only shows in North America this year and they haven’t played on this continent since 2006 – so naturally, the base ticket prices are very, very high.
Here are your options for premium seating:
Ooof! The cheapest seats in the house are $114.80 including service fees, and the next step up from that – well, not so much a step so much as a leap across a very wide economic chasm – is $813.00. And that’s before the tickets start getting scalped on the secondary market!
But hey, they’re The Rolling Stones! This could be your last chance to see them. Don’t you want to cash out your 401k and get in their…Tongue Pit?
Every Moment Has A Song 