PREFACE: I wasn’t planning on ‘spewing’ on this, but nature calls, so here goes. Like Fox News I try (or claim) to be “fair and balanced”, but if the negative outweighs the positive, I’ll just say at least I’m not 100% apathetic about such things; if I didn’t care I’d have nothing to say at all- maybe that day is coming, but not quite yet..

I usually do not view the Grammys, but DVR’d to skip commercials- hoped to see Van Halen, but not so (empty rumor)- ½ of the show made sense & impressed me, the other ½ reminded me why I typically abstain (& why I purchase/consume a progressively miniscule amount of new music each year) – below are random observations, 2 cents from a guy who regards music as our highest art form, & 1 who can’t help but take notice of those who actually contribute to the landscape & carry the baton further, & conversely, those who take from the well & add nothing new without even thanking those whose coattails they unwittingly soil after unabashedly riding them…

Host LL Cool J)  good job, had the right idea, the vibe/temperament of a game show host, pleasant, energetic- don’t know if he raps any more or is just an actor (the endless parade of rappers who have seamlessly transitioned into thespian-hood substantiates my belief that rappers were always really more actors than musicians to begin with)

Whitney tribute) a no brainer- tasteful/respectful & short/sweet- could not have been addressed better- however the song later may have been unnecessary; the substitute singer just reminded me of how much better WH was 

Obituary oversight) I was surprised Jani Lane of Warrant was not acknowledged- maybe 80’s metal guys are not worthy or somehow sub-human (?) – that dude made boat loads of $ for many fat cat record executives.  Lame/unfortunate omission. 

Taylor Swift acting her age, or shoe size) did she REALLY write a song to defend herself against the blogosphere consensus from a year ago when she hit a few bad notes?  Seems that is exactly what she did- so you had a monitor problem, we know you’re not tone deaf, move on- I think the title was “Mean”, w/ a line about singing it to mean people AT the Grammys- wow, I get being hurt, etc., but the song & her delivery was like junior high or something.  I hope she has closure now.

Tributes) beach boys, Glen Campbell, all nicely done.  Brian Wilson had a look of quiet/fixed horror on his face, but he’s a legend w/ many medical issues- cool to see them honored, & GC, who is also stricken w/ disease.

Lady Ga Ga) the net stocking over her face- not likely to get called up 2 podium 2 collect an award, so draw as much peripheral attention as possible- I’d have lobbied for a paper bag- I have a theory that w/ her marginal musical talent she’d come VERY close to ‘performing’ w/ a live donkey, if it meant getting what she wanted (a career).  Apparently she was originally in a hard rock band that failed & took all the songs & re-arranged/packaged them & herself 2 be ‘pop’- more power, it worked, but she never credited her former band mates & is being sued by them.  I will say her using Clarence Clemmons on a song was a great move, but did nothing to boost her musical credibility 2 me (osmosis isn’t gonna work; see aforementioned coattail syndrome). 

Katy Perry) not a fan, but like 1 of her songs, but she’s doing nothing 4 female artists looking 2 be taken seriously- big tits & a million dancers are no longer enough, now we need…  blue hair.   Which brings me to…

Chick w/ the pseudo exorcist presentation & ‘pontiff’ sidekick) that took the cake for smoke/mirrors in absence of something substantial- is this the lengths 1 must go to make their mark nowadays?  Entertaining like a bad B movie type train wreck- if this represents future trends all hope is lost for my beloved art form.

Adele) refreshing 2 see a girl who is relatively unattractive (in view of shallow music video standards) do so well, & that in itself is encouraging- however I was disappointed to finally connect the name w/ the music- I’d heard that song b4, & agree she has a strong voice (more technical than emotional, 2 me), but beyond that I did not hear anything about it that stood out in a way that says “Grammy sweep”.  I’d heard so much about how great she was & sold millions, so again the masses & I are on separate wavelengths.  She seemed so real/genuine it was impossible not 2 be happy 4 her though.

Rhianna) not a fan, but thought she held her own w/ Coldplay, who I also don’t care 4, but that song was good- let’s face it, that girl is, ummm, ‘aesthetically pleasing’ (w/out silicone or blue hair), & she has 1 of the world’s great guitarists in her band, so my respect 4 her leaped after learning that. and speaking of her…

The dude who beat her face in a few years ago) Nice to see the Grammys don’t hold a grudge against perpetrators of serious trauma type domestic violence? 

McCartney) unreal, like a fine wine, better w/ age.  Don’t know why the Foo Fighters played twice (equipment already set up?), but him?  Totally understood.  However, the guitar trade offs went a little long, but that may have been due to Springsteen & Dave Grohl not being what most of us would consider ‘soloists’ on that instrument- all the intensity of their facial expressions failed to translate into compelling listening (but Paul’s 2 guys were great). 

I guess that’s it- I’d say I cannot wait for the 2013 ceremony, but, I can.

MC   

I don’t know if this is good, bad or sad, but felt compelled to share- 

I’ve had a child like enthusiasm for music since day 1 when the light bulb went on (age ‘15’), & this always came to include sharing my music w/ others- I was giving cassette demos w/ hand written labels to people as a bartender in San Francisco, & so it continued in cover bands up there, then of course chasing carrots via A&R jerks (I mean “men”) when I moved to ‘Lower Calif’ – in the process of seeking the elusive ‘deal’ & failing I became jaded, or at least disinterested in trying 2 impress any1 other than myself, keeping a protective shell around what I do, exposing it mainly 2 friends & kindred spirits- So, 2nite at the nearby Whole Foods market I saw bass god Stanley Clarke on my way out- I’d seen him a few years ago there; I said I was a fan, we shook hands, & that was it- this time my reflex was 2 go 2 my car, grab a CD of mine (‘JNHA’), & go back & lay it on him- walking towards car I thought yeah, he’d dig some aspects of my material, maybe some of the grooves, bass/gtr, etc. – in an amazing 2 minutes or less my mind did a 180 walking back, as I quickly convinced myself it was a bad idea, which could only lead to a forced interaction where he politely accepts my offering & I shuffle away uncomfortably after successfully invading the poor guy’s space- yes, he might have played/liked it, but the odds were better than 50% he’d toss it in nearest trash can- as far as I know music just pays the bills now & his more immediate passions may be NASCAR or playing chess- the con’s outweighed the pro’s 4 me, & rather than go w/ “nothing ventured, nothing gained”, I chose to not be “that guy” (annoying nuisance).  Maybe when my new CD is finished I’ll see him again & act contrary 2 this, but it feels like a bit of a turning point 4 me- it’s funny, I have plenty of stories of unabashedly approaching such folks, in ‘another life’ (1 time a singer in my band bought Sean Penn + guest ‘another round’, then we surrounded him & invited him 2 a show later that night), but I think I’m through w/ such behavior.  It just felt utterly wrong.  But I do know he’d have gotten a cassette, in another era… 

Does this story ‘speak’ to any 1? 

MC

NOTE: This isn’t brief, but I’m dying to know if I’m the only 1 having a real ‘emperor’s new clothes’ moment on this… 

5/1/11.  Please tell me this date won’t live on, ala 9/11/01.  Osama Bin laden is now an ‘RIP’, but the meaning is nil or symbolic at best, & my 1^st reaction to the hoopla is that my fellow man is comprised of many “sheeple”.  I am certain family members of those lost on 911 are likely experiencing a bit of a relapse, realizing the lost are gone forever, while throngs congregate outside the white house pumping their fists as if at a bloody rock concert (nice flags & cowboy hats, too). Obama’s speech was appropriate to make note of the event, but to claim “justice is served” or allude to any cause for celebration is sadly laughable.  IF the USA is the world’s premiere ‘super power’, the ‘big dog in the yard’, the ‘swinging dick’, & we threw every bit of our time/energy & talent/resources at finding ONE GUY (conspicuous dude at that), & it took nearly a decade, why would we want to call attention to this? It looks utterly, downright lame. This guy didn’t make himself a needle in a hay stack, he became a needle in the friggin’ universe. Beyond that, I am way more inclined to believe this came about not via any high level “intelligence”, but dumb luck where we probably stumbled upon some  angle leading the way. Yes OBL may be the most hated world figure since Hitler wore that crown (or for some GWB), but how does this change anything an iota? Can I travel with liquids & keep my shoes on now when flying? Or will this be an invigorating shot in the arm to terrorists worldwide, trickling down from the new hierarchy that will surely be salivating to “step up”. Me thinks (Hell, knows…) the latter. It’s too little too late, but had this occurred when GWB ran for a 2^nd term it’d been a primo political ‘chip’, or maybe even if this happened when Obama was in a heated battle for the 2012 seat (too bad he can’t sit on this until then; I rate his re-election odds at 50/50 either way). As far as those partying like its 1999, I get that on 1 level, but not on another. Human beings are social creatures or easily subject to loneliness (take your pick), but the revelry here seems akin to the countdown to new year’s eve- OK, now what? Go home & sleep it off. Further, the spirit here reminds me of those who are so pro-military they view “winning” not unlike killing being a game of football. Yes, I think those people are operating with some pronounced intellectual & emotional vacancy. Same folks who came up with &/or championed “freedom fries”. Many took actual pleasure in viewing the hanging of Saddam Hussein when it was overplayed by media, whereas I saw it once & became ill. And, that’s kind of how I feel right now. This “story” may have eclipsed a royal wedding or tornados on US soil, but in a few days the afterglow will morph into conditioned complacency (I’m not immune), & some inventive anarchist will eventually devise & enact a new & improved method of senseless mass killing, & we’ll compliantly endure a full body cavity search when getting gas at the pump. Sorry if the tone here is downcast; not really though, just my normal, not entirely “warm & fuzzy” bit of realism.  And, uhhh…Go, Lakers!

I saw a film last night (“Multiple Sarcasms” w/ Timothy Hutton; pretty good), & it had this song in it, done by Diane Birch- tried 2 buy on itunes, not avail’, but orig’ by Neil Young was, & I think now I prefer his version- made me choke up a bit during the movie, & again via NY- never been a NY fan, DO respect him & his career arc-  I’ve always thought a song that can move 1 to tears is worth many of the others that go in 1 ear & out the other- I’ve never been a balladeer at all or tried 2 be, but I’d trade a ½ dozen of my songs 2 write 1 ½ as good as this- the lyrics are excellent, a lot of bird references/imagery (made me think of my friend’s parrot who I’m very fond of; she speaks fluently & calls me by name now)

below = link 2 the other artist doing it live, didn’t sound as good, unfortunately-1 reviewer wrote:

• this is a fucking abomination of a cover…….absolute dog piss and a total disgrace 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3bQtAN0n8k

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/10/solomon-burke-dead-dies-o_n_757217.html

Solomon Burke was a pioneer in soul/rock & was universally praised by everyone from Prince to the Rolling Stones- I did a gig w/ him on guitar, by way of his son (SB Jr.) being lead singer in my band Dr. Zeus- it was a benefit w/ Michael McDonald & Fishbone on the bill, but what was most memorable was being around SB, & then being told by cops I should “be on my way” before it got dark- I was like “What!?? Fishbone is playing!”, but they convinced me that being a minority in that part of town (Watts section of LA) could prove troublesome for me – they didn’t need to elaborate, & I’ve still yet to see Fishbone live (‘Truth & Soul’ = a masterpiece I’d highly recommend). SB is lesser known, but a ‘household name’ among ‘industry’ folk & those who know their history- his voice was huge, like a built in microphone. The angels are surely admiring his instrument/chops now.

Incidental tidbit)

 I was at the Apple store 2nite, & noticed Derek Fisher was seated next 2 me @ “the genius bar” (the help desk; nice title to christen people working in retail with, BTW).  I was w/ my bloody ipod, he was getting a primo Mac.  I recognized him immediately, as I’ve seen plenty of his jaw dropping 3 pointers before.  Anyway, I was not struck by his classy threads (overdressed (?), or worthy of another song by ZZ Top about sharp dressed men).  I was not struck by the woman accompanying him not fitting the predictable profile of “trophy wife” (I’d read DF signed w/ LA to have access to top medical care for their special needs child, so kudos to his being a solid family man).  But, what I was struck by was the dude is the same height as me (6’0)! Guess he looks bigger on the tube… must help him avoid being recognized publicly as much too (added bonus).  When I think basketball I think TALL, but his talent/touch transcends the standard ‘freak of nature’ criteria.  Some guy approached him & introduced his young kids, but other than that he had his space.  We “Lower Californians” all want him fresh/unbothered in order to defend that championship crown coming up.

Tennis = my #1 sport (as player & spectator), but B-ball gets the nod for #2

(#3?  Hmmm- Is that ‘lingerie football’ considered a sport?)

MC

Hello, fellow musicians & kindred spirits-

I got a check in the mail today for digital downloads of my music (from CD Baby, sum = laughably small).  I’ve sold 5 copies of the CD so far (“Jesus Not Him Again”), + a few from my ‘back catalog’ (“One to the 1^st Power” & “Symphony in 20/20), so this is in addition.  I have been amused to see “Life Sucks & Then You Die” leading the pack w/ 6 sales out of approx. ‘30’.  I think the title lures people to sample it, then some apparently like what they hear (the sites purchases have been made at are itunes, napster, amazon & itunes Europe). 

Here’s the important part that gave me hope- I am doing nothing to advertise my stuff, other than my website & having the music available at various music sites, so these transactions are pure, entirely free of any hype or concerted promotional effort (hence in some ways truly baffling).  Yes, it amounts to a paltry sum, but in MY world you can’t put a price on these people thinking for themselves like this.  Would it be great to sell millions of records?  Of course.  But any group/artist that sells in very high numbers benefits from what I’ll call ‘the lemming factor’; a substantial percentage of those sales being the direct result of people responding in sheep like fashion to focus group tested mass marketing (peer pressure & peripheral identity attachments are just as prevalent w/ adults as children).  That viewpoint may sound negative/belittling, but sorry, no one will ever convince me otherwise.  I’d trade bank accounts w/ Beyonce in a heartbeat, but I’m thinking that’s about it.

So, if you’re selling your music online, march forward head held high- it’s pretty cool!

I’ve begun work on a new CD, concept = remakes.  Have 2 tracks ready to mix, 2 more ready to add drums, others in the works, so maybe in 5 years I’ll have a new “album” to pimp…

MC

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/04/the-most-amazing-drummer_n_601268.html

In Joe Jackson’s book he mentions a jazz trio he paid dues w/ where they’d take turns making mistakes to amuse themselves then try 2 keep a straight face (bad notes, off time, etc.) – now THIS guy I cant tell (?) always hated drummers who twirl their sticks, but he’s like the grand master of showboating behind the kit- almost thought it was Will Ferrell 4 a second.  Reminds me of my top 40 stint; 1 time I laid down behind drummer & all audience could see were my legs/feet kicking around (boredom = the mother of most ill advised innovations).

Below = making light of the tragic oil spill, but makes a great point- I for 1 am impatiently awaiting some ultra composed/confident BP spokesperson to step up & publicly announce the REAL, realistic ‘worst case scenario’:  “We don’t know what we’re doing, we’re throwing stuff against the wall, & worst case is we’ll keep trying but never stop the flow of oil into the gulf”.  I’d respect that more- it must be on many people’s mind, so why not cop to it now?  This memorial day should perhaps encompass past & recent nature/animal casualties (or maybe just establish a new such annual ‘holiday’).

It Might Get Loud(2008) PG
Davis Guggenheim, creator of the Oscar-winning An Inconvenient Truth, directs this fascinating profile of three contemporary guitarists: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, U2′s the Edge and Jack White of the White Stripes. Each talks about their creative process, technique and influences as cameras follow them to key locations in their own music history. A jam session featuring all three musicians is woven into their discussions.

Just saw this via Netflix- pretty engaging, for anyone into music- at 1st I thought ‘what’s wrong w/ this picture?’, w/ the inclusion of Jack White, but in the end it made sense, or at least the other 2 gave him equal respect- in my mind, having some 1 who truly advanced the instrument like Edward Van Halen may have been more appropriate, but that guy did so much he deserves his OWN documentary- the Edge freely acknowledges that his sound/style is effects dependent to the Nth degree (owing a HUGE debt to Andy Summers, in my opinion), & JW does some interesting things (I totally respect him just for rejecting modern gear in favor of analog; I predicted an analog renaissance years ago), but the main reason I’d suggest viewing is for Jimmy Page- he smiles like a kid in a candy store, plays great, & is just fun to see, so energetic/passionate at his age- some great footage of him as a teenager on UK TV, playing & being interviewed- who knew that innocent/shy boy would 1 day be a rock God destroying hotel rooms & (allegedly) worshipping the ‘other big guy’ (Satan).

A good 1,

MC