Friday, October 31, 2008
MUSIC LESSONS
The world record for the worst rendition of a National Anthem probably goes to sprinter Carl Lewis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJLvCM4j2mg) with Roseanne Barr (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrFW2aYHVR8) finishing a close second. The difference between their 'interpretations' is Roseanne Barr intended to sing it badly, thinking it 'funny.' Carl Lewis was really trying to sing it well, he just cannot sing. Barr's version angered people: Lewis' was just embarrassing.
There are a couple of music lessons in this...
1. There are certain songs that one mocks at one's own peril. If you
are going to make a political statement by mocking anyone's
national anthem, you have that right under our laws. However,
others have equal right to respond in like manner.
2. There are certain songs that one performs at one's own peril. The
Star Spangled Banner is such a song. It's an odd melody, with a
big range. Great singers sing it with fear and trembling. The
history of music is filled with such pieces. Classical works by
Liszt, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff seem to top the difficult piano
pieces. My kids listen to the guitar work of the band, Dragon
Force, which others play only at their peril
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jgrCKhxE1s)
So...before you mock, count the cost. And before you perform a song in public, be sure you're up to it. The rule of thumb is until you can play it flawlessly seven times in a row, you are not ready.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Buyer Beware!
by Jack Phillips
October 10, 2008
Believe it or not, I sometimes shop at the local Walmart. Not always the most fun experience, but they do have really good prices, especially on staples we need each week. Recently, after selecting my purchases, I headed over to the toy section to find one of my children (I'm sure you parents out there are familiar with this task). To my dismay, I saw a couple that had selected a low quality acoustic guitar for I assume their child. Obviously being in the store I could not approach them about their purchase. However, as I continued to look for my son, I saw how much this "discount" store was charging for these, bluntly, crappy instruments!
We often assume that these large discount stores can always beat the little guy on price. I can testify that what I have seen at the local discount stores is not low priced nor good quality. What they are selling for $60 was worth maybe $20, with profit. Now, I have no problem with Walmart getting as much as possible, but what are the customers thinking? Do they shop around? Why are they paying more for a piece of junk when they could pay less for something that is at least playable? I would encourage people who are considering a musical instrument for themselves or a child to check out their local music store. Maybe even Jax Music Supply :-)!
You will find the local store, even chains such as Guitar Center, very helpful and can provide guidance to a quality instrument within your budget. Don't assume that the discount chains are the least expensive or offer the best value. Do the research. Shop around. I know most dealers, Jax included, gladly give free advice. We have people that email us all the time for information and never make a purchase. We are happy to provide this service. We know that in the long run the world is better served by providing friendly service and creating more music in the world.
What do you think?
October 10, 2008
Believe it or not, I sometimes shop at the local Walmart. Not always the most fun experience, but they do have really good prices, especially on staples we need each week. Recently, after selecting my purchases, I headed over to the toy section to find one of my children (I'm sure you parents out there are familiar with this task). To my dismay, I saw a couple that had selected a low quality acoustic guitar for I assume their child. Obviously being in the store I could not approach them about their purchase. However, as I continued to look for my son, I saw how much this "discount" store was charging for these, bluntly, crappy instruments!
We often assume that these large discount stores can always beat the little guy on price. I can testify that what I have seen at the local discount stores is not low priced nor good quality. What they are selling for $60 was worth maybe $20, with profit. Now, I have no problem with Walmart getting as much as possible, but what are the customers thinking? Do they shop around? Why are they paying more for a piece of junk when they could pay less for something that is at least playable? I would encourage people who are considering a musical instrument for themselves or a child to check out their local music store. Maybe even Jax Music Supply :-)!
You will find the local store, even chains such as Guitar Center, very helpful and can provide guidance to a quality instrument within your budget. Don't assume that the discount chains are the least expensive or offer the best value. Do the research. Shop around. I know most dealers, Jax included, gladly give free advice. We have people that email us all the time for information and never make a purchase. We are happy to provide this service. We know that in the long run the world is better served by providing friendly service and creating more music in the world.
What do you think?
Website: http://www.JaxMusicSupply.com
Monthly Giveaway:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
What’s your favorite song?
by Charles Long
What’s your favorite…er…album…er…CD…er…project?
What’s your favorite…er…album…er…CD…er…project?
What makes great music great? This is a fundamental philosophical question. Why do we like what we like? Why are our brains wired in such a way as to find some sounds appealing (we call these music) and other sound revolting (we call these ‘debates’)?
I recently discovered www.acclaimedmusic.net which is sort of a meta-list of all-time greatest songs and CD’s. For example, the top ten most recommended songs of ALL-TIME are…
1 Bob Dylan Like a Rolling Stone
2 The Rolling Stones (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
3 The Beach Boys Good Vibrations
4 Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit
5 Aretha Franklin Respect
6 Chuck Berry Johnny B. Goode
7 Otis Redding Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
8 Marvin Gaye I Heard It Through the Grapevine
9 Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven
10. Sex Pistols Anarchy in the U.K.
Hardly the list I would have come up with! There are two songs on the last I am not sure I have ever listened to all the way through. This says more about my age than the songs (Nirvana and Sex Pistols). I’d have added a Beatles song and probably some Springsteen.
That being said, here’s what’s cool about the acclaimed music list. It is strictly based on a statistical analysis of what the CRITICS write. (Imagine getting paid to listen to and comment on music! Nice work if you can get it…o wait…that’s what I’m doing…well, except without the paid part, but I digress). Back the list. Acclaimed music’s creator (Henrik Franzon) compiles critics’ lists from around the world and across the decades and then, after weighting the lists in a fair way, generates the top three thousand songs and albums. Pretty cool! The author of the site also publishes his PERSONAL top 100, so you can judge if he’s biased or not.
He must be biased…my favorite artist, Bruce Cockburn, isn’t anywhere to be found. Sigh.
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