Seeing Spacehog tonight for the second time. Last time I saw them they actually rocked so hard, they actually transformed into some sort of SuperNova. Expecting nothing less this time. Catch them at Rockwood Music Hall tonight and if you miss them, they'll also be there next tuesday.
Spacehog: Live at The Studio at Webster Hall January 16, 2010
Right around Christmas I tried to purchase the Soul Train Box Set
from a local DVD Store that was liquidating due to a lost lease. The guy was closing his store the next day and he still wanted 90 bucks for it. I offered him 40 and he still said no dice. Maybe it's not the most appropriate thing to talk about cheaping out on a person's body of work on the day of their death, but the truth is Don Cornelius' legacy lives on for free every day.
I've already mentioned how much I love Soul Train so I'm not going to sit here and lecture about what an influence it has had on American Culture. Instead, think of that person who introduced you your favorite song; Don Cornelius was that guy for an entire generation. The only problem I ever really had with Soul Train was the horrible lip synching. Marvin Gaye is one of the best performers ever, but make him fake sing to Sexual Healing, and he is as awkward as a chubby white kid singing it in a Montreal karaoke bar during Spring Break 2003... not that I would know.
In honor of the Conductor of the Soul Train, the aforementioned locomotive is making three stops on #EDAS. First up is a young Lionel Ritchie apparently trying to scare away vampires by wearing a wreath of garlic as a member of the Commodores. At the next stop, Don Cornelius flexes his all-time buttery voice in an interview with Aretha Franklin, who is draped in some sort of a hammock, fully exposing her untamed soulful bosom; truly a sight to be seen. The third and final stop is a medley by the man who puts the Soulin Soul Train, James Brown. I included his performance because not even Aretha's flowin' lady-parts can follow the hardest working man in show business... The only person I've seen play the show live, you can't possibly ask the Godfather to fake it.
Don Cornelius is an epic figure in the history of music and through his fans and late night reruns, he was able to inspire me to do a somewhat danceless, bizarro version of his timeless soul showcase. Although he must have been battling some demons, I am more than thankful for his contributions to the music community. Here is his traditional sign-off one last time...
I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul"
Don "Cornelius" Cortez
1936-2012
The Commodores - Machine Gun
Aretha Franklin - Jump
James Brown - Cold Sweat/Papa's Got a Brand New Bag/
Payback/Damn Right I Am Somebody
I recently came across an amazing up-and-coming band from my old stomping grounds of Columbus, Ohio. Way Yes is anything but traditional, blending a world of influences to create a unique tropical ambiance, capable of making even the most discerning toe tap for days. I was lucky enough to speak to them about music and chicken fingers on the verge of their Second Anniversary.
Way Yes
EDAS: Congratulations
on your Two-Year anniversary as a band. How did Way Yes start and how has the
group evolved over its lifetime?
Way Yes: Thanks! Time
flies. You could say Way Yes started in Drivers Ed. That's where Glenn
and I (Travis) met. We bonded over a shared interest in white Chevrolets and
Radiohead and have been playing/writing together ever since. In the months leading up to us forming, Glenn and I had been listening to
as much African music as we could get our hands on (which, thanks to the
Internet, is a ton). We fell in love with the guitar work found in the Soukous
music of the 1960's and decided to try and imitate that style in our song
writing. The result was the Herringbone EP, a feel-good collection of songs that people
could relate to.
After the Herringbone
EP ran its course, we became obsessed with Brazilian music. We
fell in love with the artists of the Tropicália movement of the late 1960's.
Artists such as Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and especially Os Mutantes became
big influences on us pretty immediately. So all of that led up to us recording the Walkability EP. Whereas Herringbone's main
influence was in the guitars, Walkability's was in the rhythm and percussion.
Also, the lyrical themes were a little darker than on Herringbone. We played
the Walkabilitysongs for a while as a two piece. But the craving for a more
full live sound led us to recruit multi-instrumentalist Max Lewis, who
engineered both the Walkability and Herringbone EPs. He was so familiar with
the material that it was the most logical step to take. After playing with Max
for a little while he became a full-fledged member.
Way Yes - Walkability/Ties
Our next release was
the Oranjudio 7" (named after the Columbus studio). Leading up to that recording
we had been joined by auxiliary percussionist Tim "Timless" Horak.
With Oranjudio we really just wanted to get studio recordings of the two songs
"Automail" and "Tia". They fit so well together but we had
already moved on stylistically to new territory and knew that they wouldn't
make sense with the new material. Shortly after that we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to join
Lefse Records. Now we're finishing up writing for our first full length and
heading in to the studio at the end of February! So there you go... Way Yes:
Unabridged, Unauthorized, and Undressed.
EDAS: Well my dog is named Tia, so I automatically love her new theme song, which can be found both on iTunes and on Spotify. Moving on, I am a former
Son of Columbus and therefore lifetime Buckeye. I loved it, but it is certainly
no tropical paradise. How does C-Bus, factor into your Afro-Brazili-ribbean influenced sounds?
Way Yes: The Columbus
weather scene actually does have an influence on our songwriting believe it or
not, but not as much as the music scene. There’s so much going on right now and
we're really excited to be a part of it. On "Singing" from
Walkability we got the chance to collaborate with Sam and Yoni from Maza Blaska
which made that song what it is. We hope to do a lot more of that in the
future. But we just want our music to make people feel good whether they're
from Columbus or an actual tropical paradise such as Myrtle Beach or Virginia
Beach.
Way Yes - Singing
EDAS: Wow, I hardly think Myrtle and Virginia Beach can be considered tropical. Sounds like you guys need a band trip to Jamaica or maybe Belize. In the meantime, what are your
favorite places to go in Columbus?
Way Yes: We love going
to and playing at Kobo and Carabar, both are great venues and bars. As far as
food, you've got to get back here and have Ray Ray's if you haven't already.
It's a food truck on N. High St. with the best BBQ. That's all I can think of
right now. The other guys get out a lot more than I do. If I had answered
honestly I probably would have said my basement and Amazon.com.
EDAS: My favorite
spot overall was definitely Roots Records on High Street. That was an amazing
reggae oasis. I also used to live above the building that housed Johnny-Go's
records, where I actually started collecting Vinyl, and Raising Cane's a
restaurant that only sold chicken fingers, I used to eat there at least twice a
week. Can you believe that they really only sell Chicken Fingers?
Way Yes: Raising Cane's is a Way Yes tradition. Once a week after practice. Clockwork. Current combo of
choice: The 3 Finger.
EDAS: You guys would
be a HIT in NYC, any chance of a tour in the future?
Way Yes: Thanks and
definitely! We have plans to head your way towards the end of April actually.
We're hoping to do a larger tour once the record is finished. But in the
meantime we're just doing little jaunts here and there, including a big second anniversary show this weekend at Carabar!
EDAS: Well I am already waiting for my tickets. What stops
would you be excited to make on Tour?
Way Yes: Really
excited to play NYC. Wouldn't mind hitting Portland, OR along with the whole
west coast too. I've never been. I'm excited for the chance to go anywhere
though. Being on the road is a lot of fun.
EDAS: I'm sure it is. In today's
volatile musical climate, what do you think is more important, making records
or touring?
Way Yes: It is
volatile, isn't it?! I think making records is more important. Records are one
of the great art forms in my opinion. Also, the records are what you get to
leave behind as tangible proof that you existed. And with the wonders of the
InterWeb and Time Capsules there's a good chance they'll always exist in one
form or another. I know records aren't as profitable as they used to be, but
they're at least being listened to by more people than ever. But with that
being said, you gotta tour!
EDAS: I totally agree... Records are timeless. Every time I throw one on, I am transported into a vacuum where the songs are able to just permeate every fiber of my soul. Studies are even coming out confirming that music is being consumed at higher rates than ever. What is your
favorite part about making music?
Way Yes: For me that
would have to be the actual process of recording. Writing and recording are two
things I don't think I could live without.
EDAS: What can we
expect from Way Yes over the next two years?
Way Yes: You'll
definitely be seeing a full length album within the next year. A proper tour.
Battle of the bands? Raising Canes sponsorship? Sky is the limit.
Wow. Thanks so much to Glenn and Travis of Way Yes for taking the time to answer my questions and for making such amazing music. Check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@Way_Yes). If you are in the Greater Columbus Area, help celebrate Way Yes's Second Anniversary this Saturday Night in at Carabar. Click the poster below for more info.
Click above to RSVP
Finally, here is the song that first introduced me to this amazing band that I'm sure you'll be hearing loads about in the very near future. Check out "Important" and stay tuned for more updates from Way Yes, and more conversations with up-and-coming bands at Every Day, Another Song.
Cut the fro off yesterday... It was probably the least amount of time I've ever gone between two haircuts. Pretty soon, I'm going to be a bald guy going to a barber 5 times a week just to pantomime a haircut above my cueball head.
Imagine a world where you have to worry before talking about your favorite musician, reviewing a local restaurant, or criticizing a political candidate online. With legislation like SOPA and PIPA making its way through the House and Senate, we are on the verge of these worries becoming a realty. These systemic changes would forever allow censors to determine whether a person's thoughts and words deserve to be on the internet. Under the guise of ending Piracy, certain big businesses are pressuring the government to take complete control of the internet rather than adapt to the new economic opportunities and difficulties. Below is an open letter going around from various Artists and Creative Professionals expressing their oppostion to SOPA, PIPA and any similarly oppressive proposals.
An open letter to Washington from Artists and Creators
We, the undersigned, are musicians, actors, directors, authors, and producers. We make our livelihoods with the artistic works we create. We are also Internet users.
We are writing to express our serious concerns regarding the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).
As creative professionals, we experience copyright infringement on a very personal level. Commercial piracy is deeply unfair and pervasive leaks of unreleased films and music regularly interfere with the integrity of our creations. We are grateful for the measures policymakers have enacted to protect our works.
We, along with the rest of society, have benefited immensely from a free and open Internet. It allows us to connect with our fans and reach new audiences. Using social media services like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, we can communicate directly with millions of fans and interact with them in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
We fear that the broad new enforcement powers provided under SOPA and PIPA could be easily abused against legitimate services like those upon which we depend. These bills would allow entire websites to be blocked without due process, causing collateral damage to the legitimate users of the same services — artists and creators like us who would be censored as a result.
We are deeply concerned that PIPA and SOPA’s impact on piracy will be negligible compared to the potential damage that would be caused to legitimate Internet services. Online piracy is harmful and it needs to be addressed, but not at the expense of censoring creativity, stifling innovation or preventing the creation of new, lawful digital distribution methods.
We urge Congress to exercise extreme caution and ensure that the free and open Internet, upon which so many artists rely to promote and distribute their work, does not become collateral damage in the process.
Respectfully,
Aziz Ansari
Kevin Devine, Musician
Barry Eisler, Author
Neil Gaiman, Author
Lloyd Kaufman, Filmmaker
Zoë Keating, Musician
The Lonely Island
Daniel Lorca, Musician (Nada Surf)
Erin McKeown, Musician
MGMT
Samantha Murphy, Musician
OK Go
Amanda Palmer, Musician (The Dresden Dolls)
Quiet Company
Trent Reznor
Adam Savage, Special Effects Artist (MythBusters)
Hank Shocklee, Music Producer (Public Enemy, The Bomb Squad)
I hope its not illegal that I straight up added myself to the bottom of the list. I do however agree that broad legislation on an infinite and dynamic community such as the internet could have devastating effects on people's ability to speak their minds without fear of being censored or punished. Formulate your own opinion by doing your own research.
Today's song is blacked out, just like much of the rest of the internet. But enjoy being serenaded by some of the history's foremost punks and dissidents, The Clash. Strummer would NEVER have let anything like this happen.
Today is dedicated to the honor and legacy of the most talented orator in the history of this great country. A country that would not be as great without his intervention and inspiration. Do yourself (and your fellow humans) a favor and listen to some of his speeches, it's hard not become instantly enlightened.
I know this site has basically turned into "Every Day, Another Football Related Ramble," but as I have previously mentioned, Playoff Football (especially when your favorite team is involved) is a fever, and I got it baaad.
I'm heading over to catch the game at a local watering hole with my brother and a whole island full of Big Blue Fans. Hopefully we can rip that Hammer & Sickle holding Commie Packers Team a new one. Either way, its gonna be a showdown.
LETS GO GIANTS!!!!!!
Electric Light Orchestra - Showdown
By the way I think the Top of The Pops announcer is reffering to this muppet, Lips, who was added to the Muppet Show in the later seasons when the Electric Mayhem was going thru their Hard-Bop/Fusion phase. I must admit there is quite a resemblance.
Its actually the fear of anything involving Thirteens. That's why a lot of buildings go straight from the Twelfth floor to the Fourteenth. If you have this nearly obsolete, number based fear, just take a deep breath and try to avoid any Bar Mitzvahs or Dan Marinos until tomorrow. Until then here's a scary and spooky Bowie song to press your luck.
David Bowie with Frank Black - Scary Monsters and Super Creeps
It was a big football weekend, with my hometeam, the New York Giants coming away with a BIG win over the Atlanta Falcons. Hopefully we can take this momentum and dance our way to the Super Bowl! Next up, the defending champions, Green Bay Packers. Bring it.
Before I sign off, I just have to mention one of the more polarizing sports figures of the moment, the miraculous legend that is, Tim Tebow.
Lord Jebow himself
Whether you think he's a good or bad quarterback, he is a fiery competitor who has the ability to rile up his team and get the win. I hated Tebow during his college years when he used to beat up on my Ohio State Buckeyes, recently my attitude has changed. Yesterday in a complete stunner, he defeated the traditional powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers in the shortest playoff overtime period in NFL history. I watched his Denver Broncos gallup to victory in a bar filled with Steeler's fans. The look of utter shock on their collective faces was something I will not soon forget. You gotta love playoff football.
This first, shortened week of the New Year has somehow managed to seem a bit too long. Here's my buddy, Buddy, here to help segue your work week into your weekend.
Dang its cold already. What happened to those lovely old days of flip floppin' and worrying about Sun Block? Now I'm lucky if the soup I buy during lunch makes it back to the office before turning into a Minestrone Icecube. Pick your favorite layer and stay warm.
Happy New Year to all the readers/listeners out there. It's been a great year filled with great songs. Thanks for participating in this interesting thang we got going here. Stay tuned for more ear tingling adventures in a wide-world of music.
from a local DVD Store that was liquidating due to a lost lease. The guy was closing his store the next day and he still wanted 90 bucks for it. I offered him 40 and he still said no dice. Maybe it's not the most appropriate thing to talk about cheaping out on a person's body of work on the day of their death, but the truth is Don Cornelius' legacy lives on for free every day.
