Geo's Tech PR & Social Media Post

The Pretender vs. The Maverick

Ok, this is ridiculous.  I just read a Wired article about the fact that singer Jackson Browne is suing the Republican National Committee and John McCain. 

The suit accuses the RNC of using Browne's 1977 hit, "Running on Empty," without permission in a McCain TV ad during the presidential campaign.  A Los Angeles federal judge just ruled that, despite McCain's assertion that the RNC chose to use the song without his knowledge, McCain will remain as a defendant in the case.

Now, I fully believe in and support copyright protection for artists and musicians.  And, I'm a big fan of Jackson Browne.

But, c'mon.  Is this really about copyright issues?  I suspect that Browne's motivation has little to do with protecting his intellectual property or any "damages" he may have suffered, and a everything to do with making a point.  A political point.  Clearly, an outspoken liberal like Browne does not want in any way to imply any affiliation with the Republican party.  And maybe, just maybe, he wants to stick it to the Republicans and McCain one last time...

Who knows.  But, my point is that this suit is silly and frivolous, and a big waste of time and money.

My suggestion to Browne:  let it go, and go back to do what you do best -- making great music.  And, let McCain get back to doing what he does best -- being mavricky.

Just my two cents.

Geo2

Keith Richards tells stories behind Stones songs & riffs

This is interesting.  Guitar World recently re-printed a 2005 interview with Keith Richards, in which he discusses the stories behind some of the top Rolling Stones tunes, as well as how he came up with some of the more memorable guitar riffs. 

For example, he notes that he (and the rest of the band) originally planned to record 'Start Me Up' as a reggae tune:

“It’s reggae, man.” We did 45 takes like that. But then on a break I just played that guitar riff, not even really thinking much about it; we did a take rocking away and then went back to work and did another 15 reggae takes. Five years later, Mick discovered that one rock take in the middle of the tape and realized how good it was.

In one of the funnier quotes, Richards talks about how 'Miss You' came about:

That was basically Mick’s song. He said, “Let’s try this disco shit out.” I think he’d been to too many nightclubs, actually. The guitar riff basically suggested itself from the melody Mick was singing. I just shadowed that and ran it behind the voice. It’s just a piece of fun, that song. It can get really funky if you get the right tempo and slam it in.

This is an interesting read for Stones fans, and also for guitar players, who might be interested to know that the success of 'Satisfaction' was largely due to a fuzz effects pedal:

When I wrote the song, I didn’t think of that particular riff as the big guitar riff. That all fell into place at RCA when Gibson dumped on me one of those first Fuzz-Tone pedals. I actually thought of that guitar line as a horn riff...when this new Fuzz Tone pedal arrived in the studio from the local dealership or something, I said, “Oh, this is good. It’s got a bit of sustain..."

Hope you enjoy!

Geo2

Music industry to stop suing evil downloaders

A Wall Street Journal story today reports that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has decided to stop filing lawsuits in favor of other ways to curb on-line music piracy.

Apparently, after years of suing tens-of-thousands of customers, it finally realized that the strategy wasn't working.  Instead, the RIAA plans on enlisting the help of ISPs to identify and catch violators with something akin to a "three-strikes" policy. 

According to the Journal:

Depending on the agreement, the ISP will either forward the note to customers, or alert customers that they appear to be uploading music illegally, and ask them to stop. If the customers continue the file-sharing, they will get one or two more emails, perhaps accompanied by slower service from the provider. Finally, the ISP may cut off their access altogether.

Do they really think this will work?  Regardless, it's sure to bring up a whole host of new problems and issues.

Interested to hear what you think.

Geo2

New Orleans 40th anniversary Jazz Fest - incredible music lineup!

I've never been to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, but I've wanted to go.  And, judging from the musical lineup, it's going to be fantastic.  Check out this (partial) list of artists:

Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor, Sugarland, Joe Cocker, Ben Harper, Tony Bennett, Earth, Wind & Fire, Neville Brothers, Wilco, Bonnie Raitt, The O’Jays, Erykah Badu, Dr. John.

In total, there will be hundreds of performers over the two-weekend event (April 24-26 & April 30-May 3).

I'd love to go!

Geo2

Kiss unhappy about rock hall of fame exclusion

"They've sold millions of records, and influenced several generations of fans and musicians. So why isn't Kiss in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?"

I have to agree.

Granted, they aren't the best musicians...ok, truth be told, they suck. Their songs aren't deep and meaningful (um, uh "Love Gun"), and they're more about the spectacle than the music.

But, they have sold a boat-load of records, and whether you like it or not, they have influenced a lot of other acts.

What do you think?

Geo2

 

Stories Behind 10 Famous Christmas Songs

This is a fun and interesting music-related story for the holidays. This article provides some behind-the-scenes anecdotes and info. on the most popular Christmas songs -- e.g., where the ideas originally came from, who was involved, etc.

 

Enjoy!

Geo2

 

read more digg story

Bopaboo -- a place to sell your used MP3s

This is a very interesting idea -- a website to sell used MP3s.

On one level, it makes a lot of sense. In the "old days," you were able to sell old records or CDs you didn't want, so why not MP3s? And, if you're anything like me, you probably already have a huge collection of MP3s that you never listen to...am I right?

Of course, copyright protection is the key issue, so it will be interesting to see if/how Bopaboo.com addresses this issue. But, if this takes off (currently in 'invite-only' beta), all I have to say is "where do I sign"?!

What do you think?

Geo2