A Review of "Bad Self Portraits" by Lake Street Dive

Last week I wrote about some new music I couldn't wait to hear. Read that here. The band was Lake Street Dive, and the name of their new release was Bad Self Portraits.

Well, I listened to it a few times and wrote a review. It's published over on the Earth Hertz Records website. It would make me real happy if you would click on the link below, and check it out.

Lake Street Dive Delivers Some Bad Self Portraits

The Billy David Band: Magic

At the beginning of the month, I wrote about my new gig over at Earth Hertz Records. I also mentioned when new music was released,  I would do some posts to introduce it. So let's talk about the first single released through Earth Hertz.

"Magic" is the new song from the San Diego based Billy David Band. Founding band member Billy David Millican wrote "Magic" as an ode to the allure and power of a woman. Produced by Paul Kastich, Julian Tydelski and Billy David, the quality of the musicians on this album is evident.

With a powerful pop beat tinged with reggae, add in an infectious chorus... just try to keep your feet from moving.


For a limited time, readers of this blog can stream "Magic" at this link:
Magic link

Check out the video:

Lead Vocals: Billy David Millican
Backing Vocals: Quino McWhinney
Live Drums: Paul Kastick
Drum Programming: Julian Tydelski
Percussion: Jackie Bertone
Bass: Othneil Campbell (Taddy P)
Acoustic Guitars: Programming by Julian Tydelski
Electric Guitars: Kyle McDonald, Dylan Keawe
Piano and Organ: Julian Tydelski
Keyboards: Julian Tydelski, Lynn Copeland
Trumpet: Kevin Batchelor
Saxophone: Anant Pradhan

Available now through:

iTunes
cdbaby
Strembeam.US

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Research? How About Just Listen.

Writing a music blog, I get to hear some really bad music. No, I mean some really bad music. Everyone and his cousin who has an interest in the music business sends me links, follows me and wants to be my friend. People who know me are keenly aware..I am not that friendly.

I do however have a few friends and people in high places (well maybe not high, but a bit loftier than me), who give me a head's up for things of interest on the music front. Well, thanks to the 'cat's eyes,' we have a topic to discuss. That subject is pretty much the reason this blog was created in the first place. The state of music today. ugh.

It seems researchers in Spain have compiled musical data from the last fifty years, used crazy algorithms and figured out that the pop music of today is louder and more boring than music from years back. My first question is: Did they really need to do research to figure this out?

The research shows that today's music has less complex chord structure, simpler melodies and well frankly, it is crap. Basically the high, low and depth which makes music sound so layered and complex, has been replaced by extra bass and volume. ugh.

Now, I cannot comprehend the need for this whole research team, which by the way, was led by an "Artificial Intelligence Specialist." That term alone is enough to make me crazy.

Music is something you feel in your heart, something that breaks through to your soul. 

Music is something which can make you cry or bring you out of the bottomless pit of despair.

 I know, it's done it for me.

 Enough talk, let's just listen to what I consider a few really great songs.

First up, one of the greatest musical anthems for imagery, vocals, arrangement, and if you have ever seen it live...performance.

Meat Loaf  "Bat Out Of Hell" ... a masterpiece from Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman. an almost 10 minute roller coaster ride.
Jethro Tull "Heavy Horses" ...an insanely beautifully constructed song. As you listen, take a look at the lyrics. not exactly of the "let me do you on the kitchen table" type of lyric. musically...intense and vibrant.
Bob Marley "Could You Be Loved" ...a great rhythm, message and hell it's Marley.
Bruce Springsteen "Jungleland" ...story, vocal, piano...and the big man.

Now, there are thousands of songs I could have included here, feel free to leave comments on what songs you consider great. These are just used to make a point.. None of these songs were created with a beat machine, auto tune or any other tricks. These songs were written with deep emotion using all the skills necessary to create brilliant musical arrangements... full of passion.

One thing I can guarantee, long after we are all gone from this earth, another generation will hear the opening riff of "Layla" and smile. Can the same be said of 95% of the songs you will hear today?

Didn't think so.

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A Quick 60's Flashback: So Very Dusty

Today, this little ride is going back to the early 60's. As someone who grew up with the whole women's rights thing, I've always enjoyed the women early on in the music business, who found their way to the top.

Now in an earlier post entitled "Choosing A Role Model: It Explains So Much," I wrote of the influence Grace Slick had on my life. While Grace was up-in-your-face all attitude and voice, the late Dusty Springfield was the polar opposite.

Dusty was always perfectly put together, 60's style. Big hair, great manicure, fancy clothes.  Then there was the voice. Blue-eyed soul with feminine charm. Watching her on TV, always a lady...using those well-polished nails as an exclamation mark to her singing.

Best known for "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Wishin' and Hopin," her album "Dusty in Memphis," still reigns as a top in my eyes.

Just for fun, today's lick is just that...fun.  Sixties pop at its best. Two minutes and 38 seconds of a view into the early joy of music videos.

Have a taste of  "I Only Want To Be With You."

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