I Will Never Wash My Ears Again (Sorry, Mom) Listening to tunes in NYC is furlough fun Published on 6/23/2009
Rick Koster
Arts reporter/columnist
E-Mail: Rick Koster
Phone No.: (860) 701 - 4325Interactive Profile Rick Koster has covered music, books and dining for The Day, and is a regular columnist. He also host’s the paper’s online Behind the Scenes feature. A native Southerner, Koster is the author of two books, Louisiana Music and Texas Music. He thinks, for the most part, dogs are better than people.
Rick’s Playlist - June 23, 2009
1. Hands -- Strangelet
2. Harry Nilsson -- Sings Randy Newman
3. Riverside -- Voices in My Head
4. Isis -- Wavering Radiant
5. Peter Chilvers -- Stormwatcher
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I Will Never Wash My Ears Again (Sorry, Mom) 6/23/2009
These furlough things are sorta fun.
I’ve had two of them, now, and while I can’t really afford any more — at least until the ol’ blood-alcohol level recedes sufficiently that I can sell a few more pints of plasma and recompense a bit of the income loss.
One very cool thing that happened, though, is that the Bride Unit and I were invited down to Avatar Studios in Manhattan for a listening party to premiere The Incident, the newest Porcupine Tree CD, which will be officially available in September.
You may or may not be weary of my frequent pontificating on the Greatness of The Porkers — archival records here at the Mighty Day indicate I haven’t mentioned them in weeks — but forget that for a minute. Pretend you were sitting in a world class recording studio with a chance to hear, well, any new recording. In an acoustically perfect room with equipment of this calibre, the pure sound quality alone is worth the trip and the experience.
In this case, it so happened that the album is by one of our favorite bands — plus you can throw into the equation the fact that Porcupine Tree’s last CD, the still-immortal Fear of a Blank Planet, was nominated for a Grammy for sound quality. Whether you like their music or not, the Porkers make records that sound breathtakingly beautiful.
This wasn’t ZZ Top, in other words.
Perhaps the only trouble with such an event is that, as noted above, the CD won’t hit the streets for several weeks. And given that The Incident is a 55-minute song cycle with a variety of connected snippets interjected within longer works, it was just a huge batch of musical creativity to wrap one’s head around in only one listen. Segments hang inside my brain like cave-bats, but a lot more is only a blur in memory. It'd be nice to be able to hear it all again and start to digest it. Soon ...
Head Pork Man Steven Wilson was on hand at the soiree although, perhaps undestandably, he stayed in a separate reception room nursing, it appeared, a glass of red wine. I can imagine it would be fairly odd for him to sit in the same room with a group of strangers staring at him, particularly since he’s heard the damned thing already about 63,000 times.
In any case, it was a pleasure to meet him, at which time I offered typical and bumblingly moronic adulatory comments that he fielded graciously by not falling into a full-bore sleep. I was so lame that I almost wish he’d commented on my thunderous lack of anything new or clever to say, but he’s too nice for such things.
So I offered him a free horse in gratitude for all his work.
Not really.
If you could attend a listening party to an as-yet-unrleased album by an artist, who would it be?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I Will Never Wash My Ears Again (Sorry, Mom)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Porcupine Tree Reveals New Album Tracklisting
Porcupine Tree has issued the following announcement about the recording of their new album:
"Roadrunner have posted some clips of Porcupine Tree working in the studio on their forthcoming album The Incident here.
"Also the cover image and subtitles to the various parts of the long song cycle that takes up the whole of the first CD were revealed at a playback in New York earlier this week. The cover was photographed by Lasse Hoile and designed by Carl Glover."
The track listing for "The Incident" will be as follows:
1. occam’s razor (1.55)
2. the blind house (5.47)
3. great expectations (1.26)
4. kneel and disconnect (2.03)
5. drawing the line (4.43)
6. the incident (5.20)
7. your unpleasant family (1.48)
8. the yellow windows of the evening train (2.00)
9. time flies (11.40)
10. degree zero of liberty (1.45)
11. octane twisted (5.03)
12. the séance (2.39)
13. circle of manias (2.18)
14. i drive the hearse (6.41)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
'Magic Fingers Vibrating Bed' inventor dies at 92
'Magic Fingers Vibrating Bed' inventor dies at 92
The Associated Press
MIAMI -- The inventor of the "Magic Fingers Vibrating Bed," a coin-operated fixture in American motel rooms in the 1960s and 70s, has died in Florida. John Joseph Houghtaling (HUFF-tay-ling) was 92. His son Paul says the inventor died Wednesday at his home in Fort Pierce. Tinkering in the basement of his New Jersey home, Houghtaling invented the "Magic Fingers" machine in 1958. It caused beds to vibrate when a quarter was dropped in the device. He moved the company to Miami in 1968 and remained its president until he retired in the 1980s. The kitschy devices made their way into pop culture - celebrated in song by Jimmy Buffett and Frank Zappa and the cause of a beer explosion in the movie "Planes, Trains and Automobiles."
The Associated Press
MIAMI -- The inventor of the "Magic Fingers Vibrating Bed," a coin-operated fixture in American motel rooms in the 1960s and 70s, has died in Florida. John Joseph Houghtaling (HUFF-tay-ling) was 92. His son Paul says the inventor died Wednesday at his home in Fort Pierce. Tinkering in the basement of his New Jersey home, Houghtaling invented the "Magic Fingers" machine in 1958. It caused beds to vibrate when a quarter was dropped in the device. He moved the company to Miami in 1968 and remained its president until he retired in the 1980s. The kitschy devices made their way into pop culture - celebrated in song by Jimmy Buffett and Frank Zappa and the cause of a beer explosion in the movie "Planes, Trains and Automobiles."
via youtube.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009
(P)Review of 'The Incident'
Grabbed this from the Progressive Music Society Yahoo group.
Thanks to Geoff Kieffer for the "First Look."
Got to hear the new Porcupine Tree at an industry listening session this past Tuesday night... The new release consists of one long "song cycle" The Incident, which is made up of 14 songs, interludes, transitions... I suppose you could liken it to Marillions - Brave, or Yes -Close to the Edge, or Floyds the Wall or... any number of concept pieces, despite it not really being a specific concept piece.
Quite honestly it was a lot to absorb and I am not really certain what I made of it in one listen.. It was a bit overwhelming, however, the overall impression I got was that Steve's solo album, Insurgentes, had a pretty direct influence on his writing for this album and that the older albums like Signify, Stupid Dream, and Lighbulb Sun were more recognizable in the "pot" so to speak..
One song, Time Flies, is a wonderful homage to all things Floydian in that it liberally takes (but doesn't exactly plaugerize) from Dogs, Time, Sheep, and Run Like Hell during it's 11:40 run... Very memorable track !!!! There is a very diverse almost schizophrenic feel to the album and I have a feeling it is one that, while NOT immediate, will really grow on me and other PT fans... There is also a second disc, and ep if you will, that will be released in conjunction with the main album and it contains 4 tracks written as a band (vs. SW composition like the bulk of The Incident is) and we were treated to one song called Flicker that was actually very cool and very retro sounding...
Just thought I would share gang. The new PT will be out (in the US that is)on 9/21/09, through Road Runner Records.GK
Thanks to Geoff Kieffer for the "First Look."
Got to hear the new Porcupine Tree at an industry listening session this past Tuesday night... The new release consists of one long "song cycle" The Incident, which is made up of 14 songs, interludes, transitions... I suppose you could liken it to Marillions - Brave, or Yes -Close to the Edge, or Floyds the Wall or... any number of concept pieces, despite it not really being a specific concept piece.
Quite honestly it was a lot to absorb and I am not really certain what I made of it in one listen.. It was a bit overwhelming, however, the overall impression I got was that Steve's solo album, Insurgentes, had a pretty direct influence on his writing for this album and that the older albums like Signify, Stupid Dream, and Lighbulb Sun were more recognizable in the "pot" so to speak..
One song, Time Flies, is a wonderful homage to all things Floydian in that it liberally takes (but doesn't exactly plaugerize) from Dogs, Time, Sheep, and Run Like Hell during it's 11:40 run... Very memorable track !!!! There is a very diverse almost schizophrenic feel to the album and I have a feeling it is one that, while NOT immediate, will really grow on me and other PT fans... There is also a second disc, and ep if you will, that will be released in conjunction with the main album and it contains 4 tracks written as a band (vs. SW composition like the bulk of The Incident is) and we were treated to one song called Flicker that was actually very cool and very retro sounding...
Just thought I would share gang. The new PT will be out (in the US that is)on 9/21/09, through Road Runner Records.GK
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
PORCUPINE TREE Reveal More Details For Upcoming Album
PORCUPINE TREE Reveal More Details For Upcoming Album, The Incident; Behind-The-Scenes Video Footage Available
Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 13:23:37 EST
Grammy-nominated UK recording artist PORCUPINE TREE recently confirmed the title of their tenth studio album: The Incident. The new record is set to be released on Roadrunner Records on September 22nd, as a double CD. The Incident is a stunning 55-minute musical statement, described by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Steven Wilson as “a slightly surreal song cycle about beginnings and endings and the sense that ‘after this, things will never be the same again.’” The seeds of the idea that led to The Incident came to Wilson as he became caught up in a highway traffic jam while driving past an accident.
“There was a sign saying ‘POLICE - INCIDENT’ and everyone was slowing down to rubber neck to see what had happened,” he recalls. “Afterwards, it struck me that ‘incident’ is a very detached word for something so destructive and traumatic for the people involved. And then I had the sensation that the spirit of someone that had died in the accident entered into my car and was sitting next to me.
“The irony of such a cold expression for such seismic events appealed to me, and I began to pick out other ‘incidents’ reported in the media and news,” continues Wilson. “I wrote about the evacuation of teenage girls from a religious cult in Texas, a family terrorizing its neighbors, a body found floating in a river by some people on a fishing trip, and more. Each song is written in the first person and tries to humanize the detached media reportage.”
Additionally, Wilson delved back into incidents in his own life that had profoundly affected him, including a lost childhood friendship, a séance, his first love and the day that he decided to give up secure employment to follow his dream of making music.
The self-produced album is completed by four standalone compositions that developed out of band writing sessions last December - 'Flicker', 'Bonnie The Cat', 'Black Dahlia' and 'Remember Me Lover' - housed on a separate CD to stress their independence from the title track.
Porcupine Tree - completed by Gavin Harrison (drums), Colin Edwin (bass), and Richard Barbieri (keyboards) - took a video camera into the recording studio, capturing a few moments to share with fans. Explore the behind-the-scenes footage below.
Coming to the recording sessions following his first ever solo album, November 2008’s Insurgentes, Wilson admits that the experience of having worked alone affected the direction of The Incident. “Possibly because of having done that, this record is darker, expansive, and more experimental,” he theorizes. “But when I write for Porcupine Tree, I know the sound I’m after.”
Porcupine Tree’s latest masterpiece The Incident will be released September 22nd.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Porcupine Tree - New Album News
The Incident
Porcupine Tree are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their tenth studio album "The Incident". The record is set to be released via Roadrunner Records worldwide on 21st September, as a double CD.
The centre-piece is the title track, which takes up the whole of the first disc. The 55-minute work is described as “a slightly surreal song cycle about beginnings and endings and the sense that ‘after this, things will never be the same again’.”
The self-produced album is completed by four standalone compositions that developed out of band writing sessions last December - Flicker, Bonnie The Cat, Black Dahlia, and Remember Me Lover feature on a separate EP length disc to stress their independence from the song cycle.
Video footage of the band in the studio working on The Incident, as well as audio previews, will be available online soon. The band will tour extensively to promote the album from mid September onwards.
Friday, June 05, 2009
The little joys in life
Considering that I have to park in supermarket parking lots every day, I am no longer concerned about dings and scratches. So it gives me great joy to inconvenience assholes like this on a rainy day.
Yes, my car is the one on the right, perfectly parked between the white lines.
I only wish they weren't crooked so I could have parked closer to their door.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Another piece of Zappa history
Yet another piece of Zappa's "Conceptual Continuity."
Of course, I don't expect this video to ever see the light of day as long as Gail Zappa walks the earth.
Not to mention that the web page design is dated almost 2 1/2 years ago.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Why not, right?
Thanks to O&A for pointing this web site out (click the picture).
To paraphrase Keanu Reeves in Parenthhood, "Any butt-reaming asshole can be a parent."
Son of Me! Me! Me!
Contrary to popular opinion, 12 of the same item does NOT count as one item in the express lane!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Pinnacle
via youtube.com
American Prog at it's finest.
Dust in the Wind? Could not be further from representative of their output.
Oh, Uncle Paul!
via youtube.com
A classic from the dawn of MTV...back when we were allowed to have a fucking sense of humor!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
As if Pennsylvania didn't have enough pests!
via ento.psu.edu
I decided to do a Google search of these "stink bugs" that have become rampant here in western NJ, and occasionally find their way into my home.
Turns out it's a "true bug" that are coming from eastern Pennsylvania!
It's bad enough I have to deal with their drivers, now I have Penn to thank for these annoying bugs as well!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Roadrunner Records signs Porcupine Tree
via thegauntlet.com
Looks like I'll only have two days to absorb the new album before seeing them this year.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Is it just me?
I was at my mom's house earlier tonight, and she was watching Celebrity Apprentice. Not having seen them in quite some time, I was shocked to see what Joan and Melissa Rivers have morphed into.
Why can't women just age gracefully? Plastic surgery does NOT make you look better! It makes you look PLASTIC!
Women should consider plastic surgery to be like a man's toupee. If it's going to be obvious and NOT an improvement, then why bother? You only draw more attention and ridicule to yourself.
Why can't women just age gracefully? Plastic surgery does NOT make you look better! It makes you look PLASTIC!
Women should consider plastic surgery to be like a man's toupee. If it's going to be obvious and NOT an improvement, then why bother? You only draw more attention and ridicule to yourself.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
Me, me, me!
Another installment of the "entitlement" series (note the sign).
Monday, May 04, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
How great would this be?
Found this bit amusing. I would gladly agree to all of this if I could retire in 5 years!
=====
The Business Section of the St Petersburg Times asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix
the Economy?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing Americas economy.
Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the
money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.
Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following
stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that!
If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents
pay their taxes...
=====
The Business Section of the St Petersburg Times asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix
the Economy?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing Americas economy.
Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the
money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.
Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following
stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that!
If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents
pay their taxes...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Oh no!
Okay, so the condo downstairs from me seems to have been sold. It would have been nice if it were sold 6 months ago because I took a beating on my heating bill this winter having a cold dwelling below me.
Anyway, the woman (of course it was) driving this vehicle may or may not be the new owner/resident. If it is, she better do a better job of parking when she parks in her assigned spot which is next to mine!
Why is it that more often than not, the people driving these tanks don't know how to judge them?
CNN Breaking News
Okay, I feel bad for the animals, but how does anyone over 40 read about this story and not think of the Honeymooners? ;-)
-----Original Message-----
From: CNN Breaking News
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 12:48 PM
To: textbreakingnews@ema3lsv06.turner.com
Subject: CNN Breaking News
-- Pharmacy that supplied medicine for polo ponies that later died says the medicine was incorrectly prepared.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Breaking News?
What has our society become when THIS is breaking news?!
-----Original Message-----
From: CNN Breaking News
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 2:18 AM
Subject: CNN Breaking News
-- Ashton Kutcher is first to reach 1 million followers in Twitter contest with CNN.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Controlling Your Camera’s Flash
Controlling Your Camera's Flash
Interesting little commentary from David Pogue. I especially like this part, which I've known for years, and am amazed at how many people don't:
"Your camera's flash probably has a range of about 10 feet. Beyond that distance, it does nothing at all—except waste battery power and annoy people."
"You know when thousands of flashes go off at a rock concert, football game, or school play? Don't be one of those clueless people. They're all firing their flashes for nothing. Do they really think they're going to illuminate a singer, football player, or actor from 200 yards away?"
"The second time to avoid using the flash is, well, whenever possible. A no-flash picture is almost always better-looking and more realistic than a flash picture."
Interesting little commentary from David Pogue. I especially like this part, which I've known for years, and am amazed at how many people don't:
"Your camera's flash probably has a range of about 10 feet. Beyond that distance, it does nothing at all—except waste battery power and annoy people."
"You know when thousands of flashes go off at a rock concert, football game, or school play? Don't be one of those clueless people. They're all firing their flashes for nothing. Do they really think they're going to illuminate a singer, football player, or actor from 200 yards away?"
"The second time to avoid using the flash is, well, whenever possible. A no-flash picture is almost always better-looking and more realistic than a flash picture."
It SO figures!
Here's the deal...
I used to have DirecTV which I loved, and still would recommend to anyone. Problem is that when I bought a Hi-Def flat screen, I found that I would not be able to receive any HD channels because of trees right outside my condo (which I can do nothing about). So, bye-bye DirecTV, hello Comcast (ugh!). The one very small upside...Comcast, like DirecTV, carries the NFL Network. Cablevision (the cable carrier that my friends and family have) does not carry NFLN.
Fast-forward to the present, and it turns out that as of May 1, Comcast will no longer carry NFL Network. Turns out that NFLN won't let any provider carry them unless it's on the "basic" tier. Comcast only offered it as part of an optional sports tier.
Anyway, on to my point. Now I no longer have access to the NFL Network be it at home or at a friend's, or even my local family.
So the NFL released the 2009 schedule on Tuesday, and as anyone with my luck would expect, the Dolphins have a prime time game scheduled in November on....you guessed it...the NFL Network.
What kills me is that they also have a Monday night game against the Jets. A game that had it been on NFL Network, would also be televised on a local channel, because if you live in the tri-state area, you will see the Jets and Giants on TV no matter what.
It SO figures!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Frank Zappa: A 'Lumpy' Legacy : NPR Music
via npr.org
Lest anyone think that I am unfairly harsh towards Gail Zappa and the ZFT, see what people with first hand knowledge have to say.
Oh, and be sure to note the box titled "Hear The Songs" directly under Frank's picture on the article page.
Ray White quits Zappa Plays Zappa
1 April 2009
Hello Friends,
Here's a funny story... sort of.... So we're getting ready to leave for Japan and Australia and we've been rehearsing away like a good little teenage rocking combo. Diligently re-distributing parts and practicing our new musical responsibilities in the wake of Aaron Arntz's departure. We decide to stop for a moment and we say to ourselves where is Ray White?
He was supposed to be here today wasn't he? Yep today's the day for Ray. Let's call him. He doesn't answer any of his phones and they all say they are disconnected. Is he suddenly in the witness protection program? What has happened? We decide to look at our e-mails. I had one in my in box from Ray.
Ready for the hilarious punchline? Ray quit via e-mail with no advance "romance" notice whatsoever.
This sort of thing happened to Frank often. It never stopped him. While it is not enjoyable to deal with, it is predictable. History repeats itself.
As a band we have become even more galvanized by this odd turn of events. We have plenty of material to perform both vocally and instrumentally. We got a bit short changed on preparation time but we're professionals, we can handle this type of thing.
There has always been a plan to perform solely as the core band and now is as good a time as any. Quite frankly I'm looking forward to this experience. I have a lot of confidence in the core band. They are all exceptionally talented.
While we have enjoyed playing with our favorite alumni over the years it is time for a change. Yes folks, it's the end of a chapter for ZPZ.
The new chapter for ZPZ begins thusly...
'Twas the night before rehearsal and all through the studio every creature was stirring, clicking their mouses and searching the internet for new lead singers...
To be continued... ( We may have actually found one from a city far far away.)
In closing, here is the official word on the status of the upcoming tours and what to expect.
Zappa Plays Zappa will be performing as 6 piece band - until we find a few musical compatriots that will complement our line up . We will do what we always do - deliver our very best efforts to present the music of Frank Zappa with the utmost respect and have an excellent time in the process.
Please feel free to join us for the festivities.
See you on the road.
Regards, DZPOSTED BY DWEEZIL ZAPPA AT 2009-04-01 17:30:04
No, this sort of thing did NOT happen to Frank "often."
Let's see...Napolean Murphy Brock is axed for wanting to participate in a performance that was...are you ready?....a tribute to Frank. Steve Vai and Terry Bozzio do a one and done, Ike Willis is not welcome, and now Ray White quits.
Hey Dweez? Why maybe it's YOU (and you don't even know it!) and your c*nt of a mother!
Seems all the FZ alum have nothing but fond memories of Frank, yet they don't seem to share the same sentiments towards you and the rest of the Zappa clan. Hmmm....
This blog post seems to imply that Dweezil expects to be the new incarnation of the Mothers, and that a new legion of followers will abound.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're NOT Frank!
Do your own thing with the talent you've surrounded yourself with. People would respect you more. You can only ride coattails for so long; then it just gets old.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Most wonderful time finally over?
They finally took the Xmas season banners down. I wonder if they saw my post from last week? ;-)
=====
Sent from my Blackjack II
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
New Gmail Feature: Autopilot
via mail.google.com
Leave it to Google to always be on the cutting edge.
Although, I don't think this feature is quite as "resourceful" as the one they rolled out about a year ago. ;-)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
THE ALBUM IS ALIVE
http://tinyurl.com/cntzws
EDITORIAL: THE ALBUM IS ALIVE
April 04, 2009
Technology Doesn't Mean The End For Extended Work—Or Artistic Packaging
Reports that CD sales continue to decline—they fell 14% in 2008 compared with 2007—have once again inspired a pundit-led roll call of the music industry's dead and dying institutions: major labels, record stores, terrestrial radio and the CD itself, to name but a few. Recently added to the obituary page is the album itself, thanks to industry "experts." However, I'm happy to say that the reports of the album's death are greatly exaggerated.
The true album—with the capital "A"—is alive and well. I'm not talking about an album that offers a compilation of songs strung together without meaning or purpose (other than to sell a hit single). I'm talking about the Album. The true Album. A narrative series of songs that an artist has purposefully created to work together as a whole, from the sequencing to the artwork and packaging. It resonates. It takes you on a journey. You put it on, and it's evocative and satisfying. It becomes an essential part of you.
If you think I'm being nostalgic, imagine your favorite album right now, the one you would take to that deserted island if you could only choose one. You know where I'm coming from. And that's why the album is still relevant.
We're told that the main threat to the album is digital technology—the widespread availability of music via downloading; the increased popularity of iPods and other portable music players; and the diminished sound quality of MP3 and AAC files.
One of the ironies of the CD format is that albums have gotten longer, while attention spans have gotten shorter. We live in an age when information in available instantly from computers, cell phones and satellite TV. Music can be sourced from all over the Internet, from online radio stations to artist Web sites. When the computer becomes a listener's main source of listening to music, it's hard to focus for 40 minutes, let alone 70.
But the argument that technology killed the album is a diversion—the mere availability of downloadable music is irrelevant to the question of the format's viability. It's just as easy to download eight songs from the same record as it is to download eight tracks from different artists. An iPod can play songs in order as easily as it can mix them up. Indeed, the widespread availability of digital music from virtually unlimited sources only increases the access to albums and gives artists an entirely new forum in which to distribute them.
One of the great pleasures of the album is its artwork: the lyrics, liner notes, photos and packaging. Artwork can complement the music within, on some sets more elaborately than others—the spinning wheel on "Led Zeppelin III" comes to mind, as does the triple-gatefold "Yessongs." The immediacy and tactility of that experience vanishes when it's reduced to 5 inches square, encased in plastic and coupled with an eight-page booklet that's hard to read. No wonder artwork came to be considered disposable. And yet it can now be downloaded in high quality, in various sizes. The ability to present images and lyrics is no longer limited by physical packaging or label budgets, only an artist's imagination.
Technology isn't the enemy of the album. If anything, the opposite is true. Widespread broadband, cheaper hard drives and better compression formats allow listeners to access files that sound as good as CDs. The top two online stores—iTunes and Amazon—have found success selling high-quality files, proving that sound quality matters.
As CD sales continue to plunge and the jewel case CD itself prepares to join the cassette, the 8-track tape and the MiniDisc in the dustbin of history, artists and labels need to devise new ways to sell physical products. They've had considerable success selling good old LPs, which fans keep buying as CDs fade. Another bright spot is deluxe or limited-edition albums that include additional features like bonus tracks, video footage, surround-sound mixes and more elaborate packaging. This month many U2 fans bought a $96 limited edition of the album "No Line on the Horizon." Just this week Sony released a $200 reissue of Pearl Jam's "Ten" that caters to the album's diehard fans.
Such releases would have been inconceivable 10 years ago. And technology should facilitate, not hinder, their release. Give album lovers something aesthetically pleasing to buy—and trust me, they'll buy it. ••••
Steven Wilson is the founder and lead singer/songwriter of Porcupine Tree and a member of several other bands. He recently sold out a 4,000-copy run of the deluxe edition of his first solo album, "Insurgentes," which contains a coffee-table book of photography related to the album.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Yesterday in music history
via youtube.com
Meant to post this yesterday...
21 years ago (March 25, 1988), Frank Zappa and his touring band performed their last U.S. concert at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.
I'm glad I had the privilege of witnessing it (even if it was under the influence of a fantastic amount of trendy chemical amusement aid).
If you can spare 5 minutes of your life, play the video and witness one of Frank's many "air sculptures."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Vegetarian Pets?
I was wondering today...regarding people who are vegetarians for animal cruelty/slaughter reasons, do they feed their pets (cats & dogs) regular canned pet food (which contains meat)?
I'd be willing to bet that there are some that do. Do you suppose they see the hypocrisy?
Just something to ponder.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Still the most wonderful time of the year?
What the hell...they're just going to have to go up again in 8 months!
"One likes to believe in the freedom of music..."
Check it out at huffingtonpost.com
Interesting essay by John Mellencamp about the state of the music industry.
My favorite statement that seems to really sum it all up is the end of the second-to-last paragraph where he says that it's not that people don't still love music, it's just the way it's presented ignores their humanity.
How sadly true that is.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
YouTube - The Obama Deception
via youtube.com
Despite the title of this, it is not right-wing propaganda. It is not extreme left or right, but rather one man's expose on the corruption of government.
It only has Obama's name because he's the current puppet.
It is very unsettling, but something most free-thinking people have suspected for years.
Is it a bit overblown? Probably. But anyone who thinks there can be no truth to this at all is in denial. I can't imagine anyone with any average (or above) level of intelligence would deem this as complete bull.
And please, if you haven't or won't watch this film in it's entirety, don't waste my time engaging me with comments. Trust me, you cannot make any educated statements based on the title or 5-10 minutes of viewing.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
For the true fan
My mom came across this and sent it to me. Obviously a photoshop, but still kinda cool. :-)
Sunday, November 09, 2008
He hates your guts
Tonight was a fun night.
Due to several factors (finances, age, motivation, among others), I don't really get out too much when it's not the concert season (that being the summer generally), so it's nice when I do get out and it turns out to be a lot of fun.
Val and I had tickets to go see Jim Norton at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick.
Our tickets were for the early show; one of 5 shows of the weekend (at least 4 of them sold out).
We got there at about 5:50 PM to wait for the 6:00 PM opening of the doors. There were maybe 30 people or so ahead of us. Not a problem, because we easily got our new favorite table which is such a location so as to accommodate my "generous" build.
Since there's still almost 2 hours until show time, we ordered some food. It should be noted that the Stress Factory is a comedy club, not a restaurant, so the food is...well...edible. We played it safe and ordered the Improv Sampler, which consisted of 2 mozzarella sticks, 2 chicken fingers, 2 jalapeño poppers, and a handful of curly fries. Val doesn't care much for the poppers, so in return I let her have the one really good curly fry (you know, the one that looks like a potato slinky).
After the sampler and one or two Yeunglings, we decided to each order the one thing that is genuinely tasty at the Stress Factory, and that is the hot pretzel. At $3.75 each, they ought to be good. :-)
After the obligatory "funniest home videos" on the screens, followed by 5 minutes of panning and scanning the room with the in house camera and zooming in on random patrons complimented by text "remarks" on the screen (for example, when we went to see Bill Burr a few months back, the camera zoomed in on me and the text came up saying, "Needs Viagra"), the show started promptly at 8:00PM.
As always, club-owner Vinnie Brand started things off as MC. After his opening monologue, on came the opener, a very funny gentleman named Melvin George. We had never heard of him before, but he was very funny and entertaining. If I had to guess, I'd say the only thing keeping him from being more of a rising star is that he wasn't topical. His act was obviously entirely rehearsed, and he pretty much didn't say anything about the election (or anything really related to current events). Sure, it was only 4 days ago, but that's the point. A truly good comic would have come up with something pretty quickly.
Again, he was very funny and everyone obviously liked him. I'm only speculating as to why I haven't really heard of this guy.
He did about 40 minutes, and Jim Norton came on shortly before 9:00PM. Jimmy, as always, killed with his unique brand of politically incorrect humor. For any of you who may not have heard Jimmy's act (be it on stage, screen, or the airwaves with Opie & Anthony), just imagine the bastard child of Richard Pryor and George Carlin.
Jimmy did about a 90 minute set. After the show, Jimmy was selling and signing his new book, "I Hate Your Guts". I didn't stick around because I already have and read the book, and I didn't feel like waiting in line. How about that...I even lack motivation as a fan-boy. ;-)
Val and I then went to Marita's Cantina (two blocks away) for a nightcap of nachos and beer.
There was a live local band playing tonight, so there was a $5 cover charge to get in. We made that up when we got inside because Val had a friend behind the bar that gave us the first round "on the house." We ended up getting an order of nachos, two beers, and a shot for $20, which included a 35% tip.
We didn't stay long, because it became apparent very quickly that we could easily have been the subject of a "what's with the old people?" comment from just about anyone else in there.
After hearing the band play a Beatles cover, a Santana cover, and (what they referred to as) a Metallica cover, that being Bob Seger's "Turn The Page" (and yes, I know Metallica popularized that song, but these guys called it a Metallica cover. It's not. It's a Bob Seger cover. If you're a bar band and you play "I Shot The Sheriff," you would not be doing an Eric Clapton cover. 'Nuff said.), Valerie made the observation that her and I were the only ones in the whole place that were older than the music. Although, we were suspicious of one of the guitar players which may have been the others band members' dad. ;-)
So anyway, it was a fun night, and I would recommend that you go catch Jim Norton if you can, and buy his book.
Mark - Smober for 3 Years, 6 Months, 24 Days, 20 Hours and 46 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 181 Days and 5 Hours, by not smoking 52195 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $14,202.78.
Due to several factors (finances, age, motivation, among others), I don't really get out too much when it's not the concert season (that being the summer generally), so it's nice when I do get out and it turns out to be a lot of fun.
Val and I had tickets to go see Jim Norton at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick.
Our tickets were for the early show; one of 5 shows of the weekend (at least 4 of them sold out).
We got there at about 5:50 PM to wait for the 6:00 PM opening of the doors. There were maybe 30 people or so ahead of us. Not a problem, because we easily got our new favorite table which is such a location so as to accommodate my "generous" build.
Since there's still almost 2 hours until show time, we ordered some food. It should be noted that the Stress Factory is a comedy club, not a restaurant, so the food is...well...edible. We played it safe and ordered the Improv Sampler, which consisted of 2 mozzarella sticks, 2 chicken fingers, 2 jalapeño poppers, and a handful of curly fries. Val doesn't care much for the poppers, so in return I let her have the one really good curly fry (you know, the one that looks like a potato slinky).
After the sampler and one or two Yeunglings, we decided to each order the one thing that is genuinely tasty at the Stress Factory, and that is the hot pretzel. At $3.75 each, they ought to be good. :-)
After the obligatory "funniest home videos" on the screens, followed by 5 minutes of panning and scanning the room with the in house camera and zooming in on random patrons complimented by text "remarks" on the screen (for example, when we went to see Bill Burr a few months back, the camera zoomed in on me and the text came up saying, "Needs Viagra"), the show started promptly at 8:00PM.
As always, club-owner Vinnie Brand started things off as MC. After his opening monologue, on came the opener, a very funny gentleman named Melvin George. We had never heard of him before, but he was very funny and entertaining. If I had to guess, I'd say the only thing keeping him from being more of a rising star is that he wasn't topical. His act was obviously entirely rehearsed, and he pretty much didn't say anything about the election (or anything really related to current events). Sure, it was only 4 days ago, but that's the point. A truly good comic would have come up with something pretty quickly.
Again, he was very funny and everyone obviously liked him. I'm only speculating as to why I haven't really heard of this guy.
He did about 40 minutes, and Jim Norton came on shortly before 9:00PM. Jimmy, as always, killed with his unique brand of politically incorrect humor. For any of you who may not have heard Jimmy's act (be it on stage, screen, or the airwaves with Opie & Anthony), just imagine the bastard child of Richard Pryor and George Carlin.
Jimmy did about a 90 minute set. After the show, Jimmy was selling and signing his new book, "I Hate Your Guts". I didn't stick around because I already have and read the book, and I didn't feel like waiting in line. How about that...I even lack motivation as a fan-boy. ;-)
Val and I then went to Marita's Cantina (two blocks away) for a nightcap of nachos and beer.
There was a live local band playing tonight, so there was a $5 cover charge to get in. We made that up when we got inside because Val had a friend behind the bar that gave us the first round "on the house." We ended up getting an order of nachos, two beers, and a shot for $20, which included a 35% tip.
We didn't stay long, because it became apparent very quickly that we could easily have been the subject of a "what's with the old people?" comment from just about anyone else in there.
After hearing the band play a Beatles cover, a Santana cover, and (what they referred to as) a Metallica cover, that being Bob Seger's "Turn The Page" (and yes, I know Metallica popularized that song, but these guys called it a Metallica cover. It's not. It's a Bob Seger cover. If you're a bar band and you play "I Shot The Sheriff," you would not be doing an Eric Clapton cover. 'Nuff said.), Valerie made the observation that her and I were the only ones in the whole place that were older than the music. Although, we were suspicious of one of the guitar players which may have been the others band members' dad. ;-)
So anyway, it was a fun night, and I would recommend that you go catch Jim Norton if you can, and buy his book.
Mark - Smober for 3 Years, 6 Months, 24 Days, 20 Hours and 46 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 181 Days and 5 Hours, by not smoking 52195 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $14,202.78.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Not a spam blog!
This content-less blog post is for no other reason than to say that this is the first post in I don't know how long that I didn't have to input a "captcha" to post it because it was flagged as a "spam blog".
It's been at least a year or two.
Now watch me jinx myself with this post. :-/
It's been at least a year or two.
Now watch me jinx myself with this post. :-/
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sticks and stones....
By now you've likely heard about the controversial cover on The New Yorker magazine this week. If not, check out the Huffington Post for a quick summary.
Apparently this satirical cartoon drawing has some left-wing pundits and dignitaries all up in arms, including the subject himself. The consensus among them seems to be that the cover is "tasteless and offensive" (the exact apprisal from the Obama campaign, btw).
Here's the thing...it is satire, which by the way, was published on the cover of a left-wing publication! It was implicitly designed to point out the absurdity coming from the right about Obama! How anyone could not see this is beyond me.
A friend recently said to me, "For anyone who is well educated, [voting for] Obama is a no-brainer."
Okay, for someone with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and who tries to keep up with current events and is reasonably well-read, this is not necessarily true. I happen to still play the middle and am still weighing the pros and cons of both camps (always my preference over blindly following one side).
But let's just say for argument's sake that the statement is valid. Intelligent voters may support Obama, but that does not mean it works the other way. That is to say that not all Obama supporters are intelligent. This is evident by the uproar caused by this cartoon. Of course, as is the case any time a black person is targeted in any way whatsoever, Al Sharpton had something to say about it. What else is new? And as is the case almost any time he gets involved in something, it's an occasion where I can point out something often overlooked in this increasingly politically correct nation; it is not a right of an American citizen to not get your feelings hurt! You do not have the right to not be offended!
In fact, quite contrary, it was the artist's freedom of expression, and The New Yorker's freedom of the press that was at play here, and kudos (respectively) to the both of them for standing behind the drawing and the subsequent publication of said drawing.
Funny, it's usually the liberals that have the sense of humor, but they are also the biggest whiners when they don't get the joke.
Speaking of Obama supporters, I'm not sure if ever in my lifetime I've seen a candidate with so much "blind" support. If you're not sure what I mean by this, go find 10 random people that are supporting Obama, and get back to me if more than 1 (2 at the most), can give you a thought-out, legitimate reason for supporting him. Dollars to donuts that you'll mostly get "I like the way he speaks for change" or other similarly vacant stances.
Which segues nicely into Obama's "change". Here's an interesting quote from the aforementioned Huffington article, which is actually citing another article (of which I've only read 2 of 15 pages so far):
Now, maybe I'm reading the above paragraph wrong, but the way I read it, it seems that if this is true, then Obama (if and when elected) will bring about anything but change. It sounds like he's best at playing the game as is. Just another cog in the wheel.
Three years, three months, one day, 18 hours smober.
47551 cigarettes not smoked, saving $12,482.14.
Apparently this satirical cartoon drawing has some left-wing pundits and dignitaries all up in arms, including the subject himself. The consensus among them seems to be that the cover is "tasteless and offensive" (the exact apprisal from the Obama campaign, btw).
Here's the thing...it is satire, which by the way, was published on the cover of a left-wing publication! It was implicitly designed to point out the absurdity coming from the right about Obama! How anyone could not see this is beyond me.
A friend recently said to me, "For anyone who is well educated, [voting for] Obama is a no-brainer."
Okay, for someone with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and who tries to keep up with current events and is reasonably well-read, this is not necessarily true. I happen to still play the middle and am still weighing the pros and cons of both camps (always my preference over blindly following one side).
But let's just say for argument's sake that the statement is valid. Intelligent voters may support Obama, but that does not mean it works the other way. That is to say that not all Obama supporters are intelligent. This is evident by the uproar caused by this cartoon. Of course, as is the case any time a black person is targeted in any way whatsoever, Al Sharpton had something to say about it. What else is new? And as is the case almost any time he gets involved in something, it's an occasion where I can point out something often overlooked in this increasingly politically correct nation; it is not a right of an American citizen to not get your feelings hurt! You do not have the right to not be offended!
In fact, quite contrary, it was the artist's freedom of expression, and The New Yorker's freedom of the press that was at play here, and kudos (respectively) to the both of them for standing behind the drawing and the subsequent publication of said drawing.
Funny, it's usually the liberals that have the sense of humor, but they are also the biggest whiners when they don't get the joke.
Speaking of Obama supporters, I'm not sure if ever in my lifetime I've seen a candidate with so much "blind" support. If you're not sure what I mean by this, go find 10 random people that are supporting Obama, and get back to me if more than 1 (2 at the most), can give you a thought-out, legitimate reason for supporting him. Dollars to donuts that you'll mostly get "I like the way he speaks for change" or other similarly vacant stances.
Which segues nicely into Obama's "change". Here's an interesting quote from the aforementioned Huffington article, which is actually citing another article (of which I've only read 2 of 15 pages so far):
The companion article by Ryan Lizza, who has written extensively about the campaign, traces Obama's early career and rise through Chicago politics. It's very long (18 pages!) and probably won't thrill a lot of Democratic party faithful, either, since it advances the image of Obama as a skilled and calculating politician who rose by becoming a master of the game:
"[P]erhaps the greatest misconception about Barack Obama is that he is some sort of anti-establishment revolutionary. Rather, every stage of his political career has been marked by an eagerness to accommodate himself to existing institutions rather than tear them down or replace them....he has always played politics by the rules as they exist, not as he would like them to exist. He runs as an outsider, but he has succeeded by mastering the inside game."
Now, maybe I'm reading the above paragraph wrong, but the way I read it, it seems that if this is true, then Obama (if and when elected) will bring about anything but change. It sounds like he's best at playing the game as is. Just another cog in the wheel.
Three years, three months, one day, 18 hours smober.
47551 cigarettes not smoked, saving $12,482.14.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
It ain't over just yet...
Got this from the zappa.com message board. I was just going to link it, but it probably won't be there for long.
It's Andre addressing Dweezil's response:
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Correcting The Record......
Sigh.
Hello everyone.
-Of course Dweezil is entitled to his opinion, and much of his blog is just that. I will try to address the falsehoods.
1. Sorry, Dweezil.....despite what you think --"My dream come true" wouldn't be seeing you spell my name right (thanks!) - it would be for you and your family to leave me alone forever. Folks - I have a stack of lawsuit threats from the ZFT that will eventually be publicized after further counsel. It's been a stupid, long journey, one that actually results in much laughter for us in Project/Object as we tour around enjoying the performing of Frank Zappa's music, something we'll do for as long as we feel like it. We prefer to honor FRANK'S LAST WISH.... wherein he asked musicians AND non-musicians to "PLAY MY MUSIC." And it's funny how you repeatedly say You "could care less about me" etc...yet you write 20 paragraphs!!!!
At least I am brutally honest -- I am often fascinated with the dark energy you guys keep unleashing on fans, alumni and others who cross your path. Watching what pushes Gail's button, seeing what will make her freak out and post in some weird, cryptic response to a puzzled fan....And writing intensely about it exorcises it from my soul.
Then a few months later Gail freaks out on someone or sues them, and I feel the need to jump right in again. You're right - I'm hopeless!! last time - was when she went after that site for playing 30-year old cassette tapes of your Dad's music!!! Wasn't that a riot! Hundreds of people weighed in their disgust - again- with her behavior and clear disdain for the fans. I love how she has made you all those new fans in Germany by SUING THE ZAPPANALE... pissing off countless EU fans forever, If you are to believe their angry posts. But -- that's all for another book.
2. Dweezil wrote/blogged:
"The following are actual private e-mails between me and Adrian Belew. (I apologize to Adrian in advance if this causes him any aggravation.) I would not normally be inclined to use private information in this way but it perfectly illustrates the details of the "non event" that follows."
Wow -- how very unprofessional. And... upping the ante, huh?? I have chosen to never publish incredibly damaging emails from people very very close to Dweezil, close by profession and blood. His mother always has a big bunch of legalese in HER emails threatening legal action if HER emails are re-distributed....
...Yet, He sees fit to publish someone's private email to him...without asking first. That's some deep shit folk -- but are you surprised? And BTW -- I will for the sake of clarity consider Gail's actions identical/tantamount to Dweezil's, since he, his tour, and his work are pretty much controlled and owned as a corporate entity by her.
3. Dweezil then wrote:
"After this first electronic exchange I was informed that Adrian was employing André Cholmondeley as his guitar tech. André's propensity for spreading misinformation and negativity has earned him a reputation. A reputation for being obnoxious and creating conflicts. Since those personality traits hold no appeal for me I decided to write back to Adrian with a request."
Well -- first the funny part -- to see Dweezil Z. write "... personality traits (being obnoxious and creating conflicts) hold no appeal for me" is one of the funniest things I've ever seen...Wow. Do I even have to respond?? With a tour manager like he has (note the several stories cropping up about how she, Mary Jo, EXACTLY fits that description....) Whatever. Check Dr Dot's blog for Mary Jo's horrible, unprofessional and rude conduct at a ZPZ show in Germany. Then -- check the record for such conduct from me.
Anyway - the FACTS are as follows:
Adrian - who I spoke to minutes ago - has this to say, precisely: "..When I received the 2nd email -- After thinking about it, I was incensed - I thought Who is he (Dweezil) to tell me where my crew should be. I need André there at my show - how does he expect him to not be there after as well -- with the gear breakdown, etc."
He also reiterates what he told me right after the SCREAMING and PUSHING that his monitor guy delivered.
Adrian did not tell me, and instructed others not to, so as to not distract or upset me when I had a very busy, difficult job to do at our festival.
FACT: I WAS COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF DWEEZIL's silly, immature, and out-of-place "persona non grata" request.
I will say this-- I regret now that I chose THAT particular part of the stage to check out the show from. In hindsight -- I should have went to the rear part of stage left-- where local crew people were gathered and I would have been lost in a small crowd. Without thinking -- I ran up the stairs of the nearest vantage point from our trailer -- the monitor area. No 'wacky, evil plot' was in place. Just a random place to watch the show.
I mostly place the blame on Dweezil, of course, for such a questionable request. But - Dave Tobias/monitor guy -- real drag, Dave, that you couldn’t have just been an adult and asked me to leave.
More Dweezil Ephemera ("Bold/Quoted text"):
" [Andre'..]..has made many transgressions musical and otherwise regarding Frank over the years"
I'd love to see these listed, Dweezil. Go for it. I dare you. Would some of those transgressions be.......helping to bridge the gap between the early '90s and when you FINALLY discovered you could actually get a gig, by playing your dad's music??? Was it when I helped get a lot of alumni BACK on the road?? Was it all the times I plugged ZFT CD releases to people who had no idea of them ...'cos you guys weren't advertising well?
"It is also clear by his e-mail that he (Adrian Belew) is aware of the existing circumstances that could warrant such a request."
No-- what Adrian said (read it folks) was - he was aware of BITS OF THE RHETORIC. Huge difference. Adrian is all about the music. His music, first and foremost. He appreciates what Frank did for him, but he doesn't wade into the muck, and I never drag him into stuff.
Then the crux of the biscuit:
"...Showtime for Zappa Plays Zappa. Dave Tobias is mixing our in ear monitor mix and is dealing with a keyboard that has lost phantom power. Andre saunters up and tries to make himself at home in Dave's work area. Why would he attempt to do this? Surely he has been told that it would be polite to stay away by his friend and employer Adrian Belew. One must ask, "Why not go enjoy the show from the audience or anywhere else... just be polite and respect a simple request?" Besides, who willingly wants to be in a place where they know they are not welcome?"
So here are a couple things:
-Having worked and played countless festivals -- I know that with a laminate, you can watch from WHEREVER as long as it isn't interfering with crew activity, sightlines, space, or ACTUALLY on the stage. And even that is allowed by some bands. Take a look at ANY festival -- the sidestage is usually crowded with other crew people, techs, friends, press, etc. So that's just dumb.
Again - IF I HAD BEEN told -- MOST OF ALL BY DAVE/MONITOR GUY HIMSELF -- who was all nice and chatty with me just 2 hours earlier during OUR SHOW…then I wouldn't have come up there.
-Dweezil says definitively -- all of a sudden -- that "Surely he (Andre') has been told."
No, Dweezil, get it thru your head. I wasn't aware of your wishes, and I know YOU were explained this fact by several of your staff/crew, who it was made clear to. Some of them apologized for not telling me -- so I know the truth is known in your camp.
"Besides, who willingly wants to be in a place where they know they are not welcome?"
Try again, Pal. The fact is YOU were the ONLY person there who made me feel not welcome. Well, OK, let's include Dave and the next night, Tour Manager Mary Jo. I like how you ignored her getting physical with me the next night. Otherwise - EVERY LAST PERSON on your crew/bandstand was OK with my presence. Deal with it.
Here's where the LIE'S SO BIG kicks in, folks:
"...Dave stops Andre and relays the message that he is not supposed to be there. No touching, pushing or spitting occurred."
Outright, complete, utter LIE. And there are witnesses – but, of course, on this one point....we are descending into he said/she said. Dave was SCREAMING at me, and NO WAY can he blame the in-ear monitors. He spat in my face the whole time as he screamed 2-3 inches from me. When I say spit -- I mean the kind of obnoxious 'spittle' that happens when someone is right in your face, yelling. Dave is outright LYING if he now denies this. If he did nothing wrong ---Why did he apologize, and then apologize AGAIN the next day. We shook hands. There are countless witness to all this, both days.
I mentioned Dave being cool earlier in the day, to explain my shock that he was suddenly pushing, shoving me backwards on the little monitor stage area.
"Apparently Adrian must not have made it clear to him that he was not welcome in the stage area"
Well -- that's.....Completely true !! No one told me - Not Adrian - for reasons listed above -- BUT WORST OF ALL -- NOT YOUR GUITAR TECHS -- NO ONE IN YOUR CREW, NOT DAVE...NO ONE. Dave had every right to say, after we were rapping about amps and laptops, "hey, man --- this kinda sucks, but you can't be around here later on. Dweezil has requested we make sure you NOT be onstage. Don't be around when we start."
I would not have been surprised at all, really. But I would have KNOWN IN ADVANCE!! Really lame that all these ZPZ crew/tech/band people came up and said Hi and didn't tell me.
And -- you won't hear from Any ZPZ or ZFT people...because they are contractually required to NOT TALK ABOUT the ZFT. Can you find anyone who does speak about their time in the tank?? It's a scary, control-freak little world in there.
DWEEZIL: "The show the next night had no incident whatsoever. Andre still temerariously snuck himself to the side of the stage though. It's just his way. He can't help himself."
Funny stuff. "Snuck On"...?? Jeez. Try harder, pal.
Folks -- it was a festival with scores of bands -- I had a laminate on that guaranteed me access to ANY STAGE at ANY TIME throughout the fest. That's how it works in the REAL WORLD, Dweezil. Maybe when you have your OWN band you may learn this. Remember how that band "Z" ended, folks?? Lots of fun stories there about how people are treated by Mr. Dweezil Zappa. Go check the facts on how people were removed from THAT organization. Horrible.
So -- after packing the Belew Band gear in to our van -- I came up to stage left, to hear some of my fave music -- trying to STAY OUT OF DWEEZIL'S SIGHT, and actually honor the requests of the crew guys, all of whom, again, were really cool. I feel sorry for them, that's all. But -- one day, one by one, they will not be working in the Gulag -- and you will only hear MORE stories. Mark my words.
DWEEZIL: Contrary to his report where claims he locked eyes with me at some point during the show, I'm here to tell you that it never took place. He'd know if I locked eyes with him. "What an imagination"
Dweez...! I thought we had a connection bro.... c'mon I KNOW you did...I was feelin' all fuzzy....Didn't you feel something....anything??? I feel so cheap....
Seriously tho' - I'm willing to conclude I was mistaken. But -- It sure looked like he was looking RIGHT AT ME. See -- I don't believe half of what Dweezil says, based on the last couple years of watching how ZFT deals with agreed-upon money deals, DVD payments and the like.. Anyway --Like I said -- I tried to stay far out of his view - I was back FURTHER than the percussion and drum riser line, way back on stage left. Doesn't this guy realize if I were TRYING TO PISS HIM OFF I would have insisted on standing on stage right near his tech so he could see me?? Or going out to the front row or photo pit?? All places I was legally allowed to be?? Crazy fucking delusions of grandeur.
Finallly -- addressing his personal paragraph to me ( How neat!! He cares!! Sigh.....!!)
- I Don't need your "respect", pal. Never did, Never will. Not yours, or anyone in the ZFT. And neither does a fan favorite like Ike Willis, who is appalled at your behavior in all this. He can't wait to get on the road again -- despite your mom going after him every time he tries to play a gig. (Everyone -- please check the facts about the HORRIBLE crap Gail pulled on URR when they tried to tour around December 21 2007. Embarrassing. My fave part was GAIL --GOING AFTER THE BEER COMPANY that does the Zappa beer -- 'cos the owner dared donate some cases of beer to the shows!!! How petty and psycho is THAT?? Wanna deny that, Dweezil?? Wanna explain it?? A matter of Public record. Folks -- just check the history. I sleep at night 'cos volumes of examples of fucked up behavior back up my side of this sordid mess, which I can't wait to be away from, really. But I don't like lies being published.
-I don't insult Frank's "family". The close family members of Frank's that I speak with regularly say they have not seen or spoken or heard from you, Dweezil, or any of you....for AGES, since we are spilling ugly personal info. I wonder why that is. Any thoughts?? I have some, and many facts to go with those thoughts. But -- those are for a later book, believe me. Interesting, huh, folks.
- My band, and ALL the other bands Gail wastes Frank’s hard-earned money suing, stays within the LAW when playing Zappa music. Ask yourself -- could we all do it YEAR AFTER YEAR, if they didn't?? More Crazy talk. And -- a funny aside -- ZPZ does the "Owner of a lonely heart" vamp for the solo in "Bamboozled" . OK fine. Are you guys paying Royalties to YES for each performance?? Every night?? Did the festival have publisher paperwork done -indicating that you were doing a cover?? What was the COMPOSER'S INTENT for that YES song??? Hmmmm. See how silly and baseless such a line of attack is? And why it GOES NOWHERE???
- I don’t "fawn" over alumni --- But --I truly love the ones I have been blessed to become good friends with. It's called LOYALTY, Dweezil - LOOK IT UP.
See- I UNDERSTAND that the fans LOVE the alumni. The fans-- unlike you, it seems -- understand that your dad hired VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE -- who not only had talent,..... but that indescribable certain something else. So many of them brought PERSONALITY to the works..... and THAT's what sets us apart. I am unafraid to celebrate the ALUMNI, and unashamed in gushing over them, that's right. I love 'em !!! They are what MAKES the sound of so many Zappa classics, and that's why he brought certain people back so many times.... It' cool - you just have a different perspective. It's OK.
Where's the LEAD SINGER from the first tour?? Why didn't he come back??? What happened there? Maybe if you guys start making money again -- you can offer him enough to come back, I dunno. But -- funny how you can’t get ANYONE who will really sell more tickets. I LOVE Ray White -- another guy who played several times with Project/Object.......before your band. But -- with all due respect -- he doesn't sell you more tickets, does he?? Not insulting Ray at all -- but fans of him are ALREADY COMING TO YOUR SHOW. And I will continue to talk to more alumni and collect horrific stories about how you and Gail have treated them. And you know that's true. I bet you just convince yourself THEY'RE ALL CRAZY.
Basically --your show is JUST ANOTHER ZAPPA COVER BAND. One with a bigger budget than most, but......to me a band like The Grandmothers is FAR more exciting....'cos the HISTORY is there. just my opinion. They still remember when you came to see them -- stood with your arms folded at HARD ROCK CAFE in LA, and were too rude to come back and say hi. To guys whom HELPED MAKE YER DAD'S EARLY CAREER. But -- that would require respect. Remember that night??
Dr Dot has re-posted your great quote about alumni. Remember that? The problem is - while you say you have no use for them - YOU NEED THEM if you EVER hope to turn around the horrible ticket-sales slide you are experiencing. Good luck!!
-I don't need attention. My life is plenty busy and fine, thank you. I DO have an unhealthy obsession with getting the facts into the public record. NONE of this would have happened if your scared crew had simply told me to stay away. So -- I lay the blame mostly there. BTW - I was offered MUCH support from a lot of your crew after the lame-ass attack. Good luck with them. They know the deal.
PS -- the most obnoxious part of this was Dweezil's inappropriate choice to post Adrian Belew's PRIVATE EMAIL without consent. Lame. Good thing that wasn't the OTHER way around -- the incredibly litigious "Zappas" would probably sue.
To wit -- here is what Gail (at least in 2005) adds to her emails. It's standard boilerplate privacy request, but, like most protocol, the "Zappa" "Family" feels they are above such nonsense as treating people the way THEY want to be treated.
gz
copyright 2005 Zappa Family Trust.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail transmission, e-mail address and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain confidential information that is legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender. Please destroy the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
So - in closing -- have a Good Day, all. I will continue to try to do my job well, and will continue to tour with various bands I play in -- including PROJECT/OBJECT -- Playing the great music of FRANK ZAPPA...and the (OFTEN SUED-BY-GAIL Mothers) anyway, anytime and whenever I choose, and with whom I choose. I will continue to stay fully within the law in doing so -- and I will continue to enjoy meeting great, fellow FRANK ZAPPA FANS.
Hmm. maybe we call our next tour ZAPPA FANS PLAY ZAPPA?? What do you think? Any votes out there?? or PERSONA NON GRATA?? I know it will be great fun -- and all are welcome. Stand by very very soon for dates and special alumni participation.
It's Andre addressing Dweezil's response:
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Correcting The Record......
Sigh.
Hello everyone.
-Of course Dweezil is entitled to his opinion, and much of his blog is just that. I will try to address the falsehoods.
1. Sorry, Dweezil.....despite what you think --"My dream come true" wouldn't be seeing you spell my name right (thanks!) - it would be for you and your family to leave me alone forever. Folks - I have a stack of lawsuit threats from the ZFT that will eventually be publicized after further counsel. It's been a stupid, long journey, one that actually results in much laughter for us in Project/Object as we tour around enjoying the performing of Frank Zappa's music, something we'll do for as long as we feel like it. We prefer to honor FRANK'S LAST WISH.... wherein he asked musicians AND non-musicians to "PLAY MY MUSIC." And it's funny how you repeatedly say You "could care less about me" etc...yet you write 20 paragraphs!!!!
At least I am brutally honest -- I am often fascinated with the dark energy you guys keep unleashing on fans, alumni and others who cross your path. Watching what pushes Gail's button, seeing what will make her freak out and post in some weird, cryptic response to a puzzled fan....And writing intensely about it exorcises it from my soul.
Then a few months later Gail freaks out on someone or sues them, and I feel the need to jump right in again. You're right - I'm hopeless!! last time - was when she went after that site for playing 30-year old cassette tapes of your Dad's music!!! Wasn't that a riot! Hundreds of people weighed in their disgust - again- with her behavior and clear disdain for the fans. I love how she has made you all those new fans in Germany by SUING THE ZAPPANALE... pissing off countless EU fans forever, If you are to believe their angry posts. But -- that's all for another book.
2. Dweezil wrote/blogged:
"The following are actual private e-mails between me and Adrian Belew. (I apologize to Adrian in advance if this causes him any aggravation.) I would not normally be inclined to use private information in this way but it perfectly illustrates the details of the "non event" that follows."
Wow -- how very unprofessional. And... upping the ante, huh?? I have chosen to never publish incredibly damaging emails from people very very close to Dweezil, close by profession and blood. His mother always has a big bunch of legalese in HER emails threatening legal action if HER emails are re-distributed....
...Yet, He sees fit to publish someone's private email to him...without asking first. That's some deep shit folk -- but are you surprised? And BTW -- I will for the sake of clarity consider Gail's actions identical/tantamount to Dweezil's, since he, his tour, and his work are pretty much controlled and owned as a corporate entity by her.
3. Dweezil then wrote:
"After this first electronic exchange I was informed that Adrian was employing André Cholmondeley as his guitar tech. André's propensity for spreading misinformation and negativity has earned him a reputation. A reputation for being obnoxious and creating conflicts. Since those personality traits hold no appeal for me I decided to write back to Adrian with a request."
Well -- first the funny part -- to see Dweezil Z. write "... personality traits (being obnoxious and creating conflicts) hold no appeal for me" is one of the funniest things I've ever seen...Wow. Do I even have to respond?? With a tour manager like he has (note the several stories cropping up about how she, Mary Jo, EXACTLY fits that description....) Whatever. Check Dr Dot's blog for Mary Jo's horrible, unprofessional and rude conduct at a ZPZ show in Germany. Then -- check the record for such conduct from me.
Anyway - the FACTS are as follows:
Adrian - who I spoke to minutes ago - has this to say, precisely: "..When I received the 2nd email -- After thinking about it, I was incensed - I thought Who is he (Dweezil) to tell me where my crew should be. I need André there at my show - how does he expect him to not be there after as well -- with the gear breakdown, etc."
He also reiterates what he told me right after the SCREAMING and PUSHING that his monitor guy delivered.
Adrian did not tell me, and instructed others not to, so as to not distract or upset me when I had a very busy, difficult job to do at our festival.
FACT: I WAS COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF DWEEZIL's silly, immature, and out-of-place "persona non grata" request.
I will say this-- I regret now that I chose THAT particular part of the stage to check out the show from. In hindsight -- I should have went to the rear part of stage left-- where local crew people were gathered and I would have been lost in a small crowd. Without thinking -- I ran up the stairs of the nearest vantage point from our trailer -- the monitor area. No 'wacky, evil plot' was in place. Just a random place to watch the show.
I mostly place the blame on Dweezil, of course, for such a questionable request. But - Dave Tobias/monitor guy -- real drag, Dave, that you couldn’t have just been an adult and asked me to leave.
More Dweezil Ephemera ("Bold/Quoted text"):
" [Andre'..]..has made many transgressions musical and otherwise regarding Frank over the years"
I'd love to see these listed, Dweezil. Go for it. I dare you. Would some of those transgressions be.......helping to bridge the gap between the early '90s and when you FINALLY discovered you could actually get a gig, by playing your dad's music??? Was it when I helped get a lot of alumni BACK on the road?? Was it all the times I plugged ZFT CD releases to people who had no idea of them ...'cos you guys weren't advertising well?
"It is also clear by his e-mail that he (Adrian Belew) is aware of the existing circumstances that could warrant such a request."
No-- what Adrian said (read it folks) was - he was aware of BITS OF THE RHETORIC. Huge difference. Adrian is all about the music. His music, first and foremost. He appreciates what Frank did for him, but he doesn't wade into the muck, and I never drag him into stuff.
Then the crux of the biscuit:
"...Showtime for Zappa Plays Zappa. Dave Tobias is mixing our in ear monitor mix and is dealing with a keyboard that has lost phantom power. Andre saunters up and tries to make himself at home in Dave's work area. Why would he attempt to do this? Surely he has been told that it would be polite to stay away by his friend and employer Adrian Belew. One must ask, "Why not go enjoy the show from the audience or anywhere else... just be polite and respect a simple request?" Besides, who willingly wants to be in a place where they know they are not welcome?"
So here are a couple things:
-Having worked and played countless festivals -- I know that with a laminate, you can watch from WHEREVER as long as it isn't interfering with crew activity, sightlines, space, or ACTUALLY on the stage. And even that is allowed by some bands. Take a look at ANY festival -- the sidestage is usually crowded with other crew people, techs, friends, press, etc. So that's just dumb.
Again - IF I HAD BEEN told -- MOST OF ALL BY DAVE/MONITOR GUY HIMSELF -- who was all nice and chatty with me just 2 hours earlier during OUR SHOW…then I wouldn't have come up there.
-Dweezil says definitively -- all of a sudden -- that "Surely he (Andre') has been told."
No, Dweezil, get it thru your head. I wasn't aware of your wishes, and I know YOU were explained this fact by several of your staff/crew, who it was made clear to. Some of them apologized for not telling me -- so I know the truth is known in your camp.
"Besides, who willingly wants to be in a place where they know they are not welcome?"
Try again, Pal. The fact is YOU were the ONLY person there who made me feel not welcome. Well, OK, let's include Dave and the next night, Tour Manager Mary Jo. I like how you ignored her getting physical with me the next night. Otherwise - EVERY LAST PERSON on your crew/bandstand was OK with my presence. Deal with it.
Here's where the LIE'S SO BIG kicks in, folks:
"...Dave stops Andre and relays the message that he is not supposed to be there. No touching, pushing or spitting occurred."
Outright, complete, utter LIE. And there are witnesses – but, of course, on this one point....we are descending into he said/she said. Dave was SCREAMING at me, and NO WAY can he blame the in-ear monitors. He spat in my face the whole time as he screamed 2-3 inches from me. When I say spit -- I mean the kind of obnoxious 'spittle' that happens when someone is right in your face, yelling. Dave is outright LYING if he now denies this. If he did nothing wrong ---Why did he apologize, and then apologize AGAIN the next day. We shook hands. There are countless witness to all this, both days.
I mentioned Dave being cool earlier in the day, to explain my shock that he was suddenly pushing, shoving me backwards on the little monitor stage area.
"Apparently Adrian must not have made it clear to him that he was not welcome in the stage area"
Well -- that's.....Completely true !! No one told me - Not Adrian - for reasons listed above -- BUT WORST OF ALL -- NOT YOUR GUITAR TECHS -- NO ONE IN YOUR CREW, NOT DAVE...NO ONE. Dave had every right to say, after we were rapping about amps and laptops, "hey, man --- this kinda sucks, but you can't be around here later on. Dweezil has requested we make sure you NOT be onstage. Don't be around when we start."
I would not have been surprised at all, really. But I would have KNOWN IN ADVANCE!! Really lame that all these ZPZ crew/tech/band people came up and said Hi and didn't tell me.
And -- you won't hear from Any ZPZ or ZFT people...because they are contractually required to NOT TALK ABOUT the ZFT. Can you find anyone who does speak about their time in the tank?? It's a scary, control-freak little world in there.
DWEEZIL: "The show the next night had no incident whatsoever. Andre still temerariously snuck himself to the side of the stage though. It's just his way. He can't help himself."
Funny stuff. "Snuck On"...?? Jeez. Try harder, pal.
Folks -- it was a festival with scores of bands -- I had a laminate on that guaranteed me access to ANY STAGE at ANY TIME throughout the fest. That's how it works in the REAL WORLD, Dweezil. Maybe when you have your OWN band you may learn this. Remember how that band "Z" ended, folks?? Lots of fun stories there about how people are treated by Mr. Dweezil Zappa. Go check the facts on how people were removed from THAT organization. Horrible.
So -- after packing the Belew Band gear in to our van -- I came up to stage left, to hear some of my fave music -- trying to STAY OUT OF DWEEZIL'S SIGHT, and actually honor the requests of the crew guys, all of whom, again, were really cool. I feel sorry for them, that's all. But -- one day, one by one, they will not be working in the Gulag -- and you will only hear MORE stories. Mark my words.
DWEEZIL: Contrary to his report where claims he locked eyes with me at some point during the show, I'm here to tell you that it never took place. He'd know if I locked eyes with him. "What an imagination"
Dweez...! I thought we had a connection bro.... c'mon I KNOW you did...I was feelin' all fuzzy....Didn't you feel something....anything??? I feel so cheap....
Seriously tho' - I'm willing to conclude I was mistaken. But -- It sure looked like he was looking RIGHT AT ME. See -- I don't believe half of what Dweezil says, based on the last couple years of watching how ZFT deals with agreed-upon money deals, DVD payments and the like.. Anyway --Like I said -- I tried to stay far out of his view - I was back FURTHER than the percussion and drum riser line, way back on stage left. Doesn't this guy realize if I were TRYING TO PISS HIM OFF I would have insisted on standing on stage right near his tech so he could see me?? Or going out to the front row or photo pit?? All places I was legally allowed to be?? Crazy fucking delusions of grandeur.
Finallly -- addressing his personal paragraph to me ( How neat!! He cares!! Sigh.....!!)
- I Don't need your "respect", pal. Never did, Never will. Not yours, or anyone in the ZFT. And neither does a fan favorite like Ike Willis, who is appalled at your behavior in all this. He can't wait to get on the road again -- despite your mom going after him every time he tries to play a gig. (Everyone -- please check the facts about the HORRIBLE crap Gail pulled on URR when they tried to tour around December 21 2007. Embarrassing. My fave part was GAIL --GOING AFTER THE BEER COMPANY that does the Zappa beer -- 'cos the owner dared donate some cases of beer to the shows!!! How petty and psycho is THAT?? Wanna deny that, Dweezil?? Wanna explain it?? A matter of Public record. Folks -- just check the history. I sleep at night 'cos volumes of examples of fucked up behavior back up my side of this sordid mess, which I can't wait to be away from, really. But I don't like lies being published.
-I don't insult Frank's "family". The close family members of Frank's that I speak with regularly say they have not seen or spoken or heard from you, Dweezil, or any of you....for AGES, since we are spilling ugly personal info. I wonder why that is. Any thoughts?? I have some, and many facts to go with those thoughts. But -- those are for a later book, believe me. Interesting, huh, folks.
- My band, and ALL the other bands Gail wastes Frank’s hard-earned money suing, stays within the LAW when playing Zappa music. Ask yourself -- could we all do it YEAR AFTER YEAR, if they didn't?? More Crazy talk. And -- a funny aside -- ZPZ does the "Owner of a lonely heart" vamp for the solo in "Bamboozled" . OK fine. Are you guys paying Royalties to YES for each performance?? Every night?? Did the festival have publisher paperwork done -indicating that you were doing a cover?? What was the COMPOSER'S INTENT for that YES song??? Hmmmm. See how silly and baseless such a line of attack is? And why it GOES NOWHERE???
- I don’t "fawn" over alumni --- But --I truly love the ones I have been blessed to become good friends with. It's called LOYALTY, Dweezil - LOOK IT UP.
See- I UNDERSTAND that the fans LOVE the alumni. The fans-- unlike you, it seems -- understand that your dad hired VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE -- who not only had talent,..... but that indescribable certain something else. So many of them brought PERSONALITY to the works..... and THAT's what sets us apart. I am unafraid to celebrate the ALUMNI, and unashamed in gushing over them, that's right. I love 'em !!! They are what MAKES the sound of so many Zappa classics, and that's why he brought certain people back so many times.... It' cool - you just have a different perspective. It's OK.
Where's the LEAD SINGER from the first tour?? Why didn't he come back??? What happened there? Maybe if you guys start making money again -- you can offer him enough to come back, I dunno. But -- funny how you can’t get ANYONE who will really sell more tickets. I LOVE Ray White -- another guy who played several times with Project/Object.......before your band. But -- with all due respect -- he doesn't sell you more tickets, does he?? Not insulting Ray at all -- but fans of him are ALREADY COMING TO YOUR SHOW. And I will continue to talk to more alumni and collect horrific stories about how you and Gail have treated them. And you know that's true. I bet you just convince yourself THEY'RE ALL CRAZY.
Basically --your show is JUST ANOTHER ZAPPA COVER BAND. One with a bigger budget than most, but......to me a band like The Grandmothers is FAR more exciting....'cos the HISTORY is there. just my opinion. They still remember when you came to see them -- stood with your arms folded at HARD ROCK CAFE in LA, and were too rude to come back and say hi. To guys whom HELPED MAKE YER DAD'S EARLY CAREER. But -- that would require respect. Remember that night??
Dr Dot has re-posted your great quote about alumni. Remember that? The problem is - while you say you have no use for them - YOU NEED THEM if you EVER hope to turn around the horrible ticket-sales slide you are experiencing. Good luck!!
-I don't need attention. My life is plenty busy and fine, thank you. I DO have an unhealthy obsession with getting the facts into the public record. NONE of this would have happened if your scared crew had simply told me to stay away. So -- I lay the blame mostly there. BTW - I was offered MUCH support from a lot of your crew after the lame-ass attack. Good luck with them. They know the deal.
PS -- the most obnoxious part of this was Dweezil's inappropriate choice to post Adrian Belew's PRIVATE EMAIL without consent. Lame. Good thing that wasn't the OTHER way around -- the incredibly litigious "Zappas" would probably sue.
To wit -- here is what Gail (at least in 2005) adds to her emails. It's standard boilerplate privacy request, but, like most protocol, the "Zappa" "Family" feels they are above such nonsense as treating people the way THEY want to be treated.
gz
copyright 2005 Zappa Family Trust.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail transmission, e-mail address and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain confidential information that is legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender. Please destroy the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
So - in closing -- have a Good Day, all. I will continue to try to do my job well, and will continue to tour with various bands I play in -- including PROJECT/OBJECT -- Playing the great music of FRANK ZAPPA...and the (OFTEN SUED-BY-GAIL Mothers) anyway, anytime and whenever I choose, and with whom I choose. I will continue to stay fully within the law in doing so -- and I will continue to enjoy meeting great, fellow FRANK ZAPPA FANS.
Hmm. maybe we call our next tour ZAPPA FANS PLAY ZAPPA?? What do you think? Any votes out there?? or PERSONA NON GRATA?? I know it will be great fun -- and all are welcome. Stand by very very soon for dates and special alumni participation.
More Zappa drama
Okay, it seems that Dweezil himself has responded to Andre's blog of the other day.
I only know this because their are some fans of Frank that for some inconceivable reason have shown the same allegiance to the surviving Zappa family as they do to Frank.
Isn't that somewhat hypocritical?
One of Frank's dying requests was to "tell people to play my music," yet Gail and co. have gone out of their way to prevent anyone not named Zappa from doing just that! I've met Andre, and he is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. On the other hand, I've had dealings with Gail, and she has been nothing but an arrogant, condescending bitch in my experience, and the "tone" in Dweezil's blog (below) indicates, as I have been saying for several years now, that he is his mother's son.
Even on a documentary DVD (the Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation DVD I believe), Moon makes comments that seem to emote a certain disdain for Frank (probably because he fucked groupies...so what?). Funny that I never heard those comments while he was still alive. In my opinion, that family has turned against Frank and everything he stood for, and now only markets (and fervently tries to protect) his product for no other reason than to keep a roof over their head and food in their mouths. It has nothing to do with the music.
Sure, Dweezil has worked very hard to faithfully recreate Frank's music, but that's because it gives him a built in audience. He couldn't make a living as Dweezil Zappa, or Z, or AZDZ, or whatever. He's a great musician, but he's not Frank.
Unfortunately, my desire for Frank's music will keep me buying FZ output, but I will never patronize a ZPZ show again (I saw them 4 or 5 times before fully realizing the evil behind the family).
In my opinion, some of the words and phrases Dweezil uses in his blog tells me that Andre's blog was quite accurate. Also, it was totally unprofessional of Dweezil to publish those private emails without getting Belew's permission first. This could have waited another day or so. It just further shows the Zappa family's elitist attitude.
So to those "fans" of the Zappa family, as one (Frank) Zappa fan to another, I implore you to rethink where your allegiance lies, because Gail's and Dweezil's does not lie with Frank, but only with themselves.
And I can assure you that it most certainly does not lie with you.
Anyway, here's Dweezil's blog, with some comments from me in brackets:
-------------
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Soap Opera: AKA Lengthy Blog about stupid stuff...
Hello Friends,
I recently read an amusing tale [condascension right out of the gate] about an incident that supposedly took place stage side during one of our shows. The author of this highly exaggerated tale is André Cholmondeley. He would like you to believe he was physically attacked. More on that later...
Perhaps it is his dream come true that I would take a moment of my time to write a few sentences that publicly address him. It's a one shot deal - You're welcome.
[more elitist bullshit...what an asshole DZ is]
Here you go...
Dateline - Los Angeles California:
The following are actual private e-mails between me and Adrian Belew. (I apologize to Adrian in advance if this causes him any aggravation.) [apologize, but do it anyway?]
I would not normally be inclined to use private information in this way [I've no doubt that the Zappa lawyers would be involved if the shoe was on the other foot] but it perfectly illustrates the details of the "non event" that follows.
Dweezil Zappa writes to Adrian Belew - (e-mail addresses have been removed. [what a sport])
On June 20, 2008, at 1:42 am, dweezil wrote:
Hello Adrian,
I hope this e-mail finds you doing well. I have noticed that you will be playing before us at 2 upcoming shows. I would like to extend an invitation to you to sit in with us if you like during our set. We are playing "Tiny Lites" and "Flakes" either of those 2 songs could make for a good surprise cameo.
Please let me know if you would be interested.
Regards, DZ
On June 30, 2008 12:04 pm, Adrian wrote:
dweezil,
please excuse my late reply.
I've always had a secret desire to show up for a concert with no guitar and no cases full of gear, just a harmonica in my back pocket.
so...
my idea of a cool cameo would be to come out in the middle of flakes harmonica in hand, sing the sad bob dylan part, and exit stage right, hopefully to applause.
what do you think?
cheers,
adrian
ps: I greatly admire and respect what you are doing for your father's legacy.
no one deserves it more than he and I've heard you do it exceptionally well.
After this first electronic exchange I was informed that Adrian was employing André Cholmondeley as his guitar tech. André's propensity for spreading misinformation and negativity has earned him a reputation. A reputation for being obnoxious and creating conflicts. [translation...Andre plays Frank's music and GZ and DZ don't like it]
Since those personality traits hold no appeal for me I decided to write back to Adrian with a request.
On June 30, 2008, at 11:43 pm, dweezil wrote:
Hello Adrian,
Nice to hear from you. Your idea sounds fun and easy.
I think people will appreciate it. They may even decide to clap a little bit... It happens sometimes.
We usually play Flakes midway through the show. I can say, "Take it away Bob or Adrian" whichever you prefer and you can enter to Ray's microphone.
Just let us know day of show if you're up for it and we'll do it.
On a different topic - perhaps an awkward one - I have been informed that you are working with Andre from Project Object. He is likely your friend as well as your employee so you may not enjoy what is to follow.
Whether you are aware of it or not he has instigated a lot of unpleasant things on our website forum and has made many transgressions musical and otherwise regarding Frank over the years. It would be my preference that he politely remove himself from my view before, during and after our set.
For me
the phrase persona non grata is applicable in this case. [so far, this supports Andre's blog]
I can understand if you feel awkward relaying this and I can even understand if you choose not to accept my invitation to join us on stage as a result.
The fact of the matter is he knows what he has done and it should come as no surprise that I wouldn't appreciate him being anywhere near me now or in the future. [this is an adult?]
I apologize for having to bring this to your attention. [do ya?!]
I thank both of you for your consideration and cooperation on this matter in advance.
Regards, DZ
A politely worded simple request. Here's Adrian's response.
[Take note of this line, it is a set up for diatribe]
On July 1, 2008, at 9:05 am, Adrian wrote:
dweezil,
please introduce me any way you like.
what key is flakes?
I'll bring the appropriate harmonica.
it's true andre works for me now.
I will make certain he is persona non grata as best I can.
as I told gail, I try always to honor frank, his memory, and his music. he remains a towering inspiration to me. I loved him too, and I could never repay him for what he did for me.
I take responsibility for my own actions, never for the actions of others.
I've have heard bits of the rhetoric surrounding project object (after the fact) but remain apart from it all. [note that he said the rhetoric "surrounding"...he didn't say where it came from...brilliant on Adrian's part to stay impartial]
should you or your family have any problem with anything I might ever do, please let me know.
see you onstage.
cheers,
adrian
That was July 1st. Whether or not Adrian decided to convey my request to Andre I do not know for sure. But it is safe to assume by his e-mail that he had every intention of doing so.
[my guess...this childishness was not at the top of his to do list, and it slipped his mind because he figured there wouldn't be a problem and Andre wouldn't be close enough to DZ to matter]
It is also clear by his e-mail that he is aware of the existing circumstances that could warrant such a request. [he didn't say that exactly]
Dateline - Ottawa July 5th:
Showtime for Zappa Plays Zappa. Dave Tobias is mixing our in ear monitor mix and is dealing with a keyboard that has lost phantom power. Andre saunters up and tries to make himself at home in Dave's work area. [knowing Andre, he was probably trying to offer help] Why would he attempt to do this? Surely he has been told that it would be polite to stay away by his friend and employer Adrian Belew. [notice how he just made Adrian look stupid if he did indeed forget to inform Andre of DZ's wishes?] One must ask, "Why not go enjoy the show from the audience or anywhere else... just be polite and respect a simple request?" Besides, who willingly wants to be in a place where they know they are not welcome?
Dave stops Andre and relays the message that he is not supposed to be there. [so DZ made it a point to tell his whole crew about Andre? More support of Andre's blog] No touching, pushing or spitting occurred. Loud talking happened, that's it. [So DZ watched the entire episode while he was performing a concert? Right.] There was a concert going on and Dave had in ear monitors in his ears. At no point was anyone instructed to be rude to Andre in fact just the opposite is true. Andre even mentioned in his own blog about how nice everyone was earlier in the day. He even mentioned Dave Tobias. [And...?] Everyone believed that Andre knew about the request and was willing to co-operate and watch the show from a different vantage point later on.
Apparently Adrian must not have made it clear to him that he was not welcome in the stage area. [Sounds like the Zappas just made another enemy...collateral damage some would call it] Or maybe he did and Andre decided to ignore the request? In any case, Dave Tobias was a little surprised to see Andre in his work area given all of the back story. He most likely assumed Andre was informed of the request to politely be elsewhere and that he was just trying to be obnoxious again - which is why I originally requested he politely remove himself in the first place.
That's end of the story. Probable miscommunication from Employer to employee. [Blaming Adrian once again] End result stupid drama.
The show the next night had no incident whatsoever. Andre still temerariously snuck himself to the side of the stage though. It's just his way. He can't help himself.
Contrary to his report where claims he locked eyes with me at some point during the show, I'm here to tell you that it never took place. He'd know if I locked eyes with him.
"What an imagination"
Here's a paragraph dedicated solely to Andre. To me, if you really have respect for my Father and his music you have an asinine way of showing it. By repeatedly insulting Frank's family and ignoring copyright laws related to his music you have proven the exact opposite of respect. [What copyright laws? A band can play anything they want live, as long as they do not record and sell it...at least that's how I understand it] Your obsequious fawning [um, don't obsequious and fawning mean the exact same thing? A Thesaurus can be dangerous Dweezil] over "alumni" and your precious associations you have with them are embarrassingly shallow. Your attempts to draw attention to yourself as some sort of soldier fighting the good fight for Frank's music reveal what you really are - a depressing epigone starving for recognition. [LOL! "epigone"? Do you know what that word means Dweezil? That's precisely what you are with ZPZ!]
One last thing, for me to care at all about what you say or do would mean that I have some sort of respect for you or your opinion.
Sadly, I have neither. [Yet you took the time to write this lengthy blog...hmm...curious, isn't it?]
End of 15 minutes...
Regards, DZ
-------------
So there you have it.
As far as I'm concerned, this is nothing more than a desperate attempt to "make good" by Dweezil, who is well aware that most FZ fans have become alienated from the ZFT, and are ashamed and embarassed over what Frank's legacy has become. Unfortunately, it only makes the Zappa arrogance more prevalent.
I only know this because their are some fans of Frank that for some inconceivable reason have shown the same allegiance to the surviving Zappa family as they do to Frank.
Isn't that somewhat hypocritical?
One of Frank's dying requests was to "tell people to play my music," yet Gail and co. have gone out of their way to prevent anyone not named Zappa from doing just that! I've met Andre, and he is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. On the other hand, I've had dealings with Gail, and she has been nothing but an arrogant, condescending bitch in my experience, and the "tone" in Dweezil's blog (below) indicates, as I have been saying for several years now, that he is his mother's son.
Even on a documentary DVD (the Apostrophe/Overnight Sensation DVD I believe), Moon makes comments that seem to emote a certain disdain for Frank (probably because he fucked groupies...so what?). Funny that I never heard those comments while he was still alive. In my opinion, that family has turned against Frank and everything he stood for, and now only markets (and fervently tries to protect) his product for no other reason than to keep a roof over their head and food in their mouths. It has nothing to do with the music.
Sure, Dweezil has worked very hard to faithfully recreate Frank's music, but that's because it gives him a built in audience. He couldn't make a living as Dweezil Zappa, or Z, or AZDZ, or whatever. He's a great musician, but he's not Frank.
Unfortunately, my desire for Frank's music will keep me buying FZ output, but I will never patronize a ZPZ show again (I saw them 4 or 5 times before fully realizing the evil behind the family).
In my opinion, some of the words and phrases Dweezil uses in his blog tells me that Andre's blog was quite accurate. Also, it was totally unprofessional of Dweezil to publish those private emails without getting Belew's permission first. This could have waited another day or so. It just further shows the Zappa family's elitist attitude.
So to those "fans" of the Zappa family, as one (Frank) Zappa fan to another, I implore you to rethink where your allegiance lies, because Gail's and Dweezil's does not lie with Frank, but only with themselves.
And I can assure you that it most certainly does not lie with you.
Anyway, here's Dweezil's blog, with some comments from me in brackets:
-------------
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Soap Opera: AKA Lengthy Blog about stupid stuff...
Hello Friends,
I recently read an amusing tale [condascension right out of the gate] about an incident that supposedly took place stage side during one of our shows. The author of this highly exaggerated tale is André Cholmondeley. He would like you to believe he was physically attacked. More on that later...
Perhaps it is his dream come true that I would take a moment of my time to write a few sentences that publicly address him. It's a one shot deal - You're welcome.
[more elitist bullshit...what an asshole DZ is]
Here you go...
Dateline - Los Angeles California:
The following are actual private e-mails between me and Adrian Belew. (I apologize to Adrian in advance if this causes him any aggravation.) [apologize, but do it anyway?]
I would not normally be inclined to use private information in this way [I've no doubt that the Zappa lawyers would be involved if the shoe was on the other foot] but it perfectly illustrates the details of the "non event" that follows.
Dweezil Zappa writes to Adrian Belew - (e-mail addresses have been removed. [what a sport])
On June 20, 2008, at 1:42 am, dweezil wrote:
Hello Adrian,
I hope this e-mail finds you doing well. I have noticed that you will be playing before us at 2 upcoming shows. I would like to extend an invitation to you to sit in with us if you like during our set. We are playing "Tiny Lites" and "Flakes" either of those 2 songs could make for a good surprise cameo.
Please let me know if you would be interested.
Regards, DZ
On June 30, 2008 12:04 pm, Adrian wrote:
dweezil,
please excuse my late reply.
I've always had a secret desire to show up for a concert with no guitar and no cases full of gear, just a harmonica in my back pocket.
so...
my idea of a cool cameo would be to come out in the middle of flakes harmonica in hand, sing the sad bob dylan part, and exit stage right, hopefully to applause.
what do you think?
cheers,
adrian
ps: I greatly admire and respect what you are doing for your father's legacy.
no one deserves it more than he and I've heard you do it exceptionally well.
After this first electronic exchange I was informed that Adrian was employing André Cholmondeley as his guitar tech. André's propensity for spreading misinformation and negativity has earned him a reputation. A reputation for being obnoxious and creating conflicts. [translation...Andre plays Frank's music and GZ and DZ don't like it]
Since those personality traits hold no appeal for me I decided to write back to Adrian with a request.
On June 30, 2008, at 11:43 pm, dweezil wrote:
Hello Adrian,
Nice to hear from you. Your idea sounds fun and easy.
I think people will appreciate it. They may even decide to clap a little bit... It happens sometimes.
We usually play Flakes midway through the show. I can say, "Take it away Bob or Adrian" whichever you prefer and you can enter to Ray's microphone.
Just let us know day of show if you're up for it and we'll do it.
On a different topic - perhaps an awkward one - I have been informed that you are working with Andre from Project Object. He is likely your friend as well as your employee so you may not enjoy what is to follow.
Whether you are aware of it or not he has instigated a lot of unpleasant things on our website forum and has made many transgressions musical and otherwise regarding Frank over the years. It would be my preference that he politely remove himself from my view before, during and after our set.
For me
the phrase persona non grata is applicable in this case. [so far, this supports Andre's blog]
I can understand if you feel awkward relaying this and I can even understand if you choose not to accept my invitation to join us on stage as a result.
The fact of the matter is he knows what he has done and it should come as no surprise that I wouldn't appreciate him being anywhere near me now or in the future. [this is an adult?]
I apologize for having to bring this to your attention. [do ya?!]
I thank both of you for your consideration and cooperation on this matter in advance.
Regards, DZ
A politely worded simple request. Here's Adrian's response.
[Take note of this line, it is a set up for diatribe]
On July 1, 2008, at 9:05 am, Adrian wrote:
dweezil,
please introduce me any way you like.
what key is flakes?
I'll bring the appropriate harmonica.
it's true andre works for me now.
I will make certain he is persona non grata as best I can.
as I told gail, I try always to honor frank, his memory, and his music. he remains a towering inspiration to me. I loved him too, and I could never repay him for what he did for me.
I take responsibility for my own actions, never for the actions of others.
I've have heard bits of the rhetoric surrounding project object (after the fact) but remain apart from it all. [note that he said the rhetoric "surrounding"...he didn't say where it came from...brilliant on Adrian's part to stay impartial]
should you or your family have any problem with anything I might ever do, please let me know.
see you onstage.
cheers,
adrian
That was July 1st. Whether or not Adrian decided to convey my request to Andre I do not know for sure. But it is safe to assume by his e-mail that he had every intention of doing so.
[my guess...this childishness was not at the top of his to do list, and it slipped his mind because he figured there wouldn't be a problem and Andre wouldn't be close enough to DZ to matter]
It is also clear by his e-mail that he is aware of the existing circumstances that could warrant such a request. [he didn't say that exactly]
Dateline - Ottawa July 5th:
Showtime for Zappa Plays Zappa. Dave Tobias is mixing our in ear monitor mix and is dealing with a keyboard that has lost phantom power. Andre saunters up and tries to make himself at home in Dave's work area. [knowing Andre, he was probably trying to offer help] Why would he attempt to do this? Surely he has been told that it would be polite to stay away by his friend and employer Adrian Belew. [notice how he just made Adrian look stupid if he did indeed forget to inform Andre of DZ's wishes?] One must ask, "Why not go enjoy the show from the audience or anywhere else... just be polite and respect a simple request?" Besides, who willingly wants to be in a place where they know they are not welcome?
Dave stops Andre and relays the message that he is not supposed to be there. [so DZ made it a point to tell his whole crew about Andre? More support of Andre's blog] No touching, pushing or spitting occurred. Loud talking happened, that's it. [So DZ watched the entire episode while he was performing a concert? Right.] There was a concert going on and Dave had in ear monitors in his ears. At no point was anyone instructed to be rude to Andre in fact just the opposite is true. Andre even mentioned in his own blog about how nice everyone was earlier in the day. He even mentioned Dave Tobias. [And...?] Everyone believed that Andre knew about the request and was willing to co-operate and watch the show from a different vantage point later on.
Apparently Adrian must not have made it clear to him that he was not welcome in the stage area. [Sounds like the Zappas just made another enemy...collateral damage some would call it] Or maybe he did and Andre decided to ignore the request? In any case, Dave Tobias was a little surprised to see Andre in his work area given all of the back story. He most likely assumed Andre was informed of the request to politely be elsewhere and that he was just trying to be obnoxious again - which is why I originally requested he politely remove himself in the first place.
That's end of the story. Probable miscommunication from Employer to employee. [Blaming Adrian once again] End result stupid drama.
The show the next night had no incident whatsoever. Andre still temerariously snuck himself to the side of the stage though. It's just his way. He can't help himself.
Contrary to his report where claims he locked eyes with me at some point during the show, I'm here to tell you that it never took place. He'd know if I locked eyes with him.
"What an imagination"
Here's a paragraph dedicated solely to Andre. To me, if you really have respect for my Father and his music you have an asinine way of showing it. By repeatedly insulting Frank's family and ignoring copyright laws related to his music you have proven the exact opposite of respect. [What copyright laws? A band can play anything they want live, as long as they do not record and sell it...at least that's how I understand it] Your obsequious fawning [um, don't obsequious and fawning mean the exact same thing? A Thesaurus can be dangerous Dweezil] over "alumni" and your precious associations you have with them are embarrassingly shallow. Your attempts to draw attention to yourself as some sort of soldier fighting the good fight for Frank's music reveal what you really are - a depressing epigone starving for recognition. [LOL! "epigone"? Do you know what that word means Dweezil? That's precisely what you are with ZPZ!]
One last thing, for me to care at all about what you say or do would mean that I have some sort of respect for you or your opinion.
Sadly, I have neither. [Yet you took the time to write this lengthy blog...hmm...curious, isn't it?]
End of 15 minutes...
Regards, DZ
-------------
So there you have it.
As far as I'm concerned, this is nothing more than a desperate attempt to "make good" by Dweezil, who is well aware that most FZ fans have become alienated from the ZFT, and are ashamed and embarassed over what Frank's legacy has become. Unfortunately, it only makes the Zappa arrogance more prevalent.
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