sleep eternale...

A Band To Check Out:

Ooooou-Eeeee-Ooooou

The BBC had a little department called the Radiophonic Workshop (1958 - ~1995) that created a lot of amazing and innovative music first using tape decks (truly experimental music) and later using the first Moog synthesizers. Here is a BBC 4 documentary about it. Have a listen, even if only for a few minutes -- it's great.

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I still want a 12-string Rickenbacker

So we've all heard the stories about big musicians who go into producing once they retire from "the road," but have you ever wondered what happens to the musicians who never quite make it big but still have to move on to something (read: a real job)? It seems they often find their way behind the scenes too. Take Danny Benair. He was in one of my favorite bands growing up: The Three O'Clock. They were an incredible L.A. band in the Paisley Underground movement back in the 80s, of which I was a big fan. I believe I was the first person to tell almost all of you (my wonderful, dedicated readers) about this band, which tells you something about the level of commercial success they achieved. Well, I found Mr. Benair again -- he's working in the industry, marketing music for placement in tv, movies, commercials, etc. He also has a website that just so happens to have a large collection of complete songs publicly available. Have a look. Once the main page loads, click on "music vault" and then select a song.. Oddly (and unfortunately), he doesn't have any of his own songs up.. I just might email him and ask if he would remedy that..

And just in case you feel like listening to some good paisley tunes:

The Three O'Clock fan site on Myspace

Michael Quercio on Myspace
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Bessie 2.0

You won't believe this amazing site:

http://www.radmonkeycowbells.com/

Electronic cowbells. Yes, that's right -- not only can it digitally amplify the sound, but it can reproduce "12 of the world's most sought after cowbells." How cool is that? Don't forget to visit their test page, which includes detailed descriptions of each of the 12 sounds and lets you test them out with the click of a mouse. You must try it (and post a message letting me know your favorite one!).


Oh, and if you like this product, you should really check out their Dead Quietenator, which digitally reproduces "various pure silences" that you cannot get anywhere else (you can even listen to 3 of those silences on their test page). Of course, I prefer the Virtual Studio Visitor that lets you digitally create the annoying presence of unwanted drop-in visitors to your studio (just in case you like how the uninvited guests affect your creative process but you don't have enough friends to drop in on you and produce the effect in the old fashioned way).

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7021 Hollywood Boulevard (Between La Brea & Highland)

Rodney was my hero. First, he was a huge supporter/friend of my favorite childhood band, The Monkees (he even appeared on their show, albeit as a stand in for Davy). Then, as I got older, he brought all the best bands into my bedroom every Sunday night whether I was old enough to go see them in the clubs or not. He had the best radio show ever - on KROQ in LA. He was the first to play The Ramones, The Cure, The Go-Go's, The Smiths, X, Adam Ant, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Teenage Fanclub, Echo & The Bunnymen, and almost every other band I ever cared about growing up. When I was about to move away from LA, I called Rodney on the phone just to tell him how great he was and how much I was going to miss his show. It's a good thing he didn't put me on the air because I actually cried on the phone. He was so sweet -- he offered to send me a T-shirt, and recommended that I ask my friends to tape record his show for me and send me the tapes. That was cool, and I still have the shirt.

Now Rodney is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And not just any star in any location -- he'll be between La Brea & Highland: a highly trafficked area, with good parking and lots of good reasons to be there aside from visiting the star. So there will be no excuse for not checking it out. I only wish I didn't have to teach on the day they will present him with it -- I would really love to be there!

Congratulations, Rodney Bingenheimer. Now you will forever be amongst the stars!

Go see the ceremony if you can:
Friday, March 9th, 2007, 11:30am,
7021 Hollywood Boulevard (Between La Brea & Highland)