Category: External Music (Page 9 of 50)

Are you there, America? It’s me, Moby

Moby, you can get stomped by Obie — you 36-year-old bald-headed fag, blow me
You don’t know me, you’re too old
Let go, it’s over, nobody listens to techno
–Eminem, “Without Me”

Those words may have seemed somewhat clever in 2002, but seven years later, Moby’s still here, and arguably as relevant as ever. Matter of fact, he’s just about to release his ninth album, titled Wait for Me, and to celebrate, he sat down for a chat with Bullz-Eye’s James B. Eldred in which he discussed the recording and creative process, his waning popularity in America, and what he thinks the future of the record industry holds.

“As sad as this might sound, I sell more records in Belgium than I do in America. Even though I was born in the United States and I live in the United States, in terms of status or in terms of my record sales, it’s quite a small country.”

Remarkably candid about everything from his creative process to his cost of living, Moby comes across as thoughtful and contemplative — just like Wait for Me, which is being described as a somber and meditative departure from his last album, the more upbeat Last Night. And, much as you might expect for an artist who runs a site full of free tracks from his vaults, he’s pretty pragmatic about this whole Internet filesharing thing:

“Honestly, I’m flattered if anyone makes an effort to listen to my music. If they want to pay for it, that’s great, but I’d certainly rather someone steal my music than not listen to it.”

To read more of Moby’s Bullz-Eye interview — and learn about his gear setup, what went into the making of Wait for Me, and what he’d do if given the chance to produce a Britney Spears record, click here!

The Kings: Anatomy of a One-Hit Wonder

Strange that we would see two releases in the same year about Canadian rock bands that hit their commercial peak in the early ’80s but continue to soldier on, but the entertainment business is funny like that (see: “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon”). However, the Kings, who owned Friday afternoon drive time on rock radio for years thanks to their bouncy “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ to Glide” and its “Nothing matters but the weekend” battle cry, did not assemble “Anatomy of a One-Hit Wonder” to inspire sympathy; rather, this collection of the band’s music videos and live performances, combined with a 40-minute documentary of the band members describing the origins of “Beat/Switchin’,” is a sweet love letter to both its fans and even casual admirers of their big hit. Singer Dave Diamond, who at times recalls Martin Short, does most of the talking (though that is likely because guitarist John Picard, a.k.a. Mr. Zero, is shooting the interviews), and he’s refreshingly aware of the Kings’ place in the grand scheme of things; when he talks about working with mega-producer Bob Ezrin (just after he finished The Wall, no less) or appearing on “American Bandstand,” he’s not sticking his chest out as he does so, thank goodness. The interview footage is admittedly not professional quality (Zero financed the movie himself, shooting and editing it over a three-year period), but no one buying this video is looking for slick production. In fact, the DVD is worth purchasing for the opening clip alone, where Zero splices footage from dozens of performances of the band’s big hit and creates one monster performance video. Good for them for seeing this video through to its completion. Now, if you’ll politely oblige, your presence is requested by Diamond and Zero in the Mercedes. (Dizzy Records 2009)

Click to buy The Kings: Anatomy of a One-Hit Wonder

Seen Your Video: Hank Williams, Jr., “Red, White, and Pink-Slip Blues”

As someone who once had a significant portion of his junior year of college ruined by a gentleman cranking “A Country Boy Can Survive” at all hours of the day and night, I’ve never been a big fan of Hank Williams, Jr., but when you grow up in the South, you learn to accept Bocephus as part of your life whether you actually like him or not. Plus, over the years, I’ve become a fan of his father (Hank, Sr.) and of his son (Hank III), so I feel like I ought to cut the good ol’ boy a little bit of slack.

Junior’s new album, 127 Rose Avenue, is due for release on June 16th, and although the first single – “Red, White, and Pink-Slip Blues” – is tailor-made for the old-school country audiences, you have to admit that it does indeed speak to the current economic climate, not just of the South but of the entire United States. Of course, given that this comes from a man who turned up at Republican rallies in Virginia Beach, VA, and crooned an excruciating little ditty called “McCain Palin Tradition,” you can imagine that most of the comments over on YouTube for this video involve assurances that the events discussed the song are all the fault of Barack Obama.

Whatever. All I know is that I like the dark twang of this track. Maybe you will, too.

Hallelujah: A “YMCA”-free wedding mixtape

Here Comes the Bride: A Popdose Wedding Songs MixtapeWe’ve all been there: You’re invited to celebrate a couple’s special day with the bride, groom, and 100 or so of their closest friends and relatives. Everyone’s dressed up and looking good, the food is fine, and the alcohol is flowing. What could be better?

Here’s an idea — how about a DJ who doesn’t play the same damn songs you’ve heard at every other wedding you’ve been to? No “YMCA,” no “Electric Boogie,” and, for the love of God, no “Macarena.” It shouldn’t be that hard, but it is — which is why we’re so pleased to inform you that the gang at Popdose has gotten together and come up with “Bride of Popdose: A Wedding Songs Mixtape,” featuring a long list of songs from their own weddings that haven’t already been played to death. Whether it’s Ennio Morricone, Trisha Yearwood, Indigo Girls, or Beausoleil that strikes your fancy, you’re bound to find something worth celebrating here. And who knows? Maybe some of these songs will come in handy the next time you have to plan a wedding…

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