Category: Music

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Serato Scratch LIVE

I saw a chic at Pioneer bar the other week DJing with her computer. Around here its starting to become the norm because who really wants to crate around 100 lbs of vinyl, but after further review, it wasn’t you’re typical iPod style DJ software. Something new to me (as I’m so out of the loop these days), however, I am familiar to the concept of DJing with MP3s as I’ve used Stanton’s Final Scratch (although not the latest version. This was RANE‘s new DJ tools software/hardware called Serato Scratch LIVE.

According to the DJ, she liked it better than Final Scratch as it was “more stable”. I’m very interested in pursuing this option, of course, I’m also pursuing the purchase of a new laptop to go with this… more debate to come on this subject of DJing and the use of software to do so….

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Save CBGBs – Mayor Bloomberg goes Punk

Current Mayor of NY, Bloomberg stated “CBGB, it’s a great New York City institution — it’s more than just another club. We are trying to bring both sides together. … It’s part of our culture. They bring a lot of business here. I don’t think they belong any place else other than New York City.” In other words, “I want to be re-elected with even the aging hippies and hipster haters loving me.”

This has been an on going dispute all year between the oldest running rock and punk club in NYC, CBGBs and their landlord, The Bowery Resident’s Committee, a not-for-profit organization that benefits about 8,000 homeless in the NY area. On August 17th, CBGBs won their court case (which was filed back in Feb of this year) against their landlord, who had sued the club for pay of back rent (approximately $307,000 back in 2001) and even the Judge Joan M. Kenney questioned whether the Committee “with suspect accounting, intentionally orchestrated a scenario that precluded CBGB” from paying the accurate amount on time over the past four years. Full story can be read in this Rolling Stones article “CBGB wins round One”

The Committee still contends they are owed money for raised rent and seems to be intentionally pushing to get the club out by excessively raising the rent over 100% (from $19,000 to $41,000) and taking a stance of non-negotiations for this policy. Needless to say the lease on the place is up today Aug. 31st and there doesn’t seem to be much to be done about it, however, you can voice your opinion through the CBGBs site: HERE

CBGBs has been putting on some benefit shows – (Listed here), however, today at 3 PM (lasts till 7PM) you can go down to Washington Square and catch a free Save CBGBs concert with Blondie, Bouncing Souls, Institute with Gavin Rossdale, Chestfield Kings, The Charms and others. Skip work!! Go Now!!! Go!!!

Now although I haven’t attended a show yet, and may ever after today, I fully empathize with this cause and have known of the culture icon of CBGBs for since getting into the Ramones. The club should be saved to further the movement of the punk, and rock music culture in not just NYC, but all over America (something SF I have recently learned has started to take a back seat in lately, but that?s another blog). Save CBGB Site

“CBGB is the last real rock and roll club,” Steven Van Zandt, of “The Sopranos” and the E Street Band said. “There’s nothing like it left in the world.”

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Robert Moog, Creator of Music Synthesizer, Dies at 71

A day of remembrance is necessary for all who have enjoyed the feelings, inspirations and good times that electronic music has created for all (and you).

The New York Times tribute story, Published: August 23, 2005

“In an interview last year with The New York Times, Hans Fjellestad, who directed the film [‘Moog’], likened Mr. Moog to Les Paul and Leo Fender, who are widely regarded as the fathers of the electric guitar.

‘He embodies that sort of visionary, maverick spirit and that inventor mythology,’ Mr. Fjellestad said at the time.”

Mr. Moog’s instruments were utilized to produce next generation sounds for artists like Herbie Hancock, the Beatles & John Lennon, Kraftwerk and Beastie Boys – a few in a long list of artists and performers. Robert Moog’s legacy will live on in the enjoyment of music today and throughout our future… R.I.P.

Moog the documentary

“I happen to think that computers are the most important thing to happen to musicians since the invention of cat-gut which was a long time ago.”

“I was never worried that synthesizers would replace musicians. First of all, you have to be a musician in order to make music with a synthesizer.”

“To me the synthesizer was always a source of new sounds that musicians could use to expand the range of possibilities for making music.”

Quotes by ~ Robert Moog