The Bass Geek - Words about Music, Circuitry, and Fountain Square
The Bass Geek
9Apr/080

Knowing The Score

I don't harbor any illusions that the time I spent this evening getting score edits done will be the last time I'll have to work on this show.  The first run-through with the band is this weekend, and there will certainly be more things to be changed.  The nice thing is that I've got the changes so far put into Sibelius, so I can remove and transpose as necessary.

Which is stellar, 'cause I can't cross out a thing on this score.  I've got to keep track of the changes, but we only get the rental copies, so I'm stuck making changes on my own.  It's now my least favorite example of copyright protection.  Feh.

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8Apr/082

Pure Psychonaut Goodness

I wanted to wait until this show was confirmed and listed on the venue's website and such before bringing it up here, and all of those parts have finally fallen into their respective places. So now I can tell you how darn nice it's going to be playing the Vogue next Thursday for a couple of reasons.

First, it's a nice big stage with nice big sound, and I want to hear what my bass and synths will sound like there. I'm also sure it'll be the first time I've heard a sitar there (certainly not the first time one has been there I'm sure, but it's still rare enough, trust me). We've been playing muich smaller and intimate venues to this point, so it'll be a challenge, especially considering we're a three-piece. I've also been doing most of these shows without an amp (both bass and synth using a DI into the P.A.), so I wonder if I'll have to change that. It's probably better to bring one just in case, eh?

Second, our little half-hour slot leads the way for the genius that is The Leisure Kings and the oversized punk-rock marching band Mucca Pazza. They boast being 30 members strong (inlcuding wind sections and cheerleaders), and the thought of trying to organize them into rehearsals of any sort frightens me, frankly. That's why I'm glad I'll just be taking in the show and not the preparation.

7Apr/083

Back From Memphis . . .

We got my mom moved in and took in as much as possible.  Beale St. is still Disney, but we managed to grab some good food and took in the Stax museum again - they had a good exhibit from Otis Redding's personal records on a limited run.  It was also a delight to see the basses used to record "Soul Finger" and some of the Booker T. and the MGs songs.

We also took in a night of boxing that turned out not to be professional, but a fraternity's charity event.  Suffice it to say that we saw maybe one real boxer out of the night, and a lot of really ineffective swinging.  Such is life.

I also noted an inordinate amount of truckers sporting signs about remaining strong and attentive 24/7/365 and never giving "aid and comfort to the enemy."  I was unaware that these brave drivers manned a combat zone fraught with such danger and peril that their constant vigilance was required.  I have visions of the borders being lined with semis blasting Toby Keith in unison, guarding our livelihoods with a combination of brute force and nausea.  Yes, it scare me a bit.

Now I'm home, gazing at the unwatched episode of Battlestar Galactica on the DVR and waiting for my wife to get home to remedy that situation.

3Apr/081

MySpace Music Site Already Better Than Qtrax!

You know, in that it actually has deals and stuff in place.

The new MySpace Music Site is going to add music distribution from three of the majors (and one would imagine the indies as well) along with all the usual social network features in an allegedly DRM-free environment. Since the website mentioned in the press release (provided here by Indy Star music writer and local hero Dave Lindquist) doesn't actually work yet, I'm assuming the details are being closely guarded, as techies of this sort are wont to do.

At this early stage, it's another encouraging move towards a level playing field of equal distribution. The name "Madonna" will still command more attention than your average bar band, of course, but there's something to be said for MySpace offering all of those tracks at the same place DRM-free. I'd like to see the site, though. In some form. It took them long enough with the developers' sandbox, and it's just now in beta.

3Apr/081

Fountain Square Music This Weekend

I'm a little unhappy at what I'll be missing this weeknd.

Radio Radio has the Naptown Juke Stomp featuring Action Strasse, The Cocaine Wolves, Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes and more Friday night and Bigger Than Elvis on Saturday. Bitch and the Exciting Conclusion make another appearance on Sunday night. You may have seen her in "Shortbus." That's not the only reason you'd remember that movie, but she's in there.

EDIT: The Dockers are on the bill, and there are strong rumors that the Zero Boys will also play Friday night. Now it's a must-see. You have no choice.

Sam's Saloon features a rockabilly freakout with Art Adams, BJ Rogers' Murder Inc., and Bob's Liquor Lounge Friday night. Richard Stookesbury and the Rich Hynes Blues Band arrive for Saturday's Show.

Deano's Vino has Andy DeCarlo & The Travelin' Hillbillies Friday night and D. Mark Conway on Saturday.

Big Car Gallery brings in Thin Fevers' CD release party for First Friday.

3Apr/083

Languishing on the DVR

Don't get me wrong - I'm quite happy to be going to Memphis for a long weekend.  It's got a certain Southern sleepiness to it (maybe that was because I last visited in October), but there's still vibrant music and culture to be immersed in, and taking the trolley to the Arcade again will be a joy.  Plus, I'll have family down there now, which is an excellent excuse for more frequent trips.

Is it bad, however, to know that I'll be thinking about the new episode of Battlestar Galactica just a little bit?  Hoping the DVR doesn't meet a violent end before I can get back to it?  Realizing that the recently replaced electrical panel gives me more confidence in the recording going off as planned?

I'm a little saddened by this knowledge, myself.

The new IMN podcast is up.  Download it or listen on the site.  And enjoy your weekend.

2Apr/084

The Roots – Playing In a Vaguely Defined Location Near You!

The Roots are a band I'd consider an hour-long road trip to see with no question, so the sight of two such shows on their calendar were the source of a little excitement.  Except that the only listing I can see from any source is the band and the city.  While Bloomington and West Lafayette are not huge towns, I'd still like to know at which location in said towns the band will be appearing.  I think I'm running into some private or otherwise restricted engagements for Little 5 and Grand Prix weeks, respectively.  Still, I'm curious about the new bassist and I want to know.  Feh.  Jambase (how I DETEST even going to the site) and other sources taunt and tease with basic information, but I've got nothing else.

1Apr/081

She’s a pastry chef and a sniper.

My wife surprised me with the "Flight of the Conchords" DVDs last night, and they've held up well since first viewing - especially the "Boom King" song.  Genius.

I feel guilty for spending a couple minutes trying to identify the make and model of Jemaine's bass and appreciating the green tortoise-shell pickguard.

But that's my cross to bear, I suppose.

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