The Bass Geek

So it looks like there’s going to be a second edition of MySpace For Dummies - at least my part of the paperwork is already in. This revision could prove to be very interesting (and time-consuming), as a lot has changed in the social networking world since we first looked at it. A year ago, MySpace ruled the roost. Now, other sites are gaining some traction (most notably Facebook), so we have to re-evaluate the site both in terms of what it offers on its own and what’s available at other locations. We’re still quite early in the game on this project.

I spent most of Sunday playing around with Reason some more (I love the new synth, the new arpeggiator is interesting, and I’m still dealing with the lane controls - they’re a little frustrating) - I REALLY want to start using this live. I also entertained “Metalocalypse”-inspired thoughts of joining a metal band. But only briefly.

Finally, the Steelers are 4-1 heading into a bye week. This gives me both hope for the rest of the season and a break from cursing at my computer as it brings me oft-corrected updates on the game. I like this.

We’re only about a fourth of the way through the first Metalocalypse DVD, as far as episodes go. I did, however, stumble across a few of the easter eggs (press “up” from the first menu choice and look for the red highlights on eyes, a moustache, and the Dethklok logo), and the one that hit home was the guitar lesson. It captured PERFECTLY the instructional videos I used to horde when I first started learning bass guitar. They were helpful, but they aligned themselves in a lot of ways with the “shredder” style of playing. They got the tablature on the screen, the uncomfortable dialogue, and the potential alcohol problems down pat. It pleased me greatly, and it made me want to dig out the Stu Hamm tapes again (he could play the “Star Spangled Banner,” man!).*

Hell, I almost want to try playing some progressive metal. Break out the 7-string bass and let’s jam some Fates Warning, man!

Next DVD rental? Most like “Flight Of The Living Dead.” While I’m disappointed there won’t be a theatrical release for pure “Snakes On A Plane” pleasure, it should still be a fine viewing.

*In the interest of full disclosure, I still break out the main riff from “Country Music (A Night In Hell)” occasionally, whether it’s covering for a broken guitar string or just wanting to annoy my bandmates.

I think I got a little too caught up in the book stuff for the past few weeks. It’s the only logical reason for me to ignore the new episodes of “Trapped In The Closet” sitting on my DVR for a few weeks, and the episode of Metalocalypse from Sunday. It’s unforgivable, and I know it. Those matters were rectified this evening - I’m not sure they lived up to the anticipation, although it was good to see Mike Keneally in the vocal credits for a cartoon that allowed a metal band to turned crazed criminals loose on the world after a fireworks-show-cum-execution.

That sounds a little more disturbing once I type it out.

I’ve also got the new Meshell Ndegeocello disc sitting in my hot little hands, taunting me with unlistened potential. Ndegeocello might be the one artist I’ll buy every album from for her entire career - beyond the exceptional musicianship and songwriting, there’s an unpredictability to each recording. Click the website link for a quick visual example; you’ll never be able to click on her past. From New Jack (Jill?) Swing to funk rock to Mitchell-esque acoustic to hip-hop and go-go to straight-up jazz (and that’s just the solo career - don’t forget about the math-jazz of Steve Coleman), she’s experimented and succeeded with so much. I’ll post a more in-depth review tomorrow if I get the chance to give it a good listen. The only thing I know for certain is that I’ll be reaching for the bass more often this week - she’s that inspiring.

I did a cursory check around the house and office, and my earplugs are Really and Truly Gone™. Luckily, Dawn at earEverything still has the molds from a few years ago, so I should be able to get a new pair fairly soon. I’m fairly sure my life would be much worse without this little things in it - not only do they help in the traditional loud places like clubs, bars and steel foundries, but they’re about the only way to get through the fairly consistent fire alarms at work. Seriously, the alarms are ear-piercing, and I’m fairly sure they’d do more damage to your ears than the normal metal band. Maybe not to your psyche, but certainly your hearing.

Also, the podcast book is done (and on deadline, believe it or not), so look for a November release date - just in time for your intrepid podcaster’s holiday list. I mentioned before that this book was a little different in that I had to put together some multimedia work for the book’s accompanying disc. The last part was a promo drop for book readers to use in their podcast, and it took me back to the days when I had to put such things together for the student radio station. And since I’m going back to the old alma mater for a football game (and will no doubt tune into the radio station to see if they’re still playing that one Ween song), I’d like to take this opportunity to link to WGRE, the student radio station in question. Fire up the Real Player and see what you find.

Finally, I haven’t had the chance to watch the new Metalocalypse yet. Don’t tell me about it.

While the billions I predicted may not have appeared (I’m hoping the recount comes closer to my earlier estimate), it was still a big day for Fountain Square. The place was littered with artists and musicians trying to find an appropriate place to craft their entries for the Masterpiece in a Day contest, and overall the results were good. It was a bit bizarre to see my elderly pug intimidating a much larger dog and then daring to investigating a solid-looking-yet-totally-docile pit bull. The Fab 4 Less exhbition was good, too, although it was a little weird hanging out in someone else’s apartment and trying to explain all of the renovations they did without the artist being there. I didn’t even try to sit on the couch or any chairs, for fear that they’d arranged everything with their practiced eye, and I’d be disturbing come carefully crafted balance.

Jennifer walked out of the place with a new purse bearing the spray-painted image of Jim Kelly, which I highly endorse.

There’s also another mural behind the house. We’ve volunteered our fence and garage door for the next effort, which should take place next spring.

I managed to sneak the new bass in for some repairs that hopefully won’t take too long. It rested here for such a brief time that I’d like it back as soon as possible. I’d also like my custom earplugs back as soon as possible, but the location of those is a little more fuzzy. I’m going to check around at work, but I fear I’ll be calling Dawn at earEverything for a new pair soon. My night out with regular foam plugs just didn’t cut it now that I’m used to the custom molds. They cut down the volume without cutting down the balance of the frequencies. Not only does it save the hearing, but it makes the mix anytime I’m playing sound so much better - I just can’t live without them, unfortunately. Which is why they enjoyed a position of honor on my keychain. Alas, no more.

Hopefully the Steelers will mollify my pain with a win this afternoon, the new Metalocalypse won’t fail to blow me away, and the earth will continue to turn.