the weblog of m.kelley

{Urban Legends Reference Pages: Music (No Answer)} – “The legend differs slightly in some the details from telling to telling, but the basic premise is that when United Artists was preparing to schedule Electric Light Orchestra’s debut album for release in the U.S., someone from United Artists (either an executive or his secretary) placed a call to someone connected with ELO (either an executive at Harvest Records or the group’s manager) to find out, among other things, what the LP should be titled. The caller, having failed to reach the desired party, jotted down the notation “no answer,” a phrase which was mistaken for an album title and assigned to the U.S. version of the group’s debut record. “

Sidenote: Don Arden is the father of Sharon Osbourne.

{A E Interactive: SMASH MOUTH SEEKS DRUMMER} – “San Jose’s most famous band, Smash Mouth, is looking for a new drummer. Sounds like a TV show.

Michael Urbano, the talented studio musician who also produces and discovered hot rappers Flipsyde, is leaving, so the band put out a release looking for a new pounder.”

Hmmmm……

is….If you’re name is U2 or Springsteen, you can put out the shittiest and most boring record of the year and STILL win a fucking award. I own the U2 album and I’ll be the first to say that the Coldplay album is much better. Hell, the Killers had a killer album…

I’m glad that the White Stripes won for Best Alternative Music Album, but Guero by Beck was one of the best albums of his in years (and yes, I’m still boycotting it).

Then for Producer of the Year, fuckin’ Steve Lillywhite won. Talented dude, but the Jason Mraz & U2 album weren’t that great while The Neptunes had a hell of a year and of course I’m a fan of Nigel Godrich for his work on some of Radiohead’s projects…and he was up for the cute Beatles’ album this year.

Sly Stone’s performance was…um, interesting. Bad sound tonight, mics not working and just sounding like shite. Sly seemed a little…stoned. I’ve also come to the decision that anyone, not Kelly Clarkson, who came from American Idol, should just have 1 year to be seen in public, then be forced to not “sing” for the next 5 years. Fantasia….what the fuck was that about?

If I hear “Yesterday” by the Beatles sung badly again, I swear……Linkin Park…..shit, ick. Good band, but WTF?

Lisa Loeb in a thong

I normally don’t link to scantily-clad women, but I’ve had a crush on Lisa Loeb for many many years. She’s smart, cute, sings and plays guitar. My ex-gf, Bullet, looked like a cross between Lisa Loeb and (Lisa) Kennedy formerly of MTV. But I digress. I never really pictured LL in a thong, but that photo did wonders for my week :)

{Google to acquire Napster? – Engadget} – “Citing “sources within the music industry,” the Post says that Google is “considering an extensive alliance” with the possibility of an “outright acquisition” of once-renegade Napster. “

I have some very Apple-loyal friends who swear by Napster. Aside from not being able to use the music once you cancel the service, it ranked high with them. I think iTunes has the better interface but the selection could be better. A Google purchase might change things on the DRM path, though.

Psst!

Anyone know who Pete Doherty is?

Watch this space for an important announcement.

Sacred Cow Tipping presents:

Dohertywatch

{BLABBERMOUTH.NET – RUSH Drummer To Appear In ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ Movie} – “Last September, while on the SS Professor tour, Lorne Wheaton, RUSH drummer Neil Peart’s tech, stated that Neil will be making an appearance on “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” sometime in the future.”

What about the voice of Geddy Lee, how did it get so high? I hear that he speaks like an ordinary guy!

“Friends and jobs and life’s problems will pass. But my mistress, music, will always be there. Always listening, always with an ear for you. Speaking back, comforting…through the lovely jazz of Miles or the soothing voice of a lovely muse. She doesn’t judge me. She’s the only love, aside from a Mother’s love, that’s free.”

Tim O Thompson: Common Words in SXSW Band Names

Oh thank goodness, that he doesn’t have a “third” category.

{The Agonist | John Mellencamp} – “I’ve heard someone say that describing Americana music is difficult, but that they recognize it when they hear it. When I listen to John Mellencamp sing, I hear Americana music, some of the best ever produced. I also hear rock and roll, country, blues, and folk. He fits no one classification. But there is something absolutely American about this man and the music he writes.”

John has put out music for well over two or three decades now. He’s one of these people who gets discounted by a lot of the music listeners out there. But he’s been a constant source of original music with a unique sound…the only people coming close have been some of the alt-country groups. His experimentation with dance music, folk music and along with his social commentary has made him someone most musicians wish they could be.