Top 10 Classical Performances of 2011

Originally appeared in New York written by Justin Davidson, I just thought it was worthy of taking note of some of these pieces, and if possible hunting down some new food for thought. 1. The Cunning Little Vixen The Philharmonic has never seemed cheerier than it did performing Janácek’s charmer of an opera—and not just because of the kids in frog costumes or even because Isabel Bayrakdarian sang such a beguiling fox. In this sublime silliness, the orchestra rediscovered its mission: making live music that’s necessary and irreproducible. 2. Otello The high priest of the podium, Riccardo Muti, led the Chicago Symphony in a Carnegie Hall performance of Verdi’s opera so overpoweringly nuanced that the singers hardly mattered. Muti made opera without sets and costumes seem less compromise than Platonic ideal. 3. Tempus Praesens Sofia Gubaidulina is among the most seductively saturnine composers to emerge from the wreckage of the Soviet Union. Her violin concerto, written for Anne-Sophie Mutter, is a lesson in the intricate variety of pain, and Mutter gave a performance of scorching intensity. Only in music can desolation be so exciting. 4. Concentric Paths Thomas Adès has grown from a London whiz kid into a 40-year-old of phenomenal originality, and his violin concerto tours the boundaries of madness, with ecstatic babblings, orchestral cataclysms, stammering brass, and limping dinosaur treads. New Yorkers had to wait six years for its concert premiere, a crystalline performance by Leila Josefowicz and the St. Louis Symphony. 5. Russian Cartoon Music The Brooklyn Philharmonic, priced out of BAM, made for Brighton Beach, where it catered to a bemused Russian audience’s nostalgia for Soviet cartoons and their startlingly sophisticated scores. The shaggy, spirited performance, run by Alan Pierson, showed that a fine orchestra can come down off the acropolis without losing its soul. 6. Huelgas Ensemble at the White Light Festival Lincoln Center’s White Light Festival hit its stride as an ecumenical gathering of sacred music, and in a church on Central Park West, the Huelgas Ensemble unfurled the brocaded vocal textures of Renaissance polyphony. Singers encircled the director, Paul Van Nevel, haloing him in glimmering choral harmonies from England, Burgundy, and Venice. 7. Inuksuit On a summer afternoon, battalions of percussionists peacefully occupied Morningside Park for John Luther Adams’s drum-in. Now thunderous, now hushed, the sound changed with the vantage point, and one could find players lurking in the bushes, stationed like rams on rocks, or camped out on the lawn. 8. Faust Des McAnuff’s Met production was silly yet grim, with a supermax-prison look and hints of mad science. But it couldn’t mar the tapestry of liquid threads woven by Jonas Kaufmann, René Pape, and Marina Poplavskaya, and conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. McAnuff, despite himself, enabled great music. 9. Dan Deacon and So Percussion, Ghostbuster Cook: Origin of the Riddler During the Ecstatic Music Festival, So Percussion teamed up with the swami of dance-party electronica, Dan Deacon. Ghostbuster turned out to be a loose, ornate symphony for soda bottles, marimbas, and one loud laptop. The piece does for the rave what Bartók did for Hungarian folk music: sublimate the urge to dance into a visceral concert experience. 10. Schubert Trios, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Chamber music depends on intimate glances and familiar nods. Cellist David Finckel teamed up with his wife, pianist Wu Han, and his Emerson String Quartet partner, violinist Philip Setzer, for a program of Schubert’s piano trios that marinated for decades in the players’ relationships. The interpretations, like the scores, were tender and monumental, steamy and chiseled in stone. Honorable mention: Hungarian Echoes, the New York Philharmonic’s undeclared tribute to György Ligeti, which packaged three of his marvels with the works of two forerunners, Haydn and Bartók.

Last minute Christmas B.S.

Well kiddies, another December 25 is rolling around and while I still am running around trying to make it as perfect a Christmas for my little offspring as I possibly can, I still haven't gotten anywhere near all my shopping done.

The house looks as good as I can get it to look without a government grant -- I mean we are literally aglow here at my own little piece o' paradise/bunker/house on the mountain.

I have neglected to make all the purchases I SHOULD have made in doing my part to 'stimulate the economy' this holiday season but I believe that my loving wife and minion number one -- Ms. Schizoid (Ms. -- pronounced Mizzz), has done enough of that during this past fiscal quarter to justify my lapse a bit. My DAY job (which I don't talk much about due to the sensitive security clearance issue the government has imposed upon me) has been an incredible hassle lately but I imagine that will lighten up as we enter into the new year --

the truth is , there are big changes coming on the horizon and HOPEFULLY that will mean more time to devote to music/sound creation, and of course, more time for all of you (my minions!) who have kept me going in this quest to create strange interesting things and share them with you all.

I don't want you to think I have forgotten about you all, things are going to get back on track soon and I'm looking forward to spending time with you again (if not in person, at least in a virtual sense through music or words.)

I hope you get everything you wanted this year and if not -- enjoy what you've got -- it isn't really about GETTING things -- its about the things we already have that we should (but probably don't, ) appreciate in this mixed-up, fast track world.

Happy B-Day Frank!

Anyone who has known me for more than a week knows what a huge fan of Frank Zappa's work I am. Ignoring the fact that he was as cool as the cat's pajamas, the catalog of songs that he has left us is more than most musicians can even begin to dissect in one lifetime.

One thing that was really amazing is the diversity and eclectic nature of his music-- it really did come from a little bit of everything and I am sure that there *is* a song for everyone somewhere within his 65 record career (with new material STILL surfacing from the vault every now and then) And, if a portion of his tunes are a bit dated -- the outstanding majority are absolutely timeless. Even though I never got a chance to meet him, I miss him. There is always that feeling of I wonder what else he might have done.

Watch him on Crossfire.


He truly was a one and only.

A nother update

Ok... here we are at the end of a 'year' which is entirely subjective really -- if you think about the idea of time and it being based on earth rotations and cycles broken down into years or days and then THAT being broken down into minutes and then seconds.. with THAT AGAIN being broken down into nanoseconds and ultimately breaking down into unrecorded units that are too small for us to measure... the WHOLE idea of recorded time is ultimately BS.

We are here ...NOW.

That's it.

Plan all you want for the future... The future I just wrote about is already now , now.

And NOW even that's the past already... in case you just missed it.

I've never been that great of a planner and my album(which HAS already been delayed a bit) will most likely be done by the end of NEXT month -- due to unforeseen real life events (primarily too much MONEY making work) my project of love and sweat had to go on the back-burner -- since this IS the debut 'Schizoid' album I want it to be as good as I can muster up -- the emotion, compositional density and production value all should be at the best level I can afford to give it...

All while trying not to take it all SO seriously .

Ya feel me?

January is the first month I can see that I will have time to dedicate to polish and last minute writing that is necessary for this project to finally be completed and that,as they say, is that... unless something ELSE happens to throw things off we are looking at a 'sometime in January' date and possibly first week in February if things don't come together as easily as I think they should.

Thanks for the patience and listening, if you aren't TOO afraid of the strange, you'll definitely find something worth listening to here!

This World of Idiots due out in late January... See you then!

Black Page arr Jonathan Haas

You have to wait for the full group version before leaving this page... Takes a while to 'put the eyebrows on it' but it's tight and gets there eventually... I only wish the recording quality was a little better.

fRANK gAM-f'ING-bALE Jazz Improv SHRED fest

I thought I'd be a little creative with the title -- maybe I got carried away a bit -- but I remember seeing this guys chop-builder video back when I was in college and a guitar player/virtuoso friend of mine recommended it, My bud was one of the 3 finalists for the Ozzy lineup at the time and was beaten out by Vai who did a track or two with the Oz man for a minute,

anyway this is a great video to watch for inspiration whether you play jazz metal or whatever .. these guys are TIGHT.

Enjoy!

Saturday Morning Cartoons: The Land of the Lost, & Mikey Likes it

The Land of the Lost part 1

Mikey

And now the exciting conclusion! Land of the Lost Part 2

Laziness or Procrastination?

Which will prevail? I'm betting on laziness... That's all for now.

Why George Takei is irreplaceable...

A kinder gentler Broadcast:

Being the geek / nerd that I am, I grew up watching the Star Trek OS (that's original series to those not in the know) and learned a lot about life, (including watching dancing green women who made me feel tingly in ways I didn't yet understand.)

There were real morals to the stories: and not EVERY moral was so blatant that it was like a ballpeen hammer to the cranium. Sometimes things were delivered subtly and in an offhand 'by the way' kind of way. Thats why the show still stands up after all these years, its a lot more in depth in a human way than a lot of sci-fi that comes out these days which are entirely based on effects or nifty gadgets to try and propel the 'geek interest' in watching.

Takei is often overlooked, but the guy is funny as all get out. For anyone who has found him doing one of his public appearances, or Howard Stern, or just found him online, you can't help but crack up (or maybe even become a little enlightened) at some of the pictures he finds and shares... Here are a couple recent ones I liked:

The Takei quote for this one : "My goodness but this is funny. Had a good hard chuckle!"

How can you NOT like this guy?

Everyone should learn the ways of Takei... on Facebook, and on Twitter

There, my good deed for the day is done.

One more Zoe Keating

Tetrishead

Unrelated fact -- by the way -- love the name Zoe --

Who else likes the cello?

Just happened on this one and I have to say that I like it a lot ... Had to share it with my friends around the globe. Avant-garde Cellist Zoe Keating

Zappa -- King Kong GREAT (& Insane!) performance

Videos like this make me wish the 70's/ 80's were forever.

Lets (kinda) Rock with Tom Jones

Not your typical rock tune but I was never a typical guy -- love this tune (finger clicks and all).

& another version with Sammy Davis Jr.

Let's Rock Week today: Jimi Part Deux

Lets keep the wagon rolling with Jimi today. & one more for the road... (Play us out Jimi) Beautiful soul that guy had.

Let's Rock Week today: Jimi

Jimi rocking out -- he'd be 69 now, where does the time go? (Not that I was even alive when HE was but still.)

Purple Haze defines cool. Bring it down Jimi Red House More later this afternoon.

Let's Rock Week

Here we are in a new week and I am stricken by a desire for simpler times -- for .. better times. Nostalgia is in the air tonight and that means I gotta have a theme for the week. This one is good rock tunes that I dug since I was a kid... Stuff that for whatever reason got me deep in the gut and resonated with me for one reason or another, it's going to be a little all over the place but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Without further ado the first track on Let's Rock Week...

Huge Breakfast, Enormous Turkey with ALL the fixins' & Antacids

Yes! It's one of the finest holidays ever created - I can finally come out of the closet and be the glutton I actually am! What could be better than indulging in great food for a 24 hour period completely guilt free?

You've got to love those pilgrims and Indians (who really had no idea at the time of what they were getting themselves into.)

Celebrate thanks.

Personally I try to celebrate thanks everyday but the daily grind does get in the way sometimes doesn't it? Here in America we could use a few more holidays like this one -- without some religious affiliation connotation attached... Even the Fourth of July (Our independence day for those who don't know ... or care much) has 'God Bless America' attached to it.

Maybe if we could get away from worrying about deities and what role they might (or don't) play in our lives, we could make some progress as a species instead of teams who are competing in the My God is better than yours contest that simply HAS to happen at most of our 'substantial' holidays.

Halloween and Thanksgiving -- two of the best days of the year... Although I do like the bunny idea that comes with Easter -- if only it was just about the bunnies and not 'resurrection' to bring me down... But I digress...

THANKS GOES TO...

Thanks for all the wonderful things I have been given, or had the opportunity to work for -- thanks for a family that puts up with my nonsense and doesn't bother me about too much of it... Thanks for all of you!; who have been curious enough and have been loyal readers of my 'Broadcast' here and my tweets as @thedrschizoid on Twitter.

Enough corniness, but I genuinely do appreciate y'all and I just wanted to let you know how much you RULE in my book.

Until tomorrow.

P.S. Found this pic and it occurred to me how awesome it would be if this was the face across the Thanksgiving table saying grace...

No, I'm not weird ... I'm UNIQUE.

Change of Plans...

Ok -- here's the deal, the album that was slated for a December 10 2011 release looks like it is going to be pushed back a bit, I can't definitively give an exact date (or if it even WILL be late for sure) but I'm guessing no more than 2 weeks but ...

No one knows what tomorrow brings.

Maybe it WILL all come together well within my time frame.

*shrugs*

Its always the vocals that take the longest, and they always sound the worst to me... Wish me luck with it.

I have some buttons and T shirts and such made, & I will be giving (yes GIVING) away some to some of my Schizoid-o-philes.

I am gearing up for a Thanksgiving feast of cosmic proportions and looking forward to finishing up a few tunes (finally.) It's been years on the back burner and I have just staked out a few minutes here and there in between the business of life to dial in some decent sounds and lay down some tracks(although I doubt I will ever get everything exactly the way I want it.)

Just wanted to post an update as its been awhile, but I have been insanely busy -- hope all is good with y'all and you are all looking forward to to some noise made by the good Doctor...

All for now.

PART II of Only the BEST 70s TV Show intros EVER... Of all time.. or maybe just the 70s.

Continuation from yesterday:

A buddy in real life reminded me of Buck Rogers the CLASSIC 70s show.

Shout out to my twitter bud -- @_reSonans (Check out his website http://gregoryleenewsome.ca/) for reminding me about this OTHER one -- Wonder Woman... (I like Season Two's intro better; simply because Lynda Carter was off the charts in hot-itude-- much more than the cartoon intro from season one. I STILL am totally in love with her.)

Battle of the Planets -- Kick ass show -- people dressed as bird people flying space ships and the voice-over guy was the voice of a generation.

Only the BEST 70s TV Show intros EVER... Of all time.. or maybe just the 70s.

Great music. I love these funky intros.

Starsky and Hutch

Kojak -- Who loves ya baby?

Chips -- I STILL dig the horns

The Incredible Hulk -- LOVED this show -- and the soundtrack for this show was AWESOME.

The Jetsons -- Yes its a cartoon but it had great music Barney Miller -- FEEL that funk -- its alive and well circa 1977.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Great Space Coaster TV SPECIAL

And now for a real bit of pop culture that formed a lot of the young minds which developed into the old geezers wandering about right now ..

Great Space Coaster SPECIAL Parts 1-5

The GREATEST Cover Songs you've never heard -- Better than the original!

Ahmet & Dweezil Zappa - Rocking out Britney Spears Version Baby One More Time.

What can I say> I am apparently filled with some heavy chunky chunk guitar rage at the moment.

Very cool guys.

& NOW

Fear Factory - Cars

For the AUTHORIZED VIDEO click here -- but be warned there's gonna be an advertisement before it starts -- great vid though -- I hate posting ads MORE though.

More later.

Home Composer: James Schafer

Technology Today: Film Composer James Schafer

One of the best parts of this little vid I found was the camera panning over the set up that this fellow uses in creating film scores. Decent info for some of the hardware required for soundtrack work and what that entails. I like the music -- although I would do it differently it obviously struck a chord with the judges in this contest, and I do appreciate the work put in.

Enjoy.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Sigmund the Sea Monster, Big Mac, OLD SCHOOL Transformers

Krofft - The sea monster family is chased out of their cave.

Part One

Commercial Break:

BigMacs HAVE been around forever.

Part Two

Transformers Episode 1: More Than Meets the Eye

Vinnie Colaiuta - Solo

Sometimes a good drum solo just makes me smile...

Time to learn a little. Today: Economics

Mike Maloney was lucky enough to interview Congressman Ron Paul. Although the interview itself is dated (filmed in late 2007), the ideals of liberty, free markets, and gold delivering a knockout blow to fiat currency are not.

Composer: Philip Glass

Not my usual cup of tea but I am feeling 'ethereal' and maybe a little 'dreamy' on this fine day. Minimalism: very 'soundtrack-y' and I mean that in a good way. It can be added to just about any images or video and make it an experience that is greater than the sum of it's parts (Think Enya.)

Very pretty. Truman Show Soundtrack - It's a Life

And now for something a little more 'ballsy.'

Powaqqatsi - Anthem - Part 1

Daylight Savings Time,

How I hate thee.

... ... ...

My life is 'off' by an hour for at LEAST a week.

... ... ...

The feeling of being LATE for EVERYthing is constant.

... ... ...

Sleeping late yet still feeling the urge to be somewhere I probably should've been an hour ago.

... ... ...

And what the hell is that 1 hour that repeats?

Now my question is... if I set a meeting at 1:15 AM on the day the clocks change -- which 1:15 IS it?

There ARE TWO freakin' 1:15 AMs for Christ's sake!

I don't know about everyone else, but my world is difficult enough without managing an extra duplicate hour -- and don't get me started on LEAP YEAR.

Why don't we just REWORK the whole system of time once and for all so there are no more bugs or surprises, and not try to "save daylight" as we have wondrous new creations called incandescent (or if you are feeling modern -- fluorescent) lights so we can continue our lives whether it be day or night.

Now that I think about it -- time zones are basically irrelevant as well -- who says 'daytime' has to begin in the AM? You can wake up when ever the hell you want to so in a world under ME : NO Daylight Savings time : NO Leap Year : No Time Zones.

Dr. Schizoid for president 2012.

End of rant.

P.S.

This photo sums up how I feel about who first created and then the person who implemented daylight savings time. Feel free to disagree, (you'll be wrong though). G'Night y'all.

Just a quickie til later..

Since we had one of the strangest weather fronts that I can remember the fall out being that I was forced to take care of real life stuff for a few days to clean up the mess and get life back to 'normal' (for lack of a better word) for myself and my little clan.

It takes a lot of time to be me (actually it takes ALL of mine) and now with the daylight savings time adjustment I am going to be thrown off my game for at LEAST a week...(Hey what can I say -- I fear change.)

Anywho, I am still alive and kicking after the weirdest blizzard in my history, work on the album is coming along, and I don't want any of my faithful minions to worry about their favorite, incorrigible Doctor.

And now -- a totally unrelated photo which just makes me smile that I have to share. (I do so Love that Dita.)

Hope you dig it too, see you soon!

PART II of 'One of the BEST Zappa Bios I've seen'

And now for the exciting conclusion:

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

And now the even MORE exciting conclusion OF the conclusion. Aside from some of the edits (which COULD at times be a bit distracting) There is lots of data here to look at, interpret and incorporate into your own musical idiom.

Music IS the best.

One of the BEST Zappa Bios I've seen

As you all might or might not know I am a complete disciple of all things Zappa, I like his sense of humor, his orchestral work and even some of his 'harder to listen to' music is tops in my book. I only preface this so you know I am not just posting any old vids and claiming them to be the latest and greatest I've seen without having seen much more.

I've studied this guy for years.

But I ... digress.

This is a six parter; 3 of which were set to go live YESTERDAY but I mistyped the date (Blame the good Dr for ruining what could have been your perfect day with Earth-Surface Broadcast included!)

So they are ALL coming at you today. (Three NOW, and three later this afternoon.

GREAT insight into how the master worked in his later years, I think it is well worth watching and making the time for. Footage like this is rare and invaluable into the process behind composing music, it also begs the question:

What would a guy like Frank be doing with today's technology, and how much further COULD he have gone after having a more than 60 record catalog (at the time of his death)?

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

Check back later -- More in a bit.

Funniest new sport ever!

It looks exactly as you would imagine it.

When Hell freezes over?

Sorry for the delay and the lack of a topic today -- I've been out running from hardware store to hardware store trying to find the ever elusive power generator, or failing that -- a portable heater that DOESN'T require electricity... I might as well have been looking for unicorns.

The heater I finally ended up buying blows flames out the sides like a hobos wet dream, it blows HOT, but it's just too much for what I want; and of course the second I got it together and ready to fire up the power comes back on and now I don't need this propane monstrosity.

I was thinking today maybe the Mayans were right about the end of the world coming: Earthquakes, Hurricanes Tornadoes, Blizzards, Floods... but then again, if they could predict the future, their empire would still be in power -- wouldn't it?

You don't hear much chiming in from the Mayan front thee days do you?

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Birdman, The Mighty Thor, and the Green Machine

Birdman Episode 5 -Birdman (with his trusty 'Avenger,' of course) Versus Cumulus, the Storm King

The Mighty Thor -- "Enter Hercules" My favorite line: "Even the heavens do quiver and shake in celestial indignation!

Intermission

and now on to Thor's exciting conclusion!

Registering as Republican?

ok ... Here's the deal.

Since I was a wee lad, I've always felt I had what might be called liberal views; legalization of drugs, less taxes for the middle class, basically I felt (and still feel) the government's role should be to protect me from murderers, put out fires, do what it can to stop fraud and bad business practices, and maybe break up a monopoly or two so that there is room for healthy competition amongst people trying to make a life for themselves.

Examining this further and it looks like I am interested in limited (conservative) government.

But...

and this is the big but... (why does everyone always have a big butt?)

I have to disagree with a LOT of the so called conservatives (neo cons) out there who are in the business of getting in other people's business.

Why would anyone try and legislate morality? Has that EVER worked ? Maybe in countries where a serious caning followed by a good ol' village stoning of the neighborhood girl who was out walking with someone who wasn't her husband. Is that what we are trying to become? Maybe we should bring back the witch trials -- they had quite the effect on the undesirables, and they kept the riffraff in line. No one would do anything construed as bad and that's what makes the neo cons content.

Don't get too educated on issues -- but just be smart enough to perform a trade or menial labor task on an assembly line without rocking the boat and you will be 'their kinda guy'.

Unfortunately, I like to think. I don't think anyone should tell me ANYTHING about how to live, what I SHOULD be doing or more importantly: what I am NOT ALLOWED to do.

I 'll wait till another day to expound my views on abortion and medicare and the federal income tax, I just wanted to get the ball rolling since the primaries are coming up and we ALL should educate ourselves on these issues and not just follow the herd like we are watching Monday Night Football and betting on OUR team to win.

Guitar ... Villain?

Yes, I know the title for this post stinks but I'm tired. Anyway, I have a lot of friends who still love this game or the other equivalent -- Rock Band... These games are interesting to me in that people COULD be actually learning how to make music themselves by ACTUALLY PLAYING the songs they are emulating. The truth is, a LOT of songs that are in these games are not all that difficult to perform in REAL LIFE. In fact you can make stuff up as you go (improvise) which is something your simply CAN'T do in any games (other than that crappy Wii game that seems about as hokey as can be). So the bottom line is -- you spend hours learning how to use a controller which never gets you any closer to making music other than clicking buttons in time with music being played FOR you.

If I wanted to do that I can always just bang a book against my head in rhythm with the radio.

All that said, people are usually just looking for something to do when they have a few friends hanging out... In the OLD days they would form a REAL band and start out pretty terrible and hopefully progress to a point they could be proud of... Maybe even make something completely unique to them. Ahh the good ol' days. --------------------------------------------------- Of course I MIGHT be wrong ... If I thought for a second that THIS was the average 'Guitar HERO' I would totally give up playing and be first in line to be a button clicker too.

Intention Vs Execution

Music makers out there ...

Not just producers -- although they also have moments when the following chain of questions and logic might pertain to them as well...

Those who play instruments or use machines to 'perform' with -- not just a 'programmed' type performance, but one which relies on moment by moment creation of sound.

A question that comes up for every one who improvises with their instrument is this... Where should the emphasis be, on execution ? or the intention behind what you are trying to say.

There are arguments for both.

I am definitely on the side of intention a lot more than execution. TRYING to go for something and not necessarily making it as glossy shiny and perfect as it COULD be is more honest to me than getting every note correct and having things sound sterile meaningless and inhuman.

Let me be perfectly clear here though -- that doesnt't mean that playing something technically correct is a negative -- but I prefer to hear Hendrix or Jimmy Page go for something that was beyond their technical ability yet they still ripped into it and took things where their ability allowed them to go. Zappa was another example -- he kept going with solos much farther than even I would have in my guitar hey day (which is saying a lot.)

I like Steve Vai. I like Joe Satriani, and there are LOTS of others who mesh intention AND execution into a beautiful thing... These guys are a pleasure to listen to and I like when they push THEMSELVES -- not just technically -- but in going for something that is veritably different sounding and challenging to play. It really is the freakin' cats' pajamas.

I live for that stuff.

The question is: where do YOU stand on intention and execution and that comes down to WHO you ARE as a music maker.

Hi there... Welcome to Hell

There are many different names that mankind has given to 'eternal damnation' throughout the ages ... one of them being ... 'eternal damnation.'

Others include but are not limited to:

• Erebus 
• Hades 
• Acheron 
• Tartarus 
• Gehenna 
• Tophet 
• Abaddon
• Pandemonium 
• Sheol 
• Avernus 
• infernal regions 
• The Abyss (Cheesy movie with 'ok' special effects for the time)
• abode of the damned 
• lower world
• nether regions (One of my favorie names.) 
• bottomless pit 
• The inferno
• the Antares Maelstrom
• Round Perdition's flames
• KHAAAAN!
• And the classic go-to word -- Hell  

Most of these, if not ALL of them are band names as well -- I can just imagine the 15 to mid-twenty somethings going through their parent's copies of Roget's thesaurus thinking 'this will be soo cool -- what's cooler than naming our band another word for hell? we'll be sooo original -- we'll get signed for sure!'

--You cornballs know who you are.

The sad thing is they probably WILL get signed because that's about as deep/interesting as most labels allow their bands to be...but ... I digress.

The truth be told, today I experienced my own little piece o' hell today and that is the reason for this little broadcast right now. This morning I was forced to be within constant earshot of a girl who is probably about 19 - 20 years of age... Now hang on! we haven't gotten to the 'hell' part yet, in fact, if you were to ask me yesterday if I would like to see a 19 - 20 year old girl who was at LEAST a 7.5 on the sliding scale of attractiveness I would've said SURE,

Why not?

How could that possibly be a BAD thing?

As it turns out, today I found that answer.

Being stuck next to most people in close quarters can be a miniature eternity for me. Now try and imagine 5 solid hours of hearing phone call after phone call about 'relationship' after 'relationship,' and after being 'saved' after each call ends: before the sigh of relief can come...another phone ring and it all begins again. 

I did learn a lot about this girl, and what I DON'T want MY little girls to be like.

If they never ask about someone's 'BOO,' if they never have more then 5 calls in a row from different people to 'counsel'-- all relating to the SAME break-up, & if they stay off the pole then I think I can go to my grave knowing I've done my job.

*NOTE* that under labels for this broadcast I put my album title -- "This World of Idiots" and you might be wondering why... well it is people like this girl (and ALL of us really) who DO, have done or WILL do something so utterly stupid that we amaze ourselves that the human race has survived as long as it has.

That's who this album is dedicated to.

All for now.

Zwölftonwerbung - Twelve tone commercial

EXTREMELY FUNNY STUFF! FOR COMPOSERS/MUSICIANS ESPECIALLY.

SORRY FOR ALL CAPS I JUST BUSTED MY CAPSLOCK...

grunt...

ahh

jeezus

...dam ...

ahh ...

click.

Ok.

fixed it.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Hulk, Submariner, and Conjunction Junction.

This week is the "ever lovin' Hulk" vs a guy known only as ... "the Leader" who became .. "the leader," because of his own carelessness. You gotta love the classic Marvel stories.

Hulk Episode 7

Commercial Break

Prince Namor The Submariner Intro -- I have to state for the record that I thought the music for this was a little fruity even back when I was a alittle guy -- although I didnt know what 'fruity' meant at the time.

Prince Namor

Gadhafi and What SHOULD happen.

Good evening all.

I have to chime in on my thoughts about Moammar Gadhafi. I grew up knowing this guy's name, so it's not news to me that he was a class A nutjob. I saw an interview with him and Larry King and while Larry King does as good a job interviewing him as he did -- the guy was obviously 'off' on many levels.

He was also butt ugly.

In fact the closest celebrity that comes close to approximating his 'look' (If you can call it that) might be leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies.

Here in the US the only thing on constant rotation on TV right now is the video of him dying, and footage of his carcass 'on ice.' Not very family friendly and I don't know exactly what it is we as a nation have to gain from watching the final moments of a well documented a$$ expire over and over again.

It goes back to my theory that humanity hasn't really advanced much socially since ancient Rome. We have a collective bloodlust/ curiosity that we have been unable to ween ourselves from despite our best intentions.

But I digress...

I 'get' the fact that he was a 'bad guy' and I agree that its a good thing that he was taken out of power, even though I am pretty sure that we are probably going to get another megalomaniac in charge of the mess over there, which 'might or might not' be theocratic in nature which (as history shows) won't be exactly what we (as Americans) would dream up as the "ideal national system."

Another aspect of this new media buzz that rubs me wrong is the way we are almost taking credit for it;

Now it's never directly SAID that way, but it IS implied in a lot of ways

All this is followed by President Obama making his declaration that the war in Iraq is over-- almost the same day that this 'news' hits the fan.

All a little convenient.

Anyway, I truly hope that this news does portend the USA bringing a lot more guys home and closing lots of military bases overseas and getting on with letting people sort out their own problems.

The Planets - Gustav Holst - Op.32 Neptune, the Mystic

Here we are at the last one on Gustav's Special day! Actually I made the whole thing upabout Gustav having a 'day' but I think every composer SHOULD have their own day -- these guys make the music that moves us and they get almost no recognition for it. (Other than the rare few who are film scorers to the stars -- and unless you are John Williams, Danny Elfman or Howard Shore that ain't you!)

And now the finle movement of ..... "The Planets."

The Planets - Gustav Holst - Op.32 Uranus, the Magician

The Planets - Gustav Holst - Op.32 Saturn

Gustav Holst - The Planets Op.32 Saturn

The Planets - Gustav Holst - Op.32 Jupiter

The Planets - Gustav Holst -- Mars Bringer of War

Nice piece that was obviously a huge influence on John Williams soundtrack work, you can hear bits of the ideas for Superman's Theme and of course the Imperial March.

Not quite Wagner but strong stuff.

The Planets - Gustav Holst - Op. 32 Venus, the Bringer of Peace (E. Ormandy)

Op. 32 Venus, the Bringer of Peace (E. Ormandy)

The Planets - Gustav Holst - Op.32 Mercury, the Winged Messeng

Today is international "Gustav Holst Day!" the day that everyone far and wide brings out their favorite version of "The Planets" and cranks it up as loud as possible -- I don't want to shortchange our good friend Gustav so I am going to put up ALL of the movements throughout the day so you all have something to listen to. This first one is a good one. You have to be in a certain mood for listening to this one in my opinion: Touches on some nice emotions, and it moves in a natural way: getting away from the 'play by the numbers' aspect that some classical music has.

Mother Theresa? WTF?

A guy had posted this to me through one of the 'social' sites -- not my usual fare but I thought it was pretty deep, so here, without further ado a nice pic and quote from someone I never imagined I would be quoting (don't get scared: I'm not getting religious or anything.. I just like the message)

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the FREEDOM to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." ~Mother Theresa♥

Another one that I liked a lot: A little more direct though...

For when we need a boot in the a$$.

(And we ALL need a boot in the a$$ sometimes.)

BIG Update -- My album, what's new, and what's for dinner.

A 'quick' update on what's happening these days...

Well my album is coming together day by day, far too much variety for a major (or probably indie) label here. Just the other day I was saying to myself that my life would be so much easier if I wasn't so 'all over the place,' musically speaking.

Let's put it this way...

Imagine you are in one of those old Humphrey Bogart movies sitting in the old smokey gin joint, there's a piano playing and that morphs over to something with orchestra and some interesting mellotron type sounds with a nice and hefty drum groove.

That's one track, (in progress)

Another one is a rock song based around a typical 3 piece (Guitar Bass Drums) and might be reminiscent of old school ACDC (without the screaming vocals -- I AM Dr. Schizoid after all) for a bit then the 'progressive' comes out; I don't think of progressive in the 70s incredibly super long song sense of the word -- a rock song to me should pretty much get to the point early on and there SHOULD be guitar solos that DO something... To ME progressive rock means anything that sounds 'interesting', a bit left of center, and probably has odd timings and melody lines that are more intricate and tight than your standard rock songs, but I digress.

Another tune will be electronically generated sounds which I like because of their timbres and un-natural nature. I tend to like a deep bass that you can FEEL in your gut and a resonating bass drum. Not your standard faire here though, very unusual & scary stuff.

You can hear a few short cuts off a couple of the tunes on the album here.

All of the songs on this effort are generally designed to be played at mid-high to high volumes on a decent home theater or at LEAST a home stereo with decent separation to appreciate panning effects and overdrive the speakers a bit-- hopefully we'll push the air around with a sub-woofer (if you have one) stuff like that...headphones work well too, and in my car stereo the preliminary mixes sound great.

Of course you *might* hate one or two songs, after all, I don't expect everyone to like ALL of the tunes but there really is something for everyone here and I think that if you listen with an open mind those tunes you swore you 'hated' might eventually grow on you.

One final note about 'This World Of Idiots,' all of the songs CAN be played separately and understood as 'songs' but it really is a concept album in that they all FIT in the order they will be on the album -- there might be a few variations that work, but you won't be getting the whole picture as it was intended...
Just a heads up.

Ultimately everyone is going to do whatever the hell they want to do anyway, aren't you? And that is just how nature intended.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. -- Aleister Crowley

As for what's for dinner...

And to think I WAS a vegetarian.

P.S. If any of you want to help fund this 'sonic exploration' feel free to Preorder the download and or CD and help an artist out -- you can be PART of the process and you'll feel glad about yourself,and why SHOULDN'T you feel good about yourself? :)

What the hell IS that?

My profile pic -- it's the BUZZ of the interweb...I have gotten quite a few queries about it since I first posted it, among the most FAQ are...

1. What is that a pic of?
2. Who took that pic?
3. Where was that pic taken?
4. What is that background in ... the background?
5. Why did you take that picture? 
6. And How can I wear that picture on my person so I can show my love for all things Schizoid? 

& the answers ARE:

1. Dulce De Leche Haagen Daaz Ice Cream
2. I, Dr. Schizoid saw my OWN face looking back at me from said freshly opened Dulce De Leche Haagen Daaz Ice Cream.
3. In my Dining room / Living room (I had an open floor plan which was quite nice actually, there was also a nice little Ficus  Tree nearby that accented the 'Earthy tones' of the room. Incidentally that tree is known as a 'Happicus Ficusis' or 'Happy the Ficus' Tree. ... but I digress.
4. The Background: A pizza Box that once contained some of the finest pizza in the Northeast US. Now it sits in a landfill somewhere wondering what it did wrong.
5. I wanted to immortalize a vision found in Ice cream-- it was too perfect to just pass by without memorializing, as I am sure you would agree..
6. Right now I am on the lookout for buttons, mugs and shirts that will commemorate that magical event in a manner fitting of something as special as a face looking out from Ice cream at an inexpensive cost. These items will be among the products/giveaways I will be having in the coming months. 

There you have it! ... the MYSTERY REVEALED!


See you next time.

Saturday Morning Cartoons!

I used to like watching cartoons on Saturdays as a kid so I'm putting up Saturday morning cartoon reruns that might be from before I was born, but I remember watching these old shows back in the day. I'm going to try and put a few of them up every Saturday and we'll see how it goes.

Part I The Menace of Mysterio

Commercial Break -- I HAD this one as a kid -- I stabbed it with a small flagpole thing and made the goo come out ... thinking back I was a bit of an idiot. Live and learn.

Part II The Menace of Mysterio
Time for breakfast.

Mike Keneally on Guitar - Bryan Beller on Bass

These guys are musical giants... Hearing them play off each other is like riding a wave with these guys, you never really know where they are taking you but its usually a pretty fun ride.

Acoustic version of Beautiful The first context I saw Mike playing in was off the Zappa'a Universe DVD/CD this solo struck me as having some serious soul for a 'technical' player... Still love it.

To see a 1988 full song version with Frank's band check THIS link out.

And we'll wrap up this little post with a more recent release... Did someone say massage with release? No? well anyway this is a funky groovy number to round things out for the weekend.

Dexter S6

I like to wait til the end then watch them all in like 2 or 3 days -- this season I don't know if I have the will power to do that.

It's close to Halloween so it's relevant (My Blog = My 'Rules')

Dexter Trailer Season 6

200 Motels Full Movie

Just what the title says Frank Zappa's 200 Motels movie... I'm sure it won't be available forever so watch NOW!

* Anyone who isn't familiar with Frank's work -- there is bit of adult language and 'blue' humor so if that isn't your cup of tea, you should probably just move on.

Enjoy!

Great Frank Zappa Interview

Hey guys and girls, I got back a day late and work was in shambles when I got back so it's a late post. It might be a couple days before I get back on schedule.

Here's a long interview Frank gave that has some great insight mixed with lots of funny bits. Some strong language is in this, so if that bothers you -- don't listen.

Frank talks about his upcoming release, his opinion on the synclavier and how he uses it to compose music . He talks with Charles Amirkhanian about his music and there is a small read done by Calvin the editor of the Pink Section of the San Francisco Chronicle about a small puppet show play written by Frank called "Fransesco" from 39.03 mins.

This event took place in 1984.

New Hampshire on the horizon...

Nothing too interesting for you all -- I am just taking a few days vacation to go to New Hampshire. Woohoo! I am going to see what's beautiful up in the northern territory before everything drops to below -15 degrees Fahrenheit (that's -26.11111111111111 for my Celsius/metric friends) and turns to pure ice and snow for the next 6 or 7 months. Here's a pic from the last trip I took up there.

That moose was freaking huge!

I'm pretty sure that if you hit one of those monsters in your car he'll just shrug and walk it off.

Underrated animals, the moose. But I digress...

It's the best place in the world to visit, but you always have in the back of your mind that you are only minutes away from Maine -- where Stephen King set almost all his stories, and it FEELS that way... very small town U.S.A. ... isolated... Like you are cut off from the world somehow, don't get me wrong, it's liberating, yet you always have that 'Hills Have Eyes' feeling when you're driving at night with almost NO street lights through the entire state.

What better way to spend a few days in October?

Hopefully I'll catch some music while I'm up there -- they always have great tunes with even better lobster and clam chowder. I didn't want anyone worrying about me and calling the cops to report me as missing or anything. I'll be back on Tuesday and I'm sure I'll find SOMEthing interesting for your viewing pleasure then... but until then I am gonna be *gasp* unplugged!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Sculpture stuff that's just totally bitchin'

In an effort to get everyone into the halloween spirit as it were, here is some sick sculpture stuff that's just totally bitchin' by Jordu Schell. http://www.schellstudio.com/

Varese

Its been a while since I put up any 'serious' music up here so if you haven't listened to this guy yet you should... Ionisation -- one of my favorites -- its very stream of consciousness , and really natural sounding. Maybe not for everyone ... yet. Another 200 years though and I imagine a lot more music will be like this -- we are heading there, he was just light years ahead of his time. Love you Edgard.

Nimoy (Spock) also rocks.

Due to popular demand I had to share this little bit of happiness, why should I post ONLY music from the irrepresible captain when his first officer is just as musically talented.

Let me be truthful for a moment here...

I love you guys.

enjoy.

Bilbo Baggins

This one is really pretty good, it fits his voice well. If I was him I'd be proud of it -- ahh .. if I was Nimoy ... a guy can dream right?

If I was a Carpenter.

Cotton Candy. and finally, the cheesiness rivals Bilbo-- I don't know which is better. So here you have -- Highly Illogical.

Shatner Rocks

NEW MATERIAL from the one and only. This time its behind the scenes footage of him recording his latest epic album. I also found this behind the scenes that was pretty funny -- you have to go to another site to see in its entirety though.

I try

What do I try ?

Everything I f'ing can.

Life is too short to let it slip away, that being said I try not to waste my time on lots of the minutiae that clogs up lives like cholesterol clogs arteries. My most recent attempt at 'something' was to make this blog a success by pumping out post after post of things that probably only I find interesting, it is difficult to narrow my focus down so you can count on a certain type of content ie - music or geek stuff or inspirational or politics or tutorials or whatever... it makes for a pretty wide view of things: the only constant being, me; the good Doctor Schizoid.

Now here we are after a month of broadcasts and I don't see as much movement in the readership as I would like, the regulars (you know who you are) are lurking out there but other than that I have no really solid idea what works best and what isn't playing so well,

If I get enough interest in this next month I will get things going with some giveaways and 'fan' (read as friend) appreciation gifts so lets get the ball rolling already!

I sincerely appreciate all you guys and girls who take the time out of your day to peruse my little stream of consciousness everyday. It makes it all worthwhile to know that somebody is getting a little entertainment out of it.

I'm like a cross between a court jester, a wandering minstrel and that strange neighbor who is always tinkering in his garage-- all rolled up in one happy Broadcast for your enjoyment!

Anyway, Thanks again..

You Rock!

No one's changing ANYthing!

Typical day... I get home and I am greeted by people telling me how wrong I am and how I should change this, change that and of course change the other.

The fact is this kiddies, I have no intention of ever changing, or even appearing to change anything about me or the way I do things. Its one of my most endearing qualities, and if you have a problem with the way I do things I gladly and most pleasantly say to you -- there's the door.

I sincerely hope you all feel the same, as I can respect people's differences and we are all as perfect as we believe we are.

A F'ing Men.

End of rant.

Thanks for letting me vent with you all for a minute.

MTV...What's the deal?

Music Television. Music: That's what the "M" stands for, TV is for T and V respectively.

What the hell happened? Over the years you have degenerated into a pale and pathetic attempt to be cool without having any musical content. Its true that the early videos were cheesy and low budget. There was a lot of new experimentation going on and a lot of genres were covered. The only time I see music on MTV now is the Total Request show and that is always the same videos with nothing other than mainstream popular tunes. Unless you are a recognized artist who has a catchy beat then you aren't getting airtime...

Why ?

Because Jersey F'ing Shore is on, That's why!

People need to take more chances; that was what MTV WAS all about...

In the beginning ... (sounds biblical doesn't it?)
Mavericks looking toward the future and defining it: not just playing what was guaranteed by a market study was what made the channel fun, interesting & worth watching... Some of the stuff that was on there I still have NO IDEA what it meant. That was alright, because it didn't HAVE to mean ANYTHING! Now the channel is sterility at its best. Fuse is slightly better but still there are just TOO many SHOWS so lets get back to basics...

MTV... It's time for a reboot.

I am thinking I might have to make an MTV week here on the Broadcast, and that is traveling back to what I, the good Doctor, liked about MTV. End of rant.

Smell The Glove

EDIT: The video link is already NOT WORKING -- damn copyright laws, it was one of my favorites too. Buy the movie Spinal Tap and fast forward to the part where they play Stonehenge and THAT's what I was trying to share with you all. You should already OWN this movie anyway -- it is a total classic.

Years back, I tried the "band" thing -- and then tried it again -- and again -- and kept ON trying to get people together to become the newest & greatest rock gods; unfortunately none of these projects were or ever became especially commercially viable. Everything I was part of as a "band" always began with lots of potential and infinite possibilities but something always ultimately led to its own implosion. Whether it was a drummer who had to get so F'ed up before a show that he blew his parts and wouldn't sing the tunes he was supposed to or guys simply not showing up for rehearsals or me leaving the band in the lurch while I moved up by Boston (Whoops! sorry guys...) Anyway it was back in my EARLY days in one (or more) of these "bands", created back in the early 90s with me being just a kid going on auditions for guys who were probably about my age now (much older than 16 or 17) and who really thought that they were to cool for school... Looking back they really remind me of ... (drumroll here) Spinal Tap!!! IF you have seen the movie then you know exactly what I am talking about -- guys taking themselves WAY too seriously and maybe even believing a little TOO much in their own ability and ROCKitude. I had fun and learned a lot in those days -- I learned what I did NOT want to be and how easy it is to be lame. One band mate who shall go nameless actually suggested the band name be 'Visionquest' (wasn't that a crappy 80's movie?) In hindsight I should have probably just quit the band at that point but it was over a year later and he was coming over looking to pick up his drums for the last time. Oh well...

Conductiong 101

Controlling an orchestra has simply got to be one of the most incredibly badass experiences a musician could have; while I am probably never going to get a full orchestra to play my work, (at least not in the foreseeable future) I'd still like to know how to do it properly should the opportunity arise.

Here for your viewing pleasure is a little primer from my favorite Russian conductor Valery Gergiev.

The funny thing is- if you were to see a guy on the street just break off into these apparent spasms you'd probably think he was going into anaphylactic (I had to look that spelling up) shock or something, yet here in front of an orchestra it seems perfectly normal...

It really proves that old adage: location, location, location.

Street Performers -- A.K.A. Busking

Down and dirty, in the trenches, guerrilla music.

A Lot of people see this as one step above (IF that) begging. The music is there and it is kind of in the tradition of how music first started -- word of mouth and where you played ended up being ' your sound.'

This carried over the years and blues is basically JUST guys who played the streets and bars in whatever circuit they were able to work -- the Mississippi delta blues, Chicago, even New York had it's version and back then you could hear a blues number and you had an idea of how it might sound by the area it came from.

Flash forward however many years until you are here and now. Everyone is exposed (theoretically) to ALL the same music, the dues you pay are what web-page you are downloading your tablature from, the listening and copying of what you HEAR is virtually non existent.

But wait a second....

Music is a hearing art form, right?

Sure you can make noise alone in your basement for years on end, but even if that is enough for you -- YOU are still hearing it.

The point is this, when you see some one with the cajones to go out there on the street and play some tunes, or do whatever they do, they at least have the heart to pursue the end goal of REALIZING their tunes for others to share. They might be dressed (or smell) badly... but whether they do or not you should at least give them a buck or two... You'd probably tip your waiter more than that and if you can afford throwing them a fiver, just do it.

I am not sure if there is any 'cosmic justice' or karma or anything, but if you do something like that you really aren't losing anything and you probably just made that performers' day.

Now I have never gone out and performed on the streets, but I have seen plenty of guys and girls who have, and I try (when ever I am able) to at least toss a couple bucks their way and congratulate them for fighting the good fight.

Just a thought.

Ren-Faire

Just got back from the last day at the Renaissance Fair here in Sterling Forest, NY. Great day with the fam.. Took in a couple play-lettes (if that is even a word) ATE. and ate and ate...

Watched the people in all the renaissance garb you can imagine, lots of it even looked authentic. (read as NOT cheap) and did something that I always look forward to doing at these events -- watch the drums and bagpipers play their hearts out (while belly dancers practiced THEIR craft which is always a plus.)

All in all it was a win, the kids liked it (the one did -- the other slept; being that she is only 3 weeks old and not all that interested in the renaissance yet.)

oNe thing that got my attention was the simplicity in the music yet how effective it was -- there were also madrigals sung by a chorus but that didn't seem to capture the audience (or my own) attention as much as the simple melodies of the 2 bagpipes and the 2 bass drums and cymbal. It made me look at how great just sitting back and grooving on a rhythm can be.

No life changing events here to report, but just something I am going to add to my own mental database when I write something new.

See you tomorrow.

Daft Punk Thomas Helmet

This would fall into the realm of Geek stuff, so it fits into the theme of 'The Broadcast' as far as I am concerned. I had to share how cool this was to watch being made from start to finish; in my own reserved and conservative opinion -- this is prety f'ing awesome.

If they put stuff like this up on Science Channel'sHow its made I'd probably watch it more.

What the hell is "good music" anyway?

This is a fundamental question that most musicians don't ever find the ultimate answer for -- Beethoven might have come close a couple times , Stravinsky definitely did, Led Zeppelin touched on a few moments here and there, as did Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa, but what was it that made their sound stuff good?

The answer: we could relate to it on some level almost universally, across all different cultures and upbringings. There was some thing about those frequencies timbres and rhythms that rubbed our psyche in some subconscious way that communicated beyond the words, (although in vocal music, words can enter into the equation.)

So how can anyone just go out and make music as timeless, interesting and unique as that?

The truth is, I don't know if anyone has a definitive answer to that one. I have tried to be as 'unique' & 'individual' as possible -- so much so that I can't listen to pop music without an un-jaded ear... To me . it's elevator music.

ALL of it.

I WISH I could listen to something on the radio without cringing or thinking how I might have done it in a more interesting way, in fact the one and just about only thing that I find redeeming in MOR (middle of the road) music is production values; sometimes even that can detract from the overall sound image you are trying to achieve.

Now, the music I make is quite a bit left of center and while I understand how a pop song is constructed, I find myself rarely going down that path to find my own 'good music'. (Unless I am goofing on it of course.)

The music that really resonates with us NEEDS to sound different enough to be BOLD ... DARING. UNCOMPROMISING, while at the same time having enough familiarity to strike that chord in each of us -- and in this I believe the timing of the song is essential.

As we all mull over these topics everyday a new little nugget is revealed, (just try to avoid too much of the brown nuggets, they are generally the BAD ones) and this can only make our sonic manipulations more interesting and more relevant to ourselves, making it BETTER.

*NOTE* As you've noticed I am constantly comparing things back to my own work, but that's only because that's the prism I look at life through and having asked these questions and searched my own 'inner whatever of truth' I have come up with this GOLDEN RULE OF ALL:

If you don't like something then find out WHY its bad and ultimately by the process of elimination you can make something GOOD.

Later y'all.

Devin Townsend -- Gearing up for his tour.

It's rare when you will find me basically re-posting vids like this & basically plugging someone ELSE's music other than the old school. I usually am not too impressed with a lot of the 'newer school of progressive rock,' Dream Theater was great about 20 years ago and a too much of the prog rock since then sounds extremely derivative, how ever there are a few that stand out and this guy is one of them, maybe its how he seems to rebel against any kind of label on his music, I dig that.

Devin Townsend gearing up for his upcoming shows
Wish I could go and see these guys live. Oh well... fatherhood (sigh)...

Zappa's Answering Machine Message / Strictly Genteel

The answering machine message I wish I had made... Crappy sound quality though, get past that and you'll probably get a chuckle out of it -- reminds me of the old stuff from the Mothers

Check this next one out when you have 7 free minutes... 
Strictly Genteel:

I found it entertaining... Good song -- decent sync ups,

Enjoy.

Breaktime

Not much in the way of real enlightenment in this post -- right now my familia is on the way out to John F Kennedy International Airport with my grandmother-in-law to send her back home from a long and exhausting trip for her (as I am sure she would agree.)
With a 2 year old running around like lightning in a bottle and a newborn just 3 weeks old -- the entire house is basically grinding to a halt of productivity. I have still managed to throw up some posts to any and all who are interested, and to vent a little or share a little knowledge.
That said, I have had the last couple hours to myself and I have been laying down a few vocal tracks for the upcoming album. They aren't coming out too bad -- it is a bit of a tedious process for me - so I have to take a few steps back every so often to keep my focus on the big picture and not get so caught up in a syllable or phrase that I completely lose sight of the intention of the song in the first place.
Besides, for any one who knows me you already know that LYRICS are the least important part of a song (to me.) It's the feeling behind any words and if they sound good they don't HAVE to really make sense.
They might... they just don't have to.
Just thought I'd share where I was at in the process of this alpha omega supreme record (which IS pretty low budget, but the heart is there.)
As I am laying down the few parts I feel are completed- I am hearing all kinds of interesting Ideas in my head --

• One : A children's choir, yes I know Pink Floyd did that -- but that doesn't mean I can't too... I can practically hear it already.
• Two: Using filters and vocoders. I like filters AND I like vocoders. 

• Three: Better harmonies than what I am capable of. 

Yes -- I am on the look out for people who can complement the work.
Drop a line if you're curious.

One more for Shatner

I just came across The Shatner Project which is Bill's youtube channel. If you haven't guessed yet, I am indeed one of the 31,000 subscribers (and I am sure there will be lots more added daily.)

Here he talks about Star Trek Vs Star Wars, NOTE - He is as blunt as all hell, so if you can't take the Shatner -- get outta the channel baby!

The Legendary Shatner

Bill Shatner was and always will be "the king bee beyond all others".

He invented his own style of acting and carried that out to the extreme. He built drama and kept things interesting with his quirky pauses now affectionately referred to as 'Shatnerisms', I was a fan of Star Trek practically since I was born --watching Nimoy and Shatner tear up the cosmos together with Bones, Sulu, Scotty, and all the rest of the crew. I still remember watching it at my grandparents house and just imagining myself in space -- exploring the universe.

One of the 'new worlds' explored by Shatner and Nimoy was the world of song back in the sixties (and even with it being "the drug-laden sixties," they still weren't quite ready for this.)

Theme from Cyrano & Mr Tambourine Man -- Skip ahead if you get bored with the Cyrano one (I did.) Tambourine man has some classic moments you shouldn't miss.


Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds -- This one was my favorite until I found Nimoy's little auditory treasure to be released in a future post.


Time for a live one, William Shatner "sings" "Taxi" on "Dinah!"

Robots

Ok, I'm not going to lie,

I love robots.

Not in the biblical sense, (not yet anyway), but since I first discovered what a robot was, I've wanted one.

Why?

Ask any 'robot-inclined' guy why he would want a robot, and I think they will all say the same thing: I am pretty sure most NON-robot people know what the answer is as well but they might be shy about admitting it:

Getting drinks.
(When not busy saving the world from an alien race of ugly, low production value creatures from Krylonian 12.)

Is it the ultimate in laziness? Maybe.

Is it as cool as hell to see a robot either clomping across the room with a frosty beverage, or rolling over to the couch with your newspaper and slippers? Definitely.

Of course one of the most classic robots that we saw epitomize the coolness of what a robot servant can be, was back in the Rocky movies, (anyone remember those?) I couldn't tell you if it was Rocky 3 or 4;
but you haven't seen those flics in a while, so do yourself a favor. Sit down with a drink of your choice and maybe a popcorn (brought to your la-z-boy recliner by the aforementioned friendly neighborhood robot of course!) and enjoy!

What does this have to do with this blog? Not a WHOLE lot , BUT computers making music MIGHT be relevant so its included.

I write 90% of my music on the computer. It saves so much time and while it does have drawbacks(it takes a long f-ing time to get things to do what you really want -- and even then it is often not exactly what you heard in your head) it is convenient as I can't carry a band or orchestra around to let me hear what the hell it is I am creating.

Check HERE to read a bit more on that.

In conclusion of this fairly lengthy post,(My English teacher would be so proud,) Robots ARE in fact, "the bees knees" my friends.

Enjoy them.

peace