Yay! Blog! v1.0
Category: Music

There's a whole album including artwork for download from AnneTenna. Apparently, they recorded it for Columbia, but Columbia decided they didn't want to release it. I really dig it...

AnneTenna album

R.I.P. MP3.com
CNET bought their assets

A very sad day indeed.

I downloaded iTunes this weekend. Woo-Hoo!! It's awesome!! I went to the iTunes store and bought about 70 songs. I shouldn't have spent that much, but hell... I could have bought 4-5 CDs for the same price, ended up with less songs and probably several songs I don't care for.

The artists I bought songs from are:

Josh Kelley Howie Day 3 Doors Down Ben Harper Procol Harum David Gray Beck The Rising Dashboard Confessional

Guster Dido Leona Naess Norah Jones Annie Lennox Ben Folds Ryan Adams The Jayhawks

I've been wanting a CD from Leona Naess ever since I heard her doing background vocals on the last Counting Crows CD. But I've been reluctant to purchase a whole CD for some reason. This way I got to sample all her songs and pick the ones I liked best.

I asked Santa Claus for an iPod already. I can put my entire music collection on one little box and take it with me. I love music. I love technology. I love that the MAC people made this stuff available for us PC users. Yay!

I found Dogbite Music when I got an email that my song, Shadow of a Girl was featured. I was excited about that, but even more excited because the guy who runs the site, Guy, sifts through the music at MP3.com and finds some really great tunes. I enjoyed listening to the songs he had listed and will be watching for more!

At 2:00 p.m. U.S. Central time, I'll be at the WJEZ/SSM broadcast and chat. It usually lasts until 4:30 or 5:00, so if you're up to some fun music and chattin', come on by. The highlight of the show is always when my buddy jeez does a live song from his living room in Nova Scotia. There's a rumor that his brother Gerry might join him today and the live spot will be several songs. What fun!

Sometimes I hear a song and one spot of it makes me smile a lot. Or maybe it makes me stop and close my eyes and sing along. Sometimes it might even bring a tear to my eye.

If you asked me for an example, I probably couldn't give you one right off the top of my head. My brain doesn't really like to store stuff like that, I guess.

But I just heard one, so I thought I'd share...

The chorus of The Jayhawks "Save It For A Rainy Day."
The lyrics are:

Don't look so sad, Marina
There's another part to play
Don't look so sad, Marina
Save it for a rainy day

The background vocals work so well there. Have you heard it? You can hear a snippet at Amazon.com if you want to.

I tell ya... that Queer Eye theme song makes me smile and dance every time I hear it. "All things just keep getting better...."

Here's a link for ya: Straight Eye For The Queer Shows

New Song - Fireflies
This isn't my new song, but it's new and it's soooo beautiful. And it was done by two of my favorite people, bud bennett and anthony ruocco. Bud plays banjo, and Antnee plays piano. I heard some strings, too. Okay... here it is: Fireflies.

Wow! I love Did I Let You Down by Folk Songs for the Afterlife. It's not a folk song. And it has a bad word in it, but not in an angry way. It's one of the best earworms I've been afflicted with in a while. I think my friend Mick OD would like it a lot, too. I suspect it won't be long before I buy their CD, Put Danger Back in Your Life.

minidisc recorder A few days ago, I expressed interest in buying a notebook computer. Now I'm thinking about getting a portable minidisc recorder instead. It won't do as much as a new notebook, but it will do the recording part. I think. It says it has digital audio inputs, so it should record from my Roland music workstation fine. And it has a USB cable, so that should take care of transferring the audio tracks to my computer. If it works like I think it will work, it'll take a lot of the headache out of making music and maybe I'll be get motivated to start recording again.

I posted this entry in my picture blog, but decided it would go nicely here, too, since there's a story to it...

Back when Pearl Jam was having their hissy fit over Ticketmaster, they required fans to purchase tickets by mail. I bought a pair for their July 2, 1995 show at South Park Meadows in Austin, TX (the ticket on the right). The cool thing about the tickets is that they had drawings on them, and they put the purchaser's name on them! See my name at the top. That show was cancelled for whatever reason, so they issued new tickets when the guys came back around to Austin (ticket on the left). It says it started at 7:30 p.m., but for whatever other reason, they changed the time just before the weekend to 2:00 p.m. I almost didn't hear about the time change. Whew! The show was good, but it was really hot. The Ramones opened up.

I had two of each ticket, but I sold the other ones on Ebay. I don't remember how much I got for them, but it was more than I thought I'd get. Not only that, but my check never cleared the bank, so I got to go for free. What a deal!

Woo-Hoo!!! I finally finished the section of my website where I list all the songs I've been involved with. It was a lot of work, and I'll probably still be tweaking away at it for a few weeks, but it's all there.

Not only can people listen to and download songs, but they can post comments, email song links to friends, and post trackback entries. Plus, I've got all the songs sorted out by categories. That probably needs some tweaking... it's hard to categorize songs!! And there's a search feature, too!

Anyway.... Tada!!! Here's the main page: Kim and Friends' Songs

I still want to add a jukebox kinda like I made for the FreeAudioPlayer Board, but that's for another day.

And pretty soon, I'll add a function where people can sign up to receive a short email each time I post a new song. Woo-Hoo!!

Ghost in the Darkness had this to say about the song Shadow of the Moon:

Wow, Not normally my type of music man, but WOW!!! This track is amazing, the lyrics, music and the woman singing are all incredible. Two thumbs up on a job well done!!!

Thanks, Ghost!

If you like Synthpop and Darkwave style music, Ghost in the Darkness has some good stuff. And it's available for free download from now until 3/9/03.

I've been listening to Vital Point's self-titled CD today. I'm tellin' ya... if you like guitar based classic rock (with some killer keyboards mixed in), I think you'll love the Vital Point CD.

Am I the only person who doesn't find The Strokes to be anything great? That's one of those CDs I bought when it first came out because they were getting a lot of press about being the next big thing. I'd only heard their single a couple times on the radio. I figured it would grow on me. Not. Is it because they did something different and people embraced it? Or is it because people listened and loved it? I'm the type that has to listen and love. If something is different or cutting edge or whatever, it doesn't make a difference unless I love it, too.

I've never gotten tired of these songs:

Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill

I knew I needed a Peter Gabriel song on here. It was a toss-up between this one and "In Your Eyes." I guess I picked this one because it has stood the test of time longer. Another song with lyrics I love, but don't have a clue what they're about. From Peter Gabriel 1.

Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm

I just love those strings and the acoustic guitar and that sound that's kinda like a hammer on a musical pipe. I like the lyrics, too, even though I don't know what the hell they mean. haha From Siamese Dream.

Pearl Jam - Jeremy

I bet a lot of people really got sick of this song. They played it a LOT on the radio and MTV. But I never got tired of it. I put my Pearl Jam Ten CD in my car CD player today, and I knew I'd probably pick a song for this list. I thought it might be "Black." But when "Jeremy" came on, I knew that was the one. The lyrics are disturbing, but cool to sing. From Ten.

The Push Stars - Sofkuri's Room

I'm not sure this one has been out long enough to stand the test of time, but I guess I can take it off if it fails later. This is one of those songs that the vocal and the acoustic guitar trade off for attention. Maybe my favorite style of music. The lyrics aren't cliche or trite, and there's something about the way he sings the word "diamond" that makes me wish I had thought of that. From after the party.

U2 - Unforgettable Fire

I was a big fan of U2 ever since Sunday Bloody Sunday came out. But it wasn't until this CD came out that I was completely hooked. This song always makes me close my eyes and sing along. I move my arms around a certain way, too... maybe how I would if I were singing this myself in concert. As with most song I like, the meaning of the lyrics are elusive and carry a feeling of sadness. From The Unforgettable Fire.

Indigo Girls - Ghost

This song has sadness woven right into it. I've always wondered why the person couldn't be with the one she loved. I think the lover loves her, but for some reason can't or won't be with her. My favorite line in the lyrics is "when i wake the things i dreamt about you last night make me blush." I guess that's a simple enough lyric, but it's sexy without being sexual. That's the kind of lyric I like to sing.

Sugarcubes - Birthday

I first heard this song on an MTV compilation CD called "Never Mind the Mainstream." When I heard it, it was one of those "wow!" moments. I've heard it on the radio since, and I still get that "wow!" feeling every time. I love everything about the song... the bass line, the thing that sounds like a sliding horn (not sure if it's guitar, synth or what) and especially the lyrics. The line that always catches my attention is "Keeps spiders in her pocket." I find myself singing that one at odd moments. Funny... I just read the lyrics when I searched for them for the link... I always thought "She's painting huge books" was "She's painting huge spooks." I'll probably always sing it that way, too.

To be continued...

I got three CDs in the mail today from Javamusic:

I'm listening to Project North Meets South right now.

I also got my paperwork back from the U.S. Copyright Office for Rose and Blows "Long Road Home" CD. It's just so cool having a copyright. Makes me feel special. I wish the CD was on sale, but I can't seem to get a good copy made. I was so disappointed for a while that I quit trying. Then I had a car wreck, bought a new car, my sweet Mandy passed away, and I got Lily. I just haven't had much time to concentrate on CD production. I'll get back to it one of these days.

I got a bill and some other credit card related garbage, too. I wish they would quit sending me those "convenience checks." They're not convenient at all. I'm not going to use them, so I have to shred them. Shredding was fun at first... I mean... who doesn't like to shred stuff? But after shredding 3.5 million "convenience checks," I'm getting a bit bored with it.

I had the TV on last night. I think I was watching the JAG season premiere, when a commercial came on for Schlotzsky's Deli. The music was so cool on that commercial! And I realized that I knew who the artist was. Andrea Perry. She's an indie artist from here in Austin. I was so impressed... I love it when indie artists do good. And she deserves it! I've bought both of her CDs. She has a quirky style that makes me smile.

On another note... I went to Schlotzsky's today for lunch!

These are CDs I love to get lost in with my headphones

The Who - Quadrophenia CD

Lots of ocean sounds in this one. I can hear the keyboard part in Love Reign O'er Me that makes me think of the waves. I remember listening to this in high school with my gigantic Koss headphones that sealed out all the other noises (although it always made me a little nervous because I'd get in trouble for not answering my Mom when she would call for me!).

Pink Floyd - The Final Cut CD

Roger Waters vocal right inside my head. Wow. And all those noises that Pink Floyd puts in that add so much texture. Like at the beginning with the car going by and the radio sound while the dial is being turned. There's even one point that I swear someone is calling "Kim." I don't know exactly where, but I've pulled my headphones off so many times thinking someone was calling me.

Marillion - Misplaced Childhood CD

Dang... I just realized I've picked 3 headphone CDs so far, and they're all chock full of depressing music. Actually... this one ends on a very positive note. But I guess maybe it's the strong emotions that make for a good headphone CD. This one captivated me while I was in college.

I'm making a list... I don't know what to call it. It's going to be a list of songs. I'm not going to compile it all at once, though... that's too much pressure. I'll add a song when I hear one and decide it fits. The weird thing is, I don't know why it fits. It just does. I don't think this is my list of all-time favorite songs. But it will include songs that stand the test of time for me. Maybe when I get some more songs on it, I'll be able to define the purpose of the list better.

The first song on my list:

Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm I just love those strings and the acoustic guitar and that sound that's kinda like a hammer on a musical pipe. I like the lyrics, too, even though I don't know what the hell they mean.

I just booted up my MP3.com PLuS Express application. I want to post a link to the PLuS subscription page, but I can't find it. I think I could be one of the only people on the planet to actually use it. I think it's pretty neat. I bet more people would use it if it was free. It's worth the subscription fee to me, though.

Anyhoooo....

I have a playlist in there called 'Cool.' Okay... not very creative. Whatever. It's mostly songs by major label artists that I've beamed up, but there are some indie artists, too. They are:

Ender by Ash Can Painters
Siberia by Big Sky
Her by Claire Voyant
Harvest by Nick Cook (I bought his NetCD to get this song... it was worth it).
6:45 by Syd

In case you're wondering what major label artists are on there: dog's eye view, ednaswap, k's choice, alanis morissette, counting crows, matchbox 20, stabbing westward, tonic, train, tori amos, and vertical horizon.

A fly on the wall....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...at the meeting to iron out the details of the partnership agreement between a new Online Music Distributor and the Artists.

OMD: Hey artists. I'm starting a new OMD!

Art: Great! Let's be partners! That's the only way any profits will be made!

OMD: Okay... let's iron out the details.

Art: We'll provide the music!

OMD: Great! I'll provide the money to get us started. I'll get server space. I'll hire some people, too. Let's see... we need tech staff, staff to track and mail out the CDs we sell, accounting people and an artist relations rep.

Art: Better make sure the artist relations rep is someone we love and trust! And make sure it's someone who will relentlessly promote our music, too!

OMD: Um, okay. We'll need web designers, too. That's a lot to pay for, but I'll pay for the start up costs. What are you going to provide again?

Art: We'll provide the music!

OMD: Is it music that will sell?

Art: Sure... we've put a lot of money and sweat into it. Of course, promotion is the key... it'll sell if you pay for lots of real world advertising.

OMD: I see. Do you have a fan base to bring to the mix?

Art: Sure... most of our fans, though, don't really buy music they've never heard over the internet. Most of the people who do use the internet expect music for free. So you're going to have to find the paying fans through expensive advertising.

OMD: Hmmm... okay... what do they watch or read?

Art: Maybe Rolling Stone. MTV. To tell you the truth, though, paying fans might not even exist. We think that most fans are just thoughtless sheep brainwashed by the Recording Industry of America to buy whatever they hear on real world radio and TV. Maybe you better gear your advertising to change the way people think. Make them realize that buying unknown music over the internet is a great thing!

OMD: Wow. That's a big hurdle. Anything else?

Art: Yeah... we want input into your hiring practices, advertising decisions, web design... basically all aspects of the business. We're partners!

OMD: Will you be putting any money into the partnership?

Art: What? No... we're providing the music. You might get a small percentage of artists who will pay, but we are not customers. We're partners. Heck... we already put blood and money into making the music. But I tell you what... some of us will pay a little bit, but you have to promote us to the "real world."

OMD: Wow... what if we fail to turn a profit?

Art: We walk away with our music and you lose your investment. But don't worry. If you listen to us about how to run the business, we'll make a profit. We're partners!

OMD: Okay... how do we make money then?

Art: We'll sell CDs. You can take 10-15% of the price. You could also sell advertising on the site. But that doesn't really bring much in. And you can't advertise on our artist pages because those will belong to us. You're going to have to figure out some other way of generating revenue. And when you figure it out, don't forget to give us a percentage of it... after all, we're providing the music! Without us, you're nothing!

OMD: Wow. Okay. Let's talk about selling CDs then. You'll only sell CDs through our site, right? That way your fans will have to come here to buy them.

Art: Hell no! It's OUR music to do with as we please. No exclusive agreements!

OMD: Hmmm... it's your music? I thought we were going to be partners and you were putting your music into the partnership.

Art: Yeah... we'll provide you music, but we want to be able to walk away from this thing if it's not working out.

OMD: Okay... so you're proposing that I provide 100% of the financial investment and assume 100% of the risk. But you want input into all the business decisions and a hefty cut of the income? And you want to be able to walk away from the partnership at any time if it suits you?

Art: Spin Doctor! FU!

OMD: What?!

Art: Oh sorry... not "F YOU." F.U. = Future Unity. That's where we're all getting together at some future date to make sure you people stop taking advantage of us artists.

OMD: I see. Maybe I better sleep on this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This post was awarded the coveted Firstboss seal of approval

Today is a great day! Professor Music is on the front page of Javamusic in the House Blends feature! I hope one day to be accepted into his school under his tutelage. I believe that he is the one person who can take my musical abilities to "the next level" (whatever that is... people say it's important *shrug*). To celebrate Professor Music's feature, we will hear his masterpiece, "Mary Had A Leg of Lamb," on the WJEZ/SSM live radio broadcast today. It starts at 2:00 p.m. Texas time.

Woo-Hoo!! I'm watching my friend Sparky (Mark Matejka) play guitar for the Charlie Daniels Band on CMT right now!! Go Sparky!!! Sparky and another friend, Mary, and I sang "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" at a church talent show back in high school. Sparky is one of the best guitar players I've ever met in my life! His picture's at the bottom of this page.

I just bought a couple of CDs from Javamusic. Nina and Jim's "Dream" and Nina's "Dance Unlimited". Woo-Hoo!! Can't wait to get them!! Nina and Jim do some really neat songs where Jim sings an oldies type song and then Master Zap (Nina's husband) adds an electronica style backing track and then Nina sings along. And Nina does fun dance music. She has the voice of an angel. Sometimes it's the voice of a human angel and sometimes the voice of a robot angel, but whichever it is, it sounds great!

Kix 96 FM in Coventry (United Kingdom Midlands) played songs from the Strange Sandwich Christmas CD including two songs on which I sing: What Child Is This? and In The Bleak Midwinter. They have about 68,000 listeners! Woo-Hoo!! Thanks to Rob Blaikie and Milo Black for organizing and participating in the one hour radio show featuring Strange Sandwich music.

The big charity collaboration I was involved in was featured in the February 22 issue of Yahoo Internet Life Magazine. Here's what they say:

Independent Artists Coalition
"TAKE MY HAND(A BETTER WORLD)"

Here's a genuinely unique 9/11 charity track, one that was created by 22 artists in eight countries. The song's sentimental melody may not be for everybody, but its goodwill is. The ability to execute this type of project using such far-flung participants underscores the Web's value as a rapid-response medium. Woven into a cohesive whole, the song achieves a humility sadly lacking in many benefit projects and patriotic gestures. ***

Thanks again to Master Zap, Nina - Goddess of Dance, Ben (Dr. O) and everyone else for all their ideas, hard work and fun!