Thanks to the good people at ropeadope

for posting the good stuff.  I insist that you watch this Ohio Players video.  Its what I’m talkin about.  Real musicians that are realllly nuts.

well, last post I chatted about the fantastic wretchedness that is the new Black Eyed Peas single.  Thanks to MOG, I just checked out the video to Boom Boom Pow.

It starts off with a shameless plug for HP Touchscreen computers (which by the way endorses Fergie)…nice corporate tie in.  The music then goes on to rip off Kanye, who ripped off Akon, who ripped off Cher (that’s right, I said it).  Fergie has an “oh snap” moment with her line “I’m so 2008, you’re so 2000 and late”.  I wonder if she is singing about the Black Eyed Peas?

Oh, but I forgot, we are talking about the video!  The video rips off Kanye, who ripped off Daft Punk, who ripped off Tron.

bah. its just gross.  watch it for yourself and maybe you will feel nostalgic for all the things they ripped off.

by the way, I love Lady GaGa, so I aint square.

-t.L

Lets play a game.  I want you to listen to the iTunes preview (for the love of Pete, don’t buy it!!!!) of the Black Eyed Peas new song “Boom Boom Pow”.

Lets see who can come up with the largest list of artists who the Black Eyed Peas ripped off IN JUST THOSE 30 SECONDS!!!

I will make my list this weekend during the memorial service for the great group that once opened up for George Clinton and rocked my socks off one hot July afternoon in Philadelphia.

By the way, you should know that even listening to the clip of the song makes them money, so you are endorsing the band…

-t.L

iTunes raised/ lowered/ confused their prices today.  Let the complaints begin.

-t.L

Yesterday’s post has been getting me a little heat.  Not because of the subject, but due to the somewhat cheesy sentiment of the blog.  Well, to that I say, cheese goes well with many things.  Noted pairings: Wine, crackers, steaks (that’s right, I consider ‘wiz “cheese”), and most recently, my writing.

So, here is to a time honored tradition of pairing two great things together to make 2 things better by combining them.  Maybe I will pair the two again today.

-t.L

 DIY…do it yourself.  Sounds a little offensive if you ask me.  “Hey buddy!  Why don’t you go do it yourself!!!???”

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I am all for the “take matters in to your own hands” thing.  I just think it is time to redefine what DIY means.  No one can really tackle a massive project on their own.  There are books, websites, videos and heck, even a tv network chock full of nothing but DIY programming.

Everyone gets help from somebody, somehow.

So, when it comes to music, why do we say DIY?  Music is collaboration.  Music is participation.  Ever heard 4′33?

I know, I get it.  DIY means that you are supporting yourself and driving the massive flying umbrella that is your career.  These days, the majority of artists are doing it on their own, but they have loaaaads of help from their fans and music community.  Its time for a new way to describe things…

Try this…instead of saying you are a “do it yourself” artist, try saying that you are a “do it together” artist.   After all, if you only did it yourself, would there be anyone there to listen?   Music is a shared experience, on both the music end and the business end, so remember, if you are completely D.I.Y., then you will most likely be S.O.L.

-t.L

Why is it that parents always say that their kid is the next Beyonce or Hendirix?  Can’t they just say that their wunderkind is unique, and can play the crap out of their instrument?  There is already a Clapton.  Why not be the next “you”?

oh boy, here is a doozie.  I do a lot of reading over the interweb, and I come across a heap of band bios. I began to notice a few trends, so here are a few conclusions of my research:

every band is awesome

every band has a new ep out that is better than everyone elses

cover bands are the end of the universe

you must have at least one memeber in the band that you have grown up with

if you don’t book them, then you suck

the bass player is usually the guitar player from a defunct group

If you don’t buy something, then you are a pirate.

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I think it would be refreshing to hear some one just say that they are in it for the sheer awesomeness of it, and maybe once or twice they suck, but hey, at least you will enjoy yourself while watching.  Instead of bossing around the fan, embrace the fan and let them discover you outside of the ether that is the rock and roll bio.

Lets all be honest…