Good morning! It’s time for another Open Mic/AMA! A lot of new faces have joined us since the last time we did one of these (hey there!), so I thought it might be fun to do again. One of the great things about this platform is the direct line between writer & reader. There’s no algorithm and therefore no need to bend one’s writing to appease one. It also provides space for writers to check in with everyone. I intentionally don’t run ads here, which means this entire project is fueled by paid subscriptions and word of mouth.
What do you know about older artists (seasoned, experienced, traveled, lifelong music fanatics), maybe having undergone some later in life changes, who nobody knows about but are making really interesting music? Home recordings, studio work, etc. Like me for example?
Was there a moment for you when you became aware that you hear/feel/process music differently than other people? Or maybe that you realized music means more to you than others?
For me, it came around age 4-5 when I found myself getting frustrated with my brother because he couldn't understand what I was trying to explain about the "Rocky theme" (Bill Conti's Gonna Fly Now). This would have been around 1978-79. I think what I was getting at was the powerful emotional arc, which I was convinced was intentional; that had to do with the instruments, the phrasing… the music, not necessarily the movie. Anyway, that is a recurring theme in my lifetime of adoring music - people don't seem to "get it". You know what I mean?
Are you more of a music guy? Or a lyrics guy? Or equally both? I love good music (whatever that means, obviously what is “good” is very personal to each of us). But I absolutely love good lyrics, whether it’s an amazing turn of phrase or just a simple yet devastating observation. And then there’s those sublime songs in which the music and the lyrics work together so perfectly as to become something exquisite.
Another one would be whether you have a preference for individual songs, whole albums, or playlists? Despite being in the golden age (or perhaps the nadir depending who you ask) of streaming, I stubbornly reman an “album guy” and still prefer to consume my music in meal-sized rather than bite-sized portions.
Hello Mark, forgive me for jumping in here but as a poet I always find the words/tunes thing very interesting. Perhaps you might enjoy this take on it:
I Never Listen
I never listen to the words I only ever hum the tune
So please don’t make me any Promises or say you’ll Fly Me To The Moon
Don’t speak to me of Yesterday or sing The Winner Takes it All
Best you Go Your Own Way because A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall
For my part I can assure you that this is not Your Song
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood but I can’t say This Is Where I Belong
I forgot your eyes already if they’re were green or they were blue
So be sure when smoke gets in them that I will not be True
It’s not down to amnesia or to shyness or to diffidence
It’s just when all is said and sung the words seem to make no difference
Perhaps you Heard It Through The Grapevine or else from Carrie Anne
I never listen to the words so please don’t tell me I’m Your Man
Great idea! As an 80s music lover (and country, alternative, r&b, etc), I'd love to read about your takes on hair bands or my favorite, all-time band, Duran Duran (yes, I know, Duran Duran). 😝
Is there a genre you do not enjoy?
What is a perfect day of music listening like to you and who, or what, is playing in the background?
Hi Kevin and fellow readers/writers! Lovely message you put out there (and I'll say it again: Gizmo is too cute for words).
Question for you: how do you come up with ideas for posts/discussions? Do they just come naturally/ randomly, or are there triggers?
More of what I'd like to see: personally, I really enjoyed the posts you did linking music with aviation/flying/airport life, as well as the ones you did reflecting on memories/emotions/things from your past (one on a song that took you back to a time you were driving on a highway, and another one on a movie with references to your hometown, come to mind). Keep up the brilliant work!
Kevin, as I've gotten to know you a bit, I would certainly be interested in something a little more biographical. How did you grow up? What drew you to music so much? Maybe this could be a fun interactive piece for readers too; they could share nostalgic experiences.
In yesterday's post about The Jesus And Mary Chain's "Sunset 666 (Live At Hollywood Palladium)", you wrote that live albums are mainly for the fans. I totally agree, but am wondering if there are any exceptions for you. What live album, if any, was an entry point for you to an artist you enjoy?
For me, it's Live In Aught-Three from James McMurtry.
Hello Kevin, I'm a very new face here. Thanks for the welcome and for doing what you do. I'd love to hear your opinion of this: lhttps://ursamajormovinggroup.bandcamp.com/album/ursa-major-moving-group?fbclid=IwAR1SuybYSlZnu1a6BpSC1dTl58dU40HzNPwcRXX37CqUpgfbsZvubdhF5Bw
When is an album too long ? Coming from the era of squeezing an LP on one side of a C90 cassette (and being grumpy when it wouldn't quite fit), I do have an old fashioned view on this, perhaps.
What are your thoughts on music covers & samples? I know that is a very broad questions but I’m excited to see where you would take it & what your take is. Especially since mainstream music the past few years has been filled with unabashed covers and samples & people arguing who did it better. Most of the time not even realizing they’re covers of covers and samples of samples - and the other side musicians fighting that they’re song is not *intentionally* a sample. Have we reached our quota of melodies?
What was your first album, and what context can you add to that? My first album was the best of the Bee Gees, I drove my Mom crazy playing it over and over. We didn't have radios where we lived and I listened to my Dads country and western records until I discovered rock and roll. The rest is history. I still love that album, sort of like men loving their first car.
I am in love with the music of Frazey Ford? I would love to know what genre her music falls under and know of other female singers o. The same genre. Also a review on Aussie up and coming indigenous artists like Thelma plum, baker boy and Alice sky. And have you seen or listened to the Fremantle based band Alter boy who have 3 members who are deaf or hard of hearing. Love your work and appreciate this request.
What do you know about older artists (seasoned, experienced, traveled, lifelong music fanatics), maybe having undergone some later in life changes, who nobody knows about but are making really interesting music? Home recordings, studio work, etc. Like me for example?
What dog breed is that awesomeness?
Was there a moment for you when you became aware that you hear/feel/process music differently than other people? Or maybe that you realized music means more to you than others?
For me, it came around age 4-5 when I found myself getting frustrated with my brother because he couldn't understand what I was trying to explain about the "Rocky theme" (Bill Conti's Gonna Fly Now). This would have been around 1978-79. I think what I was getting at was the powerful emotional arc, which I was convinced was intentional; that had to do with the instruments, the phrasing… the music, not necessarily the movie. Anyway, that is a recurring theme in my lifetime of adoring music - people don't seem to "get it". You know what I mean?
Are you more of a music guy? Or a lyrics guy? Or equally both? I love good music (whatever that means, obviously what is “good” is very personal to each of us). But I absolutely love good lyrics, whether it’s an amazing turn of phrase or just a simple yet devastating observation. And then there’s those sublime songs in which the music and the lyrics work together so perfectly as to become something exquisite.
Another one would be whether you have a preference for individual songs, whole albums, or playlists? Despite being in the golden age (or perhaps the nadir depending who you ask) of streaming, I stubbornly reman an “album guy” and still prefer to consume my music in meal-sized rather than bite-sized portions.
Thanks for all that you do, happy to be here!
Hello Mark, forgive me for jumping in here but as a poet I always find the words/tunes thing very interesting. Perhaps you might enjoy this take on it:
I Never Listen
I never listen to the words I only ever hum the tune
So please don’t make me any Promises or say you’ll Fly Me To The Moon
Don’t speak to me of Yesterday or sing The Winner Takes it All
Best you Go Your Own Way because A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall
For my part I can assure you that this is not Your Song
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood but I can’t say This Is Where I Belong
I forgot your eyes already if they’re were green or they were blue
So be sure when smoke gets in them that I will not be True
It’s not down to amnesia or to shyness or to diffidence
It’s just when all is said and sung the words seem to make no difference
Perhaps you Heard It Through The Grapevine or else from Carrie Anne
I never listen to the words so please don’t tell me I’m Your Man
I like that, thanks!
Thank you Mark. You'll find me at the Accidental Belgian, feel free to subscribe, it's free, for more in a similar vein.
Great idea! As an 80s music lover (and country, alternative, r&b, etc), I'd love to read about your takes on hair bands or my favorite, all-time band, Duran Duran (yes, I know, Duran Duran). 😝
Is there a genre you do not enjoy?
What is a perfect day of music listening like to you and who, or what, is playing in the background?
Nothing wrong with Duran Duran! They’ve really stood the test of time and their music from the 80s stands up really well
Hi Kevin and fellow readers/writers! Lovely message you put out there (and I'll say it again: Gizmo is too cute for words).
Question for you: how do you come up with ideas for posts/discussions? Do they just come naturally/ randomly, or are there triggers?
More of what I'd like to see: personally, I really enjoyed the posts you did linking music with aviation/flying/airport life, as well as the ones you did reflecting on memories/emotions/things from your past (one on a song that took you back to a time you were driving on a highway, and another one on a movie with references to your hometown, come to mind). Keep up the brilliant work!
Kevin, as I've gotten to know you a bit, I would certainly be interested in something a little more biographical. How did you grow up? What drew you to music so much? Maybe this could be a fun interactive piece for readers too; they could share nostalgic experiences.
Also: dog. More dog.
Oh! I have one!
In yesterday's post about The Jesus And Mary Chain's "Sunset 666 (Live At Hollywood Palladium)", you wrote that live albums are mainly for the fans. I totally agree, but am wondering if there are any exceptions for you. What live album, if any, was an entry point for you to an artist you enjoy?
For me, it's Live In Aught-Three from James McMurtry.
This is a good question. For me it was 4 Way Street by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Hello Kevin, I'm a very new face here. Thanks for the welcome and for doing what you do. I'd love to hear your opinion of this: lhttps://ursamajormovinggroup.bandcamp.com/album/ursa-major-moving-group?fbclid=IwAR1SuybYSlZnu1a6BpSC1dTl58dU40HzNPwcRXX37CqUpgfbsZvubdhF5Bw
How about any fav local bands from when you were growing up in Portland?
Got any recent music book recommendations? I read Miki from Lush's autobiography recently, which was terrific.
When is an album too long ? Coming from the era of squeezing an LP on one side of a C90 cassette (and being grumpy when it wouldn't quite fit), I do have an old fashioned view on this, perhaps.
Elliott Smith fan?
What are your thoughts on music covers & samples? I know that is a very broad questions but I’m excited to see where you would take it & what your take is. Especially since mainstream music the past few years has been filled with unabashed covers and samples & people arguing who did it better. Most of the time not even realizing they’re covers of covers and samples of samples - and the other side musicians fighting that they’re song is not *intentionally* a sample. Have we reached our quota of melodies?
What was your first album, and what context can you add to that? My first album was the best of the Bee Gees, I drove my Mom crazy playing it over and over. We didn't have radios where we lived and I listened to my Dads country and western records until I discovered rock and roll. The rest is history. I still love that album, sort of like men loving their first car.
I am in love with the music of Frazey Ford? I would love to know what genre her music falls under and know of other female singers o. The same genre. Also a review on Aussie up and coming indigenous artists like Thelma plum, baker boy and Alice sky. And have you seen or listened to the Fremantle based band Alter boy who have 3 members who are deaf or hard of hearing. Love your work and appreciate this request.