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I'm From Hollywood

Noise Machine Disco Suite

El Disturbo

Thanks For Nothing

What's truly amazing is that this guy was slinging shit for the Bush Administration, all the while knowing his bosses were actively involved in deceiving the American people. He sure played the damaging role of The Bush Apologist perfectly didn't he?

So now he owns up to the crap way after the fact. I guess something is better than nothing, but he was certainly a part of the problem of why we are now needlessly engaged in a shit storm of Republican Memes. I guess the guilt got to him?

What a dick.

Harvey Korman Is Dead

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This guy was a true comedic great. Blazing Saddles rules.

Getting Jiggy

Look he's excited! This makes me kinda like the guy.

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Recording Diary v60

Session 60. Still toiling.

More work on "Book"

We first placed a Reason string section on the chorus which we then doubled with 3 tracks of Ebow ( via Les Paul, Fuzz Box POD). This makes for one thick ass harmonic bed, which I will then double with vocals

We then added a marimba line that Craig played, We experimented with different mallets until we found the right sound. Took about 1/2 hour to nail part. The middle section of this song is taking a strange shape.

Then Craig pluged in his Rick to the the POD xt Live. Cool overdriven tone! He then played around with some very aggressive bass lines ala Chris Squire. We recorded one that stuck. Craig can play very fast. It's scary.

Jesus Made Me Puke

I like Matt Tabbi's stuff. He's usually right on target with his political essays for Rolling Stone. Anyway, here's a great article of his about right wing relgious fruitcakes.

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World of Ho-Craft

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Wacky Packs!

As a kid I had a comprehensive Wacky Packages collection. My pops would drive me to the chicken feed store in El Sobrante every Sunday where I would stock up on the latest series. Sadly I traded them all to Mickey Downs for something dumb like a Kiss record...anyway.. Now I have a limited print run framed on my wall of the 1974 series..Ahhh memories.

Wouldn't yah know it someone just came out with a Wacky Packages book! It's so mine.

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Yes It Is. Yes It Is.

A Classic

Recording Diary v59

We started a new tune "The Book Is Better" on Sat.

This song was originally developed around a Steve Reich influenced Marimba line and was supposed to turn into a pattern based poly-rhythmic pounder, but now Im not sure which way it will shape up.

If you enjoyed the clip below of Steve Reich, I really recommend his "Sextet/Six Marimbas" piece. It's really beautiful to get lost in.

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First we copied files from the Reason sequencer to Pro Tools: Marimba, Piano stabs, synth texture, drum machine patterns and a synthetic bass line. The song has a pretty regimented stiff feel, ala Kraftwerk, which make the Reason quantizing a good thing.

Then I recorded a acoustic guitar part and over-dubs via the ADK. Took about 40 mins.

After the song was placed and arranged we then recorded a real marimba. I doubled the Reason Marimba parts on our beautiful Marimba that our pal Ler has loaned us.

Next up is vocals, then we can start arranging parts around the main melody.

That's it..The rest of the day was spent looking for Black Widow spiders that have invaded out recording studio.

Robots Rule

Steve Reich

David Lynch Is Going To Put These Panties In His Mouth

Recording Diary v58

More work on "Cause"

We started off the eve by laying down some simple guitar parts with harmonies on the out chorus section.

This was followed by a few hours worth of vocals. Harmonies etc.

Until Craig and I looked at each other and quickly realized that this song wasn't working.

It's ripe with issues. Wrong tone, derivative, meandering vocal melody, but the the largest problem is that we are not having
much fun recording it.

So we're moving on to something new. We'll dust this one off at a later date, maybe their is something to save.

This is all part of any creative process, and I always maintain knowing when to stop is a very handy skill to have.

Where I work they call this "Killing your baby".

My Idea Of A Living Hell...

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Dear God

Yeah the video is kinda dumb..but what a perfect song. I adore the string section in the bridge, and those Partridge lyrics. Oh those lyrics!

"Did you make mankind after we made you?"

Fairly relevant yes?

I Wear Nothing But....

Recording Diary v57

More recording of "Cause and Effect"

We started with a little guitar, running the Les Paul via "11". The part was a simple rhythmic pattern but I'm not sure if we will use..

Last night Brain came by and played some Piano (Mrs Mills/Abbey Road) for the chorus section because I cant seem to do it very well. After 3 or 4 takes we had the part nailed. Brain played the main 8th note chords and then we overdubbed a the bass notes. Expertly done sir. Thanks.

Next we busted out the trusty Ebow, which seems to be used lots on this album, and recorded three tracks of long string like harmonies for the chorus. Both Craig and I played.

After that I played a simple "answering lead" part for the chorus with the Les Paul via 11. Two tracks were used which were panned hard left and right. Good effect

Then we added a simple Tubular Bells part for the chorus via Abbey Road refill.

After that we noticed the original bass tone wasn't really working so well (tuning was weird as well), so Craig fired up his sweet ass Fender Precision (with new fresh stings). This did the trick as the bass has a nice rumble to it. We then redid the bass for the whole song.

After that I drove Craig home and went to buy cat food.

It's exciting. Really.

Hitler Booted from WOW

If you think this is funny then your a loser like me and Craig, and Reuben and Casey and Mike and Brian and Atom and...

Synecdoche, New York

Charley Kaufman rules.

Second clip from the /Film link below (with the Dentist) also rules.

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I Love Sarah Jane

Zombies rule.

No Regrets

I've never seen a Tattoo that I've liked...but having said that...

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Mush Mouth Defined

These lyrics have to be better than the originals right?

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After the jump, click on image to play.

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Obama's Faith Effort

Yay!! Obama has an imaginary friend too!

Not that I'd vote for this guy anyway, but his pandering to people who believe in Santa Clause sure doesn't help.

Via Crooks and Liars

"The Wall Street Journal had an item the other day on the Obama campaign rolling out a “new nationwide faith effort” that will, among other things, make it clear that the Democratic candidate is a Christian.

The initiative represents a direct challenge to Republicans, who successfully wooed conservative evangelical votes that in turn fueled President Bush’s re-election in 2004. Liberal evangelicals — such as some members of mainline Protestant churches — have been vocal during this election season, reminding voters that some evangelicals favor abortion rights and gay marriage and oppose the Iraq war, and also vote Democratic.

“The Obama campaign is preparing a robust effort to reach out to people of all faiths, all religious backgrounds and moral beliefs and to bring new faith supporters in,” said Joshua Dubois, the Obama campaign’s director of religious affairs. “We’re trying to connect Americans to one to another. …What we’re conveying is his Christian faith and his core values.”

It’s apparently quite an aggressive initiative on the campaign’s part. The Journal noted that Obama’s team has distributed copies of a letter by the senator, “intended to be read during church services, highlighting the senator’s Christian beliefs.” A letter distributed in Ohio said, “[I]f there is one thing I’ve learned from my time as a community organizer…it’s that ordinary people, with the grace of an awesome God, can do extraordinary things.”

This came up a bit in January, when the Obama campaign produced a direct mail piece, featuring pictures of Obama praying and speaking from a pulpit. It featured a large graphic that reads, “Committed Christian,” touts the “power of prayer,” and includes an account of the moment that “Obama felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life.” Similar pieces hit mailboxes in Kentucky last week."

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HAL Wallpaper

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Recording Diary v56

Started work on a new one "Cause and Effect" a song that we did a previous version of but it derailed. This new arrangement is closer to the original intent.

I "think" this song is philosophical in nature. It certainly has much to do with ideas generated via Zen etc. But I'm trying to keep my Meditation crap separate from this site..cause no matter how I talk about the practice of Zazen, it all comes out sounding like I'm selling something. I'm not. I could give a rats ass if you wanna stare at a wall like me.

First we added some acoustic (Hummingbird) guitar over the drums that Jeff recorded a few weeks ago. After an hours work performing and punching and we found a manageable take. Hitting that B Minor bar chord is a bitch for me.

Next Craig found a bass tone that he likes (the old trusty Jerry Jones bass going in direct again) and worked on the feel and execution for the tune. We decided that he will only play on chorus and bridge, we may use a synth for verses. Another hour or so Craig nailed the tune. Simple yet deceptively hard. Kinda like life.

Jeff then overdubbed some 8th note ride cymbals on the chorus. This went quick. We then had him overdub the ride cymbal on the tune "Nothing" as well, something that's long overdue. The feel of both these songs improved dramatically.

Our (soon to be past) roommate Tim is moving his stuff out of our huge room..so he came by to grab his giant mixing board and tape machines. Crazy hunks of analogue gear are not very portable. We'll miss you Mr Alexander!

That was that. Went home. Yoga. Meditation. Cloverfield.

Boy, Cloverfield was annoying. JJ Abrams is a pile.

Classic Craigs List Posting

"I've been trying to think of ways to spice up my life. I'm 35 years old, happily married with two kids and I have a good job in insurance. But somethings missing. I feel like I'm old before my time. I need to inject some excitement into my daily routine through my arm before its too late. I need a challenge, something to get the adrenaline pumping again. An addiction would be nice, but, in short, I need a nemesis. I'm willing to pay $350 up front for you services as an arch enemy over the next six months. Nothing crazy. Steal my parking space, knock my coffee over, trip me when Im running to catch the BART and occasionaly whisper in my ear, "Ahha, we meet again". That kind of thing. Just keep me on my toes. Complacency will be the death of me. You need to have an evil streak and be blessed with innate guile and cunning. You should also be adept at inconspicuous pursuit. Evil laugh preferred. Send me a photo and a brief explanation why you would be a good nemesis.

British accent preferred."

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Recording Diary v55

"Talking about music is like dancing about Architecture"

More work on Sodom.

We tracked some more keys for the ending section, using a Reason square wave synth sound that we ran though a fuzz distortion. I played a very simple part that will take nicely to treatments. We think.

This song will truly be born during the mix.

After that we placed various parts into the long outro section (ebows and some vocals) and tightened up the arrangement.

The next step is to get our pal Thomas to come out and run some elements of the song through his samplers/effect system for real time textural tweaking. We used this technique on the last album on "Spaceman" so it should be fun.

That's it! "Sodom" is complete. No more tracking on this bitch. So far we like how it sounds..good energy.

Next....

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"Win" The War?

It's nice to know that McBush thinks he/we can win this fictiocious "War" so close to when he'd be conveniently up for re-election. War? I will always maintain these last eight years have been a battle for nothing but language.

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I Think I'm Dead

Ok this made the rounds on the Internet tubes some months ago, but it's well worth a revisit.

Monster Camp

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Man Whore Services Offered For Trade

Yes. I would pay or do anything for this velvet painting of Charles Nelson Reilly.

Chris Ware

If you have never seen the work of Illustrator Chris Ware do yourself a favor and check out his stuff. His work with typography is truly a thing to behold.

Here's a little animation he did for This American Life

Tape Opp Book II

Tape Opp just released their latest book which complies articles spanning the magazines history. If your an audio recording enthusiast or just love to read about the creative process, this book is a must have.

Click on the image for a screen shot of the Table of Contents. Cool reading fer sure!

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Polly Morgan

Cool Taxidermy sculpture work. I have a Victorian lap dog from the 1800 in a display box in my office. It's kinda reminiscent of this style, plus it freaks people out when they come in for meetings.

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Radiohead Live Site

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Recording Diary v53

We worked more on "Sodom".

We fired up the Ebow (via the Les Paul and POD XT fuzz tone) and overdubbed 3 Ebow tracks that we then placed in the song at various points.

Next we set up the vocals and recorded what Im calling "harmony clusters". Six tracks of three part harmonies that follow the 16th note feel. I sang the three part harmonies and Craig then did the low track, which sounds cool because of the low resonance of his voice.

Craig then sang lead for the Chorus section, doing a "Gabriel" voice ala "Moribund The Burgemeister". Sounds twisted indeed.

The lyrics to this song are weird. I don't know what they are about.

We then added some more back ground vocals for the chorus and then the out "chanting" section. next we will arrange the ending section and start with "lead bass tracks".

Then Brain came by and we spoke about teeth falling out and Paul McCartney.

The Giant Pool of Money

Here's a wonderful breakdown of the US Mortgage crisis, presented by Ira Glass for This American Life. Well worth the listen..

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Another Reason Why You Should Hate The Dead

I know people that have had the distinct displeasure of working with the Grateful Dead. One is want to find a more uptight, pinched organization in the music industry.

UPDATE: It wasn't the Dead who made the request to remove the music from the blog (see link below) is was Rhino records. I apologize to the Dead. Sorry Dead.

I will still maintain they fucking suck though.

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Recording Diary v52

My back is rather toasted so I'm gonna make this quick. 08 - The year of declining health. Pain is fun.

We explored guitar tones for many hours via the "11" plug in for "Sodom". Recorded some guitar stuff, tried some other stuff. Deleted some stuff. Kept an additional rhythm guitar and overdubbed lead parts.

Played some odd synced keys via Reason for the chorus. Ended up using the "Maelstrom - Music Box" sound and then did a Glock overdub.

This took all day long. Lots of experimenting. This is one of the pluses of not paying for studio time...but it can also be mind numbing.

We don't wanna add any more parts until the vocals are complete. Which we should be doing soon...

I left tired.

Still that way

Goodbye.

Korg-DS10

Muther

A belated Mothers Day message to all you foolios.

Recording Diary v51

We started work on "Sodom" last eve.

I first played a rhythm guitar track via the "11" plug in. We chose a clean tone effected heavily with tremolo. I ran through the whole song in about 1/2 hour or so.

Next we set up two basses. I played a Fender Precision via an old Ibanez analogue delay and Craig used his Von 8 string bass running through a delay that was synced to the track. We then perfected our parts, finally landing on a 16th note fast groove over the drums. The two basses played in tandem created a wonderful rhythmic texture that we are super happy with. We ran the song a few times and found the second take did the job.

Craig then pulled out the Mutated "bent" Joy stick and an it through a bunch of delays and recorded ambient treatments/noise at the out section of the song.

We have 7 min repetitive opus on our hands. Kinda "Interstellar Overdrive" meets "Stereolab" -after they both ate some bad pork.

That is all.

Seacrest Out.

Euphoria Game Engine

Geek out alert. Here' a cool game engine that doesn't use traditional keyframes or motion capture to animate characters. Looks promising...Especially if your a loser like me.

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The La's!

Yay! Oh my! Nothing like a perfectly crafted pop song. Notice the minor chord change in the refrain...Perfect emotional pitch!!

I Am The...

Maker Fair

I'm sad I missed the Maker Fair last week! Curses. Drats!

Ball Bearing Drum Machine

Recording Diary v50

Happy 50th session MBO!

From the looks of things I think we are half done with this album. Which may turn out to be 2 albums, 10 eps..or who knows what. I expect we will keep tracking until the 23rd song, then mix and master. Will this thing be done this year? Fuck if I know.

So we enjoyed a little St George Absinthe to celebrate the number 50. I never drink hard booze, so this was a fuzzy treat for my brain.

After the celebratory raging decreased I added a sting Melotron section that doubled the end distorted bass melody in the song "Nothing". Craig then did a little editing. All the song needs now is some ride cymbal overdubs and some guitar work by Mirv.

Next we started forming the song "Sodom Says, Sodom Does" in Pro Tools. This song is an odd one and I'm not really sure what it will end up sounding like. Which is kinda fun. Eno's "Third Uncle" is a distant influence but it's all very wide open in terms of melodic content/structure etc.

So last week we recorded Jeff playing 4 bar sections of different drum grooves. Tonight we then took each section and arranged it on a grid and built the song. The ending will be particularly strange as we took random drum fills and edited them together (moving the "1" all around), which we will later add melodic phrases over. We will definitely use Eno's "Oblique Strategies" to mix this beast!

So we finished putting the basic structure together. We may have to tweak with the feel of the drums a bit, but it's basically ready for overdubs.

Then I went home and passed out while reading.