tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17991349395894128442024-03-12T23:33:30.290+00:00FeedbackThe blog formerly known as Music MusingsDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-71808550504618310482018-10-13T11:56:00.001+01:002018-10-13T11:56:28.385+01:00National Album Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUQNSqXjKsQcN1qBtTnXh8wY8R1mgDleLo42YOCpRdCu8Msioaao2GgSu20b8hD1OlVtat57_4LRbeVE6EmPeM6ABA2iCvEwkzHVX6sio8e6NgHTIHwlMMeX1QzT8WGkPYTsrF1aEDykx/s1600/NAD+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUQNSqXjKsQcN1qBtTnXh8wY8R1mgDleLo42YOCpRdCu8Msioaao2GgSu20b8hD1OlVtat57_4LRbeVE6EmPeM6ABA2iCvEwkzHVX6sio8e6NgHTIHwlMMeX1QzT8WGkPYTsrF1aEDykx/s1600/NAD+logo.png" /></a></div>
The first National Album Day seems like an appropriate time to make my first post here in ages. see the <a href="http://www.nationalalbumday.co.uk/">official website</a> for more details. Among other things, it says:
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“...2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the album format, making it the perfect time to show our respect of truly iconic albums, as well as our personal favourites and looking to the future of the album and how it will evolve in response to changes in technology and music consumption.”</i></blockquote>
There are a host of events all round the country (although The website doesn’t make it easy to just see what’s happening near where you are) but I’ll be going for this suggested activity:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“Saturday 13th October is the first National Album Day! You're invited to take part in the nation's biggest album playback at 3.33pm by playing your all-time favourite album in full. Share with us what you have chosen at @AlbumDayUK / #NationalAlbumDay”</i></blockquote>
At 3:33pm; see what they did there?<br />
<br />
Me, at 3:33pm, I'll be playing <i>Rush - A Farewell To Kings</i> and, much as I enjoy the recently remastered version, I'll be playing my original vinyl version that I bought when I was a teenager!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-62634013609504212532016-02-06T01:02:00.000+00:002016-02-06T01:02:14.240+00:00Free Download Friday: Steven WilsonI wrote a <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2016/02/review-steven-wilson-4-12/">review of Steven Wilson's new album</a>, <i>4 1/2 </i>for the <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/">Moshville Times</a>. While I was researching it, I found a bucketload of free downloads on Steven Wilson's Soundcloud page. I've embedded two below. If you want more, go to his <a href="https://soundcloud.com/steven-wilson">Soundcloud page</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/50711216&color=0066cc&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/29788553&color=0066cc&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-42769736173985651522015-07-03T23:42:00.001+01:002015-07-03T23:42:11.262+01:00Free Download Friday: Rival SonsI am hugely impressed with the <i>Rival Sons </i>so I don't know why I have never signed up to their mailing list before. When I finally did the other night, I was pleasantly surprised to find that as well as being added to their list, I was also offered a free download of a live track: "Get What's Coming".<br />
<br />
Watch the official (non-live recording) video or go to <a href="http://www.rivalsons.com/">their website</a>, sign up in the sidebar where it says "Get Enlisted", download and enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hLH-8ybJOyU" width="420"></iframe></div>
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-35173150738322538402015-06-25T20:26:00.000+01:002015-06-25T20:26:33.775+01:00Album ReviewsAnother two album reviews posted on Moshville Times:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/06/review-uriah-heep-outsider/" id="id_f0ba_752e_c97b_1b4f">Uriah Heep - Outsider</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/06/review-twelve-months-of-rush-hemispheres/" id="id_1727_ece7_105_2a5e">Rush - Hemispheres</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
One I am utterly positive about and one that I have a reservation about but otherwise liked. Can you guess which one is which?</div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-63485482986370075882015-06-13T20:27:00.001+01:002015-06-13T20:27:31.248+01:00Free Download Friday: The Sun ExplodesI have not posted a Free Download Friday for ages. This is mainly because available downloads are now few and far between. I suspect this is in part due to the rise in streaming services which make it possible to get music out there without having to give it away. This makes me sad but I understand the commercial realities. But, it also makes it all the more pleasing when a good download becomes available.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1KYVlaYmKV2YWgC9Mi2aBF-rZRy-tLo7kKR5i_tW2jQILiup6Ij5lXVqBr69AxEJtSbg-Gv81nf-I_Gmy-JvWZ_NifkwfaxW6a7i9KJ7kOphU-EjDB7lf6iXLUU7xXS3KrhgdTSzaEAN/s1600/TSE-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1KYVlaYmKV2YWgC9Mi2aBF-rZRy-tLo7kKR5i_tW2jQILiup6Ij5lXVqBr69AxEJtSbg-Gv81nf-I_Gmy-JvWZ_NifkwfaxW6a7i9KJ7kOphU-EjDB7lf6iXLUU7xXS3KrhgdTSzaEAN/s320/TSE-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You may have noticed my <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/05/review-the-sun-explodes-the-calm-the-storm/">review of The Sun Explodes - <i>The Calm, The Storm</i></a>. Clearly, <a href="http://www.last.fm/">Last FM</a> noted how often I was listening to this band so that, the last time I logged in, Last FM drew my attention to <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Sun+Explodes/The+Sun+Explodes+EP">three free tracks</a>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Weigh Your Sins</li>
<li>The Game, and</li>
<li>The Fake</li>
</ul>
<div>
Couldn't find any details of when this EP was released but it feels old. Much less polished than <i>The Calm, The Storm</i>, but still interesting.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As always, let me know what you think in a comment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Free download</b>: <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Sun+Explodes/The+Sun+Explodes+EP">The Sun Explodes - EP</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-90994717684471199392015-05-25T11:01:00.002+01:002015-05-25T11:01:50.067+01:00Review: Rush - A Farewell To KingsIt took me a while but I finally managed to finish <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/05/review-twelve-months-of-rush-a-farewell-to-kings/" id="id_21b8_6d89_d9e8_7651">my review of <i>A Farewell To Kings</i></a>, the April re-issue from The Twelve Months Of Rush series. This was the first Rush album I heard and it was the one that got me hooked, not only to Rush, but to rock music in general. After all these years, it remains one of my favourite Rush albums.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=musimusi-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00QR7ZMN0&asins=B00QR7ZMN0&linkId=UNTNXXJH34LMVD53&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am enjoying listening to and reviewing stuff for the <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/" id="id_9233_9f90_b4ee_46f2">Moshville Times</a> but the writing gets squished into what little free time I have, so it takes me a long time to finish things. Let me know what you think of the review either here or on <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/05/review-twelve-months-of-rush-a-farewell-to-kings/" id="id_500f_a11a_bb47_b09e">Moshville Times</a>. Is it worth the time it takes me?</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-74190219773143232372015-05-07T23:06:00.000+01:002015-05-07T23:06:05.476+01:00Review: The Sun ExplodesI have managed to post another review to Moshville Times.<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" id="id_c7fa_1729_6937_f9b8" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=musimusi-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00VLAD2O4&asins=B00VLAD2O4&linkId=VX5ONXOTIP6WSZOK&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe> The band is <i>The Sun Explodes</i> and <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/05/review-the-sun-explodes-the-calm-the-storm/" id="id_5f26_9c4e_90c8_4c27">the review</a> is of their latest EP, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00VLAD2O4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00VLAD2O4&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21&linkId=ANHICPGOIQOG7PSP">The Calm, the Storm</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00VLAD2O4" height="1" id="id_97ea_537a_ec8b_ed4c" style="border: none !important; height: auto; margin: 0px !important; width: 1px;" width="1" /> which will be released on 18 May.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Up until now, I have reviewed bands that I already knew but I had never heard of this band until I was offered the chance to review their work. After one listen, I knew I wanted to hear more. I had to arm wrestle one of the other Moshville crew members for the privilege of reviewing their EP but it was worth it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you read what written, you'll see I am convinced that it is a Concept EP. I've had a bit of correspondence with the band who claim that it is not, but what do they know? They only wrote it. I'm the one who listened!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Comments and constructive criticism welcome either here on on <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/05/review-the-sun-explodes-the-calm-the-storm/" id="id_86b9_53d2_fa36_5719">the review at the Moshville site</a>. </div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-60157610537109077022015-04-30T18:41:00.002+01:002015-04-30T18:41:52.885+01:00Review: Uriah Heep - Live At KokoI have just posted my first non-Rush related review at The Moshville Times: <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/04/uriah-heep-live-at-koko/" id="id_59ac_8fd9_2362_82b3">Uriah Heep - Live At Koko</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.rogerdean.com/desktop-downloads/#gallery/1794/456/cart"><img alt="Wizards%252520%252526%252520Demons%252520by%252520Roger%252520Dean" id="id_da83_1095_1b6e_a846" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fo4jHpOCa5Y/VUJoGUByYNI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/D9ZXUpBnpUc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="display: block; float: right; height: auto; width: 200px;" title="" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></a>Uriah Heep was one of those bands that, as a teenager, I was aware of but somehow never connected with. I even had a poster of one of their covers on my wall but, until relatively recently, I did not own any of their albums. I got the poster because it was by <a href="http://www.rogerdean.com/" id="id_24bd_cae3_e58a_b20a">Roger Dean</a> an artist I came across through the work he did with Yes. I saw the poster in <i>Listen</i> in Renfield Street (now there was a record shop!) and bought it because I thought it looked cool. It was only after it was on my wall that I discovered it was album art for Uriah Heep - Wizards & Demons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(If you are interested, you can buy it to <a href="http://www.rogerdean.com/desktop-downloads/#gallery/1794/456/cart" id="id_ede_b816_d6d7_71fc">download as a desktop image</a> from Roger's site.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But back to <i>Live At Koko</i>... You can read the <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/04/uriah-heep-live-at-koko/" id="id_d4a3_e0a7_a1fb_5633">review</a> for full details but the edited highlight is: I like it! Comments and constructive criticism is welcome either here or on the <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/" id="id_690d_b975_6efc_7c5c">Moshville Times</a> site.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-87487832681536810102015-04-17T23:55:00.002+01:002015-04-18T00:15:13.532+01:00Back in the saddle againJust started writing for the <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/">Moshville Times</a>, so decided it was well past time to start writing here too. My first two reviews have been about, guess what, Rush!<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/04/review-rush-2112-vinyl-re-release/">Review: Rush - 2112</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/album-review/2015/04/review-12-months-of-rush/">Reveiw: A year of Rush</a></li>
</ul>
Head over there and leave a comment. All comments and constructive criticism gratefully received.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-54336106181105380322014-12-17T23:52:00.001+00:002014-12-17T23:52:33.446+00:00It's Christmas - Time for a Bonamassa download!I haven't written anything in this blog since February!? Crumbs.<br />
<br />
Finally though, something to write about... And guess what? It's a free download from Joe Bonamassa. Another year, another Christmas tune. Check it out, then download (see below the video for details).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cJGz_J-4pL0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
You can download <a href="http://jbonamassa.com/holidays/2014/lonesome-christmas/?id=fbp1211v">Lonesome Christmas here</a> and for every download (up to 25 December), Joe will donate money to the <a href="http://keepingthebluesalive.org/">Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation</a>. What's not to like? You get a great Christmas track and Joe donates to charity.<br />
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-73615748075062585532014-02-18T23:31:00.000+00:002014-02-18T23:31:26.038+00:00And another one...The outstandingly brilliant Joe Bonamassa and the wonderful Beth Hart have made yet another track available for free download: <a href="http://jbonamassa.com/hartandbonamassadev/features/amsterdam-live/email.php?id=boost218">Close To My Fire</a>. Give them your email address and download gorgeously laid back track.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BA7cCeSW2Ic" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
So what do you think of Beth's vocals?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-83378287488542113362014-01-25T10:56:00.000+00:002014-01-25T10:56:09.897+00:00Free Download: BethHart and Joe BonamassaToday is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_Hart">Beth Hart</a>'s birthday. Happy birthday Beth.<br />
<br />
Somewhat unusually though, instead of getting presents for her birthday... she is giving a present to us. Namely, a free track from an album called <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CA9VR88/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00CA9VR88&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Seesaw</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00CA9VR88" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> that she did with Joe Bonamassa. Specifically, you can give your email address in <a href="http://hartandbonamassa.com/features/2013/seesaw-grammy-nomination/?id=fbp0124">exchange for the title track</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NQnZqBgJn_Q" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
So what are you waiting for? Go <a href="http://hartandbonamassa.com/features/2013/seesaw-grammy-nomination/?id=fbp0124">get a free download</a> and celebrate Beth's birthday!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-42161488754586414372014-01-06T00:15:00.001+00:002014-01-06T00:15:49.684+00:00Review of the yearDistinct lack of blogging during 2013.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
New Year Resolution: try to get back to at least one post a week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Proof of the pudding: Review of stuff added to my iPod in 2013<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Introduction (by way of an excuse)</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First off, not a lot of new albums. This is due to a combination of too little time and more importantly, too little money. As a result, most of the additions are charity shop purchases. But here's what I did add, in the order of addition. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>
Led Zeppelin - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000002J0B/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000002J0B&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Houses of the Holy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000002J0B" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
(Remastered)</i></b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Very pleased to find this in a charity shop early in January 2013. It's an album that I have never owned, not even on vinyl, but one I always intended to get. I was familiar with most of the songs but it is always good to hear stuff in the order decided when it was first released and in relation to the other stuff on album. It is not my favourite Zeppelin album (my favourite is <i>Led Zeppelin I</i> in case anybody is interested) but well worth having. It has a great track to kicking off with in <i>The Song Remains The Same</i> and a very strong finish in <i>No Quarter</i> and <i>The Ocean</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Miss The Occupier - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BPKVH8S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00BPKVH8S&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Keeping Company With Wolves</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00BPKVH8S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b></div>
<div>
I have <a href="http://musicddm.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=miss+the+occupier">featured Miss The Occupier in this blog before</a> and declared a possible source of bias (I know Roz, the lead singer and bass player). I picked up a copy of this album at the launch gig back in March. the addition of keyboards to their sound is interesting. For me the stand out track is <i>Song For The Miserable </i>which, among other things, gives the lie to Roz's claim to be a vocalist rather than a singer!</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000Y932GQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000Y932GQ&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Raising Sand</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000Y932GQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b></div>
<div>
Another charity shop purchase. Mr Plant's voice still sounds great but Ms Krauss' vocals don't really grab me. Having said that, <i>Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)</i> is well worth a listen. </div>
<div>
<br />
<b>
Slash - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007PYE6ZO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B007PYE6ZO&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Apocalyptic Love (Special Edition)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B007PYE6ZO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b></div>
<div>
Slash is an outstandingly good guitarist with a talent for creating memorable riffs. Myles Kennedy is an awesome vocalist able to bring power and emotion to his performance. What's not to like about this album? My favourite tracks from the previous Slash album, <i>R&Fn'R</i> were <i>Back From Cali</i> and <i>By The Sword</i>, both of which featured Mr Kennedy, so I was pleased when I heard he was the only vocalist on this album. Having all the featured vocalists on <i>R&Fn'R</i> was fun but settling on the one vocalist this time made it feel more consistent. There's not a duff track on the album so picking a favourite is tricky. <i>Anastasia</i> is good, but if pushed, I'd probably choose <i>You're A Lie</i>.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>
The Temperance Movement - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CAX3336/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00CAX3336&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Pride EP</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00CAX3336" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b></div>
<div>
Another band where I have to admit to a personal connection - I kent his faither. By "his faither" I mean I know the lead singer's father, and I also know his wee brother, although I have lost touch with both of them. The lead singer is a chap called Phil Campbell and I've followed him from when he was a solo artist, when he was in a group and then solo again... but the stuff he is doing with the Temperance Movement is just outstanding and, for me, this is the best I've heard from him yet. In particular, <i>Only Friend</i> is stunning. First time I heard it was on the radio. At the time, I didn't know Phil was in the band and I assumed it was a cover of an old Blues song. It was only when Inlooked it up that I discovered who the lead singer was and that they had written it themselves. Their new album is still on my wish list - with a bit of luck, I'll get it for my birthday. :-)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4QRll-AyVnE" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>
Genesis - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001BDZI1Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001BDZI1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Calling All Stations</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001BDZI1Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b></div>
<div>
I would count myself a fan of Genesis, but more the classic Gabriel era Genesis; I lost patience a bit with them when Collins took over vocal duties. I have most of the Genesis albums but don't have all of the ones produced after Gabriel left. In particular, I never bothered getting Calling All Stations because it was panned by one and all. Picked it up in a charity shop though and it's much better than I thought it would be. It is closer to old-style prog Genesis than the immediately preceding pop Genesis - I suspect that's why it didn't do so well when it was released. It's not a great album but it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. There are no five star tracks but four out of eleven tracks rated at four star makes it better than many I have in my iTunes collection!</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>
Hayseed Dixie - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0002HUY0M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0002HUY0M&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Let There Be Rockgrass</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0002HUY0M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b></div>
<div>
Hayseed Dixie featured in my <a href="http://musicddm.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/when-musical-worlds-collide.html">When musical worlds collide</a> post in 2009 but it was only last year, when I came across this album in a charity shop, that I finally got around to listening to more than the odd track. They don't disappoint. Perhaps the key to a good musical spoof is that the spoof has to be good. That is, it works best when the people doing the spoof are not just mocking something but are good at what they do and have a love for the music that they are creating and aping. It seems to me that Hayseed Dixie manage that balancing act perfectly. They are clearly good musicians and perform the Bluegrass style songs with skill and passion. But they also seem to love the rock music they are covering while managing to avoid a stifling reverence for it. For me, the standout track is <i>Highway to Hell</i> - I think Bon Scott would have loved it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's all for now. It is already a longer post than I intended. I still have a few more albums that I added to my collection in 2013 but I will try and do another post about them soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What were the stand our additions to your music collection in 2013?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-38598409394201342822013-12-25T13:09:00.001+00:002013-12-25T13:09:24.754+00:00Happy Christmas!First of all, a Happy Christmas to you all. It has been so long since I posted here, I'm not sure anyone will read this but Happy Christmas anyway!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the last few years I have posted a special <a href="http://musicddm.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Free%20Download%20Friday+advent">Advent version of Free Download Friday</a> offering links to free festive music on the four Fridays before Christmas. This year, I managed two Free Download Fridays and no Advent downloads. Sorry. I did, however, collect a few good freebies, so I offer them here as a Christmas present.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1) Joe Bonamassa</b></div>
<div>
Another year, and another Christmas download from Joe. Perhaps not as strong as previous offerings (no longer available, but you can read about them in my <a href="http://musicddm.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/free-music-friday-82-happy-christmas.html">previous post)</a> but a new track from Mr Bonamassa is always worth a listen. You can <a href="http://www.jbonamassa.com/holidays/2013/christmas-song/index.php?id=homepage">download it from his website</a> in exchange for enduring a particularly bizarre web page!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZEGGGOWb3GQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2) Hayseed Dixie</b></div>
<div>
Thanks to my colleague, <a href="http://www.moshville.co.uk/">Mr Mosh</a>, for this link... I posted a <a href="http://musicddm.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/when-musical-worlds-collide.html">video of Hayseed Dixie</a> back in 2009 but they have never featured in this blog as a free download. But just in time for Christmas, they posted links on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayseeddixie">their facebook page</a> to two <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayseeddixie/posts/10151988065060318">Christmas tracks</a>. <i>White Trash Xmas</i> is good and well worth a listen but <i>Misty Wonderland Hop</i> is outstanding! Download it now and put it on repeat for the rest of Christmas - you'll thank me later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>3) Roadrunner Records</b></div>
<div>
At a time when free downloads are becoming harder to find, it's great to see that Roadrunner Records is still making tracks available on a semi-regular basis. This year, it looks like the main free download (well, the one featured on the front page of <a href="http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/">the UK site</a>) is <a href="http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/promotions/download-king-diamond-s-no-presents-for-christmas-free">No Presents For Christmas</a> from King Diamond. After a deceptively traditional start, it soon launches into its full metal glory! As well as the this track, they have also "re-released" Black Stone Cherry's <a href="http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/promotions/download-black-stone-cherry-s-santa-claus-is-back-in-town-free">Santa Claus Is Back In Town</a> which is outrageously good! The sweartastic <i>X-M@$</i> from Corey Taylor is also available for free but I'll leave you to find that one yourself. (This is a family friendly blog after all!) Finally, while looking around to see what else is available, I found a track from 2012 that I obviously missed last year that is still available for download: Royal Republic have an acoustic cover of Chris Rea's classic <a href="http://roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/page/News?news_id=121386">Driving Home For Christmas</a>. The sound quality is a bit tinny but it is still a good track.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>4) For everyone else</b></div>
<div>
I realise that the three sets of download above will not be to everyone's taste, so here are a few alternatives where hopefully there will be something for everyone.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2013/12/12-Days-of-Christmas-download-CBC-Musics-free-Christmas-album">CBC's Twelve Days Of Christmas</a>: thirteen tracks to choose from. I like <i>The Little Drummer Boy</i> from Walk Off The Earth and <i>I Believe In Father Christmas</i> from Moist but my favourite by a long stretch is the boogie-woogie piano version of <i>Winter Wonderland</i> from Michael Kaeshammer (see video below). </li>
<li><a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2013/12/the-2013-paste-holiday-sampler.html">Paste Holiday Sampler 2013</a>: Fourteen tracks in this one. My favourite is <i>Children Go Where I Send Thee</i> from Nick Lowe but I like the submissions from Otis Redding, Little Hurricane and The Last Bison too.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.classicfm.com/artists/craig-ogden/news/download-free-music/">Classical guitar - Craig Ogden</a>: A beautiful version of Deck The Halls.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SAs9r2jLoSE" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's it for this year. Merry Christmas and, in the words of Tiny Tim: God bless us every one!</div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-17331116794826041252013-06-09T00:11:00.000+01:002013-06-09T00:14:17.686+01:00Free Download Friday #136; Roadrunner Records at DownloadAfter a very long gap, and after my first post in ages on Thursday, I decided it was long past time for a new Free Download Friday.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=musimusi-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00CX3RTAQ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
So, here is another download from the ever reliable Roadrunner Records. As they have done for the last couple of years, they have released a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadrunner-Records-Scorchers-Sampler-Explicit/dp/B00CX3RTAQ/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370432891&sr=301-1">free sampler album</a> with a track from each of their acts that are playing <a href="http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/">Download</a> this year.<br />
<br />
It's brilliant idea, as I've remarked before, and I don't understand why more labels don't do this. Festivals have oodles of bands and it can't be easy to decide who you want to see. So, putting out a sampler to let people who are unfamiliar with your roster hear what your acts are like is a no-brainer. If they like what they hear, they are more likely to go and hear!<br />
<br />
The tracks and artists on offer are as follows:<br />
<ol>
<li><i>Absolute Zero</i> - Stone Sour</li>
<li><i>Black Tongue</i> - Mastodon</li>
<li><i>Bruane Brenn</i> - Kvelertak</li>
<li><i>Witchtripper</i> - Down</li>
<li><i>Live It Up</i> - Airbourne</li>
<li><i>Anastasia</i> - Slash</li>
<li><i>White Trash Millionaire</i> - Black Stone Cherry</li>
<li><i>In Due Time</i> - Killswitch Engage</li>
<li><i>Ghost Walking</i> - Lamb Of God</li>
<li><i>Chaos Lives In Everything</i> (feat. Skrillex) - Korn</li>
</ol>
Ten tracks for free. Welcome back to Free Download Friday!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-69061280057465371062013-06-06T22:16:00.001+01:002013-06-06T22:37:32.213+01:00Rush - Clockwork Angels TourIt's been far too long since I updated this blog but I cannot let the <a href="http://www.rush.com/">Rush</a> concert in Glasgow last Thursday go by without comment.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddmuir/8896481522/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rush, SECC Glasgow, 30 May 2013"><img alt="Rush, SECC Glasgow, 30 May 2013 by DavidDMuir" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/8896481522_0bbec90992_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddmuir/8896481522/">Rush, SECC Glasgow, 30 May 2013</a>, <br />a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddmuir/">DavidDMuir</a> on Flickr.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let's get the obvious out the way first. it was <b><span style="font-size: large;">awesome!</span></b> <br />
<br />
I first saw them in concert in <a href="http://www.glasgowapollo.com/index.asp?s_id=1&m_id=14&action=show&band_ID=42&yr=1978#16.02.1978">1978 at the Glasgow Apollo</a> for the <em>Farewell To Kings</em> tour and I often cite that as my favourite gig ever but I think Thursday's concert may well knock the '78 concert off the top spot. Why do I say that? Was it the light show? Was it the back projection? Was it the fireworks? Certainly, the shows have become more spectacular as the years have gone by, and the current show is possibly their most pyrotechnic yet, but explosions alone do not a great show make... <br />
<br />
With Rush concerts, it's always been about the musicianship... at least, that's what it's been for me. Every time I see them live, I am astonished at how faithfully the three of them reproduce the sounds from their studio albums in a concert setting. Can I say that again? Three of them. On stage. Live! No studio trickery for support. Just three outstanding musicians working together to produce something that many bands twice their size (and nowadays half their age) would struggle to match! But what made this tour special was, not only did we have at least ninety minutes of the three of them working wonders by triggering samples and playing synthesisers with what ever spare limb wasn't already involved in playing their "main" instrument, we also had about an hour of Rush playing along with a string section. And the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble did what I would have said was impossible; they made Rush sound even better than usual!<br />
<br />
The set list is embedded below:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="setlistImage" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rush/2013/secc-glasgow-scotland-1bd99540.html" target="_blank" title="Rush Setlist S.E.C.C., Glasgow, Scotland 2013, Clockwork Angels Tour"><img alt="Rush Setlist S.E.C.C., Glasgow, Scotland 2013, Clockwork Angels Tour" src="http://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=1bd99540" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>
<br />
<div>
<a href="http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/edit/rush/2013/secc-glasgow-scotland-1bd99540.html">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="http://www.setlist.fm/setlists/rush-13d6dd1d.html">More Rush setlists</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
As you can see, The Clockwork Angels String Ensemble played for most of the second set, which is where Rush played almost the whole of the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007I2BZIE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B007I2BZIE&linkCode=as2&tag=musimusi-21">Clockwork Angels</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=musimusi-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B007I2BZIE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
album, but they also played along with <i>Dreamline</i>, <i>Red Sector A</i> and <i>YYZ</i>. Now, <em>YYZ</em> in particular, I have heard them play live umpteen times but I don't think it has ever sounded better than it did last week with the string ensemble rocking it up behind Rush.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5hnWF_iab8Y" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<strong>Final Thoughts</strong><br />
As I sat in the SECC waiting for the concert to begin feeling stupidly excited, I thought back to my first Rush gig where I felt just as stupidly excited. What is it about Rush that can make a fat fifty year old man feel like a teenager again? What ever it is, long may it continue!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-31693579042654122252013-02-16T16:01:00.002+00:002013-02-16T18:05:47.311+00:00Academic ResearchI did consider seeking funding for Rock related research some time ago (see <a href="http://edcompblog.blogspot.co.uk/2008/12/hazzardous-headbanging.html">Hazardous headbanging!</a>) but as usual I didn't go any further than the, "Wouldn't it be a good idea..." stage.<br />
<br />
But there is clearly research money out there for those who are willing to bid for it. See for example the wonderful <a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/511216/moshers-heavy-metal-and-emergent-behavior/">Moshers, Heavy Metal and Emergent Behavior</a> report on the MIT Technology Review site.<br />
<br />
In the unlikely event that readers of this blog are unfamiliar with the concept of mosh pits, someone has helpfully defined some rules:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CKeytOj7Epw" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
I like the way he describes some mosh pits as "Fight Club with a soundtrack!". (The first rule of Fight Club prevents me from explaining this if you don't get it already.) See also <a href="http://www.upvenue.com/music-news/blog-headline/1029/tuym-get-into-a-moshpit-and-live-to-tell-about-it.html">How To Survive A Mosh Pit</a>.<br />
<br />
So what do you think? What research idea could I pitch that will convince someone to fund me to attend concerts? If you come up with a winning idea, I am willing to give you a co-author credit on the paper!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-28667427252119817542013-01-26T21:53:00.001+00:002013-01-26T21:59:55.304+00:00Fun On Friday #135: Rock Candy Funk PartyThis is a bit different from other Fun on Friday and I don't think Funky Friday is likely to become a regular feature but here is another free download from Mr Joe Bonamassa.<br />
<br />
A visit to the <a href="http://rockcandyfunkparty.com/">Rock Candy Funk Party</a> web page, a like on facebook and the track is yours to download. Check out the video if you're in two minds:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L5CgdTtGv8o?list=PLfL08Vt_witdbXUpbNEmQVz9iT4QESQkl" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
Really like the drumming and interesting to hear Joe strut his funky stuff. What do you think?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-9100592783471957612013-01-02T23:09:00.001+00:002013-01-02T23:09:28.259+00:00New Year ResolutionMy musical New Year Resolution this year is essentially the same as last year's. Let me explain...<br />
<br />
<div style="float: right; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; padding: 0; width: 240px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddmuir/1596824500/" title="272/365: Apple of my eyePod"><img alt="272/365: Apple of my eyePod by DavidDMuir" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2151/1596824500_40e8e64d82_m.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddmuir/1596824500/">272/365: Apple of my eyePod</a>, <br />a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddmuir/">DavidDMuir</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Last year, as I copied my collection of Christmas music onto my iPod, I noticed I had 3.5 days worth of seasonal songs. (A figure that prompted one of my fourth years to question why so much since most of it was rubbish!) I also saw that I had just over 52 days worth of music altogether in iTunes. This made me think: "Fifty-two days worth of music and fifty-two weeks in a year. I could do a day a week and listen to my entire iTune library in a year." Of course, a bit of basic arithmetic would have made me realise that there was no way I would manage to listen to 3.5 hours of music a day, seven days a week, but I didn't do the calculations and beginning with A for AC/DC on January first I started to work my way through my music collection. <br />
<br />
Now, I knew I wouldn't stick strictly to alphabetical order (for example I jumped to J for Joe Bonamassa prior to going to see him in concert) and sometimes I'd just be in the mood for a particular album/artist, but I still hoped to get a good bit through the alphabet before the end of the year.<br />
<br />
I got to D for Dire Straits!<br />
<br />
So my resolution this year is to try to get to J or K before the end of 2013. I'll keep you posted. Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-34346339838844449682012-12-24T16:36:00.000+00:002012-12-24T16:36:12.452+00:00 Free Download Friday #134: Fourth Friday In Advent Give Love On Chrsitmas<br />
<br />
To make up for what is possibly the latest Free Download Friday ever, here's an eleven track Christmas download:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="http://noisetrade.com/service/sharewidget/?id=d697107e-b840-442a-a83e-0035d26b5b35" width="240"></iframe></div>
<br />
This is another one where you can download the tracks for free but, if you want, you can make a donation to a charity; in this case to a charity called Blood:Water Mission. The <a href="http://noisetrade.com/bloodwatermission">Noise Trade site</a> gives the following information about the charity:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Blood:Water Mission was established by Grammy Award winning band Jars of
Clay to empower communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and
water crises in sub-Saharan Africa. Since its launch in 2005,
Blood:Water has raised millions of dollars through the creative efforts
of individuals seeking to make a difference. To date, Blood:Water has
partnered with more than 1,300 communities in Africa, providing
life-saving water for 800,000 people in 11 different countries and
access to HIV/AIDS education, treatment and support for nearly 40,000
people.</i></blockquote>
Have a good Christmas!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-40871107027999570822012-12-21T00:57:00.000+00:002012-12-21T01:02:33.936+00:00International Rush DayWhat a good idea!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rushisaband.com/images/201012/1771.f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="International Rush Day" border="0" class="alignright" height="130" src="http://www.rushisaband.com/images/201012/1771.f.jpg" width="130" /></a>Since tomorrow is the 12th of December, or 21/12, some bright spark came up with the idea of making it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2112_%28album%29">International Rush Day</a>. (It's like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2112_%28album%29">2112</a> - see what they did there?)<br />
<br />
I'm not sure that I'll get away with wearing a Rush t-shirt at work but I'll have to wear one at some point tomorrow.<br />
<br />
And hopefully the Rock Radio stations will pick it up too and play plenty of Rush throughout the day.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-71070109086524846152012-12-16T21:21:00.002+00:002012-12-16T21:21:51.151+00:00Rock Advent Calendar<span class="userContent">Should have posted this a couple of weeks ago... my <a href="http://goo.gl/9bRU3">Rock Advent Calendar</a> is back... I admit,
it is very similar to last year's but there are a couple of new tracks
in there. Feel free to make suggestions on tracks I should have
included.<br /> <br /> Day one is an obvious choice... and I don't care what anyone says, they are a rock band! As the days go on though, I hope you will find a diverse and occasionally bizarre mix of Rock and Blues Christmas songs. Enjoy!</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-6470687901477097762012-12-16T14:12:00.000+00:002012-12-16T14:12:13.459+00:00Free Download Friday #133: Third Friday In AdventA few Christmases ago, iTunes gave a copy of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasvegas">Glasvagas</a> song <a href="https://soundcloud.com/glasvegas/2-05-a-snowflake-fell-and-it">A Snowflake Fell And It Felt Like A Kiss</a> as part of its 12 Days Of Christmas promotion. It is an achingly beautiful track and is about as far from holly and jolly as you can get. <br />
<br />
They have released another track this Christmas that can be downloaded for free. It's called No Her, No HYmN.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script src="http://cdn.topspin.net/javascripts/topspin_core.js?aId=24531&timestamp=1355658779" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="topspin-widget topspin-widget-email-for-media">
<object bgcolor="#000000" data="http://cdn.topspin.net/widgets/email2/swf/TSEmailMediaWidget.swf?timestamp=1355658779" height="57" id="TSWidget177034" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300">
<param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess"/>
<param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/>
<param name="quality" value="high"/>
<param name="movie" value="http://cdn.topspin.net/widgets/email2/swf/TSEmailMediaWidget.swf?timestamp=1355658779"/>
<param name="flashvars" value="highlightColor=0xffffff&theme=black&hideinfo=true&widget_id=http://cdn.topspin.net/api/v1/artist/24531/email_for_media/177034?timestamp=1354199983"/>
</object>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F69304769&secret_token=s-qwgns" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<br />
While it can be downloaded for free, if you go to <a href="http://glasvegas.net/">their website</a>, they suggest making a donation to <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/miscarriagescotland">Scottish Care & Information On Miscarriage</a>, an organisation that "<i>...offers counselling for women who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth
or neonatal death following loss, before trying again and in pregnancy
following loss. Our counsellors are university trained and have personal
experience of loss.</i>"<br />
<br />
Despite the liberal application of jingle bells throughout, this is not your typical Christmas song and I'm not sure it will find its way onto my Christmas playlist but it's worth a listen and it's a worthy cause.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-35176914375642636172012-12-10T23:01:00.000+00:002012-12-10T23:01:23.804+00:00LandfillharmonicNot my usual style of music but I felt I had to share this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fXynrsrTKbI" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
Stunning!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cross-posted to <a href="http://edcompblog.blogspot.co.uk/">EdCompBlog</a>.</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1799134939589412844.post-7018297686506008542012-12-09T23:25:00.001+00:002012-12-10T00:00:27.922+00:00Free Download Friday #132: Second Friday In AdventI was a bit worried last year when I started the Advent downloads because I didn't have enough downloads up my sleeve but as the weeks went by, I ended up with more than enough. I assumed the same would happen this year but I am still struggling.<br />
<br />
I am, however, relatively pleased with this week's freebie:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="http://noisetrade.com/service/sharewidget/?id=d6fe46ba-1b0b-4113-a08d-63e8631260a7" width="240"></iframe></div>
<br />
The download is described as a "Holiday EP" but only one of the six tracks on offer is overtly Christmasy - <i>I Don't Need No Santa Clause</i>. It's largely acoustic and has a Country music feel to it - not my usual taste but it belts along at a good pace and it is Christmas after all!<br />
<br />
The other tracks are worth a listen too, for example, I like track 6 - <i>My Forgetful Baby</i>. One of the great things about the <a href="http://www.noisetrade.com/fictionfamily">NoiseTrade</a> site is you can listen to the tracks before downloading. It's also interesting that you can download for free but, if you want, you can leave a "tip" for the artist.<br />
<br />
So have a listen, download if you want and let me know what you make of Fiction Family.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614417017549146281noreply@blogger.com0