26 posts tagged “mobile”
Yeah, I thought that might get some attention. The truth of the matter is, in some respect, I don't fit the demographic. Let me 'splain...
Afte taking the time to download some new CDs and my Friday morning podcasts I forgot my iPod at home. I was distracted (totally my fault) by the kids and just left it there next to the computer. This meant rolling with the radio if I wanted tunes. I tuned into 103.3 Jams, one of the local "urban contemporary" stations here in KC. I heard a new song by Fabolous and another from Mary J. Blige's album but the majority of it was the three-note, finger snappin' garbage polluting the airwaves these days. Then it was time for the commercials. This was where I determined that I am not the demographic that Black radio stations cater to typically. I do not own/want dubs for my car. I am not trying to get years of late child support payments from a deadbeat parent. And since I didn't know about it last year, I seriously doubt I'll be in attendance to the local Second Annual Freak 'Em Dress Ball. The only commercial that appealed to me was one for the Steve Harvey Show, and I hardly ever listen to that either.
Am I missing something here? Is everyone who listens to urban radio in a complete financial state of disarray? It's reasons like this that I don't subscribe to Clear Channel/Radio One way of getting new music.
Recently I particpated in a roundtable discussion. After much anticipation, the BART has arrived!
What is BART?
The Best Albums Round Table 2007 (BART) connects five (5) people from the blogging and podcasting community in a round table discussion about this years Top 10 albums from the urban genres (e.g., neo-soul, R&B and hip hop). This podcast is available here as well as iTunes. The purpose of BART is to engage people in a discussion that will enlighten listeners on the artists and celebrate the contributions made by these artists in 2007.
For a list of the albums and panelists, visit the website @ http://fridayfavecast.com/bart
This morning I went to the local lab to get some blood work done (routine) and I overheard a nurse say to a very frustrated patient, "This is a new computer so we have no access to the files on the old one." Um, excuse me? Are you a business working in the 21st century? Aren't you part of a large corporation that has many outlets across these United States? I'm sorry but you should have some type of local archiving process for sensitive and important documents such as patient information. Better yet, your company should provide some type of network access and backing up procedure. In today's world there's no excuse for this type of ineptitude and indolence.
*steps off soapbox*
Last night I was listening to Your Mac Life. Shawn King brought up the news story about Jay-Z not wanting to sell his new album, American Gangster, on iTunes because it's a concept album and wants it sold and promoted that way (instead of by single download). I quickly realized that I was the minority voice (in more ways than one) as the chat room chatter turned to slams on Jay-Z and rap music on a whole. The repeated rant of a respected colleague (and friend) was "HE'S A GREEDY BASTARD!" I'm sorry you feel that way, Lesa. I know many share the sentiment, whether it's him or Metallica (they get the same complaint so there's no reason to play the race card as someone suggested). After seeing her post that over and over it got me thinking about something...
Flash back about three years ago to the advent of the iTunes Music Store. As a Mac enthusiast, I remember the excitement of seeing my favorite musician or band's label make the decision to add the artist's catalog to iTunes. While I usually had most of the catalog it was cool to have access to alternative mixes and tracks. When new albums became available at the same time as the retail chains we all thought it was cool that the labels decided to do that. Flash ahead to present day and the scene has changed so drastically. Now there are singles released on iTunes that aren't available anywhere else. For many, iTunes IS the way to purchase music. I know of at least five people who haven't bought a CD in two years. I also know people of the other end of the spectrum, who have never bought anything on iTunes because of the lack of availability of certain indie labels. And they're OK with that too. Somewhere along the line, especially among those of us who listen to popular music, we have come to demand the availability of music in iTunes. For proof just Google search "Beatles on iTunes" and enjoy over 2 million hits of expectation and anticipation. The way I see it, if Jay-Z was truly "greedy" he would exploit his artistic work for every penny possible, making it available to every venue possible in every form. He actually has the ability to do that since he is the CEO of his recording label. But he chose not to do so because he wanted people to experience a modern day concept album. If you're not a rap music fan it must be hard to see it as an art form compared to "insert your favorite genre of music here." Not growing up listening to classic rock, metal, and country I felt the same way before taking the time to listen with an open ear and mind. And when compared to classic concept albums like Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band it may even seem trivial. But isn't the decision still in the hands of the labels, let alone the artist? Personally, I had no problem spending the same $9.99 at Best Buy for the CD, bringing it home, ripping it to iTunes, and syncing it to my iPod. Different "experience," same result. I just don't see what the big deal is.
Now if you want to talk greedy, let's talk baseball and Alex Rodriguez...
* I think I had a fight with Freddy last night. I took off my sweater today at work and discover this slash across my arm. Weird. Just call me Nancy!
* I was going back in my archives the other night (hence my last post) and I came to a realization: I miss blogging. I miss that daily account of what is going on in my life. With that in mind I will try to post more, even if it means less time on Flickr, Twitter, and Scrabulous.
* I have no interest in the World Series. Call it sour grapes.
* Talking about baseball, I am so disappointed in the way the Yankees organization did Joe Torre dirty. Even if his successor does a great job Torre's legacy has been tarnished by the way they handled his departure.
* Is anybody feeling any new music? If so PLEASE let me know!
I’ve never been one
For playing games
You can move your mouth forever
But the words sound just the same
Something like
Bang bang you’re dead
Couldn’t we just make love instead
Say yes because it’s what we do best
And I’ve had such a hard day
- George Michael, "Hard Day"
Sometimes I just wake up with a song in my head. This was today's. I should have ripped it to my iPod. Lord knows I was up early enough to do it. I arrived to work one hour early. The good news is I'll beat the rush hour traffic. And that's always a good thing.
Hooray for stain resistant clothing!
About 20 minutes ago I spilled grape juice on my shirt and khaki pants. Now I'm staring in amazement at how there are no stains as it dried. Technology in clothing needs more props than it gets.
That's all...
If you hear squealing coming out the Mid-West that resembles a young school girl in love don't be alarmed. It's just me! Today I scored a "twofer" as I landed tickets to see both The Roots here in KC later this month AND The Police in St. Louis for the week of 4th of July. I can't wait for either show, despite the major difference in venue sizes.
It's a culmination of sorts. The Police was my favorite rock band coming up in the early 80s. Their infusion of punk, rock, ska, and "regatta de blanc" opened a door into a new genre that would lead to my discovery of everything from classic rock icons like The Beatles to most 80s pop/rock acts to modern day artists like U2. And The Roots gave me hope in the legacy of hip hop music. They showed me you can love rap music and still be diverse enough to adapt styles from other genres.
I dare someone to knock me off this high I'm on today!
Gloves? Check. Wool scarf? Check. Skull cap and 180s? Check squared. So why am I still frozen from a five minute walk?
It's so cold outside that I tried to swallow my saliva and choked because I opened my mouth.
I have to laugh at least once a day. It's healthy, ya know?
Today's crackup came courtesy of my co-worker. We're doing self profiles and a part of it is referencing which Seinfeld character you're most like. His was Kramer so I said, "Don't say the N word!" His response?
"Newman?"
