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A New Look to the Classic Court Links

30 Nov

I like revamping old-school blog entries just for the sake of wanting change. Today, I sat a row closer to the front of my English classroom just for a change and most of those who usually sit around me, followed me and adjusted to my change. Those who generally sit next to me in the fourth row sat with me in the third row. And, those who sit a row in front of me in row three sat in row two. Seriously, people are creature’s of habit and are susceptible to being tricked. So, hopefully this slight change to court links won’t freak you out so much. Don’t worry, I am not going to trick you. Court Links will be split into three sections tonight (Random Video, What Did You Say and Awesome Link)

We start with:

What Did You Say?:

Headline: Abba star loses bankruptcy dispute with Buddhist Monk

Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/sweden/8162864/Abba-star-loses-bankruptcy-dispute-with-Buddhist-monk.html

Well, I guess I won’t be taking a chance on her. Here is what I have been able to gather from this odd story. Former Abba-er Anni-Frid Reuss brought a bankruptcy order, which is an order issued by the court as a result of a petition for bankruptcy by either a creditor or a debtor in order to declare an individual bankrupt, against her former Buddhist teacher. Alright, so we are clear. No. Well, trust me I shook my head also. Well her, and her boyfriend Henry Smith, lost the dispute. But, have no fear, the lifestyle of this particular member of the rich and famous is not changing anytime soon. The 4.5 million euros she lost is mere pocket change. She is worth somewhere around 100 million euros. Moral of the story. Don’t sue monks. They have super powers. (Disclaimer…In no way does the Music Court support the claim that monks actually have super powers).

Random Video

We are going to stick with Abba, because, why not? Here is a really nice acoustic instrumental of “Dancing Queen.” Just because you know enough words to sing along does not make you a loser!

Awesome Link

Rolling Stone Magazine has been running this amazing playlist special where they ask famous musicians to pick their personal top 10. May I present to you Art Garfunkel‘s Top 10

http://rollingstoneextras.com/playlists/view/art-garfunkel

“Killer Joe” by the Rocky Fellers. Wow, that is an obscure early 60s rock band made up of children. Yes, they were all kids. This was one of those bands that will never be remembered because they were overtaken by the British invasion. They were talented. “Killer Joe,” by Bert Russell and Bob Elgin, reached #16 on the charts in 1963. This band of Filipino brothers also possess a very interesting fun fact.

Did you know that in 1963, the Fellers recorded “Santa, Santa,” a Christmas song written by a 22-year-old, unknown Neil Diamond.

Here is “Killer Joe”

Beatles’ Selling, Axl Suing, Fleet Foxes Personalizing

24 Nov

Who said that the agreement that finally put Beatles‘ songs up for sale on iTunes was no big deal? After a week on iTunes, The Beatles’ have sold 450,000 albums and two million individual songs worldwide.

Link: http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/11/24/beatles-week-1-2-million-singles-sold-but-which-classics-endure/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Am I surprised? No. The Beatles once again prove why they are the biggest band in the world. Ever. It does not matter that they broke up 40 years ago. Hey, Usher, remember when you said Justin Beiber was a pop craze like the Beatles. Lets see if 40 years from now he is still selling like the Beatles.

The massive quantity of songs and albums sold reflect a symbolic jailbreak of music. It is nice to see that people did not acquire the mp3 versions of the songs for their portable music devices illegally. Well, some, some waited to acquire the music legally.

So, I guess we can look at the ratings and see what is officially the most popular Beatles’ song and album – according to iTunes sales.

Best Selling Album: Abbey Road

Best Selling Song: Here Comes the Sun“…

Which is off of Abbey Road, my favorite Beatles’ album. iTunes fans have spoken. Now, while the best Beatles’ song is arguably “A Day in the Life” and best album probably is the one with peppers in its name, this is certainly telling. Heck, Abbey Road was the last album released before the Beatles dissolved. Imagine if they kept releasing music. Do you see what I did there?

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In other news, Axl Rose is suing Activision, makers of the Guitar Hero games, for $20 million. Yawn. Store this in the I don’t really care news bin. Rose, who is already rich, is looking for more money because…well read the article if you are interested.

Link: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/axl-rose-sues-activision-over-guns-n-roses-guitar-hero-feature/story-e6frfku0-1225960010189

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Performing on Letterman (Credit: Blush Photo)

Fleet Foxes, the awesome indie/folk band from Seattle that took the country by storm with their eponymous first album in 2008, is planning on releasing their new album in the Spring of next year.

According to lead singer Robin Pecknold, the album is going to travel inwards.

“It’s a lot more personal to me and direct in terms of the lyrics, less shrouded in metaphor or visuals. Musically I’d say it’s still in the same family but hopefully just more refined,” said Pecknold in an interview with clashmusic.com

I am excited. Fleet Foxes is an excellent modern band that have the attention of true music lovers. Their brand of folk/rock calls back to the 60’s musical tradition and I am eager to hear what is coming next.

Link: http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/fleet-foxes-finish-more-personal-album_1185915

The Beatles Are Now On iTunes

16 Nov

The Beatles Are Now On iTunes

This is the image you are greeted with when you go to Apple.com. The fab four have never gotten this spread on Apple, mainly because they were not on iTunes. Well, now they are.

Oh, that massive library of hits. Apple has been trying to get their hands on that for a long time. And, finally, a promotion is awaiting the people who settled the differences and worked around the finances of the band.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-beatles/id136975

That link takes you to the download page on iTunes.

What does this mean for you?

Well, if you don’t currently have the entire Beatles’ library on your iPod (I do) then you can now purchase choice Beatles’ songs for 99 cents a pop. But, be careful. A spending spree may be in order for many listeners. Similar to Pringles, once you pop you can’t stop downloading songs!

Yesterday, I brought you a post saying that it might happen and today I bring you this saying that it did. I am happy when I am right. So, go on iTunes and enjoy some Beatles’ downloading…and make the richest band ever, richer!

Now, the real question of the morning is what song should I use to celebrate this agreement. It may be just as complicated as the whole Apple+Beatles situation. Okay, maybe not. I got it. Symbolism?

Another Brick In The Wall/Your Ipod Playlist

15 Nov

Are the Beatles finally coming to iTunes?

 

Beatpod?

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/11/15/wsj_apple_to_announce_arrival_of_beatles_catalog_on_itunes.html

Will the long-standing feud come to an end tomorrow? According the the Wall Street Journal, the answer is a:

You all know you liked what I did there? Beatles’ puns are the best. Apple’s “exciting announcement” will be made tomorrow and despite Yoko Ono‘s quieting of rumors back in August, the WSJ cites sources close to the situation who believe that this will be the statement. What took so long? The Beatles’ finances are like an inextricable web of numbers and agreements. Let’s be real. It wont be untangled, but, intelligent people can work around it if they have patience. It is possible that the conflict has ended and finally iTunes customers will be able to download Beatles’ music from the music service tomorrow. Cross your fingers.

“We don’t need no education. We don’t need no thought control.” You can just hear the eery sound of the school children’s choir. Well, a Tampa choir is going to have that pleasure tomorrow. And, in this bloggers mind, that is amazing!

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/tampa-students-snag-a-spot-performing-pink-floyd-song/1134212

Yes, I am jealous of the 12-year-old. This is such a cool opportunity. Seriously, it makes me giddy. It is like “School of Rock” except instead of Jack Black it is Roger Waters. (Insert Joke Here). Have fun out there kids. And, remember, “Leave them kids alone”

Ukulele and Conan O’Brien

9 Nov

The two subjects in the title are only related by the broad overhang of music. Just wanted to make that clear.

The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

I like the ukulele. I just don’t like what it has become. Modern pop musicians have found a trick to receiving thousands of listeners. Catchy music with a ukulele. Train took advantage of this easy formula. The ukulele got them their first hit in 10 years. Do I like them less for using the ukulele. No, of course not. I am not a big fan of “Hey Soul Sister,” but, the song gave them tremendous success. But, come on. A few simple chords on a higher-pitched instrument. What happened to the good ukulele. Well, it is out there.

Their faces may be hidden, but, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of talented musicians who love their ukulele. Heck, they may be shielding their faces out of shame of what has become to their beloved instrument. Check out this awesome video I found on Fark:

That is a live mash-up right there. No need for an audio program to create that. The ukulele got me in the mood for one of the most popular viral ukulele videos out there. Seriously, it has amassed over six million views since it was uploaded in 2006.

In Other News:

Conan O’ Brien is back on the air. His first episode of his new TBS late-night show aired yesterday and he expressed no harsh feelings to NBC, the network that royally screwed him over (but then paid him a lot of money)…not really. A lot of jokes centered around the controversy that sent him off television. But, he is back, and back with force. Jack White, his good friend, rocked out with Conan to the tune of “Twenty Flight Rock.” Good stuff.