AI song mastering is a thing now.

Arstechnica does a write comparing Apple, OZone, LANDR and Bandlabs AI Mastering Assistants.

I liked most of the results I got. Mastering Assistant, Ozone, and LANDR were each clearly capable of pro-sounding results; the web-based services I tried, including Bandlab and Waves, were somewhat more variable.

Apple's Mastering Assistant offered a less compressed and more open sound on my demo track, which sounded very nice. (Indeed, on another track of mine, I preferred Apple's approach for precisely this reason.) LANDR was also great, though it offered a much more controlled sound. For this demo track, however, Ozone's compressed-but-not-completely-crushed sound and its excellent handling of the overall EQ (the highs were present but never sizzling, for instance, and it dealt with one or two moments of sibilance better) won me over.

Music Monday: Rock and Roll Animal

How I have never heard this version before? This is a crazy ass take on Sweet Jane. INterview with Steve Hunter who plays guitar on it.

Ryan: You get asked a lot about the seminal intro on the live version of “Sweet Jane” on Lou Reed’s Rock ‘n Roll Animal album. My understanding is that you had previously worked up something similar during your time with Detroit and also The Chambers Brothers, is that right?

Steve: That’s exactly right. I started writing it when I was with Mitch Ryder in Detroit in around ’71

Final note on 'Intro'

Before the album was released Steve was 'persuaded' to sign away all his rights as the composer in the USA, his choice was simple, sign or 'Intro' would be cut out. Despite his name being on the album as composer from the release date, he did not begin to get any royalties as the writer until 2011. The statute of rights only goes back seven years, so 38 years of income was lost. 


Guitar Moves: Keith and Mascis

Never heard of this channel before, but two good interviews here to check out.

Gouge Away...

A little Pixie break for ya.

Music Mondays? Sure! Tom Waits - Glitter And Doom Concert Experience (2008)

Who can’t use a little bit of Tom Waits for the start of your work week?

How Corruption and Greed Led to the Downfall of Rock Music

Good backstory by Rick Beato on payola and more scumminess in the music biz circa late 90s. Rent backs? Check! Kickbacks? Check! Self dealing? Check!

Music Mondays: Nile Rodgers & CHIC: Tiny Desk Concert

Oh yeah….

Show on Friday the 13th

Howdy Portland peeps, anyone feel like seeing some American music, head on over to the Chill and Fill in North Portland for some live music tomorrow.

This is the story of Tim and How The Replacements Blew It.

“In 1985 The Replacements had the potential to become the next big thing. After four years of producing quality pop-coated hardcore, their major label debut Tim was supposed to be their next step, their leap into the mainstream. As stated in the album’s Rolling Stone review: “Tim... sounds as if it were made by the last real band in the world.””

The Replacements set up the template for alt country. Jeff Tweedy once famously said 'everything we do is based on the Replacements' before tearing into a rip-roaring version of 'Color Me Impressed'. Ryan Adams said he listened to nothing but 'Let It Be' while recording Whiskeytown's 'Strangers Almanac'. Uncle Tupelo toured with the band on the 'All Shook Down' tour. Lucero regularly covers 'If Only You Were Lonely' during their live shows.

I'll be your whatever you want

A bong hit in your reggea song.

One more for music Friday

K, one more here while I steam some jerseys.

Music Friday!

Super busy with work, but have a concert to watch!!

Music Friday

Check out little baby Robert Smith in this concert. THE CURE Apeldoorn, Netherlands 18 Jul 1980 FULL CONCERT

Overlook Porch Fest 2023

Fun little day of music going on here in Portland this Sunday. If you are in the area check it out. I’m playing at 1pm somewhere on this map ;)

The Daniel Lanois Interview: Peter Gabriel, U2, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson

Rick Beato interview here.

The Wood Brothers - The Muse Live 2020

More Wood Brothers live from 2020. Good stuff.

The Bandcamp Guide to Deerhoof

I do enjoy me some Deehoof. It’s not exactly easy listening though and some mornings I need some mellower sounds. But you can’t deny that they are for sure pushing the limits.

“A conversation with Deerhoof founder and percussionist Greg Saunier is as likely to touch on French writer and philosopher Édouard Glissant’s concept of opacity and Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine as it is on Beck’s early album chronology and Melvins’ drummer Dale Crover’s technique. Saunier retains an encyclopedic knowledge of not only Deerhoof’s history but of the social, cultural, and political forces that were at play when the band were composing their albums.

Speaking of encyclopedic, a whole collection of volumes could be written about each of Deerhoof’s albums with lengthy individual entries that delve into the philosophy and creation of each song. Using a consensus approach to song crafting, they strive for a balance of voices between Saunier, bassist and singer Satomi Matsuzaki, and guitarists John Dieterich and Ed Rodriguez on each album.”

Thanks Josh!