2008 May | EltenTwelve

Archive for May, 2008

May

Featured Band of the Week: Radiohead [Pilot Post]

By eltentwelve 0 Comments

Categories: music

Now, who isn’t a fan of Radiohead here? That sounded wrong, so let me rephrase it: Who here was never a Radiohead fan at one point in their lives? I cannot recall anyone I know who might answer this question otherwise. That is of course, by making it a point to not acknowledge that person’s existence. Radiohead are worth my 20 bucks of respect.

There is a reason why I put them here today, and it’s the reason why other bands are going to make it to this blog. This is in particular, bands that I have heard so far, and perhaps, a more detailed why – it’s that simple.

Now, it’ll be a little too redundant if I start putting down extra information on the group – because I’ve met hardcore fans who’ll probably shove their CD collection in my face after hearing what I have to say about their favorite band with a little less than the average superlative they so deserve. So let me just take you to which home it is I’m driving my point at. At a recent poll of 200 entries on TIME Magazine, the group placed number 46 as one of their list of 100 Most Influential People.

This has got almost everything to do with their bold “freeconomics” move — which entitled the customers to purchase their latest album, “In Rainbows” for any price. Although 1/3 of the customers chose to get it for free, the group still made millions, even having deviated from the marketing leg of a record label that eats up what the artist truly owns. Now everyone is trying out the experiment the band had started, I just don’t know if they’ll all survive this laboratory exercise in particular.

Really, if you’ve got everything, there’s absolutely no reason for you to start putting a price on what you make, especially when you understand the fact that you’re doing something that’s priceless. We all know its commercial suicide – well, I guess not for these guys.

May

Top 5 Guitars and Why

By eltentwelve 2 Comments

Categories: music

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now at the stage wherein top 5 lists have become truly useful. Based on experience and research thru friends and acquaintances, these guitars seem to be one of just about every guitarist’s choices. I have tried to also include its affordability and accessibility, that way if you ever feel like taking this list seriously, you’d know what to get. So without further adieu, here’s the list of my Top 5 Guitars. And guess what, the ranking is finally given a chance because this post is according to user reviews.

On #5 Gibson Les Paul Melodymaker. It was first launched in 1959 and then discontinued in 1971. got Dog Ear p90 pickups, and its tone is just right. The wiring configuration is simple and comes with a single coil for pickups. What makes this go to the bottom of the list I guess is that it can only do one sound, and if you’re after variety this might not be the one for you. But clearly, for starters, because of its retail price of $379, it sits on its throne with a well-owned spot.

On #4 is our sturdy friendly Fender Stratocaster. Now what makes our buddy stay where he is, is for the thin twang it’s got compared to a Telecaster, and versatile single coil pick ups and is very easy to fix. In 1954, the first Strat was ever made, designed by three people that eventually became the staple name for anything that looked and had the features of the real Stratocaster, regardless of the manufacturer. Hendrix, Lennon and Clapton are only three of the many users or this guitar.

Third up, is the PRS McCarty. The designs are mouth-slobbering good, its mid tone is one’s fattest yet, and its production is quite limited. If you want something that’ll definitely set you apart, go ahead get yourself one. But then again, the cost rings up until your neck, so if you’re about to start playing guitar, this is clearly NOT the one for you, unless you feel like a Carlos Santana. Then again, he’s decades over his being a beginner.

On 2nd Place, is the Fender Telecaster. The bright cutting tone is what most guitarists seem to like in this one, and its smooth neck for playing. In 1940s, the first Tele was developed by Leo Fender. Its got a natural chorus to it and is good for rhythm guitars. Some say it sounds good only with the string gauge below.11. In my opinion, it could’ve made the top, but we also want something that’s not everyone’s guitar.

Last but not the least is the Fender Jazzmaster. It is a little high maintenance, but its tone and ergonomically apt design makes it a great companion for those who play while standing up. Reasons why I like this in particular is because its tone is almost like a piano and Marquee Moon being what it is, is icing on the cake. Although you see it just heightens up my vote. Some of the most sought-after bands have been Jazzmaster aficionados, name it, from Thom Yorke, Mike E and so with Kevin Shields to name a few, they make you think this guitar’s the right one for you.

May

What Happened Here?

By eltentwelve 0 Comments

Categories: internets and rant

I don’t know if it’s just me, or do other people notice it too – but the quality of music these days in my opinion have dried up. When I say this, I mean mainstream music, and the standards of the consumers themselves. Turn on the radio and the telly, and you will find some junk—if not, you can very well substitute your trash bin for these two pointless objects. I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I’m pretty grossed out with what I’ve seen and heard so far.

This is where I’ve built a strong relationship with the internetz. Though the content may be tricky, the best can be found here just by browsing through a couple of sites. Jumping from one blog to the other can make you come home with a handful of great new and old music and movies.

There was a point in time where all the songs on the radio and television were considered top-notch quality, and those who were popular were indeed good and became popular because of how good they were, al right. By this, I mean the content, lyrics and structure itself. I’m ranting like a brat today because I had to stay and wait for a friend with only the radio on for a good 2 hours. What I had heard completely blew my mind, in a way that I didn’t want it to piece itself back again or I’d have to mentally absorb zero quality content.

Life without the internet would be a mess.