I was lucky enough to come across this tune on my way home from work tonight...totally made my ride and my night! So, I thought I would share the goodness that is Black Heat...it's the perfect close to a Monday work day...Enjoy! Image via DC Soul Recordings photostream on Flickr.
About three years ago, I traveled to the UK for my cousin’s wedding in London. It was an amazing trip, on which I managed to visit many museums, galleries, shops and sights. In case you missed my previous post, it was the same trip upon which I scored my “Devonshire Clotted Cream” tin. It was also on this trip that, on foot, guided by many maps etc., I managed to stumble across the ICA, located just down the street from my hotel, near Trafalgar Square.
The ICA is an amazingly innovative and influential cultural institution that showcases a daily program of contemporary arts, ideas, film and culture in London. In addition, they have an amazing book store/gift shop. In fact, I think I actually spent more time in the shop than I did in the gallery. But anywho, it was in said shop, that I came across this amazing book, The Music Library.
If you are at all interested in music and/or design, this is definitely a book you may want to invest in. And I say this because, like most art books, it ain’t cheap…but it definitely is worth the price. Featuring over 325 sleeves, plus an exclusive CD, this book is a “graphic joyride through some of the greatest unseen and unheard music ever made."
Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s “Library Music,” also known as source, or mood music, was made for use in animations, commercials, films and TV programs. The Music Library is a fascinating compilation of cover art, showcasing beautiful Library LP's that were never commercially available and were manufactured in limited numbers. Collected by some of the top UK collectors, compiled by Jonny Trunk and published by FUEL, this book, is an amazing source of inspiration and endless visual stimulation. To prove it, I initially bought it as a gift, but later bought myself my own copy. Yes, this book was worth buying twice!
Here I've showcased just a few of my favorite sleeve designs, but if you want to see more, be sure to check out the details on the FUEL website and perhaps buy your own copy. Enjoy!
Hello all! Hope you had a fantastic weekend despite the crappy weather. My weekend was rather busy, filled with studio work and the usual weekend errands; however I did step out, rather unexpectedly, on Saturday night to attend The Colonel's Super Dooper Guitar Party. Thanks to my friends Heidi and Ty and their persistent postings on Facebook, I came across a sampling of what to expect from this party in Pawtucket. I was sold when I heard this recording from Barbara Lynn, apparently it was her first single and a #1 R&B hit and Top 10 pop hit in 1962.
Held at The German Hall and filled with vendors, memorabilia, and a most amazing display of rare, and unusual guitars, this three-day event was unlike any that I had been to before in Rhode Island. I do believe The German Hall was the perfect setting for this event with its rather period-specific décor. Some of my favorite accents included: the gold lame curtains that hung above the stage, the sconces framed in gold and matted in pink fabric, and of course, the vintage posters advertising German beer and food that lined the hallways = total awesomeness.
Overall the evening was a welcomed blast from the past, the highlight of which, for me, was hearing Barbara Lynn perform. I was hoping to include a video of her opening song here in this post, however after many failed attempts to upload the video, I gave up and opted to post stills instead (click images to see larger). You’ll just have to take my word for it, she rocked!
Totally inspired by her performance, I managed to purchase one of her CD’s and was lucky enough to get her to sign it just before I left for the evening! Barbara Lynn is such a sweetie and a true inspiration, I feel so fortunate to have gotten the chance to see her play, as well as, meet her! Big thanks to The Colonel for bringing all of her talent, and that of many others, to Pawtucket! It was a blast.
Sorry to say, I have no images, or videos to share from last night's sighting of The Soft Pack. Total bummer on so many levels, so you'll just have to settle for this one I swiped from Flickr. However, some highlights of the evening included: Brian Hill being so much of a gentleman, that he moved over a seat for my friend and I, at the bar...when we didn't even ask him to...awe, spotting the entire band while we ate dinner...we were surrounded, but of course, I was too much of a chicken to say anything to any of them, grrr, and finally, since the place wasn't packed, I got to stand front and center for their entire set...swoon!
Despite two drunken fans with a toy lightsaber (no comment) the show was awesome! I only wish I could have hung out post show and mingled for a bit, but nope, I had to be responsible and get my friend back to providence asap...so it goes. If they ever get around to playing the area again, I will most definitely get a new camera, go see them, and get some pics, or maybe even a video! Until then, be sure to get your fill by checking out their website, they've got some great photos and a few new videos up. Enjoy!
Photo via Radio K (KUOM) Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN's Photostream on Flickr
If someone asked me today, at this very moment, who my favorite band is, I would say with complete confidence, “The Soft Pack” or rather, “The Muslims.” When I first heard this band, it was on something like, MySpace and they were, “The Muslims” and I liked them A LOT! Unlike some people, their name didn’t bother me, since it’s a band, not a corporation, and I guess, I’m educated and not a racist (refer to NME article). Certainly, I’m not an expert when it comes to music either, nor the history of, but I can tell you this, I just love the deadpan vocals of Matt Lamkin, Brian Hill’s leg-shaking, arm-waving drums, Mr. McLoughlin’s gutty guitar and the easy-going delivery of bass guitarist Dave Lantzman!
So…why am I sharing all of this with you? BECAUSE…I am going to see, The Soft Pack this Saturday, at The Middle East in Boston!! I cannot express adequately how excited I am, I can only hope to capture my exuberance on film, or rather, in pixels…and post about it after. My camera is broken, but hopefully I will make due, and get something up here that is visible. So stay tuned for more to come on The Muslims, I mean, The Soft Pack…whatever…
