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Picked up a iPod Touch last weekend

February 20, 2011 by Chris

We just picked up the iPod Touch, 4th generation, over the weekend. The thinking behind getting one was to place all of our audio collections, both CD’s & Vinyl albums, in one easy to access, portable or stationary entertainment system. The purchase of the iPod Touch has been swimming around in our minds for quite some time now.

iPod Touch 34gigabit 4th Generation During the sales pitch by an Apple rep in the store we were in, she brought to our attention (mine actually because my wife, as usual, was light years ahead of me in understanding what wondrous things this product can bring to us) to the options that come with it.

Then it came to me that this thing appears to look and act just like the iPad. Right after this thought, she said that some of the Apps on the iPad Touch can also be used on the iPod. The rep concluded that the look of an App itself, on either one, might differ a little bit, who really cares if it works on both.

A while ago I talked about this appealing guitar app called the Amplitube that is used on an iPad. I considered this one as an excellent idea for someone like myself. So now I’m wondering if I could get the Amplitube on the the iPod Touch? I’ll get back to ya on what I find later on.

Does anyone out there have one and like to advise me on what Guitar Apps is worth looking into that actually work?

Keep on Jammin’




Filed Under: Entertainment, Guitar Equipment, Music, musical instruments, My Equipment, Recreation Tagged With: 34 gig, 4th generation, apple products, apps, Electronics, guitar, Ipod, pedals, practising, sound, Touch

What is the Fretlight Guitar

February 2, 2011 by Chris

I just found this ad on my one of my sites for something called a Fretlight Guitar and the first thing that popped into my mind was a guitar neck that has lights inserted into a fretboard that indicates where to place your fingers.

I guess this would be a great idea for beginners but it does sound a little bit gimmicky to me. If you were a drummer, would you buy a drum kit that has lights in the middle of your drum skin, telling you which one to hit? I guess it’s a start.

I cannot say through personal experience if this guitar is worth it, for someone like myself, but it might be ideal for a beginner.

I found this silly/cheesy video that gets to the point in a humorous way. I found tons of other ones that would bore you to sleep or a guy in the video’s who’s voice would make you close your browser window faster then a speeding bullet, so I picked this one.

The guy below doing the critiquing is definitely not the type of guitarist that I would aspire to become but he cuts right to the meat and potatoes part of the question!

Obviously if you want more info about this guitar, just search their site or Youtube where of coarse you’ll find 5 billion video’s about it. I should know, I just spent roughly 1 hour doing so!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oJLbJCPhsU&feature=fvw

Pros about the Fretlight.

I will say that if you are just starting out playing the guitar and you might wish to find unique ways of speeding up the learning curve, then this might be an idea worth looking into. The software looks promising. Up to now, Fretlight has a limited number of songs in their program to show you, that will expand I imagine, as the company grows. Some of the options are interesting.

You can slow the speed of the song down when your learning from the software. In the beginning, your not as agile with your fingers as you think are. You need to slow down and take each part or phrasing of a song apart bit by bit until you master it. It’s better to sound like shit at home then in front of people! It’s great that they have a looping section here. This allows you to practice over and over again a part of the song until you have it down perfectly, this option I really like.

Cons about the Fretlight

This is JUST A PRACTICE GUITAR. The quality of the guitar is ok if that is what you want. For around $300 bucks, what do you think you’ll for that. I went to more then a couple of guitar forums and that seems to be the consensus.

If you have had any exposure to the Fretlight Guitar, then I’d love to hear your point of view of this instrument.

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Guitars, Instruments, Video Tagged With: computer software, electric, fretlight, guitar, pratice

Nash the Slash and Iggy Pop interview

January 31, 2011 by Chris

Here is a rare video of Nash the Slash and Iggy Pop interviewing themselves after a concert in Calgary Alberta sometime in 1982. I think it was 1982 because Nash was on a North American tour with Iggy Pop from February-April in 1982.

They just appear to be having a great time in each others presence. I’m not sure what they’re getting at or if there is any purpose to the interview but it sure is entertaining at times! In one section someone alludes to the fact that it is being shot in a local TV studio somewhere in Calgary.If anyone out there knows more about the video please tell me, I’d love to find out.

Nash can’t remember, but he thinks there are serious stories to be told here, but..he…can’t…. remember. Jim…..Help!!! Just kidding. Iggy and Nash remember everything that happened over the entire six week tour, but they refuse to incriminate each other.
Nash the Slash’s Gravesite

At one point in the video, they show us some of the finer points of yoga and stretching. Come to think of it, they may have been the forerunners of the 20 Minute Workout video’s? Remember that show?

The video is very poor and grainy at times, I’ll warn you now.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGZnP_oNVko

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting the man, without the bandages, at a local patio. It was so cool to finally meet a boyhood legend that it left me speechless … yes speechless!

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Canadian, Entertainment, Great Bands, Humor, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Rock History, Television, Toronto, Toronto Bands, Video Tagged With: 1980s, alternative Rock, calgary, FM, Iggy Pop, Progressive Rock, punk rock, real wild child, toronto band, wild one

Happy Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

January 24, 2011 by Chris

Ok this is way out there but Happy Bubble Wrap(B.W.) Appreciation Day!

Ah come on, everybody loves B.W! You have to admit that at least once in your life you saw a piece of B.W. just sitting there in front of ya, looking right back saying, Ah come on over here and get a little fix! Nobody’s watching.

Many years ago I ran a Computer VAR warehouse when the company was first starting up. I was looking for an in to this company so I took it and ran with it. Anyway, we had tons of bubble kicking around the place. We had it in large long rolls, small pouches for RAM and loose pieces everywhere. When things got a hint stressful, bang, bang could be heard throughout the warehouse. It also helps to stop smoking … I heard that somewhere.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adk7pcR8004

So for some of you out there that might require a little bit of a B.W. popping fix, then this link is for you!

Keep on Popping!

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Humor, Recreation, Video Tagged With: appreciation day, bubble, bubble wrap, funny, Humor, humour, odd, wrap

Kitty Rock guitarist

January 19, 2011 by Chris

For all those who like to Rock … we salute you! This one kitty band sure has a lot going for it. The look and attitude are there, all that’s missing is a few more. The only thing that this Rocker is probably addicted to is cat nip!

Rock and Roll Kitty

Don’t ya just love the mini Marshall Amp, the hairdo and that wild look in killer Kitty’s eyes!

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, General, Humor, Music, Recreation Tagged With: cat, funny humor, guitarist, humour, kitty, little rocker, rock and roll, small rocker

Music might be the best way to a man’s heart?

January 16, 2011 by Chris

So there is a new study out by Canadian researchers at McGill University in Montreal that says music helps the brain release the same feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. It’s just like the ones we get when we partake in our favorite foods, sex or, for some amount of us out there, illicit drugs. Got that ladies, maybe it’s time to get out of the kitchen and go take up an instrument that will allow you to make some wild music with the one your with? Oow, I bet I’m in a little trouble for that one! Just kiddin’ … kind of.

Music triggers the same pleasure-reward system in the brain as food, sex and illicit drugs, according to Canadian researchers who have been peering into minds of music lovers.

They’ve discovered the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine is released when people listen to their favourite music, be it rock, jazz or classical.Montreal Gazette

I found this piece in the Montreal Gazette and it caught my eye. It’s called Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll? You may just need the music: Study by Margaret Munro just this morning.

To read more about this topic check out this Health Canada link.

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Health, Home and Lifestyle, Music Tagged With: dopamine, McGill University, montreal, neurotransmitter

Austin City Limits moving to new location

January 13, 2011 by Chris

So the longest-running music series in American television history, Austin City Limits (ACL) is getting quite the upgrade and a new larger studio. The Moody Foundation of Galveston has donated a large sum of money to ACL for new HD production equipment and to boost seating from 320 to 2,750. Through their donation the Foundation gains the naming rights to the theatre to be called the Moody Theatre

Ok, I get it, they might want to upgrade/replace the old studio by how are they going to replace that feel that you get with a smaller much more intimate venue?

Not that I’m against the advancement of music halls but why don’t the designers work with what they have? Don’t they have the expertise and technology to do it correctly?

I’ve been a huge fan of ACL’s for so many years now that I can’t remember the first time I’ve ever seen it. The bands that they had were amazing. The complete listings of bands that have performed must be HUGE. Just check out some of the line ups that have been there on the Rolling Stone website, there’s no way you can read them all!

So check what I consider the best show ever to grace the stage at the famous Austin City Limits stage!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Cc-EoybFY

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Concerts, Entertainment, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Recreation, Rock History, Television, Video Tagged With: ACL, austin city limits, austin texas, Moody Foundation of Galveston, moody theatre, rolling stone, studio

Merry Christmas Everyone!

December 24, 2010 by Chris

Well it’s that time of the year again kids. We all sit around talk, eat and socialize with one another. Some may go forth to spread the good cheers with family (some may even run the other way), friends or even plain strangers! I just hope that yours is full of great memories.

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!

Us, we’re sitting around at home cleaning up, getting some fantastic food prepared to head off to my folks home for a little X-mas dinner and just being plain thankful for what we have, especially our health.

So have a safe and Merry Christmas with all your loved ones!

Keep on Jammin’ everyone!


Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Recreation Tagged With: 2010, Christmas, merry, x-mas

Debbie Harry was abducted by Ted Bundy?

December 12, 2010 by Chris

My wife told me about this bizarre story about how the lead singer of the band Blondie, Debbie Harry (age 65), was briefly abducted by the 1970’s serial killer Ted Bundy. I thought to myself that this is weird because I’ve never heard about this story before.

My wife came across this story through a UK newspaper feed that tells us of this nasty tale. If you closely follow Debbie’s story, it may come across as a little bit confusing. If you are aware of Ted Bundy’s life as one of the worlds craziest serial killers, then you will know what I mean. Go to Snopes to see more.

“He tried to stop me by spinning the car but it sort of helped me fling myself out. Afterwards I saw him on the news. Ted Bundy.”

As the story goes, Debbie informs us that this event happened in New York city. She claims, It was in the early ’70s and I was trying to get across town at two or three o’clock in the morning. This little car kept coming around and offering me a ride. I kept saying no but finally I took the ride because I couldn’t get a cab.

I got in the car and the windows were are rolled up, except for a tiny crack. This driver had an incredibly bad smell to him. I looked down and there were no door handles. The inside of the car was stripped. The hairs on the back of my neck just stood up. I wiggled my arm out of the window and pulled the door handle from the outside. I don’t know how I did it, but I got out.

He tried to stop me by spinning the car but it sort of helped me fling myself out. Afterward, I saw him on the news. Ted Bundy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH3Q_CZy968&feature=related

I don’t know what to think about this story, but it sure was interesting to read.

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Great Bands, History, Music, Musicians, Video Tagged With: abduction, blondie, debbie harry, Debra Harry, lead singer, new york city, punk, rock and roll, rumors, snopes, ted bundy

Does bigger drums means a better drummer?

November 18, 2010 by Chris

Is the old saying more is better always correct or what about less is more? Sometimes it is and sometimes …

I ran into this situation a couple of minutes ago. I was watching a neat little video from a drummer name Gavin Harrison. It was a video from a concert that he performed titled Sound of Muzak, in which he and his huge drum kit are the only things on the stage. I must admit that I have never seen a video like this, so I had to watch it in it’s entirety.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzFfNk4xGTE&feature=related

The video is not about a drummer performing inhuman drum solo over and over again, in what seems like eternity!

It shows us a guy who has perfect command of his drumming technique. Gavin’s style shows us that every one of his movements (rolls) are extremely fluid, flowing seamlessly from one drum to another. His drum kit in huge and the sound is just amazing! Now here is where I run into that old saying!

A old buddy of mine, Domenic, has shown us time and time again that he too exhibits these same musical skills as Gavin, but Domenic does so on a much smaller drum kit. He makes his modest gear sound like he is playing on a much larger one. Not that I’m bashing Gavin Harrison, not at all! It’s just that I think, most non musicians out there believe that you must have a lot of drums to produce a sound big. Now listen to by buddy to see what I am getting at.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgXnYew2YRE

So my question to you is does a bigger drum kit mean that you are a better drummer?

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Instruments, musical instruments, Musicians, My experiences, Playing Styles, Video Tagged With: big kit, bigger is better, Domenic Nardone, drummer, drumming, drums, Gavin Harrison, less is more, small kit, technique

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