So, a pretentious group of musicians is upset that their music is being used to torment America’s most dangerous enemies?
And now they want the U.S. government to release an official song list?
I can’t imagine that such a document actually exists. Are we supposed to believe that CIA and Pentagon interrogators around the world were issued [...]

You gotta love this! 
The Blue State Cowboys, led by Matt Farmer, sing country-style about “pay to play” in the Windy City.
For those who might want to adopt this in their band’s repertoire, I’ve posted the lyrics on my blog at: http://thepurplecenter.blogspot.com/2009/01/blue-state-cowboys-sing-pay-to-play-but.html

I really got a kick out of this…

(h/t: American Copywriter)

We interrupt the political commentary to bring you this quick but needed tribute to one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians: Bo Diddley, who died yesterday at the age of 79. I know of no better way to remember him than through his music. So, here’s a little bit.

I don’t watch really like the show so I never care who wins, but this is a hometown boy we’re talking about here so some props are in order for the guy who won the second most popular election in 2008.
Seriously, check out these numbers…
A record 97 million votes were cast overall, 23 million more [...]

Enjoy…

(Song by The Go! Team)

If you haven’t seen the song inspired by Barack Obama’s speech, here you go.

By the way, the campaign had nothing to do with this. The people who made it were simply moved by his speech and made a song about it.
UPDATE:
I literally can not get this song out of my head.
Also, the Obama camp is [...]

Even if you loathe electronic music, you may find this interesting…
The reactable is a multi-user electronic music instrument with a tabletop tangible user interface. Several simultaneous performers share complete control over the instrument by moving physical objects on a luminous table surface. By moving and relating these objects, representing components of a classic modular [...]

And I’m almost certain he’s actually writing it. There’s too much original content on there for it not to be. And by the way, the content is pretty damn good too, if you enjoy reading an insider’s perspective on the music industry.
Here are some of his thoughts on the guilt by association game reporters are [...]

Apparently it pokes the cats and gets them to meow. Heh.
Calm down, it was built back in 1650, so it’s not around anymore. Well, until I build a new one.
More at Gizmodo.

Jen(nifer) posts her three choices for all-time worst Christmas song.
I don’t have a three worst songs. I have one song that I’d nominate for all three position. “Happy Holidays/It’s the Holiday Season,” sung (and written?) by Andy Williams, the robotic ’60s easy listening singer with the eyes of a James Bond villain. He’s a passable [...]

Classical music in America isn’t what it used to be.
Yes, it never was.
But I can’t help enjoy a rather dismissive review of a book that itself dismisses two of my favorite modern American composers, Barber (born in my hometown, I used to pass his house every day; he wrote the alma mater of my dad’s [...]

I’m all for memorializing this very important moment in our history, but the following scenario smells an awful lot like propaganda. I’m going to need some more information, but here are some thoughts after reading a story from The Age.
First off, the announcement was “tucked into an Iraq war briefing.” Is that the appropriate place [...]

Is this why we need an ACLU?
The American Civil Liberties Union has sued a school district on behalf of a 14-year-old rap music fan who was expelled after he posted lyrics on the Internet in which, according to police, he threatened to shoot up his school and named a potential victim.
The ACLU said the songs [...]

A bit of music criticism to start your day out right

I am a big fan of Jon Stewart, as you may have noticed from this post. I think he’s whip-smart, makes great points and has fun in the process. And he’s very respectful of the guests when they come on The Daily Show.
But when he’s on other shows…well…
So rewind with me to October 2004. [...]

The minister of mayhem himself shares his southpaw views on the world

Noel Gallagher, lead singer of England pop-rock band Oasis, imparts some wisdom on the world.