Hi,
Another of my favorite past adventures is skydiving. I was fortunate enough to do this twice, both as tandem jumps. This means that there is an instructor with you when you jump. Most of the experts will tell you that they highly recommend two tandem jumps before going solo. It also means that you will only need a two-hour class instead of 8 hours if you bypass this recommendation.
The reason why I jumped in the first place was because of two colleagues of mine from a record store chain that I worked for called Music Plus. Their names were Yvonne and Katja. We had a regional meeting one day at the house of our supervisor, Stacey. I happened to bring a video tape of a bunjee jump that I had done in Las Vegas about one month earlier. They saw that and said that they had decided to try something like that but they wanted to skydive instead. They asked if I wanted to go and I said, to paraphrase, "hell, yeah"!
Anyway, we jumped this time at a place called Perris Valley Skydiving and decided to go again at the same place a few months later. The second time, we had a total of about twelve people who all saw our videos and just had to try it. It is the biggest adrenaline rush ever. For those looking for a way to experience flying in the safest, most amazing way ever, I recommend it. Some I know think that it is crazy but you have far better odds of getting in a car accident, according to the statistics, than getting hurt skydiving. Believe it or not, the hardest or scariest part about skydiving is not the actual falling from the sky once you jump but the plane ride up to two miles above the Earth! I continually second-guessed my asinine decision to jump headlong out of an airplane, parachute or not. Once you finally jump, it is great.
My second jump, a few months later, my tandem partner was a professional. He told me that he had over 2,400 jumps and that he parachuted into the main stadium at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics! I was feeling pretty safe at that point. He suggested that since I had jumped once before that we try an advance maneuver jumping out of the plane, if I was up to it. The trick was that upon exiting the plane, we would roll over and look back up at the plane as others jumped. It was a pretty cool move except for one thing...I lost my right contact just as we flipped over, even WITH goggles! It was a "one-eyed" descent but was much more enjoyable than my first jump.
I uploaded my first jump to You Tube so check it out! It is weird to see me, circa 1992. I was all hair and a skinny 180 lbs! Dig the 'stache, too! (Theme to "Shaft" playing in the background).
K
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
4AD
Hi,
I haven't written about the greatest label ever on this blog, yet, so here goes.
The label is 4AD and it is responsible for some of the greatest music ever recorded. Founded in the late-70's by Ivo Watts-Russell and Steve Webbon, their first releases were right at the beginning of 1980. Ivo was hired by Beggars Banquet, not only a label but a record store chain in London. He convinced Beggars Banquet to finance his new label with the promise that any succeeding artists could be handed over for larger distribution. Originally calling their fledgling label Axis, they were prodded to find a new name for the label. 4AD came from a flyer that they saw and the rest is history.
Bauhaus was the first band that became popular for them. They signed them after the release of the cult single "Bela Lugosi's Dead" was pressed by the Small Wonder label. Thus began the legacy of this amazing label.
I have chosen to highlight and then list several other of my favorite bands from 4AD in this blog. I will start with my favorites.
Dead Can Dance
Founded by vocalists Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry in Australia in 1981, the band's first recording was self-titled on 4AD. It was released on February 27, 1984. This recording was very gothic sounding compared to later releases. It also lacked their marriage of world fusion and neo-classical styles to the eventual signature sound of the group. I prefer to call the style "renaissance" as I imagine this music might have been played during that era of history in the Middle Ages, had the instrumentation needed been available. All eight albums released by Dead Can Dance have been under the 4AD label. They disbanded in 1998 but reformed for a world tour in 2005.
Lisa Gerrard has released three solo works but has collaborated on dozens of other recordings and movie/TV scores. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her collaboration with Hans Zimmer on the score to the movie "Gladiator" in 2000. It did receive the Golden Globe Award in the same catagory.
Brendan Perry has one solo recording with a second due this year. He, too, has collaborated with many other projects and artists in various capacities.
Cocteau Twins
The band was founded in Scotland by guitarist Robin Guthrie and bassist Will Heggie. Vocalist Elizabeth Fraser would join the band soon thereafter. In 1983, Simon Raymonde would join the band on bass. They seemed to hit their stride upon his addition to the band.
The debut release for this group was titled Garlands on 4AD. It was released on September 1, 1982. For those of you that know this band at all, the style of this recording is far different than their other recordings. It is very gothic-sounding and you will often find a few songs from this release on goth collections from this era. One of the more popular titles was "Blood Bitch". With the addition of Raymonde, the band's new signature sound was to be molded.
If you can get your hands on it, one of my favorite collaborations was with the great Harold Budd on a project called Moon And The Melodies from 1986. This recording was very ambient. Fraser's haunting vocals provided the perfect partner for the music. Even though Raymonde and Fraser were present on this recording, it was not released under the name Cocteau Twins. Members of the group also participated in the collaborative super group, This Mortal Coil. I'll have more on them later. Cocteau Twins recorded a total of seven albums for 4AD, if you include "Moon And The Melodies". After leaving 4AD, they recorded another two with the Fontana label.
Lush
One of the most underrated bands ever, Lush was very versatile. The band was created through the friendship of Emma Anderson and Miki Berenyi at 14 years of age. The other original band members were Steve Rippon on bass, Chris Acland on drums, and Meriel Barham on vocals and guitar. They would later add Phil King as their bassist before their second album. They ended up recording three official albums for 4AD even though Gala, released mainly for the US and Japan from EP's and singles, was considered by many as a legitimate release. The first official release was titled Spooky on January 27, 1992.
The best attribute to the band, besides the great songwriting, was the ability to play many different styles of music very well. They were branded with the shoegaze moniker by the British press. This was both a blessing and a curse. They were so much more, as their fans can attest to. They could crank out a pop hit, i.e. "Ladykiller" and "Single Girl" and then turn right around and lay down an equally impressive ballad. Their layering of guitars and vocals were masterful. Seeing them live was truly a treat.
After drummer Chris Acland hanged himself in 1996, Miki Berenyi left the band and so was the end of Lush. Emma Anderson went on to form another very cool band called Sing-Sing with Lisa O'Neill. They released two full albums before calling it quits in early-2008.
Mojave 3
One of my first introductions to what is now known as "Alt Country" was with this great band. Neil Halstead is lead vocalist, guitarist and chief songwriter for the band. He formerly fronted the legendary shoegaze band called Slowdive. Other members include former Slowdive alums, Rachel Goswell and Ian McCutcheon, along with Simon Rowe and Alan Forrester filling out the rest of the band after their first album was released on 4ad. That album was titled Ask Me Tomorrow and debuted on October 16, 1995. They have recorded a total of five albums for 4AD.
The most amazing attribute to Neil's songwriting is his ability to project a stark reality to his words. He lays it all out on the table. Heartbreak, disappointment, romantic longing and acceptance are all on display for everyone to see. He is a great musician, too, which really makes him the complete performer.
I have never seen them live but was able to catch Neil last summer as he was supporting his second solo release titled Oh! Mighty Engine. He is quite talented and I expect to see him in one incarnation or another for years to come.
Red House Painters
This is the last artist that I want to spotlight on this entry. Mark Kozelek is the lead singer and songwriter for this very influential band. After moving to San Francisco from Atlanta with drummer pal, Anthony Koutsos, they signed with 4AD in 1992 after having one of their tapes passed on to the label by American Record Club frontman, Mark Eitzel. Their first release was titled Down Colorful Hill on September 14, 1992. It was made up mostly of early demos, some were on the tape first heard by 4AD. Red House Painters would go on to release a total of four albums with 4AD before moving to the Supreme Recordings label. This was after a dispute with the American division of 4AD refused to release Songs For A Blue Guitar due to creative differences with the recording.
It was apparent that Kozelek had a true gift. His vocal style was unique and his songwriting was introverted and personal. Besides his amazing ability to create an emotional bond with the listener, Mark was an exceptional guitarist. His gifted ability to blend his vocals with acoustic brilliance is what made the early recordings so amazing. He likes to record covers of many of his favorite songs from such artists as Leonard Cohen, Yes and Simon & Garfunkel, to name a few.
Mark now has his own label, Caldo Verde Records, and has recorded solo as well as with his current band, Sun Kil Moon.
To conclude my ode to 4AD, here is a list of many other great bands to record on this label:
* Clan Of Xymox (Xymox)
* Bauhaus (Peter Murphy, Tones On Tail, Love & Rockets)
* Throwing Muses (Tanya Donnelly, Belly)
* The Pixies (Black Francis, Frank Black)
* Modern English
* Gus Gus (Emiliana Torrini)
* The The
* The Breeders
* Le Mystere des voix Bulgares
There are many, many 4AD sampler discs that have been released over the years. If you find yourself thumbing through the used vinyl/CD bins and happen to come across one, it would be well worth it to try it out. I guarantee it!
K
I haven't written about the greatest label ever on this blog, yet, so here goes.
The label is 4AD and it is responsible for some of the greatest music ever recorded. Founded in the late-70's by Ivo Watts-Russell and Steve Webbon, their first releases were right at the beginning of 1980. Ivo was hired by Beggars Banquet, not only a label but a record store chain in London. He convinced Beggars Banquet to finance his new label with the promise that any succeeding artists could be handed over for larger distribution. Originally calling their fledgling label Axis, they were prodded to find a new name for the label. 4AD came from a flyer that they saw and the rest is history.
Bauhaus was the first band that became popular for them. They signed them after the release of the cult single "Bela Lugosi's Dead" was pressed by the Small Wonder label. Thus began the legacy of this amazing label.
I have chosen to highlight and then list several other of my favorite bands from 4AD in this blog. I will start with my favorites.
Dead Can Dance
Founded by vocalists Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry in Australia in 1981, the band's first recording was self-titled on 4AD. It was released on February 27, 1984. This recording was very gothic sounding compared to later releases. It also lacked their marriage of world fusion and neo-classical styles to the eventual signature sound of the group. I prefer to call the style "renaissance" as I imagine this music might have been played during that era of history in the Middle Ages, had the instrumentation needed been available. All eight albums released by Dead Can Dance have been under the 4AD label. They disbanded in 1998 but reformed for a world tour in 2005.
Lisa Gerrard has released three solo works but has collaborated on dozens of other recordings and movie/TV scores. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her collaboration with Hans Zimmer on the score to the movie "Gladiator" in 2000. It did receive the Golden Globe Award in the same catagory.
Brendan Perry has one solo recording with a second due this year. He, too, has collaborated with many other projects and artists in various capacities.
Cocteau Twins
The band was founded in Scotland by guitarist Robin Guthrie and bassist Will Heggie. Vocalist Elizabeth Fraser would join the band soon thereafter. In 1983, Simon Raymonde would join the band on bass. They seemed to hit their stride upon his addition to the band.
The debut release for this group was titled Garlands on 4AD. It was released on September 1, 1982. For those of you that know this band at all, the style of this recording is far different than their other recordings. It is very gothic-sounding and you will often find a few songs from this release on goth collections from this era. One of the more popular titles was "Blood Bitch". With the addition of Raymonde, the band's new signature sound was to be molded.
If you can get your hands on it, one of my favorite collaborations was with the great Harold Budd on a project called Moon And The Melodies from 1986. This recording was very ambient. Fraser's haunting vocals provided the perfect partner for the music. Even though Raymonde and Fraser were present on this recording, it was not released under the name Cocteau Twins. Members of the group also participated in the collaborative super group, This Mortal Coil. I'll have more on them later. Cocteau Twins recorded a total of seven albums for 4AD, if you include "Moon And The Melodies". After leaving 4AD, they recorded another two with the Fontana label.
Lush
One of the most underrated bands ever, Lush was very versatile. The band was created through the friendship of Emma Anderson and Miki Berenyi at 14 years of age. The other original band members were Steve Rippon on bass, Chris Acland on drums, and Meriel Barham on vocals and guitar. They would later add Phil King as their bassist before their second album. They ended up recording three official albums for 4AD even though Gala, released mainly for the US and Japan from EP's and singles, was considered by many as a legitimate release. The first official release was titled Spooky on January 27, 1992.
The best attribute to the band, besides the great songwriting, was the ability to play many different styles of music very well. They were branded with the shoegaze moniker by the British press. This was both a blessing and a curse. They were so much more, as their fans can attest to. They could crank out a pop hit, i.e. "Ladykiller" and "Single Girl" and then turn right around and lay down an equally impressive ballad. Their layering of guitars and vocals were masterful. Seeing them live was truly a treat.
After drummer Chris Acland hanged himself in 1996, Miki Berenyi left the band and so was the end of Lush. Emma Anderson went on to form another very cool band called Sing-Sing with Lisa O'Neill. They released two full albums before calling it quits in early-2008.
Mojave 3
One of my first introductions to what is now known as "Alt Country" was with this great band. Neil Halstead is lead vocalist, guitarist and chief songwriter for the band. He formerly fronted the legendary shoegaze band called Slowdive. Other members include former Slowdive alums, Rachel Goswell and Ian McCutcheon, along with Simon Rowe and Alan Forrester filling out the rest of the band after their first album was released on 4ad. That album was titled Ask Me Tomorrow and debuted on October 16, 1995. They have recorded a total of five albums for 4AD.
The most amazing attribute to Neil's songwriting is his ability to project a stark reality to his words. He lays it all out on the table. Heartbreak, disappointment, romantic longing and acceptance are all on display for everyone to see. He is a great musician, too, which really makes him the complete performer.
I have never seen them live but was able to catch Neil last summer as he was supporting his second solo release titled Oh! Mighty Engine. He is quite talented and I expect to see him in one incarnation or another for years to come.
Red House Painters
This is the last artist that I want to spotlight on this entry. Mark Kozelek is the lead singer and songwriter for this very influential band. After moving to San Francisco from Atlanta with drummer pal, Anthony Koutsos, they signed with 4AD in 1992 after having one of their tapes passed on to the label by American Record Club frontman, Mark Eitzel. Their first release was titled Down Colorful Hill on September 14, 1992. It was made up mostly of early demos, some were on the tape first heard by 4AD. Red House Painters would go on to release a total of four albums with 4AD before moving to the Supreme Recordings label. This was after a dispute with the American division of 4AD refused to release Songs For A Blue Guitar due to creative differences with the recording.
It was apparent that Kozelek had a true gift. His vocal style was unique and his songwriting was introverted and personal. Besides his amazing ability to create an emotional bond with the listener, Mark was an exceptional guitarist. His gifted ability to blend his vocals with acoustic brilliance is what made the early recordings so amazing. He likes to record covers of many of his favorite songs from such artists as Leonard Cohen, Yes and Simon & Garfunkel, to name a few.
Mark now has his own label, Caldo Verde Records, and has recorded solo as well as with his current band, Sun Kil Moon.
To conclude my ode to 4AD, here is a list of many other great bands to record on this label:
* Clan Of Xymox (Xymox)
* Bauhaus (Peter Murphy, Tones On Tail, Love & Rockets)
* Throwing Muses (Tanya Donnelly, Belly)
* The Pixies (Black Francis, Frank Black)
* Modern English
* Gus Gus (Emiliana Torrini)
* The The
* The Breeders
* Le Mystere des voix Bulgares
There are many, many 4AD sampler discs that have been released over the years. If you find yourself thumbing through the used vinyl/CD bins and happen to come across one, it would be well worth it to try it out. I guarantee it!
K
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Natalie Raps
One of my favorite videos of all-time...too bad that I couldn't find an uncensored version from NBC!
More Memorable Shows
Ok, here's a few more from the vaults:
David Bowie w/Alanis Morrisette and Lightning Seeds
NEC Birmingham, England - November 21, 1995
Outside World Tour
Peter Murphy
Fenders Ballroom - February 28, 1987
Love & Rockets
Hollywood Palladium - December 19, 1986
Express Tour
Prince w/Sheila E.
Long Beach Arena - March 10, 1985
Purple Rain Tour
The Cure
San Diego Sports Arena - July 17, 1987
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me Tour
Crowded House w/Roger McGuinn
The Warfield S.F. - April 5, 1989
Temple Of Low Men Tour
Concrete Blonde
Greek Theatre - October 15, 1992
Bloodletting Tour
UB40
Hollywood Palladium - February 17, 1984
Labour Of Love Tour
Squeeze
Roxy Theatre - October 1, 1991
X
Coach House - January 2, 1987
I'll post some more at a later time.
K
David Bowie w/Alanis Morrisette and Lightning Seeds
NEC Birmingham, England - November 21, 1995
Outside World Tour
Peter Murphy
Fenders Ballroom - February 28, 1987
Love & Rockets
Hollywood Palladium - December 19, 1986
Express Tour
Prince w/Sheila E.
Long Beach Arena - March 10, 1985
Purple Rain Tour
The Cure
San Diego Sports Arena - July 17, 1987
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me Tour
Crowded House w/Roger McGuinn
The Warfield S.F. - April 5, 1989
Temple Of Low Men Tour
Concrete Blonde
Greek Theatre - October 15, 1992
Bloodletting Tour
UB40
Hollywood Palladium - February 17, 1984
Labour Of Love Tour
Squeeze
Roxy Theatre - October 1, 1991
X
Coach House - January 2, 1987
I'll post some more at a later time.
K
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Guinness!
Hi,
This is my blog on my affinity for and to extoll the virtues of my favorite beer of all-time, Guinness Stout.
I spent six-months in London, England from 7/95 to 1/96 with Virtual World Entertainment. I was a franchise liaison there to help set up a cockpit-based virtual reality center in the world-famous Trocadero in the West end of London at Piccadilly Circus. It was 1/2 a block from the ultra-famous neon sign. I will blog about my many adventures in London at a later date but this is the starting point of my love for Guinness.
As I and the managing contact for Rank Amusements, Peter Finneran, hired and trained the staff for the new center, there was lots of downtime after 5pm. As we were building the insides of the lavish Edwardian lounge and bay areas, right around the corner from the Trocadero, an Irish pub was being built almost simultaneously called Waxy O'Connors. Officially, Waxy's, as we called it, is between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square with two separate entrance areas.
I met my friend, Clare, working for VWE and Rank Amusements. Clare is from Ireland, more specifically, Ennis in County Clare. She was hired on as a "tech" at Virtual World. We used to venture over to Waxy's after work. I had enjoyed Guinness in the states but it tasted nothing like what I encountered at Waxy's! From the very first pint, it always tasted so much better than what I had encountered in the US. Some say it is because of the nitrogen lines that they use to dispense it in the UK and some say that the export draught version is a different formula. In the US, most places don't spend the extra money for the nitrogen lines. They will just use the standard CO2 instead to save money. I am really unsure why it tastes better there in England, Ireland, and Scotland but it really does!
This is what I can tell you about Guinness that you may or may not have known:
1. It is NOT served warm as people often believe. It is pumped up from the cellar, a very cool cellar, through lines. The beer is cold, just not as cold as the crappy Bud that Americans seem to love so much right out of the fridge. In fact, Guinness can be served about 5-8 degrees celcius cooler than most other ales, according to Guinness
2. Guinness is not as heavy as people believe it to be. The head is very creamy and being a stout, is not clear like a lager to be sure. Alot of people have told me that they don't like Guinness because it makes them feel bloated. I don't have these same issues.
A comparative study that I saw on www.briansbelly.com showed:
12 oz. of Guinness is 125 calories and 9.8 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Budweiser is 150 calories and 11 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Heineken is 150 calories and 12.2 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Corona Extra is 148 calories and 14.4 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Sam Adams LIGHT is 126 calories and 10.9 grams of carbs (surprise!)
You can draw your own conclusions.
3. I have never encountered a beer that makes you happy like Guinness! The more pints I would drink, the happier I would get...strange but true! I call it to this day, my "happy beer"
4. The classic Black & Tan is Guinness and Bass Pale Ale. Many pubs will call a Guinness and Harp (Guinness' ale) a Half & Half instead of a Black & Tan. I prefer the classic with Bass Ale
5. One of the best parts of a Guinness is watching the cascade effect when you get your pint. It is a thing of beauty! Alot of true Irish pubs at the end of the pour, that takes a few minutes if done properly, will emblazen a small shamrock on the top of the head for effect
When my friend, Paul, and I visited Ireland a few years back, we visited St. James Gate when we were in Dublin. I call it the "Mecca of Beer". The tour was amazing and the free pint at the end was just the icing on the cake of a very memorable day. The building has a circular 360-degree glass observation view from the 7th floor where The Gravity Bar is located. It is cool to be able to see a huge part of Dublin while enjoying your pint! I will post a few pics from here as soon as I can track down my photos.
That's my perspective of Guinness. If you ever make it over to the UK for business or pleasure, hopefully you can enjoy a pint (or 12) as I have often done.
Take care,
K
This is my blog on my affinity for and to extoll the virtues of my favorite beer of all-time, Guinness Stout.
I spent six-months in London, England from 7/95 to 1/96 with Virtual World Entertainment. I was a franchise liaison there to help set up a cockpit-based virtual reality center in the world-famous Trocadero in the West end of London at Piccadilly Circus. It was 1/2 a block from the ultra-famous neon sign. I will blog about my many adventures in London at a later date but this is the starting point of my love for Guinness.
As I and the managing contact for Rank Amusements, Peter Finneran, hired and trained the staff for the new center, there was lots of downtime after 5pm. As we were building the insides of the lavish Edwardian lounge and bay areas, right around the corner from the Trocadero, an Irish pub was being built almost simultaneously called Waxy O'Connors. Officially, Waxy's, as we called it, is between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square with two separate entrance areas.
I met my friend, Clare, working for VWE and Rank Amusements. Clare is from Ireland, more specifically, Ennis in County Clare. She was hired on as a "tech" at Virtual World. We used to venture over to Waxy's after work. I had enjoyed Guinness in the states but it tasted nothing like what I encountered at Waxy's! From the very first pint, it always tasted so much better than what I had encountered in the US. Some say it is because of the nitrogen lines that they use to dispense it in the UK and some say that the export draught version is a different formula. In the US, most places don't spend the extra money for the nitrogen lines. They will just use the standard CO2 instead to save money. I am really unsure why it tastes better there in England, Ireland, and Scotland but it really does!
This is what I can tell you about Guinness that you may or may not have known:
1. It is NOT served warm as people often believe. It is pumped up from the cellar, a very cool cellar, through lines. The beer is cold, just not as cold as the crappy Bud that Americans seem to love so much right out of the fridge. In fact, Guinness can be served about 5-8 degrees celcius cooler than most other ales, according to Guinness
2. Guinness is not as heavy as people believe it to be. The head is very creamy and being a stout, is not clear like a lager to be sure. Alot of people have told me that they don't like Guinness because it makes them feel bloated. I don't have these same issues.
A comparative study that I saw on www.briansbelly.com showed:
12 oz. of Guinness is 125 calories and 9.8 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Budweiser is 150 calories and 11 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Heineken is 150 calories and 12.2 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Corona Extra is 148 calories and 14.4 grams of carbs
12 oz. of Sam Adams LIGHT is 126 calories and 10.9 grams of carbs (surprise!)
You can draw your own conclusions.
3. I have never encountered a beer that makes you happy like Guinness! The more pints I would drink, the happier I would get...strange but true! I call it to this day, my "happy beer"
4. The classic Black & Tan is Guinness and Bass Pale Ale. Many pubs will call a Guinness and Harp (Guinness' ale) a Half & Half instead of a Black & Tan. I prefer the classic with Bass Ale
5. One of the best parts of a Guinness is watching the cascade effect when you get your pint. It is a thing of beauty! Alot of true Irish pubs at the end of the pour, that takes a few minutes if done properly, will emblazen a small shamrock on the top of the head for effect
When my friend, Paul, and I visited Ireland a few years back, we visited St. James Gate when we were in Dublin. I call it the "Mecca of Beer". The tour was amazing and the free pint at the end was just the icing on the cake of a very memorable day. The building has a circular 360-degree glass observation view from the 7th floor where The Gravity Bar is located. It is cool to be able to see a huge part of Dublin while enjoying your pint! I will post a few pics from here as soon as I can track down my photos.
That's my perspective of Guinness. If you ever make it over to the UK for business or pleasure, hopefully you can enjoy a pint (or 12) as I have often done.
Take care,
K
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