post brought to you by: dyson

When I first heard Beirut I was sold. I didn’t need the buzz and background to make me fall in love with his music. I listened to ‘Gulag Orkestar‘ and knew what was going on. I was once that kid in his bedroom, recording the music he knew and loved. (don’t go looking for any of my 4-track recordings though…)

There is way more to Zach Condon than just a talented kid with some instruments and recording gear putting out records. He has moved passed it all and grown into something way more promising than an ‘indie’ kid recording his music. And while we’re on the topic, can his music be put into the ‘indie’ category?? Who the hell knows.

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post brought to you by: dyson

If there was any band I really wanted to see succeed in the music world it would be the Crash Kings. Their music kicks ass. THEY kick ass. What more could you ask of a band?

I was lucky enough to have Tony Beliveau (keyboards and vocals) take some time out of their current tour and answer some questions regarding their sound, success, and what it’s like being a touring band based out of LA.

I highly suggest going to see them play this Sunday 1/31/10 at Great Scott in Boston. (or try to catch a date on the rest of their tour) Their record is phenomenal but live is where they shine. I spent a few years watching, having fun, and getting to know Mike and Tony (sadly don’t know Jason yet) but what I do know is that they are the real deal. They don’t mess around with music. They play what they believe and play what naturally comes out of them. We just happen to be lucky as hell, because what they produce is always incredible.

Check out what Tony had to say:

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post brought to you by: dyson

I’m an audio nerd who can’t help but be bothered by what’s happening with records and videos these days. We are using WAY too much compression on albums and getting hurt by upload quality that makes video look OK but causes the audio to suffer.

I get flustered and instantly thrown off if I can hear compression. Compression is a tool that should never be heard by the listener. But most of you  have suffered from it.

It’s kind of like taking depression pills when you don’t need them.

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post brought to you by: dyson

There are more genres of music than I can count on 20+ hands. But one that seems to have gotten lost in the mix (but desperately needs a revival) is New Jack Swing.

In the close circle of people I can really get into music with, New Jack lives on strong. (Ledyard being a strong advocate as well) But I feel in the mainstream it has been lost to the wind. And this deeply saddens me. It was incredibly successful at blending popular genres that have lived on: R&B/Soul and Hip Hop. Genres that fit each other like white on rice. (besides of course Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock mixing Hard Rock and Rap…)

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