Since my reading audience is extremely web savvy, I assume most of you have heard about the music service called Spotify. In short, Spotify is a bit like iTunes Music Store but with the difference that you don’t have to buy the music. You can listen to it for free (with some advertising) or pay a fee and be blest from brainwashing. So, a bit like a radio but with more controls.
My… hesitation, is the 18 available genres when browsing the ‘Radio’ section: Alternative, Blues, Country, Disco, Funk, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Hip-Hip, House, Jazz, New Wave, R&B, Pop, Punk, Reggae, Rock, Soul, Techno.
Is classic music not a worthy option in the 21st century?
For the hard-core punk rock fans this is probably nothing new. But for some of the people of my generation, who have stopped keeping up to date with the latest releases from our teenage punk favourites — this is a true gem.
Joey Cape and Tony Sly, the lead singers from Lagwagon and No Use For A Name, released an album back in 2004 called Acoustic. I reckon the title of the album explains the nature of it.
Even though I already appreciated the album on first listen, I just kept wanting to hear the original version of the songs. When I reached the 8th song, Violins, the urge just grew too much and I switched to the original. And my oh my. I’d forgot how damn good they are.
Even if these songs are good, they are still a mere shadow of their true self.
Some hate it. Some love it. Some people encourage you to have intercourse with it and some people believe it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
I currently don’t have a strong opinion. But since a few days back I’ve been using my Twitter account more frequently. I haven’t reached a ‘yes’ or ‘nej’. So far it’s aright.
Follow me.
For the last couple of years, January has been a busy month for me. The pattern has been: coming back from abroad (in 06′ America, 07′ Italy, 08′ England, 09′ New Zealand), adjust from the jet lag, switch to work mode, plan what to get Willows for her birthday and finally arrange what to do for valentines day.
Photograph from Sandfly Point; the end of the Milford Track
Well, January is over in a few days and in due time I will spare a moment and collect some thoughts on my adventures in the New Zealand fjordlands and my plans for ‘09. But for now I would just like to wish you all a good beginning and good fortune in the new year. The year of the Ox.
