Mar 062009
 

[Rock Town Hall suggests you turn down your speakers before clicking on the following YouTube clip, especially if Mom, the kids, or your boss are around.]

I’m sure by now you’ve all heard the legendary Troggs Tapes, the profanity-filled band argument captured in the studio, on tape, for posterity! If you haven’t heard it, you may do so by clicking on this thread’s introductory YouTube clip. It’s audio only, so feel free to close your eyes and envision the angry and unformfortable reactions by band members.

What I’d like to hear are your favorite rock tantrums. They could be other leaked recordings of well-known bands in the heat of battle, written anecdotes thereof, or possibly best of all your personal experience with rock tantrums, whether as an observer or participant. Who knows, maybe I’ll share a few of my sudden “retirements.”

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Mar 062009
 


Townsman Dr. John raised a partially fair point in a comment at the tail end of a recent thread:

You know, it sure would be refreshing for someone to critically comment on the Jefferson Airplane or Grateful Dead–without sounding like someone with an irrational fear of hippies.

Although I personally objected to this charge in the thread in which it was made, being a proponent of a large swath of “hippie music,” I do agree that those of us who do not love the Dead or the Airplane too often resort to cheap shots at any given moment. It is fun and easy to do. I think even a fair-minded chap like the Good Doctor could see that. But I believe we can do better, and I believe we can have a dialog without either side resorting to cheap shots or blanket characterizations of anyone with an opposing point of view.

Here’s what I propose we do:
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Mar 062009
 

CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM

FROM: Milo T. Frobisher, Senior Engineer
TO: Thebackoffice, Mr.moderator, RTH Marketing Dept.
RE: Real Virtuality Helmet

Gentlemen, as you know, we’ve been collaborating with York and Warwick universities on a new, fully immersive personal entertainment device, tentatively called the “Real Virtuality Helmet.” I’ve attached an explanatory diagram which should help illustrate its manifold functionalities — I’m sure you’ll immediately see, as we did in the Lab, how groundbreaking this technology is, and how it might be specifically put to use in the world of popular music entertainment.

We’ve reached a point in the unit’s development were the headset has come out of the lab and is being “designed to market.” At this point, per our previous memorandum of understanding, I’m handing the project back to you for the appropriate market research, to determine how the typical Townsman or Townswoman might be most likely to put this device to use.

For more detailed information on this device, please visit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1159206/The-headset-mimic-senses-make-virtual-world-convincing-real-life.html .

Please ask your readers to pay close attention to the fact that the device immerses users in a virtual environment that replicates sound, vision, smell and taste — so, presumably, the rock and roll-related environments it simulates should feature elements that stimulate not just the eye and ear, but the nose and tongue as well.

In any case, please keep me posted on responses to your membership inquiries. Once we’ve received sufficient actionable input from RTH membership, we can finalize design.

Thanking you in advance,

Milo

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Mandom

 Posted by
Mar 062009
 

Why bring back the following series of clips? To ensure we never forget the true essence of Mandom. That’s why.

This post initially appeared 4/30/07.

This pretty much sums up my life. Maybe your’s too. Mad props to would-be Townsman Jay for pointing this out.

UPDATED!
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Mar 052009
 


A few years ago after, the night after the Grammys or some such awards show, my Mom came over for dinner and struck up a conversation about U2, who had been a featured performer. “What do you think of that band?” she asked me, “Aren’t they really popular?”

My Mom is pretty hip and never hesitant to form and share an opinion. I told her what I thought of them, which wouldn’t surprise you, then she gave me her analysis.
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Mar 032009
 

In preparation for the April 7 reissue of the remastered Dukes of Stratosphear records, Andy Partridge is retroactively recording what he has described as “sketches” of the demos that were recorded in preparation of the legendary XTC offshoot band’s recordings.

“Considering that most of the Dukes demos have already been released as part of my Fuzzy Warbles series,” said Partridge, “and to give ‘Stratosphans’ their full due of bonus goodies, I’ve been recording impressions of what would have been my original ‘sketches’ for the Dukes’ demos.”
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Mar 032009
 

Townsman dbuskirk‘s recently shared thoughts on The Birthday Party reminded me of my half-baked theory that Rockabilly and Goth are subtly related subgenres, serving a similar set of audience expectations and needs. That may be too much to get into just yet, but as a way of discussing the expectations and needs we perceive at the root of any number of subgenres, how ’bout we play a little Subgenre Association Game?

For each of the following rock-related subgenres, briefly list the main audience expectation or need that you feel that subgenre promises to satisfy. Feel free to be more creative than “Reggae: Pass the dutchie.” I know you’re a bunch of deep thinkers and – I won’t tell anyone – even deeper feelers. Shine a light, OK? But do so from the gut!

  • Rockabilly
  • Power Pop
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Heavy Metal
  • Prog Rock
  • Goth
  • Punk
  • Post-Punk
  • Hardcore
  • Ska
  • Garage
  • Alt.Country
  • Electronica
  • Indie Rock

I look forward to your responses.

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