For Record Shop Fans: The Doc Based on Last Shop Standing

Just in time for Record Store Day on April 20 will come the documentary based on Last Shop Standing, the book chronicling the struggle of independent music stores across the UK.

The 50 minute doc looks at the state of indie stores and how changes in the industry and consumer habits have created a new sense of community and a solidarity that has allowed these shops to survive (if not thrive) in difficult times.

The film also features appearances by many different musicians, including Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr, Fatboy Slim and Paul Weller.

If you're going to be out for Record Store Day, watch for the DVD.

One More April Fool's Story

This is an oldie but a goodie from Trent and Nine Inch Nails from a couple of years back.  Click the image for the full effect.

The Story of Ringo's Ludwig Drum Head on The Ed Sullivan Show

The first set of drums I ever had were just like the ones Ringo played on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. At first, I thought my black/grey oyster finish Ludwigs were collector's items--but then it twigged on me that they were actually pretty common.  After that TV appearance, everyone wanted a kit like Ringo's--and Ludwig cranked them out by the thousands.

The drum head logo was a different matter.  Read the story about how that came about at Drummer Talk.

Dissecting a Couple of Clash Songs to Their Audio DNA

One of the coolest things (well, to me, anyway) are the plethora of isolated tracks for well-known songs available on YouTube.  These deconstructed (or, more correctly, pre-constructed) bits offer tremendous insight into the very DNA of these songs.

Dangerous Minds has assembled some isolated bits from a couple of Clash songs, including "Rock the Casbah." Ever wanted to hear just Topper Headon's piano bit which forms the foundation of the song?  Here it is. Fascinating!

Will Lie for David Bowie

Tony Visconti has loyaly worked with David Bowie for decades.  He has no trouble lying for him--especially when it comes to recording a new album in secret.  From the New York Times:

You produced David Bowie’s new album, “The Next Day,” which was recorded in total secrecy. How did you keep it under wraps? 
It wasn’t difficult. Most of us had been with him for decades, myself the longest, 45 years. Maybe one or two people said, “Is David Bowie making a new album?” and then I’d have to lie.

For the last decade, Bowie was so reclusive that there were a lot of rumors floating around that he got really fat or that he was dying of heart disease. 
We would occasionally have lunch or meet for a coffee, and I always knew he was healthy. I don’t know why he’s been quiet. People would say to me, “He’s dying, isn’t he?” with a tremble in their voice. I’d say, if he’s dying, he’s the best-looking dying man I’ve ever seen in my life.

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