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04-03-09 Footnotes
Show 175: Blitzen Trapper, Reviews of Amadou and Mariam & PJ Harvey and John Parish
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Download the Podcast: (Download the MP3)
1 After years of offering music for 99 cents, iTunes will be launching its variable pricing plan next week. That means that hit songs will soon be sold for $1.29, and some older tracks will go for $0.69. This is good news for the labels, who see the billion dollar digital music industry as a lifesaver. But, it’s not certain how consumers will react.
1b In other digital music news. Google will now be offering free downloads of licensed music files in China. Right now 99% of all music tracks distributed in China are pirated, so this is a huge market for Google to tap. Their revenue will come from ads on the music site—revenue they will share with the labels.
2 Blender Magazine has just published its last issue, leaving only 3 major music magazines. Jim isn’t happy to hear of any music magazine folding, but he for one will not be mourning the loss of Blender. Jim felt the magazine was often sexist and lowest common denominator. Greg was impressed with the writing talent they pooled, but doesn’t think anyone, even the best writers, can do much under 150 words. He wishes there were more music magazines that valued long-form journalism.
3 A few weeks ago Greg recommend our Rock Doctors patients check out Furr by Blitzen Trapper. Now we have the band live in our studio for a conversation and acoustic performance. The Portland indie rock band, led by Eric Earley, has been gaining momentum after touring with Sub Pop label mate Fleet Foxes. Blitzen Trapper’s music is often compared to classic American rock of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. But as Earley explains, every musician is influenced by the past. And despite a familiar sound, there’s still a sense of mystery and originality. You can hear it in the songs the band performs live in our studio.
4 Polly Jean Harvey has a new album out with longtime collaborator John Parish called A Woman A Man Walked By. Parish was like a mentor to PJ when she was starting out, and as Jim and Greg explain, that relationship allows her to feel comfortable enough to really let loose. Greg wishes there was more consistency to the songwriting, though. For him some of the tracks are nothing but experimentation. He gives the album a Burn It. Jim is shocked and describes A Woman A Man Walked By as PJ having fun. He predicts a mid-life career surge and gives the record a Buy It rating.
5 The second album up for review is by Malian duo Amadou and Mariam. The blind couple broke through to Western audiences with their 2005 album Dimanche a Bamako. Now they are back with Welcome to Mali, and are joined by Damon Albarn and K’Naan on a couple of tracks. Jim describes the album as a constant source of sunshine and gives it a Buy It. Greg agrees. He calls Amadou a master guitarist with a modern sensibility. Welcome to Mali is a double Buy It.
Songs Featured in Show #175
Tom Brousseau, “Here Comes the Water Now” Grand Forks, 2007
Lady Gaga, “Poker Face,” The Fame, 2008
Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone,” Breakaway, 2004
Blitzen Trapper, "Sleepytime in the Western World," Furr, 2009
Blitzen Trapper, "Black River Killer," Furr, 2009 Live in the Studio
Blitzen Trapper, "Fire & Fast Bullets," Furr, 2009
Blitzen Trapper, "Black River Killer," Furr, 2009
Blitzen Trapper, "Furr," Furr, 2009 Live in the studio
Blitzen Trapper,"Lady on the Water," Furr, 2009 Live in the studio
Blitzen Trapper, "War on Machines," Furr, 2009
PJ Harvey & John Parish, "Sixteen, Fifteen, Fourteen," A Woman a Man Walked By, 2009
PJ Harvey & John Parish, "Black Hearted Love," A Woman a Man Walked By, 2009
PJ Harvey & John Parish, "Pig Will No," A Woman a Man Walked By, 2009
Amadou and Mariam, "Welcome to Mali," Welcome to Mali, 2009
Amadou and Mariam, "Sabali," Welcome to Mali, 2009
Amadou and Mariam, "Masiteladi," Welcome to Mali, 2009
Busta Rhymes, "Hustlers Anthem 09," Back on my BS, 2009
Chromeo, "Call Me Up," Fancy Footwork, 2007
Fleetwood Mac, "Black Magic Woman," English Rose, 1969
Superchunk, "Anything Could Happen," Survive and Advance Vol 2, 2002
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