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November 29, 2005
Palm Based Sequencing
Wanna create beats on your PDA?
Mobile music making is taking yet another step as a program for up market Palm and Treo branded handhelds.
miniMusic has been working on a new version of their Palm software called Beatpad, an essential tool for making music on the airplane, subway or anywhere else where it is impossible to bring a full studio or even a laptop.
As real processing power has been made available to the PDA market for some time, it was only a matter of time before a piece of software would pop up. The latest model of BeatPad Version 1.1 is a pattern-based sequencer. It provides a simple yet elegant and powerful interface for creating musical patterns of various instruments or drum kits, layering or chaining these patterns, and performing them on a handheld device.
Using the PDA's large touch sensitive screen, it is easy to see every aspect of a pattern at once and manipulate it with the stylus. With a built-in softsynth that bears the strange name Krikit, the possibility to add multi clips of various sounds is a reality. A library is provided for organizing your own patterns and probably the most unique feature of all: midi export, that renders to a full-fledged sound file that you can bring back to the studio ready for output.
As stated the software is available to the Palm-powered clients exclusively. So if you have a Sony Clie, a Palm, Treo or Handspring collecting dust in the corner, this news is reason enough to get enthusiastic again. With a price tag of $29.95 for the sequencer alone, the era of the ultra-portable studio is finally on it's way.
electro, get me what I need! thank you ; )
Posted by at 11:04 PM | Permalink
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November 18, 2005
Christian Burns
ex-BBMAK member Christian Burns has been in San Francisco putting the finishing touches on his new solo album. If you love electro synth-pop mixed with some Depeche Mode and the sound of The Killers, then you'll love his stuff. I totally love it and listen to it constantly while I'm at work. The man has great lyrics, hooks and of course that voice. I can't wait for the album.
check out the music on his myspace page
Posted by tranism at 2:09 AM | Permalink
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QRIO + Beck = HELL YES!
I'm obsessed with robots, robotic technology and artificial intelligence so in a way, Sony's QRIO is my nerdy-geeky wet dream. There are only four in the world (all under Sony's control) but when the boss lets them out, man do they impress! Some of the most advance robots in the world with movement so much more realistic and fluid than anything seen before. In fact, they move so well, they are a part of Beck's music video for his single "Hell Yes".
You can check out the video here. Just click on the Real Player link because the Windows Media Player link requires registration.
Posted by tranism at 12:59 AM | Permalink
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Now That's What I Call An iPod Dock!
I've always wondered why all those speakers designed for the iPods were tiny and dinky. I know I know, size isn't everything and a lot of them actually sound good but the iPod is so beautiful, if I'm going to dock it, I want it displayed and this just may be the solution.
The Geneva Sound System works with any iPod, audio CD and includes FM radio to boot. With it's giant speaker making up the base and stand for the iPod, you can be sure the digital music from your iPod will sound great. At $600 - $1100 a-pop, it ain't cheap but for those of you that are aesthetically required, you can't go wrong with it.
check it out here
Posted by tranism at 12:54 AM | Permalink
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November 15, 2005
This is Everybody! On Tour
2 cd's mixed by Sander Kleinenberg and Lee Burridge
plankton here hi-jackin electro's blog account to bring you this latest music review. I am big fan of Sander K., and I can say that the live experience blows away any of his recorded material, yet, his records are still some of the best house music out there today. That should give you an idea. Interesting track selections and perfect mixing makes this live recording a good relevant one to have.
1st cd - Sander Kleinenberg
Sander starts out real mellow and mysterious, the first track lays down the tone of the entire mix; moody, wicked, funky and dark. I've listened trough the whole thing 3 times and with each listen, it's growing on me.
A double cd set, but I would recommend it just for Sander's side. Lee's work does well by adding that extra something. But if you're unfamiliar with Sander, I would recommend "Everybody" which to date I think is still his best, most complete work. Everybody is easier listening. Tracks like "Addiction" and "Ride" will have you shooting across your hardwood floors in your tube socks wishing it were the weekend.
Also make sure you check out his other releases, "Nubreed" and "This is Everybody Too".
2nd cd - Lee Burridge
I have to admit I'm not too familiar with his work, but I like parts of this mix, "One earth beat" and his remix of Dinky's "Acid in my fridge" are really great tracks. Real funky and techy house which at times remind me of James Zabiela's inventive and fun approach to house music - very experimental. I have to say though that some of the tracks seem a little thin and not so exciting. Overall this cd is more then just a bonus, trust me when I say you will give it its fair share of plays in your daily playlist.
Posted by tranism at 3:59 PM | Permalink
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November 8, 2005
mTUNE
If the iSmack doesn't strike your fancy, maybe you'll like the mTUNE from macally. The mTUNE is a cordless stereo headset specially designed for the iPod nano. Simply plug the nano into the nano slot and you can enjoy your music anywhere, anytime - no batteries required. Enhance your music using real headphones, not those sub-par earbuds.
Retails for $49.99
Posted by tranism at 2:00 AM | Permalink
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November 6, 2005
Confessions On A Dance Floor
When I first heard that would be the title to Madonna's new album, instant panic hit me as if it was proof that after her last 4 introspective albums, she was finally going to release some cheesy pop material to satisfy the masses and her label. OH how glad I am to be wrong.
I was able to listen to all 12 tracks on her upcoming album set to be release on November 14th. All I can say is "Confessions On A Dance Floor" will take you on a journey to a futuristic disco where music serves as the drug to elevate your high. Her latest work will remind and legitimize her title as the Queen of Pop. She started in dance music and one could say she is coming full circle but this album is far from anything close to her earlier work. It is sonic, futuristic, pounding, thumping and a constant source of positive energy that seems to stream effortlessly from the intricate rhythms and vocals. I have no doubt once this album hits, it will hit hard; with her core audience and with those she lost along her long journey. It will be hailed as a Madonna masterpiece and years later, a Madonna classic.
A review of each track;
HUNG UP
The first single from the album. It requires a few listens before the beats and ABBA sample become ridiculously infectious. Before you know it, you'll be singing, "every little thing that you say or do, I'm hung up . . . I'm hung up on you".
• • • • •
GET TOGETHER
My favorite track, this one is a killer. It's a seamless blend of house and electronic pop. If you love Daft Punk, you'll love this! Classic Madonna lyrics - simple and catchy. Her voice sounds so incredibly sexy and soft in this one. I love it! "Baby we can do it, we can do it all night".
• • • • •
SORRY
On first listen, there was something familiar about this track. It's the sampled bassline from the Jackson 5's "Can You Feel It". This song is all about strength, independence and not needing to rely on the strength of others to pull yourself up. Another classic Madonna track.
• • • • •
FUTURE LOVERS
This is my other favorite track. I instantly fell in love with it. If disco ever came back, it would exactly sound like this. The repeating vocals and resonating sounds would go perfect in an atmosphere of flashing lights and strobing beams. This is sure to be a huge club hit.
• • • • •
I LOVE NEW YORK
Although she disses my hometown of Los Angeles in this one, I can't help but agree with her. "Los Angeles is for people who sleep", because she loves New York people and she makes it clear in this song. As my blogmate Daniel says, "it's like some trippy house song, I had to blast it". This song is full of attitude and plays off the strength of New Yorkers. "New York is not for lil' pussies that scream. If you can't stand the heat, then get off my street, get off my street, get off my street, get off my street, get off my street. I love New York".
• • • • •
LET IT WILL BE
Reminds me of that song used in that Mitsubishi Eclipse commercial. Its pace moves you even though it's not necessarily a fast beat. There is also a vaguely familiar synth rhythm in the background and with several listens, you'll realize its sampled from her massive hit "Papa Don't Preach".
• • • • •
FORBIDDEN LOVE
This is one of the slower tracks on the album but does not disappoint. Don't get it confused with "Forbidden Love" from her "Secret" album. They may share the same title, but they sound nothing a like. This one sounds great beating away in your car as you ride the freeways right when the sun sets. It's soothing and would be a perfect accompaniment to a long car ride home from work.
• • • • •
JUMP
If you like old school electronic music, then you'll love this track. The vocals come in like those on her "Erotica" album, with some spoken parts. The hook is super catchy and the beat behind it instantly makes you get to tappin your toes. I dare you to stay seated listening to this one. I'm telling you, this is going to be another club hit. I see a mass of people wit their arms up in the air, jumping up and down as the chorus hits.
• • • • •
HOW HIGH
My least favorite track on the album but that doesn't mean it isn't any good. It sounds like something from her "Music" album so if you like that album and love dance, this track is for you.
• • • • •
ISAAC
An amazing cinematic track with a mystic Jewish chant in the beginning before you hear Madonna's vocals ride in with the intricate rhythms. It sounds like a blend of Sting, Peter Gabriel's experimental work, Madonna's "Frozen" and carries a similar infectious pace like "Ray Of Light".
• • • • •
PUSH
If she ever makes a video for this one, I could see gritty streets with laid back chilled fashionistas gazing at each other. There is a slight hip-hop vibe in both the beats and vocals married to hypnotic strings arranged to thumping middle eastern percussions. It's a song about how her hubby Guy Richie pushes her to be better.
• • • • •
LIKE IT OR NOT
From the title, you can guesstimate this song is about accepting Madonna for who she is and her not having any regrets. Make no mistake about it, this song had a hard beat with guitar strings dancing around it. It's a nice song to end the album with.
• • • • •
PRE-ORDER THIS ALBUM NOW! via Amazon or iTunes
Posted by tranism at 1:01 AM | Permalink
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