Own it

Covers are tough. Sounds too much like the original, and everyone will wonder why you wasted their time. Sound too different, and you risk not doing the original justice.

But strike that Goldilocks balance, taking the song and making it your own but still showing the original reverence, there's the potential of being as good (if not better) than the original. That's what these covers do in spades.

Second Verse, same as the first

Arguments on whether they were the first, the best, or even the most influential punk band are irrelevant. The Ramones rocked. Case closed.

Turns out, the piano does start here.

At first glance, what's impressive about Tatum's performance, and indeed his style and skill, is his right hand: clean, effortless runs at tremendous speed.

But it's not his right that's amazing, it's his left.

Hands

So I'm starting a new feature here on the website. YouTube is great for a lot of things, but I think one of its greatest uses is as a repository of amazing performances by the world's greatest musicians.

Now I'm not talking about ripping a concert DVD, but of meaningful, remarkable performances that are likely not found anywhere else. First up, the Rach 3 by Martha Argerich.

Sync Sounds

I don't drive big cars. Hate them. In my book, if a car's going to weigh 4,300 pounds it better have a second car sitting on top of it.

And despite all that, I was sad to see the MKS go. It's a fantastic ride, mostly due to the THX sound system and, gasp, Microsoft's Sync.

TV Talk

I was interviewed for a podcast over on DigitalTrends.com about the future of TVs.

Shockingly, I don't make too much of a fool of myself, given that it wasn't edited.

So if you want to hear me babble on for 20 minutes about all sorts of TV stuff, you can check it out here.

 

 

Pure Marketing Obfuscation

I understand the need for a manufacturer to differentiate their product. It's a crowded field out there, and anything you can do to make your product stand out is a good idea.

Well, almost anything.

But let's not call it lying, let's call it a gift for fiction.

More Free Music

A few months ago I did a blog on Pandora, the free online radio station.

I was immediately deluged with emails about Slacker Radio, a similar service. So I gave it a try. As an inveterate music junky, the more places I can find new music, the better.

Mini-review after the jump.

Myths, Facts, and Self Doubt

Our friends over at Gizmodo recently did an "Audio Week" where they talked about all aspects of audio, from music to the high-end.

Results were mixed, at least in reading the comments. It seems most people think high-end, or even "decent" audio is some kind of myth.

The problem, as I see it, is all in the head.

A friend of mine sent me a link to this video with nothing more than "The most mezmorizing thing I've seen in a very long time."

I have to agree.

Video after the jump.