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Sessions At West 54th

posted February 26, 2018 #

I mentioned this on Friday but I've recently been digging into episodes of Sessions at West 54th, a late 90's show with a plethora of phenomenal performances. It's structured similarly to Austin City Limits, in that it's really just a concert in a smaller venue with an intimate feel but the vibe is much different. Here's a smattering of worthwhile items to watch:
  • David Byrne - Nov 15th, 1997 - he plays some solo songs but also a lot of Talking Heads songs, reworked into compelling new styles. Byrne would go on to host the show in the second season.
  • Beck - Sept 5th, 1997 - recorded right at the tail end of the O'Delay tour, this is probably Beck at his finest.
  • Sonic Youth - 1997 - lots of noise and longform improve from SY but still a compelling thing to see broadcast on TV.
And that's just three sessions. There are so many to dig around for.

Which really begs the question, in our digital age of Everything Streaming why aren't these more available than just YouTube rips? At that seems to exist are some Best Of compilation DVDs and a handful of sessions. If they're digitizing all fine art, surely they can rip a DVD to a streamable video?

That last part is facetious, I'm sure it's all wrapped up in rights issues combined with Potential Income vs Work Required laziness to get it out into the world but it's a shame that these aren't more widely available.

Some February Longreads

posted February 26, 2018 #

Buckle up for some Longreads! These pieces are lengthy but absolutely worth the brain power. We're quickly re-wiring ourselves to consume small amounts of content but it's good to take time to sit with some longer pieces now and again. Here's a few worth your time:
  • The Case Against Google - Charlies Duhigg explores antitrust and monopoly arguments against Google from a decent number of smaller companies, particularly those that seemingly threaten The Goog's core offering... advertising.
  • Worst Roommate Ever - a tale so insane it's hard to believe it's real, but it is! Let's start taking bets on how long this is turned into a Netflix Original. via Becky.

posted February 25, 2018 #

Just spotted a cat on someone's porch, miaowing to be let in. Without thinking, I walked up to the door, rang the bell, nodded to the cat and left. It was only I rounded the corner I realised what I'd done as I heard the owner shouting FUCK ME SARAH THE CAT JUST RANG THE DOORBELL

posted February 23, 2018 #

@yewknee @jamiebradley @records_yk @weownthistown @AshSpurge Viva #turdgarbage

posted February 23, 2018 #

Really smart thread. https://t.co/vtK8zwtqLc

posted February 23, 2018 #

I’d pay for foggy nights like we had last night. https://t.co/Y8JJ3IBfaf

posted February 23, 2018 #

Before tonight's celebration of all things @records_yk at @mercylounge, a talk with @yewknee about running a boutique label in contemporary Nashville. https://t.co/6WkvK4pGis https://t.co/h30ocFcmek

Friday Videos - Feb 23rd, 2018

posted February 23, 2018 #

Thanks for bearing with me as I flood this site with promotional items about projects I'm involved in. I'm not sorry about it as I'm extremely proud of all the undertakings I'm currently involved in but I know you're coming here for some distractions, random art and other Internet musings - I'll do my best to deliver on that.

Patrick Damphier Debut available

posted February 23, 2018 #

American Songwriter was kind enough to debut the first Patrick Damphier track, "Under My Door", and now you can own a copy for yourself. The track features Jessica Lea Mayfield on backing vocals and artwork from Richard Swift. Not a bad combo for a first release.
You can pick up the record over on Bandcamp or stream from above.

Tonight: A Night Of yk Records 2

posted February 23, 2018 #

Tonight's the night. My yk Records extravaganza is going down over at the Mercy Lounge here in Nashville, TN. I realize that news probably impacts a small number of readers here but if you're anywhere closeby, do make an effort to come out. If you're not, enjoy this playlist:
Hope to see you all there. I'm sure my Instagram will overflow with Stories and posts from the night.

posted February 23, 2018 #

Ted Cruz needs to keep the Simpsons' names out of his ridiculous little booger mouth, number one

posted February 23, 2018 #

First of All I’m 6ft and they live with ME, put some respeck on my name. LOL...aaaand goku & naruto are real ones ?? lol https://t.co/QspyHD2zwH

posted February 22, 2018 #

Great article about @yewknee & his tireless pursuit of good music & more. I totally teared up at the nice mention. Shout out @goosetrax for highlighting Nashville workhorses, and the like! https://t.co/iTf2S6mzCl

posted February 22, 2018 #

Chasing rainbows https://t.co/R7hTsftSyU

posted February 22, 2018 #

Great feature on @yewknee & the hotness of @records_yk & @weownthistown (aka our home). Check it out & COME OUT to @mercylounge tomorrow night to yell at us about some garbage you like that we don’t! https://t.co/5VrhQtTD5g

Scene Feature: It Me

posted February 22, 2018 #

My local alt-weekly, The Nashville Scene, ran this story on me, my label yk records and some of my efforts behind We Own This Town. The piece, yk Records’ Michael Eades on Running a Boutique Label in a Digital World is flattering to say the least but I'm really proud to be featured.

Many thanks to Stephen Trageser for doing the interview and writing the piece, Eric England for taking photos of me where I don't look like an idiot and huge thanks to anyone that's listened to anything on the label and enjoyed it. I feel like I'm giving an acceptance speech award but I really do feel indebted to the artists on my roster to trust me to work with them and help get their art out into the world.

PSA Press

posted February 22, 2018 #

There are a lot of great pins and patches up for sale from PSA Press. Maybe the fad has died down but I can't not love and respect a place that makes multiple Fantastic Planet pins.

What I'm really enjoying from them is their collection of local pins. Small enamel promos for Thrift Town, Cafe du Nord or Golden Boy Pizza may not be that alluring to folks outside of San Francisco but it's such a nice nod to their local community. I hope this starts happening in every city; particularly if there's a little kickback to the business it honors.
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