Beck Concert Review 2014

As Beck’s tour comes to a close I wanted to post a review of the shows I saw in Charlotte and Asheville, NC on July 11^th and 12th.  Before this concert, the only albums that I had of Beck’s were Mutations, Odelay, and Midnight Vultures.  I played the hell out of the Midnight Vultures album and thought it was amazing, but I never ventured to buy anything else. 

I originally went to the concert to see the keyboard player, Roger Manning, because the opportunity doesn’t come around that often to see him live.  (Come on - admit it, you’ve gone to a show not for the headline name before)  Even though I wasn’t necessarily going to see Beck, I knew I would be entertained because I enjoy Mr. Hansen’s music and I knew his supporting cast was amazing in their own right…what I didn’t know was just how great it would be. 

The GOASTT Long Gone Review

To my delight, The GOASTT released a new EP on Spotify a little over a week ago.  The tracks on the EP feel very much like they belong on Midnight Sun, a natural extension to the album if you will.  To say that The GOASTT wears their influences on their sleeve would be tired and lame.  To say that The GOASTT draws from their influences and then goes to 11...well, that would be more accurate. 

Chromeo White Women Review

I know, I know - I’m fashionably late to the party on this one, but better late than never.  With the upcoming Chromeo concert near home base soon, I wanted to get this review in before I reviewed the concert in October. 

Within the first few seconds of hitting play, you know you’re in for a good time while listening to Chromeo’s new album.  I’ve read all the reviews I could find on this album and I feel that most have missed a lot of the subtleties that really make this an outstanding effort from the Canadian duo.  One of the most enjoyable parts of this record is the attention to detail with the ordering of the songs.  With the advent of iTunes giving the consumer the ability to buy single songs instead of the whole album, the art of making a complete album has gotten lost in the technology.  For good or for bad this is where the commercial end of the business has led us, so when artists put forth the effort and take time to think about how the song order will effect the listener – it shines.  The album jumps at you and screams for attention as a whole adding another layer of depth that is missed by so many today.  I really believe this added so much to the album, yet it’s such a subtle thing…and when done right it’s just powerful, plain and simple. 

About the Soli Lama

Things have changed so much in the last few years.  One no longer needs a publishing house to publish a book and recording studios can be made in one's own home.  Basically the barrier to entry into many different areas has been torn down and there is no one there to tell you NO anymore.  Have an idea for a book?  Publish it yourself.  Want to record an album?  Do it yourself on your computer.  Idea for a film? Make it yourself.  Want to be a photographer?  Shoot something and put it up on your own site.  Have something to say?  Start a blog.  Gatekeepers are becoming increasingly irrelevant and have lost their ability to keep you from what you love because you don't meet their standards.  With the right creative (and quality) content and a little marketing know how, you can pretty much do what you want in any arena.  What's more is that you can do it on your own terms.  You'll know whether you are right or wrong if people keep coming back, which I believe makes for a more interesting playing field.

What right do I have to review music, instruments, devices, sound systems, etc?  Well...none I suppose, but at the same time who's to tell me I can't?