Because they’re simple and easy, and make for easy compensation of a lack of blogging, the bullet points return:

• It’s done
• The Basics shows have been rocking. Really enjoying them.
• I finally tracked down a copy of Al Di Meola’s Elegant Gypsy album (surprised it was so hard to find – it was his biggest release) and have been enjoying it. Crazy moog work from Mr Hammer (his collaborative fusion work is the only stuff of his that I’ve enjoyed). Oh, the Di Meola guy can play a mean guitar lick too.
• I was quite struck by 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:18 yesterday. Thought it was some cool encouragement.
• I’m vacillating between quite liking the new LCD Soundsystem release and finding it a bit ordinary. I’m not sure which side of the fence I’ll end up on. Really good sounds though.
• New AFX Analord compilation is good though, enjoying it
• Despite certain members of U2 detesting it, Passengers is awesome. Well most of it anyway. There are a couple of dud tracks (Elvis Ate America, anyone?)
• Yes I bought a lot of CDs lately
• We decided randomly to watch The Matrix last night for the first time in years. So pleasant to watch with the other two movies long forgotten. Reminded me why I became such a big fan back in the day.
• Carly’s cool. No really, living with her is super awesome.

what has Joe been up to for the last month? here’s a teaser:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

More to come…

Just discovered what is probably the best short history of the Amen break I’ve seen (a ~6 second drum loop that has become widely used in hip-hop, jungle, drum ‘n’ bass and other electronic genres) and its influence and uses. The piece becomes a commentary on intellectual property and the attempted clamp-down in the US on unlicensed sampling.

Worth a viewing regardless of whether your musical interests extend into this field or not. You won’t find much of visual interest in the video – just listen to the content.

Unfortunately I can’t agree with his assessment of IDM/D&B artists like Squarepusher as being made for a “chin-stroking art crowd” that are into “high-brow posturing”, being a fan and having proved the author’s claims of “un-danceability” wrong on many occasions!

If you’ve never heard of the Amen before, here’s some more reading:

• Amen break
• Some tracks that sample the Amen break

If you’re in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne at all during the month of April on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (respectively), you owe it to yourself to go check out The Basics – they’re playing at all those locations on those days. They’re a fun, talented bunch of guys playing music that I suppose you might describe as feel-good retro pop laden with classic harmonies with plenty of rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, blues, rockabilly and much more thrown in. It’s good fun, and they put on a vibealicious show. You may have heard of their drummer – Wally de Backer – who goes under the moniker Gotye for his solo projects.

I happened to take my camera for the second show this month. Here are a few highlights…

Props also go to Cuthbert & The Nightwalkers who supported – really enjoyed them as well.