LR: Thursday August 18, 2011

[jonc]

Hard to believe it's already Thursday. Today is a WFH day so lunch will be whatever is in the fridge. Which from first glance is not looking all that appealing. That said, there is a bag of "sort-out" fruits that I'll be using a bit later for fruit smoothies which are so easy to make and offer umpteen different variations. I guess this is a good segue into my first topic of today, gadgets. I must admit that I love gadgets whether for the kitchen, house, music, car, or whatever. Three that I got this year have become indispensable. The first is a Zojirushi "Hot Pot." Basically all it does is heat up the water and keep it at whatever temp you like. While this might seem useless at first I cannot being to tell you how convenient this sucker is. One of the reasons I got the hot pot is when I switched from my coffee maker to a Aero-Press. No, this is not an espresso maker, although some reviews might portray it as such. What this is, is a great press pot that makes some of the best concentrated coffee I've ever had, and which can then be used to make "American's", quasi-espresso's and a host of other drinks including those of an alcoholic nature. Last but not least is a Sodastream. These have been on the market for ever and the main reason I finally got one was I was sick and tired of humping liters of Seltzer water from the market and up my 6 flights of stairs. The Sodastream is basically just a carbonator but if you like soda water (I mix it with juice, soda syrup, etc.) and want to control the amount of carbonation, then this is the ticket.

Aeropress



Hot Pot



SodaStream



Question 1: what gadgets, kitchen, house, music or other do you find indispensable or just cool to have? Any particular drink or smoothie recipes you want to pass along?

I was thinking the other day how lucky I was to have an older sister who was part of the folk scene in Washington Square Park, NY in the early 60's. She would take me there on Sunday's and it was sheer joy listening to all those great songs, harmonies, and instrumentation. One song that I can still "hear" as if it was yesterday is Springhill Mining Disaster which was written by Ewan MacColl and Pete Seeger. At age 5 I couldn't get enough so I started taking lessons from my sister's best friend. First songs I learned were Copper Kettle and It Ain't Me Babe. I probably would have stayed a folkie but then I heard Shakin All Over (as done by the Guess Who) and The Turtles version of It Ain't Me Babe, and all bets were off. Another influence were the country guys like Flatt and Scruggs (who a lot of folkies would cover) with Salty Dog being one of my favorites. Here's a good clip I found (first part is Johnny Cash, Salty Dog starts at 2:20) with Flat and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. Great version of this tune with some stellar slide playing and lots of fun all around.

Shakin All Over

http://www.alapoupee.com/picsforgbl/Gue ... 20Over.mp3

[youtube]arCypiTi260[/youtube]

Question 2: What were your early influences and was there a certain song, genre or person that kicked off your musical journey?

T&S

Darwin had a thread going the other day asking whether guys had a preference for T-style or S-style guitars. Both have their place and uses, but I have to admit that a T-style would be my first pick. Especially a T-style G&L with a DF. I looked for one for a long time and almost pulled the trigger a couple of times, but never quite found just what I was looking for until I found this. It's an ASAT III with a hummer in the bridge position and a DF. Supposedly it's one of only 5 made and 2 with the DF. The only thing I would have liked better if it was in that sweet CAR that Jeff Byrd's guitar is, but I guess I can't be "too" choosy. This is one great sounding and playing ASAT. Super light and an ebony fretboard which is my favorite. The DF does take away some of the sustain and full/richness of sound that an ASAT normally has, but I love having a bar and this is the best of all worlds.



Question 3: Is there a certain G&L you're jonesing for and have to have some day, and if given the chance to configure an T-style or S-style G&L anyway you want and using parts from any era or model, what options would you choose?

That's about it for today. I'll leave you with one of the best all-time Burger King commercials ever, followed by a commercial that we'll never see in the states. The BK quality is not the best but be sure to check out all that's going on, as it's a riot. The "Mow The Lawn" spot is equally so. Enjoy!

"Tendercrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch (can you name the singer?)"

[youtube]C02M0bd53AM[/youtube]

"Mow The Lawn"

http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=57504

P.S. And some more EITG for you guys. The first one is Out Of Luck which like Day After Day is a 60's flavor (Darwin, yes, big on the Byrds, early Airplane, CCR, etc.) while Yesterday's Gone was from the EP and a product of the 80's. Thanks again!

http://www.alapoupee.com/picsforgbl/out.mp3

http://www.alapoupee.com/picsforgbl/yesterdaysgone.mp3

[willross]

Hootie...uh Darius!

[jonc]

Will, you got it. Some folks consider this to be his best work. In any case it's one hoot of a commercial.

[blargfromouterspace]

That aeropress seems very interesting. I'm going to look at them when I get some time. My kitchen has very few gadgets - a kettle, a toaster, a rice cooker and a blender. I want to get a pressure cooker and will be making a smoker in time for summer for optimum bbq.

My music journey started like a lot of people my age, with the 'grunge' movement. Looking back I have no idea what I liked about it.... Teenage years are awkward!

I'm looking forward to the G&L with the saddle lock bridge and Classic pickup with bridge plate, which someone posted a picture of recently. Until then I'm sorted for guitars. I think.

[darwinohm]

Great stuff today Jon. My kitchen must is a coffee maker with no pot. I just put my cup underneath and it fills her up.

I was really into folk in my early years and I still listen to Kingston Trio and The New Christy Minstrels. It was wholesome, entertaining music. Three Wheels on my Wagon was a classic by the NCM. You clip on JC and Flatt and Scruggs was a classic.I grew up on this stuff. Back in 1958 I had a large AM/Shortwave radio. We had a local telephone line about 20 miles long that no longer worked, the old crank phone type. I hooked my radio too the telephone line for an antenna. I could pull station in from all over the world. My favorite was WLS on Saturday nights. I could pick up the opry out of Nashville also. It was a hot setup for a coulpe of years until they built a new phone system. I really got into rock in the late 50's with Buddy Holly, Rick Nelson and Elvis. I was probably 12 before I ever saw a TV.

The ASAT III is really a cool one. I hhave to say that from a build the F-100 Return is pretty close to as good as it gets. I would like a DF ASAT with both fore and aft cuts and in the Blues Boy configuration. That would be cool.

The Burger King commercial is great. I would have never guessed Darius as I was never into Hootie too much. Flatt and Scruggs, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins, boy there were some good ones. Nothing will ever replace them and they will not be forgotten. My grand daughters like them. -- Darwin

[zapcosongs]

Don't know which I'm lusting for more right now - that uniquely wonderful ASAT III or a tendercrisp bacon-lovers ranch sandwich. Great stuff today. Don't have much time today, unfortunately, but here goes:

1. Gadgets: I'm not a gadget guy, but I have to say that I like having my wife's Keruig single-cup coffee maker thingy around. Quick, easy, no waste. I only have one cup a day anyhow, so why make a pot?

2. Guitar lust. I want an ASAT Deluxe one day (not that I need any more guitars or even most of the ones I already have). The thing that would make my order unique - if I could have it this way - is I want mine more solid-bodied than the average SH version. Call mine the ASAT Deluxe Semi Semi-Hollow. And let's put them new G&L P-90's in it. What the heck? ;+) - ed

[Boogie Bill]

Great Lunch Reports this week. Sorry I haven't been able to participate more--had some oral surgery on Monday and I've been a bit slow to recover.

Not a big gadget guy, but I have had a Krups Novo espresso machine since 1988, and would not know what to do without it.

I just have so many influences--I would be typing all day to list them. But pre-guitar playing days--when I was little, I loved Elvis, Buddy, Everlys, Little Richard, Chuck, and Jerry Lee from the 50's. Bobby Darin, Trini Lopez and Dion from the early 60's. I started playing in 1965, so obviously The Beatles, Stones, Hermits, Yardbirds, Kinks, Byrds--and of course, the Beach Boys. Later on, it was Cream, CSNY, Hendrix, Zep, Free and The Who--and Mountain. I still think "Mississippi Queen" and "All Right Now" are two of the greatest rock and roll songs ever.

Here's a tip--learn at least ONE song from each of the artist's I've mentioned--and you'll instantly have two great sets of Classic Rock material, suitable for gigging.

That is one very radical ASAT! I like it!! My ASAT Deluxe has the DF Vibrato. I don't use that guitar very often, but it is my only 2HB guitar with a whammy, so it is probably worth hanging onto.

I keep thinking I want another Legacy Special. The Royal Purple, Midnight Blue and Ruby Red finishes are intriguing....would love do do those with an ebony board and matching headstock. I'd also love to have another Transparent Blond/maple neck with gold heardware--a Mary Kaye; which is a very sexy finish. Would also love a Transparent Blue, Red and a Honeyburst.

Yes, you read that correctly. It's true,... my motto is, "One of each!!"

Bill

[y2kc]

Smoothie talk got my attention. I can get through the day on a good fruit smoothe. Ice cubes, Kefir and fruit.

The sodastream has been getting some advertising here on the radio. It sounds cool. I don't drink soda but I bet that thing can make some tasty concoctions.

Good week,

y2kc

[blargfromouterspace]

Just had a chance to check out the 'Mow the lawn" clip. Very good. I'm sure that would be banned on Australian TV.

And I've been enjoying your bands music. Such a great feel. Not at all depressing, nice playing, nice sounds. I really like the cover art too - certainly looks the business.

[jonc]

well, i had written replies to all but waited too long to post them and now they're gone. don't know i'll be able to do so any more tonight so unless i get a 3rd wind i will catch up with you all tomorrow.

[zapcosongs]

Sorry jonc. Use your word processor. Cut and paste. I learned the hard way.

Blarg, did I detect a subtle jab with the not depressing thing? ;+) - ed

[jonc]

i usually do but was jumping between work and home stuff and was planning on hitting submit a lot sooner.

[Craig]

i usually do but was jumping between work and home stuff and was planning on hitting submit a lot sooner.

I've mentioned this before: check mark the box that says "Log me on automatically each visit" when you first login. That way your session will not time out and will remain up until you logout.

You might also consider using the "Save" button. See this FAQ item: What is the “Save” button for in topic posting?

Hope this helps.

[Aussie]

Late response again ... same reasons as yesterday.

Question 2: What were your early influences and was there a certain song, genre or person that kicked off your musical journey?

My father grew up playing classical violin and switched to playing rock and roll in the 50's before I was born. I grew up listening to live music and recordings of classical, rock and roll, old school blues, the crooners, folk ... pretty much everything but country.

It's an ASAT III with a hummer in the bridge position and a DF.

Awesome guitar. I'm not usually a T guy but I'd definitely buy that if I came across it with a for sale tag on it.

.some more EITG for you guys. The first one is Out Of Luck which like Day After Day is a 60's flavor (while Yesterday's Gone was from the EP and a product of the 80's.

More great tracks. Great 60's feel to Out of Luck and after listeming to Yesterday's Gone ... you are an 80's Aussie indie rocker right?

Blarg, did I detect a subtle jab with the not depressing thing?

I thought he might have been refering to my Black River track again lol. Just kidding Jamie

Just had a chance to check out the 'Mow the lawn" clip. Very good. I'm sure that would be banned on Australian TV

Hmm ... not sure about that .... surely you remember Rex ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU59Vq-nxjg

cheers, Robbie

[zapcosongs]

Just got to listen to the EITG tunes. Out of Luck made me smile. Thanks - ed

[jonc]

Aussie -- one of the comments I "lost" by not hitting submit in time was to Jamie and the fact that playing in bands and hanging out with guys and gals 15 years younger than me during the 80's/90's meant i not only had the stuff i grew up on but all the bands i would have missed like The Bats, Able Tasmans, Wedding Present, The Chills, Wire, Monochrome Set, The Church, and a slew of others. I'm glad younger guys are around here as it helps balance out the conversation.

[Philby]

The Bats, Able Tasmans, Wedding Present, The Chills, Wire, Monochrome Set, The Church

Ahhh, the bands of my youth. What ever happened to tuneful Indie Pop? I look forward to it becoming fashionable again.

[blargfromouterspace]

Blarg, did I detect a subtle jab with the not depressing thing?

No jabs at all coming from me, honestly! It does kind of read like that though. I was trying to finish my response quickly before I had to leave yesterday morning.

Just had a chance to check out the 'Mow the lawn" clip. Very good. I'm sure that would be banned on Australian TV

Hmm ... not sure about that .... surely you remember Rex ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU59Vq-nxjg

cheers, Robbie

Robbie - if I remember correctly that ad was banned!!!!