The new Kleptones blog is here!
Please update yer 'marks!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
We have moved!!!
We've finally got around to moving the blog into the main site, for reasons that will become apparent - thanks to Blogger for being a fine host thus far.
The new Kleptones blog is here!
Please update yer 'marks!
The new Kleptones blog is here!
Please update yer 'marks!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Style it takes...
Not a regular gig reviewer, me, but sometimes a concert moves you to want to jump up and down and shout from the rooftops "This was fucking great!"
Such was the performance I saw last night by John Cale and his band, in the relatively small Concorde 2 in Brighton. An intimate setting for one with such a history, and Cale didn't waste any time in filling the room with his michevous brooding personality and songs. Cale's current trajectory is loud and hard (check his latest album "Black Acetate"), and he delivered that in spades, scowling at the crowd as he chopped at his piano and guitar. No room in this set for the more cerebral end of his work, instead he went straight for the gut, rocking as hard as anyone I've seen. Absolutely excellent back up from his band too, three immaculate players that were equally at home with their electronics and atmospherics as with slabs of riff and rhythm. (I immediately wanted to kidnap them and force them to do my musical bidding.)
Highlights? a killer "Helen Of Troy", the histrionic falsetto of "Outtathebag" (from "Black Acetate"), a trance inducing "Pablo Picasso" and an insane re-rendering of "Femme Fatale" incorporating the words of "Rose Garden Funeral Of Sores" that succeeded in turning one of the prettiest Velvets tunes into a deep howl of juxtaposed affliction. A man unafraid to merge his many pasts into a new form. I'm naturally deeply impressed.
No encore, which was a hell of a shame, but still the best concert I've seen all year, if not longer. If I can rock half as hard as this when I'm 64, I'll be delighted. Mr.Cale? You're an inspiration.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
All I have to do is...
News comes down the Yahoo wire of the launch of a new website, DreamMusician, which is offering pay-downloads of well-known songs that have been stripped of individual musical parts (say minus the drums, bass, guitar or maybe even vocals), or even to purchase those individual parts in isolation or "packs" containing all the individual parts of a song.
The initial bunch of tracks, seemingly all licenced from Universal, are available for $2 each, and are offered in Windows Media Audio format. (DM claim that Mac compatibility will be addressed in the very near future).
Tracks are also currently only available for residents of Canada, and apparently the US, although no mention of this is made on the DM frontpage. On navigating through, we found that track download sales are managed by another site called Puretracks, but we were unable to get any further than a default message which blocked our progress (assumedly because of our location), so we couldn't view a list of available tracks and parts. However both the DM site's FAQ page and Puretracks site state that the tracks would be DRM encoded.
Whilst on the surface this looks like a very interesting idea indeed, the main focus of the site seems to be presenting the tracks as a kind of "Deluxe Karaoke", allowing musicians to jam or sing along with the real versions of tunes (a ploy which has already been used successfully in the Karaoke world by Singing Machine, who offer a range of karaoke CDs using original backing tracks of classic Motown tunes). We reckon that the novelty of playing along to a piano-less version of "What's Going On", or a guitar-less version of "Achy Breaky Heart" (well, whatever floats your boat, y'know) will pale considerably after a few goes, but what do we know? It still might be worth $2 a pop, and the company, naturally, envisions large expansion of their range, and could eventually offer the same service for an enormous range of current and classic tunes.
However, us being us, we think the real long term use of breaking down the tracks and supplying acapellas, solo parts and instrumentals will be for personal remix use (and maybe this could be a long term, as-yet-unspoken goal of the site), but so far, the only direct music copyright comment on the site is a "Message from the Founders" on the site's homepage, which states that:
"We respectfully ask you to join us in honoring the copyrights and creative works provided to us by our artists and labels. All music is for non-commercial use only."
There is also a link to a longer copyright text at the base of the homepage. This text mainly concerns itself with the actual content of the DM site and their trademarks, although it does state that the user is unable to, amongst other things, "...adapt, modify, rewrite, create derivative works from, transfer..." anything on the site. (Regardless of that, the actual downloads are held on a separate site, PureTracks, and as we couldn't get into PureTracks, we don't know what other terms may be imposed before purchase).
Notwithstanding the site small-print, this "Message" still seems a very vague comment indeed, and could be open to a variety of interpretations - are they really saying that someone could, for example, make a new version of a track or remix using their purchased parts and, say, copy it onto CD for their friends or publish it on their website for free? ("non-commercial") Surely not. (After all, we're told we can't "...adapt, modify, rewrite, create derivative works from, transfer..." etc. anything from the site.)
Well, actually in their FAQ they do helpfully suggest that the Windows Media DRM can be circumnavigated by burning the tracks to CD and then re-importing them into your computer, converting them to MP3 and sticking them on your iPod. Although it kinda defeats the point of having it in the first place, the DRM is most likely a condition placed upon DM by the rights holders to allow them to use the tracks in the first place, so it's very kind of DM to let customers know that the DRM shouldn't stand in the way of anyone getting the full use out of their purchased downloads! (regardless of any other stated restrictions stopping customers from attempting to "...adapt, modify, rewrite, create derivative works from, transfer...", eh?)
Having to copy purchases to CD and back again would particularly come into play when dealing with the "packs of tracks" - I can't think of many (if any) audio utilities that will allow loading of DRM-ed WMA files into a multitrack setting (Anyone know any better?), and regardless of that, the use of a compressed format would make re-synching the tracks very difficult, as tiny variations in the lengths of silent parts of tracks introduced during the encoding process (particularly at the start and end) tend to easiily render them out of sync (as anyone that's dealt with the problem of synching up MP3 parts offered in remix competitions will be aware).
Anyway, hey, as the parts aren't intended for remix in the first place, it's a minor quibble, and it probably won't be much of a concern to DM.
Still, it will be interesting to see how the site develops, for sure...
PS Anyone in the US or Canada that fancies trying to (or already has) get into the Puretracks site and reporting back their findings to us would be appreciated; please get in touch if you fancy a dig on our behalf. It's not that we want to do anything with the contents (with our reputation? hemhem...), we're just curious about the terms of purchase and the DRM before we dust off our axes, honest!!
The initial bunch of tracks, seemingly all licenced from Universal, are available for $2 each, and are offered in Windows Media Audio format. (DM claim that Mac compatibility will be addressed in the very near future).
Tracks are also currently only available for residents of Canada, and apparently the US, although no mention of this is made on the DM frontpage. On navigating through, we found that track download sales are managed by another site called Puretracks, but we were unable to get any further than a default message which blocked our progress (assumedly because of our location), so we couldn't view a list of available tracks and parts. However both the DM site's FAQ page and Puretracks site state that the tracks would be DRM encoded.
Whilst on the surface this looks like a very interesting idea indeed, the main focus of the site seems to be presenting the tracks as a kind of "Deluxe Karaoke", allowing musicians to jam or sing along with the real versions of tunes (a ploy which has already been used successfully in the Karaoke world by Singing Machine, who offer a range of karaoke CDs using original backing tracks of classic Motown tunes). We reckon that the novelty of playing along to a piano-less version of "What's Going On", or a guitar-less version of "Achy Breaky Heart" (well, whatever floats your boat, y'know) will pale considerably after a few goes, but what do we know? It still might be worth $2 a pop, and the company, naturally, envisions large expansion of their range, and could eventually offer the same service for an enormous range of current and classic tunes.
However, us being us, we think the real long term use of breaking down the tracks and supplying acapellas, solo parts and instrumentals will be for personal remix use (and maybe this could be a long term, as-yet-unspoken goal of the site), but so far, the only direct music copyright comment on the site is a "Message from the Founders" on the site's homepage, which states that:
"We respectfully ask you to join us in honoring the copyrights and creative works provided to us by our artists and labels. All music is for non-commercial use only."
There is also a link to a longer copyright text at the base of the homepage. This text mainly concerns itself with the actual content of the DM site and their trademarks, although it does state that the user is unable to, amongst other things, "...adapt, modify, rewrite, create derivative works from, transfer..." anything on the site. (Regardless of that, the actual downloads are held on a separate site, PureTracks, and as we couldn't get into PureTracks, we don't know what other terms may be imposed before purchase).
Notwithstanding the site small-print, this "Message" still seems a very vague comment indeed, and could be open to a variety of interpretations - are they really saying that someone could, for example, make a new version of a track or remix using their purchased parts and, say, copy it onto CD for their friends or publish it on their website for free? ("non-commercial") Surely not. (After all, we're told we can't "...adapt, modify, rewrite, create derivative works from, transfer..." etc. anything from the site.)
Well, actually in their FAQ they do helpfully suggest that the Windows Media DRM can be circumnavigated by burning the tracks to CD and then re-importing them into your computer, converting them to MP3 and sticking them on your iPod. Although it kinda defeats the point of having it in the first place, the DRM is most likely a condition placed upon DM by the rights holders to allow them to use the tracks in the first place, so it's very kind of DM to let customers know that the DRM shouldn't stand in the way of anyone getting the full use out of their purchased downloads! (regardless of any other stated restrictions stopping customers from attempting to "...adapt, modify, rewrite, create derivative works from, transfer...", eh?)
Having to copy purchases to CD and back again would particularly come into play when dealing with the "packs of tracks" - I can't think of many (if any) audio utilities that will allow loading of DRM-ed WMA files into a multitrack setting (Anyone know any better?), and regardless of that, the use of a compressed format would make re-synching the tracks very difficult, as tiny variations in the lengths of silent parts of tracks introduced during the encoding process (particularly at the start and end) tend to easiily render them out of sync (as anyone that's dealt with the problem of synching up MP3 parts offered in remix competitions will be aware).
Anyway, hey, as the parts aren't intended for remix in the first place, it's a minor quibble, and it probably won't be much of a concern to DM.
Still, it will be interesting to see how the site develops, for sure...
PS Anyone in the US or Canada that fancies trying to (or already has) get into the Puretracks site and reporting back their findings to us would be appreciated; please get in touch if you fancy a dig on our behalf. It's not that we want to do anything with the contents (with our reputation? hemhem...), we're just curious about the terms of purchase and the DRM before we dust off our axes, honest!!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
I like it when that lightning comes...
Couple of quick new bits and pieces to pass on to you - first off happy to announced that our Eric's been invited to speak at the O'Reilly Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco! More news on this one as we get it...
Second up, we've put together an exclusive extended version of the 24 Hours track "Careless Or Dead" (yes, that one...) for the lovely Adrian & The Mysterious D to play out for the smoochers at the wonderful Bootie SF. They seem pretty pleased with it and have stuck it in their Top 10 for the month - if you want to hear it you can find the download link half way down their frontpage.
Hmm. Bootie in San Francisco... Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco... Are you thinking what we're thinking?
Second up, we've put together an exclusive extended version of the 24 Hours track "Careless Or Dead" (yes, that one...) for the lovely Adrian & The Mysterious D to play out for the smoochers at the wonderful Bootie SF. They seem pretty pleased with it and have stuck it in their Top 10 for the month - if you want to hear it you can find the download link half way down their frontpage.
Hmm. Bootie in San Francisco... Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco... Are you thinking what we're thinking?
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
'Sno Angel Like You
We're delighted to announce that we've been asked to participate in the amazing, Creative-Commons licenced movie project A Swarm Of Angels as Soundtrack Producers.
ASOA's own site sums it up best:
"A Swarm of Angels reinvents the Hollywood model of filmmaking to create cult cinema for the Internet era. It's all about making an artistic statement, making something you haven't seen before.
Why are we doing this? Because we are tired of films that are made simply to please film executives, sell popcorn, or tie-in with fastfood licensing deals.
We want to invent the future of film. Call it Cinema 2.0.
To do it we need your help."
And need your help they (and indeed, we), do. As summarised by advisor Cory Doctorow on Boing Boing:
"The Swarm of Angels project will produce a £1,000,000 picture funded by 50,000 "angels" who each donate £25 and participate in script-doctoring, pre- and post-production, and promotion for the film. The Angels are being invited in batches -- first 100, now 1,000, next 5,000, 25,000 and 50,000. The 1,000 Swarm is still open, but filling up fast..."
We think this is an amazing idea and an incredible opportunity, to put it mildly.
The project is being masterminded by Matt Hanson, founder of One Dot Zero, filmmaker and author. Already on board is Grant Gee (director of the Radiohead documentary "Meeting People Is Easy", all-round music video genius and most recently Director Of Photography on the soon-come documentary about Scott Walker "30 Century Man"), and alongside Cory Doctorow as advisors are Tommy Pallotta (Producer of "Waking Life" and the much anticipated "A Scanner Darkly" ) and Warren Ellis (comic writer, graphic artist and creator of "Transmetropolitan" and "Global Frequency"). More team members will be announced as the project develops.
We think A Swarm Of Angels is a giant step towards a forward-thinking alternative system of movie production, and a mighty opportunity to show the combinable, combustible power of remix culture. And you can quote us on that.
If this is something that tickles your synapses, come along for the ride, it's going to be a good one :)
We'll see you there.
ASOA's own site sums it up best:
"A Swarm of Angels reinvents the Hollywood model of filmmaking to create cult cinema for the Internet era. It's all about making an artistic statement, making something you haven't seen before.
Why are we doing this? Because we are tired of films that are made simply to please film executives, sell popcorn, or tie-in with fastfood licensing deals.
We want to invent the future of film. Call it Cinema 2.0.
To do it we need your help."
And need your help they (and indeed, we), do. As summarised by advisor Cory Doctorow on Boing Boing:
"The Swarm of Angels project will produce a £1,000,000 picture funded by 50,000 "angels" who each donate £25 and participate in script-doctoring, pre- and post-production, and promotion for the film. The Angels are being invited in batches -- first 100, now 1,000, next 5,000, 25,000 and 50,000. The 1,000 Swarm is still open, but filling up fast..."
We think this is an amazing idea and an incredible opportunity, to put it mildly.
The project is being masterminded by Matt Hanson, founder of One Dot Zero, filmmaker and author. Already on board is Grant Gee (director of the Radiohead documentary "Meeting People Is Easy", all-round music video genius and most recently Director Of Photography on the soon-come documentary about Scott Walker "30 Century Man"), and alongside Cory Doctorow as advisors are Tommy Pallotta (Producer of "Waking Life" and the much anticipated "A Scanner Darkly" ) and Warren Ellis (comic writer, graphic artist and creator of "Transmetropolitan" and "Global Frequency"). More team members will be announced as the project develops.
We think A Swarm Of Angels is a giant step towards a forward-thinking alternative system of movie production, and a mighty opportunity to show the combinable, combustible power of remix culture. And you can quote us on that.
If this is something that tickles your synapses, come along for the ride, it's going to be a good one :)
We'll see you there.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Hits from the blogs
While doing a little digging around the K-referencing sections of the web, I found a couple of sweet things worth mentioning.
First off is this simple but very effective video combining one of the tracks from "Yoshimi Battles The Hip-Hop Robots" with some bizarre old newsreel footage from the Internet Archive. The end result had me chucking into my coffee this morning. Nice one, Shpilkis.
Second off was spotting that we'd been noted on Wiley Wiggins' blog "News Of The Dead". Wiley's voice pops up in a few places on "24 Hours", so we're chuffed as punch to see the mention. Hope you like what we've done to you, WW :)
Finally we have to extend thanks to our Wikipedia-writing fans, who have extended our entry to incorporate info about "24 Hours" - If anyone feels like adding to the list, go for it - it's always great to find out what we've been up to...
First off is this simple but very effective video combining one of the tracks from "Yoshimi Battles The Hip-Hop Robots" with some bizarre old newsreel footage from the Internet Archive. The end result had me chucking into my coffee this morning. Nice one, Shpilkis.
Second off was spotting that we'd been noted on Wiley Wiggins' blog "News Of The Dead". Wiley's voice pops up in a few places on "24 Hours", so we're chuffed as punch to see the mention. Hope you like what we've done to you, WW :)
Finally we have to extend thanks to our Wikipedia-writing fans, who have extended our entry to incorporate info about "24 Hours" - If anyone feels like adding to the list, go for it - it's always great to find out what we've been up to...
Monday, April 10, 2006
I'll be waiting here, with my arms unfurled...
Well, maybe not literally. Chances are my arms will have furled right back by then, and I'll be asleep, but I wanted to change the top-post so it wasn't so moody as the one below, as, thanks to Alex's comment on the last post (cheers, El Duderino), we've just realised we've been linked on the Blogger homepage.
Shit, I thought we had a bunch of really chatty readers all of a sudden.
Anyway, as this is kind of a functional blog, more than a chatty, you'll never guess what I saw today blog, or a you'll never guess what I found on the net today blog, or a pay attention and listen to me and my opinions you assholes sort of blog, that I should skim up a introduction / reminder for you new free-clicking people.
We're The Kleptones. We live here and we make new sounds out of other people's old sounds. Sorta. Kind of like The Wombles do with trash, but better and infinitely more listenable. There's tons of downloads and stuff. You'll probably hate it, but you will undoubtedly know someone who will be blown away when you send them the link, and will forever think of you as a zeitgeist surfer deluxe. Really.
Thanks for stopping by, anyway, Mum, and I'll ring you tomorrow, promise.
Shit, I thought we had a bunch of really chatty readers all of a sudden.
Anyway, as this is kind of a functional blog, more than a chatty, you'll never guess what I saw today blog, or a you'll never guess what I found on the net today blog, or a pay attention and listen to me and my opinions you assholes sort of blog, that I should skim up a introduction / reminder for you new free-clicking people.
We're The Kleptones. We live here and we make new sounds out of other people's old sounds. Sorta. Kind of like The Wombles do with trash, but better and infinitely more listenable. There's tons of downloads and stuff. You'll probably hate it, but you will undoubtedly know someone who will be blown away when you send them the link, and will forever think of you as a zeitgeist surfer deluxe. Really.
Thanks for stopping by, anyway, Mum, and I'll ring you tomorrow, promise.
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