Tasty Harmonix

I have been taking some introductory classes on the incredibly modular program MaxMSP created by the company cycling 74..  This is an interesting instrument called the Harmonic Architect that was developed in MaxMSP.  I am really fascinated by overtones, or harmonics and this instrument allows you to generate several harmonics at once while controlling each individual's amplitude as well.  You could create some amazing sounding creations I'm sure.  Anyways, just one of the bazillion things you can do with MaxMSP.  I found this on the project section of the Cycling 74 website.

Bulbous Attack

I like to smack my guitar, and pretty much any sound source silly.  Back in January someone was gracious enough to pass me a new toy, the Adamas 2mm graphite pick.  This thing is huge and makes my guitar sound like a flubbery drum, in the best way possible.  I play guitar very percussively and after 14 years of bangin strings, I feel this pick is the missing link towards my style of attack towards my guitar.  It is the equivalent of finding the perfect size drumstick for your hand.  2mm is quite thick for a guitar pick and is usually used for people who tend to have a light pick attack.  I am the exact opposite, I already have a heavy pick attack and applying that attack with an equally heavy pick is just preposterous! I am able to do things with my axe I have never been able to do before and am having a blast, check out the adamas 2mm graphite wonder if you get a chance...sexy little slammer.

Space Is Deep and Horny

A few days a go I had some of the most fun I've had in a while playing guitar.  I hadn't had a good, solid experience playing with other noise makers for far too long. I had a great 3 hour jam that seemed like we were only playing for 30 minutes a guitar, trumpet, and saxophone player.  It was one of the first times I gotten to play with horns and I must say...its was QUITE FUN!  I thought it was very interesting to play spacey riffage and see how the horns reacted to it.  In honor of horns taking there proper place in outer space I have posted a pic of Nik Turner...the original caster of the horn into orbit.

In Solitude Fucking Grooves

It's always a pleasing site when I see bands taking an already awesome concept and expanding on it to the 666th degree on their own terms.  In Solitude from Sweden are a great example.  The group is made up of a bunch of kids (around my age) who simply just want to rock out, nothing else.  It really reminds me of the first time I heard bands like Iron Maiden when I was 12 years old and used to sit in the back of the bus  alone with my headphones on the way home from middle school caring about nothing more than rocking out...this sort of activity was much more important than getting pussy.  These guys take the Maiden swing to the fullest and then some, really happy to know there are people in my age group that want to keep the spirit of pure rock n' roll alive.  Makes me feel a little less alone on this planet!