Speaking of Elderly Music last weekend, I got to spend the weekend with my awesome brother Will. I must be the luckiest guy on the planet to have a brother like Will. It is very fulfilling to spend time with him, and he is truly a good guy and a great friend.

I wish everyone had a brother like him.

My brother and I visited Elderly Music this past weekend. Wow, what a wonderful store. It was nice to see such a great selection of old, new, and NOS-type instruments all in a neat, old building. Friendly folks, too! I thought their prices were pretty good, too! Please check them out. I know that when I get enough clams together to buy my Taylor or Martin, I'll be giving them a call.

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I read a great deal (TechDirt.com, Slashdot.org, digg.com, others) of "on-line argument" this past weekend concerning Digital Rights Management (DRM), allofmp3.com, MP3 vs. lossless compression, and many more aspects to the world of internet-transferred music.

The Internet world is really buzzing with arguments about music, and the effects of Intellectual Property on music. There is a great deal of gnashing of teeth and twisting in the wind about unauthorized file sharing, selling compressed (vs. large lossless) files, companies in other countries that charge money to "sell" music for a fraction of the real cost (and, it seems from some posts, that don't pay anything to the artists), etc. Take a few minutes out to Google around and look at what people are saying.

I'm not going to espouse a particular opinion in this post about how I feel. I will, however, predict this: The music industry is evolving and will continue to do so for quite a while. Artists are already evolving pretty hard. Even I can make my music in my living room* and can distribute it with someone like CDBaby.com or even my own websites. It is astounding that Neil Young (not a negative towards Neil, a positive) can get in the studio, make a high-quality album, and have it out for people to hear within days!

I feel that the record companies need to really open their eyes, look forward to the future, and re-think their public position. I'm personally glad that record labels are out there - I just think that more money needs to be spent taking chances on new music and new artists (than on legalisms, public PR disaster battles, and only banking bands that can be played on the radio right now).

Anyway, to close, this is an exciting time for music! Enjoy the ride! Look to the indie sites for more cool sounds you might have never heard. isound.com, audiri.com, dmusic.com, purevolume.com, indie911.com, betarecords.com, and lots of others (I haven't ommitted anyone on purpose here, I've just listed the ones that seem to have lots of different and interesting stuff - plus, I'm tired of typing html code for links right now ;-).

*Footnote: there is no substitute for awesome producers, audio technicians, studio professionals and others who know how to make an album the right way. I feel that they are the unsung heroes of the music industry, and don't get enough credit for the work they do.

P.S.

I miss Janis, Jimi, Stevie Ray, George, John, Roy, Keith, John (Bonham), John (Entwhistle), Randy, Freddie, Jim, and so many other great musicians - so much that it hurts sometimes.

The Beatles' Catalog is going internet-capable!

This money.cnn.com article indicates that Apple Corps is working on remastering the entire catalog, and that they are going to release the Beatles' Catalog to electronic distribution.

I, for one, am glad this is working out. Between Led Zeppelin and The Beatles (yes, there are more, I know), many favorite tunes are not available on media other than CD. Internet-capable media is just a step into the future, and I'm glad that Apple Corps is "on board."

Now, if we can just get Apple Corps and Apple Computer to "work it out" with each other - everyone should get along in this case... Maybe the details aren't so easy, but I have a great deal of respect for Sir McCartney and Sir Starr (and all the other wonderful folks in the Apple Corps gang) and Steve Jobs... Surely, great minds such as those can work together?

Mood Music For Programmers - Justin R. Durban

This guy has some really awesome mood music for programmers out there. Slap on the headphones and code away. Reviewed on digg.com with lots of diggs and positive comments...

read more | digg story

I received a heart-lifting complement yesterday... one of my fellow Slashdot.org members left a nice comment about my music adjacent to a post I had made. It means the world to me that folks feel good about my music.

Slashdot.org comment

A group of worried lead guitarists could easily be called a "fret" of guitarists.

If a fine rosewood tree fell in a forest when no human was there to hear it, would it still make a good tone wood?

I am the luckiest fellow on the planet.

Let me tell you why… it’s really quite simple.

My wife (of 21 years!) is ultra-supportive and is the greatest partner one could ever have. She even tolerates my musical madness, listens to every tune with an objective ear, and encourages me (even though my music will probably not ever be commercially viable). On top of all that, she’s patient, kind, an excellent friend, and a marvelous mother to our children.

My daughter understands the value of unconditional love. She supports every member of the family with all her heart – and is smart and talented too. It’s great to have her in my life.

My son is so great to have in my life, too. How often do you get to share a hobby with your children? He’s an avid supporter and participant in so many aspects of my life. When your son thinks that “you rock”, there just can’t be a substitute.

My brother is supportive, a fan, and a wonderful human being. He’s always been there, and I’m lucky to have him in my life. How often does one have a sibling that will go out of his way to support one’s musical avocation? How often can you have a conversation about anything at all, and walk away from the conversation feeling good – no matter the subject?

My mother is always there, is always supportive, and is a wonderful influence on my life. She’s always been there. Cornerstones are an important part of a great life.

I am lucky to still have my Grandfather and Grandmother still living in a rural town in N.C. I have the privilege of still being able to go see them and spend time with them. They’re a wonderful and positive influence.

I am also lucky enough to have a best friend whom I have known for 25 years. He once gave me a huge eraser to tell me that any mistakes I make in our relationship are easily erased and forgotten. Unconditional love is wonderful.

I have the privilege of getting to go to a great job every day with a company that respects and cares for its employees.

What else can I say? I am blessed and the most lucky guy on the planet.