20110313
Another Life on Mars
Seu Jorge - Life Aqautic Sessions
A friend put me onto this great artist who has recoorded a whole album of David Bowie covers in Portugese, and as a born and bred Bowie fanatic, these sublime covers really impress!
Music For Your mInD with No Ceiling!
There are plenty of places to get a musical fix and sometimes for keeps on the web. Music lovers, like to spread the joy and the word around, so here are a couple of links to sites where you can discover some seriously great tunes and whole albums, spanning different genres and time. We know the moral dilemna of 'sharing' all too well, but we Have given up food for funk, what we love we buy (although, as in Sky Saxons case, screwing the artist by doing so?). We have and do spread the word, as far as DIG can. But, like Gideons Bibles, file-sharing allows us to share and spread the good news, and that news is......that the music will never stop.
Oufar Khan
Blog presenting some fantastic and obscure albums, currently giving U Reverend's latin favourite - Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers.
Oufar Khan
Blog presenting some fantastic and obscure albums, currently giving U Reverend's latin favourite - Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers.
Funky16Corners
And here is one from my main man and music guru El P - Funkier than a Mosquito's Tweeter!
And here is one from my main man and music guru El P - Funkier than a Mosquito's Tweeter!
That should keep you diggers, diggin' for sometime yet!
20110312
20110301
SKY SAXON estate sues for Royalties
Monday, February 28, 2011
© Mickeys Zoo.blogspot
Sky Saxon estate sues for royalties
SKY SAXON, the singer and songwriter behind the 1960s garage-rock band The Seeds, died in June 2009. However, for most of his career and to the end of his life, he received no royalties at all from his record company or his music publishing company. The reason? According to those companies, Saxon sold his artist’s and producer’s royalties in 1973 for $350, and his music publishing royalties for $250. Despite repeated requests over the years from Saxon, and, recently, his widow, the companies have flatly refused to pay any royalties at all, and the matter is now in litigation in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Saxon signed a record deal in 1965 with GNP Crescendo Record Co., Inc., a Los Angeles-based company that specialized in jazz recordings, run by Gene Norman, a former concert promoter and disc jockey. At that time, he also signed a music publishing deal with Neil Music, Inc., which is a sister company of GNP. The Seeds and Saxon went on to have hits in 1965 and 1966 with “Pushin’ Too Hard,” “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine,” and “Mr. Farmer.”
But for 37 years, since 1973, GNP and Neil Music have stubbornly refused to pay Saxon, or his heirs, any royalties whatsoever. These companies maintain that Saxon signed away all of his royalties, forever, based upon three minor transactions: A $500 payment for “Pushin’ Too Hard” in late 1972, a loan for $250 in mid-1973 (that Saxon did not pay back), for all of Saxon’s other songs, and a loan for $350 from late 1973 (that Saxon also did not pay back), for all of Saxon’s record and producer’s royalties.
The Estate has brought a lawsuit against GNP and Neil Music for rescission of Saxon’s record and publishing deals, and for royalties for the past four years. In response, the companies (which are now run by Neil Norman, son of Gene Norman) have taken the position that the three petty deals from 1972 and 1973 are “buy-outs” of any and all royalties forever. The Estate has asked the court to set aside these three transactions, on the grounds that they are so oppressive and unfair that they should be void, as a matter of public policy, that is, “unconscionable.” “Unconscionable” contracts are deals that are so oppressive and one-sided that they literally “shock the conscience” of the court and of civilized society, or which have no place in the legitimate business world. In that the alleged “buy-outs” fit that description exactly, the Estate has asked the court to set them aside. The Estate has also asked that on account of the 37-year failure of GNP and Neil Music to pay any royalties, that the original 1960s deals be rescinded, and the Estate be given back all of the musical properties.
In recent years, GNP and Neil Music have exploited Saxon’s songs and recordings to a substantial extent. “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” has recently been used in a commercial for Axe Body Spray. “Pushin’ Too Hard” has been used for numerous film and television projects, as have other songs by The Seeds. The songs have been covered over the years by numerous artists, including The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, Billy Corgan, Garbage, Alex Chilton, Murder City Devils, and Yo La Tengo.
The motion to determine the issue of unconscionability will be heard on March 8, 2011. A legal brief filed by the Estate on February 22, 2011, which gives more information, background, and legal authority, is also available.
Saxon signed a record deal in 1965 with GNP Crescendo Record Co., Inc., a Los Angeles-based company that specialized in jazz recordings, run by Gene Norman, a former concert promoter and disc jockey. At that time, he also signed a music publishing deal with Neil Music, Inc., which is a sister company of GNP. The Seeds and Saxon went on to have hits in 1965 and 1966 with “Pushin’ Too Hard,” “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine,” and “Mr. Farmer.”
But for 37 years, since 1973, GNP and Neil Music have stubbornly refused to pay Saxon, or his heirs, any royalties whatsoever. These companies maintain that Saxon signed away all of his royalties, forever, based upon three minor transactions: A $500 payment for “Pushin’ Too Hard” in late 1972, a loan for $250 in mid-1973 (that Saxon did not pay back), for all of Saxon’s other songs, and a loan for $350 from late 1973 (that Saxon also did not pay back), for all of Saxon’s record and producer’s royalties.
The Estate has brought a lawsuit against GNP and Neil Music for rescission of Saxon’s record and publishing deals, and for royalties for the past four years. In response, the companies (which are now run by Neil Norman, son of Gene Norman) have taken the position that the three petty deals from 1972 and 1973 are “buy-outs” of any and all royalties forever. The Estate has asked the court to set aside these three transactions, on the grounds that they are so oppressive and unfair that they should be void, as a matter of public policy, that is, “unconscionable.” “Unconscionable” contracts are deals that are so oppressive and one-sided that they literally “shock the conscience” of the court and of civilized society, or which have no place in the legitimate business world. In that the alleged “buy-outs” fit that description exactly, the Estate has asked the court to set them aside. The Estate has also asked that on account of the 37-year failure of GNP and Neil Music to pay any royalties, that the original 1960s deals be rescinded, and the Estate be given back all of the musical properties.
In recent years, GNP and Neil Music have exploited Saxon’s songs and recordings to a substantial extent. “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” has recently been used in a commercial for Axe Body Spray. “Pushin’ Too Hard” has been used for numerous film and television projects, as have other songs by The Seeds. The songs have been covered over the years by numerous artists, including The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, Billy Corgan, Garbage, Alex Chilton, Murder City Devils, and Yo La Tengo.
The motion to determine the issue of unconscionability will be heard on March 8, 2011. A legal brief filed by the Estate on February 22, 2011, which gives more information, background, and legal authority, is also available.
20110225
Bring the Noise
PINK NOISE is an online zine and gallery of NZ artists founded by Katie Robinson who says, "This whole concept is non-profit, simply an interesting Art Project to promote artists and create a unique network and Art Zine along the way."
You can get involved here or contribute to PINK NOISE online auction on Trade Me to raise money for Christchurch.
20110223
20110222
Martin Horspool
Martin Horspool was one of the first people to experience ¡DIG! at the Corban Estate Arts Centre back in the day. Since then his assemblage pieces have taken on a life of their own and their creator has gone into Robo-drive trying to keep up. Below is a blurb from his website.
Martin Horspool is one of the few people lucky enough to be able to visualize personalities, hidden in disused household objects.
The development of these personalities involves some grinding, drilling and riveting, until a creation is formed, from a pile of rusting parts.
Horspool, a Welshman, attended Art colleges in Wrexham and Liverpool, where his passion for 1950’s and 60’s industrial design originated.
Now living the dream in New Zealand, his search for objects has become an obsession for him and his collection of discarded paraphernalia becomes the catalyst for the creation process.
The self confessed urban gypsy collects from kerb sides, car boots, markets, scrap yards, antique shops, auction houses and has stock piled a collection of components to make any magpie jealous.
Most Robot sculptures contain original pieces from the 50s and 60s and he finds it important for people to recognise the individual components that make up each one.
He has had sell out exhibitions in New Zealand, with sales to collectors in London, New York and Europe, and is planning an exhibition in Tokyo for 2011.
buggyrobot.com
There ain't 'arf been some clever bastards...
Finding good New Zealand Art + Design to own, can be challenging. You know it's out there but where? Work is often seen at exhibitions only and trawling through some of the more generic gift-shop art and reproductions can be a soul destroying, rather than uplifting affair.
There are many websites that allow artists to promote themselves, but with an open door policy and unclear presentation, these too can be unrewarding.
So it was a delight on a random Google browse, that CleverBastards.co.nz turned up. A well designed site, showcasing some very interesting, funky, quality work from a range of emerging NZ artists, ranging from the known to the unknown and encompassing diverse media. All the work is for sale and presented appropriately.
With an easy registration and all the usual connectivity, the site is accessible and more importantly presents the wide range of quality work professionaly and creatively.
I look forward to checking out more of the work (I liked the cable-tie, spirograph homages!) and have submitted my own modest output for possible inclusion...watch this space, and check out those CleverBastards!
www.cleverbastards.co.nz/Clever-Hunting
CleverBastards - New Zealand Art + Design
There are many websites that allow artists to promote themselves, but with an open door policy and unclear presentation, these too can be unrewarding.
So it was a delight on a random Google browse, that CleverBastards.co.nz turned up. A well designed site, showcasing some very interesting, funky, quality work from a range of emerging NZ artists, ranging from the known to the unknown and encompassing diverse media. All the work is for sale and presented appropriately.
With an easy registration and all the usual connectivity, the site is accessible and more importantly presents the wide range of quality work professionaly and creatively.
I look forward to checking out more of the work (I liked the cable-tie, spirograph homages!) and have submitted my own modest output for possible inclusion...watch this space, and check out those CleverBastards!
www.cleverbastards.co.nz/Clever-Hunting
CleverBastards - New Zealand Art + Design
20110221
Assemblage
At DIG we are particularly fond of assemblage art. Dig spotted this bloke on The Cool Hunter.
Robert Bradford - Recycled Toy Sculptures
Robert Bradford - Recycled Toy Sculptures
20110216
20110212
Cabeza!
Lovers of bass heavy, fruity and down right dutty music will love the digital -Latino- combustion blowing up at Cabeza! Netlabel. Cabeza! is a virtual label whose main goal is to distribute what they call "suburbia music."
Cabeza head honcho's Lucas Luisao and Martin "negromoreno" Moreno say they "joined forces to shape one of the least profitable projects on earth."
The Cumbia phenomena that is sweeping South America rides at the forefront of Cabeza's free downloads (that's right FREE!) It's not just a Cumbia experience either, you'll find heavy traces of dancehall, and reggaeton mashed up and rejigged in a veritable world of "rhythms that started in the slums and made their way to the dance floor."
With 33 compilations to date since Cabeza! launched in early 2008 one gets the feeling that Sud-Americas musical creatives are in overdrive. !Salud!
Cabeza! is independent and distributed for free but should you wish to koha to these generous purveyors then you can always leave a donation or buy the T-shirt. ¡Muchas Gracias!
Their latest release is by the artist Gameboy.
Game on!
20110211
Who is that Masked Man - Its Lenny Bruce!
An animation of a comedic playlet,w ritten and performed by Lenny Bruce, possibly one of the first alternative, political comedians.
Saying My Prayers
Feeling jazzy or jaded, check out Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the 'Multi-instrumentalist' spiritual jazz pioneer. Here his riotous version of Say A little Prayer is a revelation!
20110210
Splore City Countdown
We here at Dig have s a long association with the good folk at Splore. With only hours to go until the inaugural -gap year- Splore City we're sure all good Splorers will be getting their freak garb together and getting into the vibe. The Reverend and El Presidente would like to wish all Splorestars the wickedest of times this weekend. Here's some shots from Splore to 2010 to get you in the mood....
©burgseye 201120110208
The Night Tripper..Zu Zu..
Some vintage. Dr John, from Sun, Moon and Herbs, the Night Tripper LP I dont have, damn!
20110121
The Captain Makes a Commercial
For the excellently titled album from 1973, 'Lick my Decals Off Baby', the Capt. made a commercial, he thought was commercial! This album contains 'Smithsonian Institute Blues (the Big Dig) a favourite to play on the DIG show, of course.
20101218
Captain Beefheart - I'm Gonna Boogiarize You Baby
Sadly Gone but definitely Unforgettable. A dirty-big influence on all Digstars!
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