Sync Sounds

I don't drive big cars. Hate them. In my book, if a car's going to weigh 4,300 pounds it better have a second car sitting on top of it.

And despite all that, I was sad to see the MKS go. It's a fantastic ride, mostly due to the THX sound system and, gasp, Microsoft's Sync.

Hands

So I'm starting a new feature here on the website. YouTube is great for a lot of things, but I think one of its greatest uses is as a repository of amazing performances by the world's greatest musicians.

Now I'm not talking about ripping a concert DVD, but of meaningful, remarkable performances that are likely not found anywhere else. First up, the Rach 3 by Martha Argerich.

Why has the once shining symbol of the future of TV almost completely disappeared from the landscape?

It seems like every TV manufacturer either makes or sells LCDs, but only a handful make plasmas anymore.

With the departure of Pioneer from the market, what does that mean for the future of plasma?

The greatest thing... ever.

I admit, I'm way late to the party on this one.

Still, if you haven't checked out Pandora, you really have to.

Mini "review" after the jump.

Pure Marketing Obfuscation

I understand the need for a manufacturer to differentiate their product. It's a crowded field out there, and anything you can do to make your product stand out is a good idea.

Well, almost anything.

But let's not call it lying, let's call it a gift for fiction.

Own it

Covers are tough. Sounds too much like the original, and everyone will wonder why you wasted their time. Sound too different, and you risk not doing the original justice.

But strike that Goldilocks balance, taking the song and making it your own but still showing the original reverence, there's the potential of being as good (if not better) than the original. That's what these covers do in spades.

More Free Music

A few months ago I did a blog on Pandora, the free online radio station.

I was immediately deluged with emails about Slacker Radio, a similar service. So I gave it a try. As an inveterate music junky, the more places I can find new music, the better.

Mini-review after the jump.

Turns out, the piano does start here.

At first glance, what's impressive about Tatum's performance, and indeed his style and skill, is his right hand: clean, effortless runs at tremendous speed.

But it's not his right that's amazing, it's his left.