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.

Antenna Woes

In the first weeks of use, iPhone 4 owners found that there was a design flaw in the iPhone 4 antenna.

The antenna wraps around the outer edge of the phone, and when held a certain way, calls get dropped. Last week, Apple offered an explanation and solution for what has been dubbed "antennagate."(So named for the frenzy of Apple and iPhone bashing that has been occurring online because of the problem.)  All the info after the jump.

Second Verse, same as the first

Arguments on whether they were the first, the best, or even the most influential punk band are irrelevant. The Ramones rocked. Case closed.

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.

The only interesting drum solo. Ever.

"What did the drummer get on his IQ test? Drool."

Drum solos may be the part of the concert where everyone but other drummers gets up to get another beer, but this one is from one of the greats, and it's easy to see why.

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.

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.

 

Okay, so writing verse obviously isn't part of my job description. But finding and writing about (and coveting) cool stuff is, so if anyone in your house still needs another 'prise or two under the tree, feel free to crib from my own Christmas wishlist:

TV Talk

I was interviewed for a podcast over on DigitalTrends.com about the future of TVs.

Shockingly, I don't make too much of a fool of myself, given that it wasn't edited.

So if you want to hear me babble on for 20 minutes about all sorts of TV stuff, you can check it out here.

 

 

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.