Within half an hour of Tweeting the fact that I finally got my paws on the new stereo Beatles remasters this week, my email inbox was clogged with the same question repeated practically ad infinitum: “So... don’t leave me hanging. How do they sound?” The ellipses were often stretched to the point of abuse, and the question marks ranged from solitary to the obscene, but I read that exactly question so many times I almost started to have Tweet remorse
Honestly, though, who doesn’t want to know how these discs sound? So I’ll cut to the chase and tell you all what I told them:
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.
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.
I know what's about to happen. I'm about to sit here and type a thousand words or so, waxing left and right about The Beatles: Rock Band, how it fits into the current glut of music/rhythm games, whether it does justice to the band and their legacy, blah blah blah...
When really, what it all boils down to is this: if you like The Beatles, go buy this game. Now. If you like the Beatles and don't own a PS3 or Xbox 360 (or Wii, I guess), go buy one of those. Now. And then buy this game. Right after that.
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.
The Beatles Stereo Remasters Review
Within half an hour of Tweeting the fact that I finally got my paws on the new stereo Beatles remasters this week, my email inbox was clogged with the same question repeated practically ad infinitum: “So... don’t leave me hanging. How do they sound?” The ellipses were often stretched to the point of abuse, and the question marks ranged from solitary to the obscene, but I read that exactly question so many times I almost started to have Tweet remorse
Honestly, though, who doesn’t want to know how these discs sound? So I’ll cut to the chase and tell you all what I told them:
Where have all the plasmas gone?
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?
There's no such thing as an LED TV
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.
Why High-End Audio?
Myths, Facts, and Self Doubt
Our friends over at Gizmodo recently did an "Audio Week" where they talked about all aspects of audio, from music to the high-end.
Results were mixed, at least in reading the comments. It seems most people think high-end, or even "decent" audio is some kind of myth.
The problem, as I see it, is all in the head.
Great Performances (on YouTube) - Buddy Rich Owns You All
"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.
The Beatles: Rock Band Review (With Video)
When really, what it all boils down to is this: if you like The Beatles, go buy this game. Now. If you like the Beatles and don't own a PS3 or Xbox 360 (or Wii, I guess), go buy one of those. Now. And then buy this game. Right after that.
Bach in Color
A friend of mine sent me a link to this video with nothing more than "The most mezmorizing thing I've seen in a very long time."
I have to agree.
Video after the jump.
Great Performances (on YouTube) - Covers
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.