Random Start: The Persecuted Won't Forget by Testament

I think I found this band from a Facebook posting by my friend Roy Culver a few years ago.  I had heard of them but never gave them a listen until then.  This is a band who's good at what they do, and they haven't really changed from what I can tell - Thrash Metal.  I like it for the same reason I like Living Sacrifice - they're super tight and good at what they do...and I always liked this thrashy, kind of speed metal sound.  I've downloaded all their records into my catalog but frankly it's so much material I haven't dug deep into it.  Just yesterday I was thinking it would be cool if a Testament track would pop up in Random Start (since one hadn't yet and I think this is a band worthy of some attention).  Way to go Random Start!

More Windows Phone Musings

A month or so ago I wrote a post about what's going right and wrong for Windows Phone, and it focused mostly on ways that I think Microsoft is blowing it when they actually do have something killer to offer.  This is CES week in Las Vegas, a time when makers of tech gadgets launch new products or simply promote what they already have.  In the last post I also mentioned that Nokia was going to be launching new Windows Phone handsets and would be the biggest hardware partner supporting the OS.  My first good cell phone was by Nokia.  While they've been out of the mobile scene in the U.S. they're still a major player worldwide.  This will end up being a good move for both Microsoft and Nokia.  The handsets already launched in Europe are very popular and the handsets launching in the U.S. are receiving positive reviews.

So now for some post-CES happenings commentary.  I've read a lot of articles saying that the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II, both of which will be on AT&T, stole the show in the mobility category.  Admittedly, I'm getting this from blogs and Twitter posts from writers who are supportive of the Windows Phone platform, but I do see the excitement there.  I also see this as an opportunity that simply can't be missed.  There are killer devices out for Android and the iPhone 4S is pretty awesome (I must admit).  So what's the barrier to really making this thing happen?

Carriers.  Carriers rule the world in mobile.  Yes, the iPhone thrived for years exclusively with AT&T.  When it launched it was a revolutionary product that was supported by unending marketing.  They could afford to place all emphasis with one carrier, and frankly still could today.  

This week a Sprint executive told PC Magazine they were disappointed in Windows Phone sales on their network and aren't that excited to offer another handset...that maybe they'd think about it in August/September.  This is getting lots of backlash from Sprint customers and has even led to a petition being launched to make Sprint aware that its customers would like more choice.  It shouldn't be news to anyone that Sprint's sales of their ONLY Windows Phone device has been disappointing.  Their offering is the HTC Arrive, a heavy handset with a slideout physical keyboard and a screen that tilts up at an angle when slid out.  I've been with Sprint for over 15 years and jumped at the chance to get a Windows Phone on their network.  I have zero use for the physical keyboard which makes the phone far too heavy and bulky...would much prefer a body style like a Samsung Focus S or HTC Titan, both of which boast a larger screen but weigh less than my phone.  And both of which are more traditional form factors that users are looking for these days.  I settled for this oddball, heavy handset because I wanted to use the Windows Phone OS, but users who are simply shopping won't be so forgiving - so again, Sprint shouldn't act surprised that sales are low for this handset.  

After reading blogs and articles and comments on those articles it's clear that people are passionate about their phones.  These aren't just phones anymore.  We're using them all day, every day for just about any task you can imagine.  It's my link to my social networks, my family, my news, sports teams, maps, music, recipes, games, books and more.  We're all constantly looking at our phones for a reason - because there's always something going on there or something to do there.  I saw video of people who were passionate about their current phones trying out Windows Phone, or even competing with it in Ben the PC Guy's #smokedbywindowsphone challenges.  People came away truly impressed at the style and speed demonstrated in the platform...and the few that won the challenge walked away with $100.  

To reiterate the closing of my last post, I'd like to see more carriers offering multiple handsets running Windows Phone.  Personally, I don't see light at the end of the tunnel with Sprint and plan to jump to AT&T since they are showing commitment to the platform, AND are launching phones that will work on their LTE network.  I love everything my phone does, but am tired of this heavy, bulky device...looking forward to the Lumia 900 or Titan II.

Random Start: Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz

This song reminds me of watching MTV in the mornings while getting ready - the ONLY time they play videos anymore.  I really liked this track when it came out and thought I'd be really into Gorillaz, but it hasn't happened.  This is still a crazy good song though.  And I love the voice and flow of Del the Funky Homo Sapien over it.  The song Gorillaz did with the guy from De La Soul is a winner too...Feel Good Inc. I think.

Random Start: 6 x 6 by Puller

The track Random Start actually selected was No Use Running, off the same album as this track.  I couldn't find any media of it so I went with this instead.  Puller was one of the more progressive T&N bands in the 90s, and frankly it took me awhile to get into them.  At the time I was listening to hardcore and punk rock and the rhythms and tone here were tough to adjust to.  I remember driving around and really paying attention trying to get the rhythms since they weren't straightforward.  


This was a good band and I only got to see them once on a tour with Stavesacre.  I never got to know Mike Lewis (we may have talked some back when I was booking concerts) but he's lived in Nashville for years now.  I think he's now running a merchandise company with Bruce Fitzhugh.


Lots of music folks I know or am acquainted with have moved to Nashville...maybe that's worth a post sometime.  I keep finding out people have moved here that I wouldn't have expected to.

Random Start: One More Time by Daft Punk

When I moved to Nashville I got involved in a local club for teens called Rocketown, and learned how to DJ there under Mike Linney and DJ Majik.  A lot of my friends at the time were into house music as well and we started going to "raves" or parties together.  My best friend Danny and I eventually became Rocketown's house DJs and I got the chance to be in the weekend rotation at the Underground, a club that was on 2nd Ave in Nashville that's now closed.  I started in the back room but eventually got moved into the main room.  I didn't know anything about anything then and they barely paid me at all.  DJing and hunting for records was at lot of fun back then, but it was an expensive hobby.  At the time we'd have to go to Atlanta or St. Louis to find decent records, and you'd be able to get a record for $6-12 that you only use one track from.  


The one "set" I remember developing would go from kind of traditional deep house to Chicago house, then get into breakbeats and the acidy sound that was popular at the time.  I would usually work in a Daft Punk track in the transition into the breakbeats.  Man, this was a long time ago, but it was fun.  

Playoffs? You Wanna Talk About Playoffs? Playoffs?

Even though my interest in the NFL has waned this year we're now into the playoffs and it gets more interesting.  Some good matchups this weekend.

Bengals at Texans: If the Titans aren't in the playoffs I'm glad to see that the Texans are (and NOT the Colts...sorry Indy family).  They're a division rival, but I like what they've done in building their team.  It's just too bad they're down to a 3rd or 4th string quarterback (with about 4 more sitting on the sideline) or they could really do something.  This is the first of what I think are several tossup games this weekend.  It's hard to like the Bengals, but I find myself rooting for their rookie QB, Andy Dalton.  I think this kid has "it" and will be a good player for years.  Too bad he's in Cincy.  Texans win 34-28

Lions at Saints: This, to me, is the premier matchup of the weekend.  If it's what it appears to be we'll get a shootout, which should make for fun watching.  Stats aside, I have a lot of friends on both sides of this game and find it hard to root one way or the other.  I don't think I'll really decide who I'm pulling for until the game is going - when I'll probably start pulling for the team that's behind to make a comeback.  The Saints are a powerhouse and that goes without saying.  I really like that the Lions have done.  As soon as they hired Jim Schwartz from the Titans I thought it was the start of good things.  He's brought in some good players, including Vanden Bosch from the Titans, to be a guy that sets the pace for work ethic.  They've drafted well and are playing with self-respect again.  They're still a team that is developing, and heading upward with some distance to go.  Saints win 38-34

Falcons at Giants: I don't follow the NFC too closely, but from that knowledge I see the Giants as a flawed team with a QB who can be perfect at times and vulnerable at others, and a strong running game...and oh yeah, a receiver named Cruz who is lighting up the stats this year.  In the ATL I see a solid QB who's had a bad year, and an elite running back and a strong defense.  I think Falcons win this one on the road, and keep our family and friends down in GA happy for this weekend.  Falcons win 24-17

Steelers at Tebows, I mean Broncos: It's been a crazy year for the Broncos with their awful start followed by their miraculous rescue by Tim Tebow.  I didn't think he'd be any good in the NFL either, and it's cool to see him proving people wrong.  And while we can never judge someone's heart or spiritual life, I do have a sense that Tebow is legit.  There's been a lot of funny stuff coming out this week about the sinful Steelers/Big Ben (don't want to look up how to spell his last name) coming to town vs. the saintly Tebow: "Hide yo wives, Big Ben is in town", "Who do you think God is for - his follower Tebow, or the rapist?"....well, they're funny to me.  In the end I think the Steelers will be too much, and have too much experience for the Broncos.  Steelers win 24-13

Saturday 2 home winners, Sunday 2 road winners.  These picks are based on nothing but my sitting here and typing for 5 minutes and gut feeling.  No research.  Place your bets!!

Spurs are playing their B team in a 3rd round FA Cup match against a lower tier team and hold a 2 goal lead at half.  Not much interesting happening in the soccer world this weekend.  Looking forward to seeing Spurs play their makeup game v Everton on Wednesday.  Even though Tim Howard and Landon Donovan are on the Everton side I'll still be supporting Spurs.

Random Start: The Moonn and Sixpence by Falling Up

I don't remember where I heard of this band, but I've downloaded a few of their records and have liked them.  I used to have the idea that they were previously known by another name and were a band that had sent demos to us at Davdon back when I was booking concerts.  Reading their bio makes me think I'm wrong on that.  I dig the big, atmospheric sound.  Part of this song sounds Vheissu era Thrice-ish to me, although I don't know if such a comparison is warranted.