Not a bad word about Itunes Music Store, they offer an amazing service the only problem is that you are paying a lot more than you have to. If you are interested in saving money from your mp3 downloads you have come to the right place.
Do you want the latest albums? Looking for low priced downloadable music? Then please read on. Gomusic (formerly known as MP3Search) is a music portal of Russian and International music. It has been licensed by the Russian copyright organization FAIR, allowing to legally offer music by all artists and from all labels. Gomusic offers the latest albums, but also older albums and singles for download. Their catalogue is really good, you have about 60 000 albums to choose from and you’ll also find some weird stuff and collectors’ items. You can search the catalogue by music genre, artist, album, collections and soundtracks. Files are not protected so you can do whatever you want with the music files: burn audio CDs, transfer music to your portable MP3 player; there are no limits. All files are mp3 and the quality is good. Gomusic charges from $0.9 to 0.19 per song. You pay per download just like iTunes and Napster.
Before you are able to download you have to pay in advance a minimum of $20.
Payments can be made by credit card, PayPal and by phone. Once you download a song you can access your account from a different computer and download it to that one as well. The site also archives your downloads, so you can re-download songs you’ve already paid for but lost on your computer. Quite often you can actually download a new album weeks before it is released on Itunes Music Store and ordinary musicshops.
In fact this is the only mp3 download service I use and I’ve used them for a long time since I love their service and the low price level. You simply get a lot more for your money, everyone likes that, right?
If you have any doubts or concern about the legality of buying music so cheaply from Russian websites such as this one, Gomusic may ease your worries as they give 50% of their profits to the right-holders of the music.
The website is nice and easy to use and is very easy to navigate, with no advertising to get in your way. It is also very easy and quick to register and the graphics make the site look very good. There is not much extra information for each album/song, but then not having any keeps the site nice and fast and lets you do what you want to do – download MP3 music easily and cheaply! Check out Gomusic today!
December 26, 2008 at 7:23 am · Filed under Gadgets, Music
When I first saw the Air Guitar Pro, I marvelled at the amazing capabilities of that toy. Even though I would likely never play one, it was fun, quirky and is actually a musical instrument all its own. Here’s one, though, that I’d actually pay good money for: air drums.
Using a pair of motion-activated drumsticks and a wireless drum pedal, you can simulate the sound of an entire drum set without actually hitting anything. The sticks can effectively create the sounds of a snare, hi-hat, ride, crash and tom toms. A receiver unit fitted with its own speaker takes the signal and transforms it into a realistic sounding drum solo. You can choose to play through the packaged speakers, connect it to your hi-fidelity setup or plug in earphones. Hell, plug it into your stage setup and play invisible drums for the world to see.
It’s the first truly ultra-portable drum kit you can take anywhere – just two sticks, a pedal and a speaker! Raise hell and play it at full volume inside the subway if you want to. Additionally, you can plug in your favorite music player to the speakers and pound along with it.
The quality of the sound is surprisingly pretty good. With a little studio magic (ok, maybe a lot), you can probably record your drum parts using only this pair of sticks and a pedal. Paired with the Air Guitar, this could be the start of the world’s first band with invisible instruments. How cool would that be?
November 27, 2008 at 4:51 pm · Filed under Gadgets, Music
Let’s face it. The only reason people will even want to buy this is the cool design. The features are standard and the audio doesn’t promise all that much. However, at a $72 price tag, this doesn’t seem too shabby a sale. Actually, having an aesthetically-pleasant replica of a 1930s radio panel might be worth the entire $72. Everything else is just a bonus.
Product Details
The Nomad Portable Speaker is a lightweight, carry-on unit that took its design cues from vintage luggage and 1930s-era AM radio boxes. Body construction is of quality wood with a tweed vinyl dressing. It stands on four rubber feet for stable and can be carried around via the leatherette handle. The whole unit measures 11.25 inches wide, 7.5 inches tall and 5.25 inches in diameter.
It has a built-in AM/FM radio that allows tuning via an old-school rotary knob. Airplane-style gauge allows you to monitor the radio tuning. Secondary knob on the front panel controls the power switch. Auxiliary input for external music sources is available from the back panel and can be used with no issues to play songs on your iPod, PC and similar media sources.
Careful not to prioritize form over substance, it holds a full-range speaker with SRS resonance enhancement that’s expected to deliver rich and detailed sound quality. It can be powered either via a wall socket or four AA batteries. Currently available exclusively from Urban Outfitters.
Juno was a great movie and this soundtrack doesn’t fail to live up to the film’s lofty standards.
Released by the ever hip Rhino Records label, the album pits alternative rock standouts with edgy classics. Even the two main stars of the movie, Ellen Page and Michael Cera sing in the album with their version of The Moldy Peaches’ addictive ditty “Anyone Else But You”. I’m not sure how cool it is to like Juno the movie given that everyone and their airhead neighbor is singing its praises but this album is definitely cool-worthy.
The album includes a number of my favorite tunes, including Kimya Dawson’s “So Nice So Smart”, the legendary Buddy Holly’s “Dearest”, Sonic Youth’s intoxicating delivery of “Superstar” and the revered classic “All The Young Dudes” from Mott the Hoople. Packaging is top-notch with a poignant, illustrated cover. Get the clear orange vinyl version (as in the picture) if you can find it (and you have a functional turntable).
Complete Song Listing:
“All I Want Is You” by Barry Louis Polisar
“My Rollercoaster [Juno Film Version]” by Kimya Dawson
“Well Respected Man” by The Kinks
“Dearest” by Buddy Holly
“Up the Spout” by Mateo Messina
“Tire Swing” by Kimya Dawson
“Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle & Sebastian
“Loose Lips” by Kimya Dawson
“Superstar” by Sonic Youth
“Sleep [Instrumental]” by Kimya Dawson
“Expectations” by Belle & Sebastian
“All the Young Dudes” by Mott the Hoople
“Sea of Love” by Cat Power
“I’m Sticking with You” by The Velvet Underground
“Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches
“Vampire” by Antsy Pants
“Anyone Else But You” by Michael Cera and Ellen Page
November 23, 2008 at 4:33 pm · Filed under Gadgets, Music
You know how things suddenly become cool when they’re obsolete? “Since no one’s using them anymore, let’s put them to use and it will be freaking awesome!”
While the logic behind such thinking can leave much to be desired, there’s no denying that this audio component is at least a little cool. Dubbed the Nostalgic Wooden Music Center, it allows you to play music in forms that are slowly being relegated to the dinosaur era.
The elegant-looking, wooden music box houses a turntable, CD player, cassette deck and an AM/FM radio. It features two built-in full-range speakers and can be connected to an external output unit via regular audio cables.
If you continue to hold on to your grandparents’ vinyl collection and your parents’ mix tapes featuring 80s pop hits, here’s your chance to get it out of the attic and make them a functional part of your entertainment center. Enjoy the soothing voice of Billy Ocean on an 11.8” vinyl and rock out to Cyndi Lauper’s maniacal shriek from authentic memorabilia that defined your ancestors’ culture! This player is a guaranteed hit at any party and can give your entertainment center the kitsch it deserves.
The capable turntable can play up to three standard speeds (33, 45 and 78 rpm) and is compatible with 7.1, 9.8 and 11.8 inch records. It features a front-loading CD drawer and comes equipped with two digital LED screens. The AM/FM radio is fitted old-school style and can be controlled via a rotary, analog tuner. Price is $166 at CNK Promos.
For the musician who wants to practice his instrument but without a full orchestra of friends at his beck and call, here’s the next best thing: Play Along CD’s!
Created by Winifried Hackl, a teacher and a musician, the CD’s try to fill the lack of adequate accompaniment available to solo instrumentalists looking to put in some rehearsal time. Recorded with a full orchestra in the background, you can take your skills on the violin, piano or keytar (actually MIDI might sound terrible on this) to new heights by playing along with Courtly Music Unlimited’s wide selection of recordings.
The CD’s are grouped according to the instrument you will play and you current skill level. If you’re playing the tenor and are at least on an intermediate level, for instance, you can get the Old English Dances from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book CD, which includes eleven classic dance selections you can play along to. Each CD will have each selection in two recordings, one with your part in it and the other with just your accompaniment. That way, you can learn the number by ear before diving in to play.
They offer an ample selection of CD’s for everyone from absolute beginners (Play Along Teaching Materials) to accomplished soloists (Music Partners CDs). A wide range of music choices for accompaniment is also offered well beyond the traditional classics, including modern rock, country and big band swing.
This is a great way to advance your music skills, playing along accomplished musicians who can actually play their notes on cue. While a little anti-social, it sure beats playing along with an imagined orchestra and should prove immensely helpful to helping ease your learning curve.
The PC has pretty much evolved into a central media source around the home. With this change, a need to outfit the computer with quality audio outputs that can fit well into its limited desk space is all but necessary. If you’re saddened by the need to add a bulky speaker unit for high-quality desktop audio needs, perhaps this might cheer you up.
Altec-Lansing recently released what they claim is the first 2.2 desktop speaker system in the industry. Dubbed the “Expressionist Bass”, the two-piece audio system is designed specially for computer use. Shaped like 10-inch robotic alien cones, each speaker is integrated with a built-in subwoofer, allowing you to enjoy better audio without the need to add an external bass-amplifying component. The odd yet iconic shape is designed to facilitate significant acoustic elements that greatly improve the system’s audio delivery. With the subwoofers outfitting each piece, sound becomes more realistic and natural.
Each unit is also equipped with 1.5 inch drivers that compartmentalize high and mid-range frequencies allowing vocals to sound clearer and more pronounced. It offers auxiliary inputs for portable media players.
The Altec Lansing Expressionist BASS (FX3022) system should be available now at select retailers and from Altec Lansing’s online store for an MSRP of $129.95.
Some people are proclaiming the return of the keytar. A few, on the other hand, dismiss the fad as just another momentary fascination with an odd instrument thanks to YouTube and the few geeks who like to write blog posts about it.
It’s hard to tell at this point, really. On the one hand, there is a resurgence of young, fresh bands who regularly feature a keytarist on their roster. On the other, there are absolutely no new keytars being produced with Roland deciding to shut down the AX-7 model in 2007.
These bands think the keytar is here to stay and have carved out an odd niche because it.
Cobra Starship
One of the fastest-rising of the new breed of keytar-infused musical acts, Cobra Starship features keytarist Victoria Asher. Their most notable single is the US-Modern Rock charting song, “Bring It (Snakes On A Plane)”. They’ve released two studio albums and were included in three compilation albums, to date.
Family Force 5
FF5 is a Christian band that plays part electronica, part nu metal and part new punk, calling their style “crossover crunk rock”. Much of their music is lighthearted and catchy, making ample use of synthesizers and power chords. Nathan Currin dons the keytar for the band, along with a helping of other audio instruments, from turntables to percussions.
Mute Math
Playing an eclectic range of genres, from standard rock pieces to noisy electronic numbers, Mute Math became notable for showcasing the keytar via the energetic stage posturing of frontman and keytarist Paul Meany.
Other Notable Acts
A few other noteworthy bands that take to stage with a keytar in tow include Hello Operator, Shychild, Imogen Heap, So So Modern and Love You Long Time. Even Justin Timberlake occasionally played a keytar during his concerts. Additionally, who can forget Borat’s 2007 music video duet with Croatian keytarist Belinda Bedekovic?
While the list of keytar acts isn’t changing the musical landscape anytime soon, they’re steadily growing. Who knows, instrument-makers might even begin cranking out updated versions soon if the demands continues to hold.
The keytar seems forever entrenched in people’s mind as a fun but perpetually silly musical instrument. Perhaps it was the deluge of children’s toys similar to the strap-on “keyboard guitar” that creates our childish propensity to make fun it. Maybe it’s the inescapable association with goofy-looking 80’s fashion. Whatever it is, the keytar seems to receive the automatic brunt of unflattering fascination.
Like any obscure piece of music gadgetry, the keytar has its own following. In fact, a number of relatively new musical performers have built a fanbase partly due to having a keytar prominently taking a spot their ensemble. In this first look at the nostalgic instrument, we’ll review some notable “keytar heroes” of yesteryears.
Spyro Gyra
One of the most prolific bands of all time with 25 albums released, Spyro Gyra brought their commercially-successful jazz fusion sound with the help of a keytar. The band’s keyboardist (keytarist, if you prefer) Tom Schuman is almost always one of the first names to pop out when discussion about the instrument ensues. According to a recent interview with Tom, he still owns the first commercially available keytar although he hasn’t played on it since 1989.
Devo
One of the strangest bands of the 80’s and likely still strange up to now, it was no surprise that they took on the equally peculiar instrument. Their utter silliness was possibly a factor in the keytar’s later reputation as a less-than-serious musician’s ware.
Herbie Hancock
Who can forget Herbie Hancock’s RockIt video complete with robots, mechanical thingamajigs and, well, an awesome keytar.
Other Notables
Enjoying immense popularity in the 80’s for the mobility it provided the keyboard player, the keytar has seen the handling of many music icons of the time including the Pet Shop Boys, Steely Dan, Asia and Weird Al Yankovic.
I got the new video for Fall Out Boy’s latest single, “This ain’t a scene, it’s an arms race”, which will be the first single to be released from their new album, “Infinity on High”, to be released on 6 February 2007.
First impressions, when I heard the single playing on the radio, was that it is definitely a lot different than their previous offerings and you could hear that they tried to experiment with a lot of different influences. Problem however for FOB is, that My Chemcial Romance successfully pulled that stunt off in December with their Black Parade album. So FOB, at this stage still and until I hear the full album, are a bit of copy-cats to me.
But anyway, I’ll wait for 6 Feb to pass complete and final judgement on “Infinity on High”, but until then, here’s the music video…
