Classic Michael Jackson Video Collection June 30, 2009

The offical youtube channel has a whopping 90 videos here.

Quotes on Inspiration, Creativity, and the Music Industry June 29, 2009

“… the biggest difference between me and other guitar players is that I don’t use effects to color my guitar parts, I create guitar parts using effects … they’re a crucial part of what I do … I don’t consider effects a crutch … they’re part of the art…” – The Edge – U2

“… I don’t want you to play me a riff that’s going to impress Joe Satriani; give me a riff that makes a kid want to go out and buy a guitar and learn to play …” – Ozzy Osbourne

“Music is my religion” – Jimi Hendrix

“… although one can get very clever at home, progress comes a lot quicker if you step into a room with other people and start playing .. ” – Steve Howe / Yes

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” – Hunter S. Thompson

‘Riff of the Week’ Music Tutorial on Inspiration and Creativity June 29, 2009

We’re new fans of Musician Dave Weiner’s Riff of the Week youtube series.  Here’s his latest video on ‘Creativity from Gear.’

Check out URAM’s youtube channel.

Latest Links! Music news and industry blogs from this week June 26, 2009

The Lefsetz Letter is one of the best music industry blogs out there, written by Bob Lefsetz.  URAM’s now following him on twitter.

A look at what made Michael Jackson the king of pop – chart at Billboard.com that  traces his incredible success.

Researchers conclude that Piracy is not stifling creative content.  Piracy has hurt the music business, but that doesn’t mean it’s turning off any artists or influencing their amount of output.

The business of selling used mp3s.

For the Ladies – Elle Magazine’s Women in Music Issue Playlist June 24, 2009

What do you think?  Listen here.

Lady Gaga, “Just Dance”

Lady Gaga, “Poker Face”

Lady Gaga, “Paparazzi”

Adele, “Chasing Pavements”

Estelle, “American Boy”

Fergie, “London Bridge”

Fergie. “Fergalicious”

Fergie, “Glamorous”

Joan Jett, “Crimson and Clover”

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Maps”

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Gold Lion” (more…)

Transformers 2 and Summer’s Biggest Soundtracks – Snapshot Reviews June 24, 2009

Transformers was loud, exhausting, epic, and just what we hoped it’d be.  Soundtrack here featuring Linkin Park’s “New Divide” or the score by Michael Bay’s new go-to master of grandeur, composer Steve Jablonsky.  Overall, it’s a sweeping, massive score with electronic touches, some darker shades, and perfectly matches the ridiculously and completely satisfying scale of the film.  iTunes users agree with us – Steve Jablonsky hit the mark.

Star Trek composer Michael Giacchino’s graduation to the big leagues with Mission Impossible 3 was an impressive one.  He doesn’t fail again with the Trek reboot, or his lighthearted score for Pixar’s Up.  Trek’s a great listen for fun, summer blockbuster music that pays homage to the original series.

Terminator Salvation by Danny Elfman has listeners underwhelmed.  Elfman, usually so original and a bit crazy, plays this one down the middle and brings a cold, mechanical score that fails to really fly.

The Taking of Pelgam 123 by Harry Gregson Williams isn’t quite as fired up as we’d hoped.  Williams sounds here much like his other efforts with director Tony Scott.  Pelham has some energy and drive, but fails to hold up to Deja Vu and especially Man on Fire.  For a better offering of his this summer, check out his X Men Origins: Wolverine.

Angels & Demons turned out to be a snooze fest for many, but a Hans Zimmer score always deserves attention.  Here, he’s come up with a beautiful score for the thriller complete with ominous chants and brooding feel.

Informative and Funny Explanation of Compression in Layman’s Terms June 23, 2009

Great Article on Mixing Tips! June 23, 2009

Mixing Tips From the Trenches at Mark Dann Recording.

Get Expensive Guitar Sound from a Cheap Home Studio June 19, 2009

Great article here.