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Edmund Charles Davis-Quinn

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Burning CDs

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I have so, so many on iTunes.

Sometimes, I wonder why.

It’s actually a lot easier today in a lot of ways to just use Spotify or something on your mobile devices.

It’s probably why a lot of young people aren’t buying CDs at all.

Which makes me sad in some ways.

I grew up in the 80s during a time when young people, especially young men bought a ton of stuff. CDs, books, LPs, stuff.

I feel like in the digital age of Kindle and Spotify, it’s probably a lot easier to move.

All those books and music and comics and … really adds up.

But, although I liked my Samsung CD burner it wasn’t very durable. Died after a couple years. And I’m not burning nearly as many CDs these days.

I got a new one today and burned the American Idiot Broadway soundtrack and a Bruce Springsteen bonus record from Born to Run. Also the last 2 CDs from a Bo Diddley compilation that was the last thing my old CD burner got through before stopping working at all.

Interestingly, the one in my old laptop was very durable.

But, internal CD-Rs aren’t even part of computers anymore in the cloud age.

And, I feel like I could use a little CD player. If nothing else to play along with for the bass and guitar lessons in my Hal Leonard books.

Do you still burn and buy CDs?

Learning to Read Music

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Since my bass lesson last Wednesday, I have been practicing less. Because I am intimidated by the bass and treble clef and reading music.

But today after work, I gained some courage and finally started the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Complete Edition I got for Christmas in 2015. I also have the Hal Leonard Bass Method Complete Edition I got this Christmas.

They really intimated me, because I find learning music scary.

I am not sure why.

It just starts with 5 lines and 4 notes between the lines. It’s really not that much.

I know what whole, quarter, half and eight notes are.

I can do it.

Ad spending that 90 minutes going on the guitar through the first 4 higher guitar strings is great practice. As was writing the notes down on a piece of paper to look at them.

I find I remember things better when I write them down.

It’s a start of a wider world.

I also missed playing with my guitar as I have been concentrating on bass.

I definitely think it will take me a while to figure out the notes in pacing enough to count time. But I think I will get there.

I also think I might want to try some guitar lessons with bass. Although I wonder if that is too much.

Music makes life richer. As I listen to the absolutely fabulous Bo Diddley on my iTunes.

Fun Covers

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I was thinking of doing a serious piece and prison reform and law and order.

And I’m feeling too lazy to finish my books read post right now.

So just going to embed some fun song covers.

One is the great “Iron Man” cover by the Cardigans

Another is the great version of “Mahna Mahna” by Cake

Another is the Big Daddy cover of “When I’m 64”

Another good one that captures the spirit of LA better is OMC’s cover of “I Love LA”.

I love that the Postmodern Jukebox cover of “All About the Bass” includes stand up bass

Well sometimes I feel like a blog post, sometimes I just want to post some fun music.

Wooo!

Practicing 12 Bar Blues with Backing Tracks

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So, I’ve had the guitar for a year and a half or so, since February, 2015.

I’ve taken a few lessons but have used Rocksmith, the New York Guitar School Guide for Absolute Beginners and Ultimate Guitar Tabs more.

When I had my first lesson back in February or March of 2015, I was given 12 bar blues in A to work with and told to use the backing track, which I have to say I really didn’t do.

Yesterday, I had a lesson with Blues in G with a backing track.

And this time I did practice in both G and A for an hour plus on YouTube. It does make a difference to have the beat. Basic lessons can get tiring.

I did A at slow and medium:

And some slow blues in G.

I just need to keep working at it, getting better and picking up more.

I know the basic chords now but I need to learn some progressions. And I really, really like the blues.

It was also fun to play some “Creep” by Radiohead, “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.

Spent at least 90 minutes practicing which is a lot for me, especially recently. And especially considered I was exhausted all day. I do like the guitar and need to keep at it. Wooo!

Guitar Stringing: The Adventure

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I have two guitars now. Probably one more than I really need but so it goes.

And I’ve had the Ibanez Hollowbody for a year.

This weekend I went to Mr. Music in Allston, MA (Boston) and got a guitar string cutter/winder and some D’Addario Hi/Lo strings.

So I thought I would attempt stringing.

My guitar has a floating bridge, which means it’s best to change one string at a time.

My first try at the small 10 gauge was unsuccessful I tightened it too much, after it kept falling out on the bottom. So yay!

Then I got better at it with the 2nd-6th strings although I didn’t probably do enough slack or however it works to get a couple loops of the string around.

I’m guessing this might make it go out of tune faster?

Anyway I was able to go to Banko’s around the corner and get a 10 gauge string for a buck.

So I was successful and the guitar sounds a lot brighter. Trying the flatwounds was good for fingerpicking, but I think I like the roundwounds more right now.

And I was successful in changing strings.

So I get some life bonus points. One more thing I have done.

Yaaay!

Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Ya

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My friend Lori is at a 90s show with Salt and Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Young MC, Tone Loc and a bunch of others tonight in Huntsville, AL. And I have had a great week of dancing.

I got to dance at the opening circle of Rites of Spring and at the opening fire circle.

I got to dance a bit at the Maypole, and have a ribbon break off when I tried to tie it and I wish to move forward.

I got to dance around the Wicker Man on Saturday night before we left the mountain.

I got to dance on Sunday at the wedding and I guess people said I danced well. I got surprised by two women dancing around me aggressively at the wedding which made me smile and gave me a big ego.

I always loved to dance. And always was the geeky dancer in high school.

I guess the groove is in the heart.

And you know what they say Bust a Move, good arcade game too.

And be careful with that Funky Cold Medina.

And you can even Push It good.

And I am even going to include one of my most ridiculous favorites. Gunther’s “Ding Dong Song”, it’s probably not for everyone.

And I have to include the Sir Mix-A-Lot classic “Baby Got Back”. Just classic.

And sometimes you should just Relax.

And remember just dance and have fun!

Playing Guitar After a Week of Reading

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The weather was glorious after work so tempted to read outside like I have all week.

As far as reading today, I finished the latest “Day One”, which is a Kindle magazine with a usually wonderful short story and a poem that usually doesn’t hit me. Still it’s totally worth it for $9.99/year for a weekly. I just wished Kindle did a much, much better job at archiving stories.

I probably should start playing guitar outside. But it’s a bit of a pain, and I am paranoid to leave it outside at all. I really love that Ibanez.

But I had missed playing guitar, it has been a few days. And played some great songs.

First, I played with chords from the Frank Sinatra version of “That Lucky Old Sun” once. It’s one of my favorite songs to sing, I also sang it after playing with guitar acapella. It’s one of the songs I was singing when I take a few singing lessons at Banko’s. It was nice to try some new chords.

Second, my most played song right now on iTunes “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, although it always give me a headache to sing for some reason. Maybe I sing it too high? And I feel like I am starting to know the chords and words without looking. I feel like I should with 34 plays. I played it once with iTunes behind it, once without.

Then, “Like a Rolling Stone” from Bob Dylan a couple times with iTunes. Although I do cheat with the easy FMaj7 then F on the the C-F-G combination that comes up a lot. It’s a much easier switch after playing C, just moving 2 fingers down a chord C is x-3-2-0-1-0, FMaj7 is x-x-3-2-1-0, X means you don’t play the string. So the C only plays the high 5 strings, the F only the high 4 strings. Fun song to sing and I like imitate Dylan a bit.

Next, “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” by Urge Overkill I think 3 times with music, which you probably know from the “Pulp Fiction” soundtrack. A good chance to learn some new barre chords like G major 3-5-5-3-3-3, C as a barre chord x-3-5-5-5-3 Eb x-6-8-8-8-6 and a D7sus4, just moving a finger down a fret from a D7 x-x-0-2-1-2 to D7sus4 x-x-0-2-1-3. I am sure the chord diagrams looks silly if you don’t play guitar. But, they help me out. I often think in numbers.

Then, “Ben” by Michael Jackson. I’m not sure the chords I am playing are quite right, but some of the other versions are too exotic. I use ultimateguitar.com. I included a link on the Urge Overkill song. I played it once.

Then “The Fool on the Hill” by the Beatles, I actually much prefer the “Beatles Anthology” version to the original from “Magical Mystery Tour.” Also played once and learned new chords.

Last and one of my favorites to play of the night was “America” by Simon and Garfunkel. It has one of the chords combos that seems hard to start with but is actually pretty easy over time. C, C/B, Am, Am7 or Am7/G. The F at the end of that combination sometimes is harder. I played this 3 or 4 times with iTunes and then I sung it without playing guitar acapella, then sung “That Lucky Old Sun” to close out my 2 hours of playing guitar and singing after a long day of work.

Playing guitar is always good for my heart and soul.

Top 5 from Musicians (mainly)

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I’ll start with other catagories

Top 5 Books: Slaughterhouse Five, 1984, Pyongyang by Guy Delisle, Where the Wild Things Are, and A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut (I’m thinking fast)

Top 5 Movies: Brazil, Goodfellas, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Top 5 Albums: Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan, The Legend of Johnny Cash, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, American IV by Johnny Cash, and What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye

Songs from stuff in my iTunes.

Beatles Songs: The Long and Winding Road, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, A Day in the Life, Strawberry Fields Forever and Yesterday

Johnny Cash: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Satisfied Mind, For the Good Times, Rock Island Line and Sunday Morning Coming Down.

The Rolling Stones: Ruby Tuesday, You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Paint It Black, Gimme Shelter and Sympathy for the Devil. Judging by how many more songs I loved from the Beatles than the Stones, the Beatles win easily. Interesting.

Ella Fitzgerald: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, Miss Otis Regrets, Oh, Lady, Be Good, Someone to Watch Over Me and Bess, You is My Woman Now

Bob Dylan: Visions of Johanna, Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat, Blind Willie McTell, Ballad of a Thin Man, and Just Like a Woman

Jimi Hendrix: Manic Depression, All Along the Watchtower, Are You Experienced?, The Wind Cries Mary and Purple Haze.

Moby: Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?, South Side, Natural Blues, Porcelain and Now I Let Go. “Play” is in my top 10 all time albums.

Muddy Waters: Mannish Boy, (I’m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man, Rollin’ and Tumblin’ Part I, I Can’t Be Satisfied and Big Leg Woman.

Prince: Let’s Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, Darling Nikki, P Control and Purple Rain

Radiohead: Creep, Karma Police, How to Disappear Completely, The Tourist and Fitter Happier

Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Only Living Boy in New York, America, Scarborough Fair (Canticle) and Cecilia.

Those are 11 of my favorite artists, Johnny Cash being an easy #1.

“Amy” ***1/2

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I just saw the Amy Winehouse movie “Amy” on ‪#‎AmazonPrime‬. So much talent, such an amazing voice.

If only someone had listened about her bulimia at 16. If only she hadn’t fallen for an addict, if only, if only. And if the press could have given her more space.

Oh what could have been with Mos Def, Amy Winehouse, Questlove and her other collaborator. Like too many geniuses, fame messes with a fragile mind. And I so wish creativity, mental illness and addiction didn’t go together so often.

My blessings to all of those in recovery. And everyone dealing with the dangers of fame and the spotlight.

***1/2

“Valerie” was the closing song in the credits, this is an acoustic version.

And here is the BBC Sessions show from 2007

My 25 Most Played Songs on ITunes

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This is since I got my computer a year ago or so. That reset all the plays. And I guess most of these are now one higher since I am listening to them as I do this list, for most of them.

I think the songs that I play on guitar will dominate.

So will include name, artist, plays, iTunes rating (1-5) and if played on guitar.

1. “Take Me Home Country Roads”, John Denver, 31, 4 stars, yes.

This is a really fun song to play and sing and that is pushing it up. Although I often sing it too high for my octave range.

2. “For the Good Times”, Johnny Cash, 27, 5 stars, yes.

Absolutely beautiful song that means a huge amount for me. Makes me think of my mom losing my dad. And also great to play on guitar.

3. “Leaving on A Jet Plane”, John Denver, 24, 5 stars, yes.

Beautiful and very simple song to play. Although I think she can find someone better. G-C, G-C, G-C-D each verse and line. Great starter song.

4. “Coyotes”, Don Edwards, 22, 5 stars, yes.

Might have been my most played song before my computer stop working. Gorgeous cowboy song also easy and fun to play. Main chord pattern D-A-G.

5. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, Johnny Cash, 22, 5 stars, yes.

This one makes me tear up. Just beautiful, another song that makes me think of my mom and dad.

6. “In My Life”, Johnny Cash, 21, 5 stars, yes

Another one that affects me emotionally. Johnny Cash is amazing at covering songs.

7. “Down There By The Train”, Johnny Cash, 20, 4 stars, yes

One of my favorite songs to play on guitar. And one I often play without iTunes behind it. Down there where the train goes… slow.

8. “Satisfied Mind”, Johnny Cash, 20, 5 stars, yes

The song that most makes me think of my father in law. He most definitely had a satisfied mind.

9. “Sunday Morning Coming Down”, Johnny Cash, 20, 5 stars, yes

Also a whole lot of fun to play on guitar. Although I think I probably still sing better than with the guitar. I think we have all felt this way.

10. “Long Black Veil”, Johnny Cash, 20, 4 stars, yes

I think it might be worth letting your friend know you were cheating with his wife rather than dying, just saying. Fun song to sing.

11. “A Change is Gonna Come”, Sam Cooke, 17, 5 stars, yes

Died far, far too soon. Gorgeous song from an amazing performer. And I hope a change is gonna come, yes it is.

12. “Ruby Tuesday”, The Rolling Stones, 15, 4 stars, yes

Very fun to play and gorgeous song

13. “Make You Feel My Love”, Adele, 14, 5 stats, no

Wow, took a while until there was a song I don’t play on guitar. Those 3-4 plays in a row add up fast. Easily my favorite Adele song.

14. “Give My Love to Rose”, Johnny Cash, 14, 4 stars, yes

Beautiful song, so many lost relationship from prison and jail. And a lot of people that don’t need to be there for minor drug offenses.

15. “Delia’s Gone”, Johnny Cash, 14, 4 stars, yes

Delia, oh Delia, Delia all my life, I hadn’t shot poor Delia, I’d have had her for a wife, Delia’s Gone, one more round, Delia’s Gone … Tempted to do this in karaoke sometime.

16. “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”, Johnny Cash, 14, 5 stars, yes

Great video too. We are all mortal.

17. “The Sky is Broken” Moby, 13, 4 stars, no

I didn’t recognize the song by title. But beautiful, “Play” is an amazing album.

18. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, Hank Williams, 12, 4 stars, yes

Hank Williams is a legend for a reason. And fun to play.

19. “Manic Depression”, Jimi Hendrix, 12, 5 stars, no

I did download this for Rocksmith 2014 but it’s hard to play. Most of the songs I am playing have relatively easy chord progressions. And manic depression is without question a frustrating mess.

20. “Suzanne”, Leonard Cohen, 12, 4 stars, yes

Another beautiful song, and also fun to play. Judy Collins version is great too. Leonard Cohen is an amazing writer.

21. “The Long and Winding Road”, The Beatles, 11, 5 stars, no

One I think I will learn on guitar eventually. And one that hits me emotionally

22. “We’ll Meet Again”, Johnny Cash, 11, 4 stars, no

Actually surprised to see this one this high. Although it is very nice.

23. “Wish”, Nine Inch Nails, 11, 5 stars, no

Sometimes you want things to be very loud, really should be with Pinion for the full experience. And turn the sound way, way up.

24. “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky”, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, 11, 4 stars, no

The Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash Unplugged album that is part of American Recordings is just fantastic. And clearly two old friends have a good time. Both of them seem like they would be amazing to hang out with. Willie Nelson maybe easier than Johnny Cash.

25. “Norwegian Wood (The Bird Has Flown)”, The Beatles, 10, 4 stars, no

There is a bunch of songs tied at 10 plays, 13 total, but the Beatles are first alphabetically. Isn’t is good, Norwegian Wood.

So I guess the guitar is making a big difference on this list, and it will certainly be different a year from now. And I will keep learning new songs.