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stoney321That episode of Friends where Ross makes everyone listen to his crappy synthesizer music makes me LOL every time. That was my junior high, yo, everyone had Casios and tried to recreate the sounds of Depeche Mode and Siouxie & the Banshees. And honestly, most of the dubstep/80s inspired music that's out right now sounds so terrible to me. It's like the point of the music is to have the tinniest, thinnest, crappiest sounding electronica playing and then ridiculously earnest (and embarrassingly navel-gazing) lyrics whined in a nasal, breathy tone. No me gusta. Also, I think I used up all of the adverbs and adjectives, sorry.
And then there was this mix of a song by a band [who's very picture makes me want to punch them in the Bert and Ernie sweaters. Oh, you're so hip and fresh! Bleh.] BUT THE SONG. All remixed by Matthew Dear, and let me tell you, if you see his name attached to anything, it's going to be golden. Honest. [The other mix on that page, not so much.]
I have very strong opinions on music, let me show you them, lol. OOOOH, the biggest BIGGEST BIGGEST pet peeve is when you can hear someone's damn fingers sliding up the guitar strings. NO. GAH, and I heard one song where that was like... on purpose. EVERY. DAMN. NOTE. "Skreeeeee! C SSKREEEEEE! E-flat." But that diminished 9TH? That's a man's chord. Ahahaha.
When you [general you] do that god awful sliding you have just told me that 1) you don't take your "art" seriously, 2) you are a hack, and 3) you don't practice strengthening your fingers like all stringed instrument players should. Before you try and tell me why it's okay (or why you don't notice it, etc.) let me stop you right there. My father and sisters are honest-to-god virtuosos on the guitar, both classical and acoustic. Dad trained with THE classical guitarists of the 20th century. You wouldn't be allowed to take your guitar out of the CASE if they knew you did that, esp. if you did that on purpose.
So. If you think you're a guitarist and still make that back-tooth pain skreeee! noise as you slide your fingers around, you've got a long way to go, dudebro. Get those fingers crisp and clean. Doesn't matter what style of music you're into, the best of all genres know that.
That was nice and random, huh? Nuh uh, this is. I made 15 foot long curtains this weekend. With grommet/rings to hang them by. They are GORGEOUS. I've only had the fabric in my craft closet for... a year? Well, it's because I have a crappy sewing machine (a Brother, aka "so you want to learn to sew!" machine.) I had to borrow my s-mom's bad ass Pfaff to get through the heavy material and was so sad to give it back to her that I decided to go hunt around and see if I could find a used one for a reasonable price. (Um, they are pricey. As in 2 - 3 GRAND. Damn.) I happened on a store that really needed to break even before the year was out and got an ABSOLUTE SCORE on a top of the line machine. I'm talking 60% off the retail price, just over his cost for the machine. Oh my god, I wriggled my tush all the way home. Like, I might make my own towels, or some shit. That's how happy I am. (Lol, no I won't. I think.)
AM I A PARTY ANIMAL, OR WHAT? Sewing and complaining, I'm almost your Nana. Wait, let me finish up making gingersnaps today and buy some hard candies. And can't you stand up straight?
OH. AND LASTLY, FOR LONGTIME LJ BUDS. Remember how I had a favorite aunt (Mormon) who wrote me off because I got mad about the totally repugnant racist crap she and her husband were mailing out while they were on their mission from God? GUESS WHO I HAD LUNCH WITH YESTERDAY. (And had no idea she would be there.) Oh, and guess who didn't bring up past ugliness? Neither of us. And guess who had a decent (if awkward and slightly nerve-wracking) lunch? She has two thumbs and wrote this post, that's who. GUYS I EVEN SAID GOOD THINGS ABOUT MISSIONARIES. I deserve my redonk sewing machine just for that angelic act, yo. LOL.
And then there was this mix of a song by a band [who's very picture makes me want to punch them in the Bert and Ernie sweaters. Oh, you're so hip and fresh! Bleh.] BUT THE SONG. All remixed by Matthew Dear, and let me tell you, if you see his name attached to anything, it's going to be golden. Honest. [The other mix on that page, not so much.]
I have very strong opinions on music, let me show you them, lol. OOOOH, the biggest BIGGEST BIGGEST pet peeve is when you can hear someone's damn fingers sliding up the guitar strings. NO. GAH, and I heard one song where that was like... on purpose. EVERY. DAMN. NOTE. "Skreeeeee! C SSKREEEEEE! E-flat." But that diminished 9TH? That's a man's chord. Ahahaha.
When you [general you] do that god awful sliding you have just told me that 1) you don't take your "art" seriously, 2) you are a hack, and 3) you don't practice strengthening your fingers like all stringed instrument players should. Before you try and tell me why it's okay (or why you don't notice it, etc.) let me stop you right there. My father and sisters are honest-to-god virtuosos on the guitar, both classical and acoustic. Dad trained with THE classical guitarists of the 20th century. You wouldn't be allowed to take your guitar out of the CASE if they knew you did that, esp. if you did that on purpose.
So. If you think you're a guitarist and still make that back-tooth pain skreeee! noise as you slide your fingers around, you've got a long way to go, dudebro. Get those fingers crisp and clean. Doesn't matter what style of music you're into, the best of all genres know that.
That was nice and random, huh? Nuh uh, this is. I made 15 foot long curtains this weekend. With grommet/rings to hang them by. They are GORGEOUS. I've only had the fabric in my craft closet for... a year? Well, it's because I have a crappy sewing machine (a Brother, aka "so you want to learn to sew!" machine.) I had to borrow my s-mom's bad ass Pfaff to get through the heavy material and was so sad to give it back to her that I decided to go hunt around and see if I could find a used one for a reasonable price. (Um, they are pricey. As in 2 - 3 GRAND. Damn.) I happened on a store that really needed to break even before the year was out and got an ABSOLUTE SCORE on a top of the line machine. I'm talking 60% off the retail price, just over his cost for the machine. Oh my god, I wriggled my tush all the way home. Like, I might make my own towels, or some shit. That's how happy I am. (Lol, no I won't. I think.)
AM I A PARTY ANIMAL, OR WHAT? Sewing and complaining, I'm almost your Nana. Wait, let me finish up making gingersnaps today and buy some hard candies. And can't you stand up straight?
OH. AND LASTLY, FOR LONGTIME LJ BUDS. Remember how I had a favorite aunt (Mormon) who wrote me off because I got mad about the totally repugnant racist crap she and her husband were mailing out while they were on their mission from God? GUESS WHO I HAD LUNCH WITH YESTERDAY. (And had no idea she would be there.) Oh, and guess who didn't bring up past ugliness? Neither of us. And guess who had a decent (if awkward and slightly nerve-wracking) lunch? She has two thumbs and wrote this post, that's who. GUYS I EVEN SAID GOOD THINGS ABOUT MISSIONARIES. I deserve my redonk sewing machine just for that angelic act, yo. LOL.
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:10 pm (UTC)And now via the opening of your entry, I'm thinking of Ross and Monica doing The Routine.
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:18 pm (UTC)(Which... don't you need a slice of pie today? Perhaps a delicious buttermilk or Chess pie?)
THE ROUTINE. I knew you would enjoy the Friends references! Pretend I'm doing Monica's Turkey Dance for you.
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:20 pm (UTC)CHESS PIE! Awww! I seriously should make a pie today. It really would help absolutely everything. Maybe that one, or maybe Shoo-Fly Pie?
PIE!
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 03:23 pm (UTC)I have to say, with all due respect to your father and sister, I beg to differ. I mean, there's a difference between having weak fingers and executing a glissando. But I think I know what I'm doing, as I play "in public" (and that clip CRACKED MY SHIT UP, seriously, I missed you, Ross) and have been doing so for the last five years (and playing in general for eight). I'm not classically trained, but with full modesty I can say I am quite good and that (with luck) my music career will continue unharmed by my sliding.
Sorry if I went off a little, it's just something that pinged me a little.
Also, that song you linked to by The Drums makes me think of nothing so much as this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjOoL8_-VD8
Hipsters. Ugh.
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:29 pm (UTC)I'm telling you, this is what you'd learn from Paco de Lucia or Andres Segovia.
And it should go without saying, this is my journal, my opinions, you are entitled to your own, wash, rinse, repeat.
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 04:51 pm (UTC)Some is inevitable, but the squeaking I'm talking about is people using the string as a guide to slide up/down to a new chord, not, say, the fast chord work of an acoustic piece where a tiny "ree" noise might be heard.
Like, listen to "Classical Gas" when the bridge plays - four chords in quick succession, no screeching.
So I offer you a partial mea culpa. ;)
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Date: 2010-12-14 05:03 pm (UTC)Oh, I think I misunderstood you in that case. My mea culpa as well, then :)
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Date: 2010-12-14 06:06 pm (UTC)*plays patty cake with you and sends you off with cookies* :D
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Date: 2010-12-14 06:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 08:23 pm (UTC)I think stylistically some people (teenage boys) think it's cool. Me. Not so much.
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Date: 2010-12-14 08:36 pm (UTC)...oh, wait. Mandolin strings are probably different than acoustic guitar, huh? Like banjo, etc etc.?
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Date: 2010-12-14 08:44 pm (UTC)They literally tore my fingertips up. It was kind of gross. I would lose skin all the time when I played and my fingertips looked horrible and I really don't think they sound that great. They are touted as gortex but who in the hell needs gortex in a string? I am NOT putting my instrument in the rain irregardless of the water proofability of the strings. hehe. That was joke.
Check with the music store and see what they recommend. I had switched to elixer all on my own and when I finally asked the guys at the store about it - they all said "we were wondering why you used these crap strings" HA! I like D'dario - or whatever the spelling is. And I think their guitar strings are good too.
Medium weight is good if she is already a player and comfortable with it. Light weight is good for beginners. Doesn't hurt the fingers as much. Hope this helps.
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:16 pm (UTC)I think my sisters and father switch between the Elixirs and the ones you're talking about. My sister's been playing for close to 30 years. She has some awesome calluses. ;)
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:28 pm (UTC)Those young men should not only be punched in the Bert and Ernies (never mind the sweaters) but their hair should be taken out and humanely put down. I'm afraid the vocal hurt my head but I liked it up to that point.
Also yay for not liking squeaky chord changes. Dashed unprofessional I say and they make money?!? How standards are declining.
Reconciliation is good. Two thumbs up!!
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:32 pm (UTC)THE HAIR, AHAHAHA, YES! But that remix is awesome to me. I don't care for the original song, I should say, just the remix.
There's a mini kerfuffle happening about the squeaking chord changes, but I stand by my opinion and will not falter! *dies on stupid hill* Lol.
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Date: 2010-12-14 03:45 pm (UTC)*stands beside you on stupid hill as the tattered standard flutters and grapeshot flies*
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Date: 2010-12-14 04:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 03:42 pm (UTC)Also, I totally didn't know that you can prevent the skree noise when playing guitar. Please, if you can direct me anywhere that will help me, or tell me how to do finger exercises... wow. No idea. Although the skree noise doesn't bother me, I'd like to prevent it if it bothers other people. And if it improves my technique, bring it on!
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Date: 2010-12-14 04:11 pm (UTC)I know that it doesn't bother some folks, but I grew up with a master guitarist (studio guitarist, instructor, etc., the man has skills, is what I'm saying) and that was Lesson 1: Proper Technique.
Finger exercises are easy, and you can do them any time. When I played viola, I did this multiple times a day: flip your instrument over so the back is facing you (or you can use a table, or other hard surface) Lay your left hand on the surface, as if you have a ping pong ball trapped (your fingers are curved.)
Tap your index finger 10 times, perfecting a sharp "tick!" noise, repeat with your middle finger, all the way down to your pinky. It's hard, that ring finger and pinky! But you'll develop strong, crisp fingering as a result. YAY! Then repeat over and over again. As important as mastering scales, says I!
<3
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:01 pm (UTC)I will practice!
::kiss::
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:54 pm (UTC)HIGHLY RECOMMEND, WOULD READ AGAIN, ETC.
;)
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Date: 2010-12-14 04:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 04:53 pm (UTC)Ooooh, see, it's the "all metal" that makes a difference, though. My old one has some plastic parts, which is why it skips, etc.
The old machines are work horses, for sure! (But I couldn't find any good ones online at Craigslist, woe!)
The Husqvarna Viking equivalent to my new one retailed at $2400. DUDE. That's a huge chunk of change, yo.
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Date: 2010-12-14 05:43 pm (UTC)Think I might have it pinstriped someday.
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Date: 2010-12-14 06:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 08:15 pm (UTC)I adore the 'skree' noise. I luffed it in 'Blackbird' and in any song, really. I dunno why, i just *like it*. I mean, yes, shouldn't be present in classical musical performances and whatnot but to me it just sounds kinda homey and 'sitting around with my buds, playing a little tune' kind of sound.
Now, doing it intentionally on *every single chord change* is annoying and stupid, but when it just happens? I like it.
:)
Bert and Earnie sweaters. HA. They are. But i'm with misletoe54 - the hair is fuxored. W. TFingF.
I wish i had a good sewing machine. I've got my mom's old Singer, but she replaced it for a reason and i can't ever thread the bobbin right and omfg, annoying. One of these days.....
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Date: 2010-12-14 08:39 pm (UTC)OH MY GOD. you know what I realized I'd been doing wrong with my bobbin this whole time? (Because the thread snaps off on a Pfaff if you do this) Putting the bobbin in the holder BACKWARDS. Ex.: when you put it in and run the thread through the groove, and you hold the lever that keeps it from falling out, look at the bobbin. When you pull the thread, it should pull clockwise.
On my Brother it didn't matter every time. On the Pfaff? No go.
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Date: 2010-12-14 08:47 pm (UTC)My bobbin issue is i somehow do it wrong *every frickin' time* and it just won't catch on the needle and come up. So very *annoying*. Even doing it with my mom over my shoulder it takes a couple tries.
Probably another reason she wanted to replace that thing, heh.
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:51 pm (UTC)My mom and daughters can't figure out how to THREAD my new machine - bobbin's the easy part. :<
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Date: 2010-12-14 10:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 08:48 pm (UTC)And also glad to hear that you had such a pleasant lunch with your aunt. <3 <3 <3
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:13 pm (UTC)I am happy about it, too! LOVE YOU, ANNE-GIRL!
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Date: 2010-12-14 08:52 pm (UTC)Mormon missionaries have fantastic leg muscles from all the bike riding. <- my nice thing, so where's my small appliance as a reward?
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:18 pm (UTC)Your small appliance is in your bedside table, don't be coy.
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:26 pm (UTC)I'll breathe on your curtains thereby making them an instant fire hazard and then fart while rubbing my sock covered feet on your carpet and burn down the entire house. Mwahahahaha!
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 10:02 pm (UTC)You desecrate and destroy a few households here and there and all of a sudden you're a social pariah. Where's MY parade?!
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Date: 2010-12-14 10:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 09:36 pm (UTC)Salmon skin roll.
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Date: 2010-12-14 09:53 pm (UTC)(And honestly, I looooooove the salmon skin roll.)
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Date: 2010-12-14 10:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-14 10:19 pm (UTC)(And I'm totally bummed that I missed out on that sewing machine. I was so busy I couldn't listen to your message until you'd already given it away. LAME!!! :D But glad you're getting a new badass one!)
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Date: 2010-12-14 10:38 pm (UTC)And you know how it is with Dad, if he says it, it's gospel. SO HERE YOU ARE SCHOOLING ME WITH YOUR WORDS. I STAND (I'm sitting, actually) SCHOOLED. (I think Tiff gets her back up at that noise, too. All of your guitaring was done when I was in Utah, so I don't know your style! You should bring your git-fiddle to the house sometime and just play to an enraptured audience of me.)
Waaaah, I'm sorry! I tried to call, etc., and to take it back from Angie would be douchey. But you can come over and sew to your heart's content! Or borrow? *sad face emoticon*
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Date: 2010-12-14 10:44 pm (UTC)I am picky about music, too, and I've got some things that grate (like Bob Dylan's voice, but even he has moved me to tears musically so he gets a pass) but if the music is solid, if it moves me, if I'm tapping my toes and if it pleases my ear meats, I could give a f*ck if it's perfect. In fact, a person singing off key with their body and soul can be more moving to me than someone singing every note with perfect pitch. But that's why music is so versatile, because we all listen for different reasons. It's a knee-jerk reaction. You either love it right away, allow it to grow on you, or you have to turn it off immediately. No one's wrong in what they like, they're just wrong if they don't like what I do. HAHAHAHA
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Date: 2010-12-15 02:11 am (UTC)