I just uploaded "The Midnight Man" to www.mixcloud.com, please listen now at: http://www.mixcloud.com/scotsbob/the-midnight-man/
via Mixcloud
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
New Upload to Mixcloud.com
Dear Artist by Bob Findlay on Mixcloud
via Mixcloud
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
http://accidentallybobfindlay.blogspot.com/
I have always considered popular contemporary music as a greatly under-utilised means of communication. With the exception of a handful of songwriters the modern song seems to be purely commerce-driven.
Online Music Traps
A comprehensive guide to the online music industry & how independent musicians can make an impact without the numerous costly 'traps.'
This versatile ebook has been specifically designed to cater for musicians of all levels & genres & concludes with a sequential scenario which can be easily adapted to suit your own needs.
"Online Music Traps" is currently available on Lulu.com & Click2Sell. Additional options, including Amazon, are soon to be made available directly from here.
make an impact without the numerouscostly 'trapindustry & how independent musicians canmake an impact without the numerouscostly 'traps.'
search engine submission
via scotsbob.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Accidentally Like A Martyr: Outside The Square
No sooner had I finished my last blog and saying (truthfully) that I was unsure when my next literary work would be kicked into action, than I was woken by a multitude of ideas.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Accidentally Like A Martyr
The notion of me writing a book has, for as long as I care to remember, been a given. It was a matter of 'when,' not 'if.' That 'when' came to fruition on March 12, 2010; two days after my 43rd birthday. I can't recall the actual 'moment' that I decided to finally put a particular train of thought into some semblance of order in the shape of a book. I do know, however, that the subject matter has been bugging me almost instantly on entering the world of online music in April 2007. http://tinyurl.com/yhuvy3o
Friday, March 12, 2010
Rock Musician Bob Findlay Releases His First Book
Online Music Traps
A comprehensive guide to the online music industry & how independent musicians can make an impact without the numerous costly 'traps.'
This versatile ebook has been specifically designed to cater for musicians of all levels & genres & concludes with a sequential scenario which can be easily adapted to suit your own needs.
"Online Music Traps" is currently available on Lulu.com & Click2Sell. Additional options, including Amazon, are soon to be made available directly from here.
make an impact without the numerouscostly 'trapindustry & how independent musicians canmake an impact without the numerouscostly 'traps.'
search engine submission
via scotsbob.com
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Rolling Stones. Music & Myths. Pt.1
Formed by Brian Jones, The Rolling Stones were the perfect counterpoint to The Beatles. Their hair was longer, they reeked of attitude, their music had no gloss, they had no respect for authority.....they were also very good.
Around the same time that The Beatles were shaking their moptops lucratively for viewers and listeners alike, The Rolling Stones were slowly but surely making their way into the eyes and ears of the public at large.
Far from the brilliantly manufactured product that Brian Epstein made from an outstanding musical outfit, The Rolling Stones had a raw and dangerous quality not only surrounding their music and performances but surrounding them as individuals as well. It was this very quality that Andrew Loog Oldham seized upon.
Not being one bit familiar with the 'musicality' of a band, Loog Oldham was an astute businessman, able to promote in a way that was largely unrecognised at the time. He had no doubt that The Stones were a sought-after commodity by the time he was enlisted to promote them. Promote them he did. He squeezed every millimetre of mileage of their 'rough' image with devastating effect.
Loog Oldhams' first masterstroke was to make them front page news when Bill Wyman was caught urinating against the wall of a service station in England. The service station owner was none too pleased with Wyman but the other band members saw it as nothing more than a triviality. Loog Oldham saw it as a headline. This was to
be the first of many brushes with the law for The Rolling Stones.
In 1967, Jagger and Richards were charged with drug-related offences in the now famous Redlands bust. The incident was sparked when a journalist The News Of The World, an English newspaper, overheard a comment made by a member of The Stones at a nightclub about drug-taking and a party at Redlands, the home of Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg, the following weekend. This piece of information instantly made its' way to police.
Unbeknownst to the journalist and the police the comment was made by Brian Jones who, for whatever reason or reasons, the police were keenly interested in with regard to drugs. On the night of the raid, Jones was nowhere to be seen. Dismayed that Jones was not in attendance the police laid as many charges as was possible. Never being the sorts to back down to authority, Jagger and Richards played up to the incident. This made for gripping headlines, fuelled even further when Sir William Rees-Mogg, editor of The Times newspaper, criticised the courts' unreasonably harsh sentencing in the case in a story drawing, in part, from a work by Alexander Pope. Rees-Mogg entitled the article 'Who Breaks A Butterfly On A Wheel?' and it is said to be largely responsible for Jagger and Richards successful appeal and thus avoiding a jail term for the two.
The Redlands incident was a direct reflection of what was happening within The Stones. After
the success of 'Aftermath,' the first entirely original album and 'Between The Buttons,' their latest direction, 'Their Satanic Majesties Request' was taking on a more adventurous, if not drug-affected, path. Although commenced almost immediately after 'Between The Buttons,' it would not be released until December 1968. The album was met with mixed reviews and at a time where The Beatles 'Sergeant Peppers' was heard and applauded at every turn, The Stones did not venture down this road again.
As founder of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones had very little direct input into the band by this stage. His excessive drinking and drug taking had reached such a point that he was rarely able to function as was required for not only the music industry but for a band such as The Rolling Stones. Many say that this began to show around the time of his drug-related arrests when infact Jones had been missing live performances as early as 1965 when he was reported frequently to be suffering from 'nervous exhaustion.' Truth be told, Brian Jones was a raging alcoholic before he formed The Rolling Stones.
Despite his intellect, charisma and unquestionable musical ability, Jones had many demons. These demons manifested themselves in the form of cruelty, (both physical and verbal), unreliability and dishonesty. In many ways he was his own worst enemy. At the time of his untimely and mysterious death in 1969 Brian Jones had nowhere else, musically, to go. The resentment of Jagger and Richards for 'taking over' The Stones, Richards stealing his girlfriend and his seeming inability to write a song in its' entirety all wore him down. Added to this, the police persecution and the 'hangers-on' surrounding him at the time of his death must have been a terrible burden for Jones.
There were rumours of him forming a band with Jimi Hendrix. They remained rumours. He was reportedly
making phone calls to several high-profile musicians with the prospect of forming a 'super-group.' Such rumours have not been confirmed or denied outright. It is said by those close to him at the time of his death that he was no longer taking illicit drugs to the point where he was paranoid that any visitors might be, thus resulting in a raid. He was also reportedly only drinking wine and not spirits for quite some time.
Irrespective of such positive comments, Brian Jones died unnecessarily. Photographs of him from 'The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus' and closer to his death show a man who is lost, frightened, confused and old before his time. The investigation into the death of Brian Jones is reportedly to be reviewed by the police.
Although Jones was now seeming to get himself back in shape, it was too late for him to remain a Rolling Stone. They had a tour of America planned for 1969 and needed someone who was up to the rigorous tour schedule. This gave Jones the perfect 'out.' He was replaced by a fresh-faced Mick Taylor, who was with John Mayalls Bluesbreakers and was actually recommended by Mayall.
The Stones first concert with their new line-up had now changed. They were to perform in Londons' Hyde Park and at Jaggers' suggestion, have Brian Jones attend as a goodwill gesture. Jones apparently lost his temper and adamantly refused. The concert was then to become his tribute concert and is perhaps the worst performance by The Stones that I've seen. Watts and Wyman look more bored than normal. Jagger leaps around trying too hard to entice the crowd who appear apathetic. Mick Taylors' debut is very nervous and constrained, but flawless. Richards had just been on a three-day heroin crusade and looked every second of it.
This was the beginning of a new era for The Rolling Stones and it looked as if a storm was a' threatening.
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Around the same time that The Beatles were shaking their moptops lucratively for viewers and listeners alike, The Rolling Stones were slowly but surely making their way into the eyes and ears of the public at large.
Far from the brilliantly manufactured product that Brian Epstein made from an outstanding musical outfit, The Rolling Stones had a raw and dangerous quality not only surrounding their music and performances but surrounding them as individuals as well. It was this very quality that Andrew Loog Oldham seized upon.
Not being one bit familiar with the 'musicality' of a band, Loog Oldham was an astute businessman, able to promote in a way that was largely unrecognised at the time. He had no doubt that The Stones were a sought-after commodity by the time he was enlisted to promote them. Promote them he did. He squeezed every millimetre of mileage of their 'rough' image with devastating effect.
Loog Oldhams' first masterstroke was to make them front page news when Bill Wyman was caught urinating against the wall of a service station in England. The service station owner was none too pleased with Wyman but the other band members saw it as nothing more than a triviality. Loog Oldham saw it as a headline. This was to
In 1967, Jagger and Richards were charged with drug-related offences in the now famous Redlands bust. The incident was sparked when a journalist The News Of The World, an English newspaper, overheard a comment made by a member of The Stones at a nightclub about drug-taking and a party at Redlands, the home of Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg, the following weekend. This piece of information instantly made its' way to police.
Unbeknownst to the journalist and the police the comment was made by Brian Jones who, for whatever reason or reasons, the police were keenly interested in with regard to drugs. On the night of the raid, Jones was nowhere to be seen. Dismayed that Jones was not in attendance the police laid as many charges as was possible. Never being the sorts to back down to authority, Jagger and Richards played up to the incident. This made for gripping headlines, fuelled even further when Sir William Rees-Mogg, editor of The Times newspaper, criticised the courts' unreasonably harsh sentencing in the case in a story drawing, in part, from a work by Alexander Pope. Rees-Mogg entitled the article 'Who Breaks A Butterfly On A Wheel?' and it is said to be largely responsible for Jagger and Richards successful appeal and thus avoiding a jail term for the two.
The Redlands incident was a direct reflection of what was happening within The Stones. After
As founder of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones had very little direct input into the band by this stage. His excessive drinking and drug taking had reached such a point that he was rarely able to function as was required for not only the music industry but for a band such as The Rolling Stones. Many say that this began to show around the time of his drug-related arrests when infact Jones had been missing live performances as early as 1965 when he was reported frequently to be suffering from 'nervous exhaustion.' Truth be told, Brian Jones was a raging alcoholic before he formed The Rolling Stones.
Despite his intellect, charisma and unquestionable musical ability, Jones had many demons. These demons manifested themselves in the form of cruelty, (both physical and verbal), unreliability and dishonesty. In many ways he was his own worst enemy. At the time of his untimely and mysterious death in 1969 Brian Jones had nowhere else, musically, to go. The resentment of Jagger and Richards for 'taking over' The Stones, Richards stealing his girlfriend and his seeming inability to write a song in its' entirety all wore him down. Added to this, the police persecution and the 'hangers-on' surrounding him at the time of his death must have been a terrible burden for Jones.
There were rumours of him forming a band with Jimi Hendrix. They remained rumours. He was reportedly
Irrespective of such positive comments, Brian Jones died unnecessarily. Photographs of him from 'The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus' and closer to his death show a man who is lost, frightened, confused and old before his time. The investigation into the death of Brian Jones is reportedly to be reviewed by the police.
Although Jones was now seeming to get himself back in shape, it was too late for him to remain a Rolling Stone. They had a tour of America planned for 1969 and needed someone who was up to the rigorous tour schedule. This gave Jones the perfect 'out.' He was replaced by a fresh-faced Mick Taylor, who was with John Mayalls Bluesbreakers and was actually recommended by Mayall.
The Stones first concert with their new line-up had now changed. They were to perform in Londons' Hyde Park and at Jaggers' suggestion, have Brian Jones attend as a goodwill gesture. Jones apparently lost his temper and adamantly refused. The concert was then to become his tribute concert and is perhaps the worst performance by The Stones that I've seen. Watts and Wyman look more bored than normal. Jagger leaps around trying too hard to entice the crowd who appear apathetic. Mick Taylors' debut is very nervous and constrained, but flawless. Richards had just been on a three-day heroin crusade and looked every second of it.
This was the beginning of a new era for The Rolling Stones and it looked as if a storm was a' threatening.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Beatles.
The effect of the premature demise of Buddy Holly in 1959 has only in the last decade began to be fully realised by not only musicians but by rock purists alike. Hollys' manner in no way matched todays' notion of a 'wild rocker,' unlike Elvis Presley, whose alleged evil hips spurned Holly to continue as a rock musician. His appearance was no that of a rebel without a cause. It
was the music of Buddy Holly that fired the imagination of more than a few musicians; musicians who would go on to be legends themselves in the world of rock music.
In the same year that Buddy Holly was tragically taken, two young lads from Liverpool in England met and embarked on a quite amazing ten-year journey that would change the face of rock music. John Lennon and Paul McCartney would not only form the most successful band in rock and roll history but become the greatest songwriting partnerships of all time.
Having been asked to join Lennons' skiffle band, Johnny and the Moondogs,' an almost instant writing rapport was struck between McCartney and Lennon. They were soon joined by the younger George Harrison whose talent and enthusiasm soon won over a sceptical Lennon. After quite a few line-up changes and appearances at local fete's The Beatles emerged, with drummer Pete Best, as a hard-rocking outfit ready to take on the world.
It was this 'take on the world' attitude that saw The Beatles do exactly that. After the gruelling regime in Hamburg, Germany, where the band played eight-hour days, seven
days a week in riotous conditions. As Gerrry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers said of this era, "You either got good or you got out." The Beatles got good.
On their return to Liverpool in December, 1960, The Beatles had adopted a 'harder' image, dressing in leathers wearing Cuban-heeled boots and Elvis-styled hairdos. Their touring schedule was outlandish by todays conditions. They still performed regularly at the The Cavern Club, which is where their major break occurred. Brian Epstein, the son of a local record store owner visited the Cavern Club during a lunchtime session. He was impressed with the band musically and also saw their drive and potential. Not wishing to detract from the bands' individuality but seeing the need for some changes, Epstein came up with a few marketing strategies which although apparently minor and some borderline subliminal,
were nothing short of genius.
The first move, which was not entirely the doing of Epstein, was to replace Pete Best on drums. Best was unable to hold a beat for studio purposes so it was advised he be replaced. His replacement was Richard Starkey (aka; Ringo Starr). Ringo was a few years older than the others and his track record included playing on cruise liners with local heroes Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Epstein also assisted in the 'drop-T' design on the drumkit. As a sharp dresser himself, Epstein came to a compromise with The Beatles with regard to attire. Their famous Grandad-collar suits are now synonomous solely with The Beatles.
Their first single, Love Me Do, was met with moderate success compared to what was about to unfold. The song was produced by B.B.C. producer, Sir George Martin. Any scepticism Martin had was overshadowed by the talent, drive and charisma of the band. Lennon played harmonica, McCartney performed backing vocal and for reasons unknown, Ringo played tambourine while a Scottish drum tutor played drums.
Their next single, Please Please Me, unleasehd what has come to be referred to as Beatlemania. Thus Lennon and McCartney continued writing and The Beatles cotinued recording. Money was, by now, no object but time was. Admittedly their touring was more professional
but there was now the added pressure of a massive increase of fans. Everybody wanted a piece of The Beatles. Many still do. People who initially treated the band as a novelty item were now changing their tune.
In 1964 The Beatles left Great Britain and toured The United States of America. The 'Beatlemania' witnessed in Great Britain was intensified as their shows, T.V. appearances and chart ratings continued to break records. In a whirlwind two years The Beatles would go on to escalate in both popularity and output. With the benefit of hindsight one might say, "Something had to give."
Something did give and did so in spades as a rapid-fire series of events merely acted as catalysts to the inevitable. The compilation album 'Yesterday and Today' was created by Capitol Records for the American market. The albums' cover (intentionally) caused public outcry as it depicted The Beatle, smiling, dressed in white overalls accompanied by mutilated dolls and what appears to be raw meat. It is alleged that this was The Beatles response to the way Capitol Records had 'butchered' their albums. This was the first of a multitude of supposed hidden messages by The Beatles. The other side of The Beatles squeaky clean image was beginning to show.
The Beatles were then placed in an almost life-threatening position when they inadvertantly snubbed The Phillipines First Lady Imelda Marcos by refusing her presidential invitation
to breakfast. It is alleged that The Beatles and Epstein had great difficulty in leaving the country due to the extent of the riots that had been caused.
Shortly after arriving home from this barrage The Beatles, more specifically John Lennon, were confronted by a backlash from extreme U.S. conservatives relating to a comment that Lennon had made three months earlier where, in part, The Beatles were, "....more popular than Jesus...." The only interested to the comments in the UK were with regard to the off-the-cuff' and humorous nature of the comments. Having read the article in its' entirety, this
reader is somewhat perplexed by the onslaught of hatred aimed at John Lennon. Having also witnessed John Lennon interviewed at the time regarding the matter, I see a frightened man trying to defend himself against powerful rednecks.
In August, 1966, The Beatles performed their last official concert at Candlestick Park.
With the the freedom of now being able to write and record when they wanted to The Beatles music took on a different dimension. Despite becoming even less structured, their music remained very definitive. Even with their very early material, what sounds
like a standard three-part harmony is far from it. Although rumoured but never admitted until well after touring had finished, mind-altering chemicals had become a part of The Beatles lifestyle. The albums Revolver and Rubber Soul gave pretty good indications. This would be evident on their following albums, most notably the iconic 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' and 'The Beatles,' commonly known as 'The White Album.
Despite the public admission to the use of drugs, no backlash was observed. What was observed in interview was, contrary to interviews held when touring, was a more forthright and assertive band. John Lennon in particular had the air of a caged lion waiting for someone to enter.
It is difficult to pinpoint particular songs of The Beatles as there are so many but imagine, if you will, 'Strawberry Fields Forever' without the drums of Rings Starr. It is not conventional nor is it random. 'Penny Lane' without a Paul McCartney bass line is unthinkable. Again, it isn't conventional or random. George Harrisons' slide-work in 'Two Of Us.' The raw yet controlled vocal quality of John Lennon as he sings 'Ticket To Ride.'
The Beatles got it right. No-one has come close. No-one ever will. It has already been done.
In the same year that Buddy Holly was tragically taken, two young lads from Liverpool in England met and embarked on a quite amazing ten-year journey that would change the face of rock music. John Lennon and Paul McCartney would not only form the most successful band in rock and roll history but become the greatest songwriting partnerships of all time.
Having been asked to join Lennons' skiffle band, Johnny and the Moondogs,' an almost instant writing rapport was struck between McCartney and Lennon. They were soon joined by the younger George Harrison whose talent and enthusiasm soon won over a sceptical Lennon. After quite a few line-up changes and appearances at local fete's The Beatles emerged, with drummer Pete Best, as a hard-rocking outfit ready to take on the world.
It was this 'take on the world' attitude that saw The Beatles do exactly that. After the gruelling regime in Hamburg, Germany, where the band played eight-hour days, seven
On their return to Liverpool in December, 1960, The Beatles had adopted a 'harder' image, dressing in leathers wearing Cuban-heeled boots and Elvis-styled hairdos. Their touring schedule was outlandish by todays conditions. They still performed regularly at the The Cavern Club, which is where their major break occurred. Brian Epstein, the son of a local record store owner visited the Cavern Club during a lunchtime session. He was impressed with the band musically and also saw their drive and potential. Not wishing to detract from the bands' individuality but seeing the need for some changes, Epstein came up with a few marketing strategies which although apparently minor and some borderline subliminal,
The first move, which was not entirely the doing of Epstein, was to replace Pete Best on drums. Best was unable to hold a beat for studio purposes so it was advised he be replaced. His replacement was Richard Starkey (aka; Ringo Starr). Ringo was a few years older than the others and his track record included playing on cruise liners with local heroes Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Epstein also assisted in the 'drop-T' design on the drumkit. As a sharp dresser himself, Epstein came to a compromise with The Beatles with regard to attire. Their famous Grandad-collar suits are now synonomous solely with The Beatles.
Their first single, Love Me Do, was met with moderate success compared to what was about to unfold. The song was produced by B.B.C. producer, Sir George Martin. Any scepticism Martin had was overshadowed by the talent, drive and charisma of the band. Lennon played harmonica, McCartney performed backing vocal and for reasons unknown, Ringo played tambourine while a Scottish drum tutor played drums.
Their next single, Please Please Me, unleasehd what has come to be referred to as Beatlemania. Thus Lennon and McCartney continued writing and The Beatles cotinued recording. Money was, by now, no object but time was. Admittedly their touring was more professional
In 1964 The Beatles left Great Britain and toured The United States of America. The 'Beatlemania' witnessed in Great Britain was intensified as their shows, T.V. appearances and chart ratings continued to break records. In a whirlwind two years The Beatles would go on to escalate in both popularity and output. With the benefit of hindsight one might say, "Something had to give."
Something did give and did so in spades as a rapid-fire series of events merely acted as catalysts to the inevitable. The compilation album 'Yesterday and Today' was created by Capitol Records for the American market. The albums' cover (intentionally) caused public outcry as it depicted The Beatle, smiling, dressed in white overalls accompanied by mutilated dolls and what appears to be raw meat. It is alleged that this was The Beatles response to the way Capitol Records had 'butchered' their albums. This was the first of a multitude of supposed hidden messages by The Beatles. The other side of The Beatles squeaky clean image was beginning to show.
The Beatles were then placed in an almost life-threatening position when they inadvertantly snubbed The Phillipines First Lady Imelda Marcos by refusing her presidential invitation
Shortly after arriving home from this barrage The Beatles, more specifically John Lennon, were confronted by a backlash from extreme U.S. conservatives relating to a comment that Lennon had made three months earlier where, in part, The Beatles were, "....more popular than Jesus...." The only interested to the comments in the UK were with regard to the off-the-cuff' and humorous nature of the comments. Having read the article in its' entirety, this
In August, 1966, The Beatles performed their last official concert at Candlestick Park.
With the the freedom of now being able to write and record when they wanted to The Beatles music took on a different dimension. Despite becoming even less structured, their music remained very definitive. Even with their very early material, what sounds
Despite the public admission to the use of drugs, no backlash was observed. What was observed in interview was, contrary to interviews held when touring, was a more forthright and assertive band. John Lennon in particular had the air of a caged lion waiting for someone to enter.
It is difficult to pinpoint particular songs of The Beatles as there are so many but imagine, if you will, 'Strawberry Fields Forever' without the drums of Rings Starr. It is not conventional nor is it random. 'Penny Lane' without a Paul McCartney bass line is unthinkable. Again, it isn't conventional or random. George Harrisons' slide-work in 'Two Of Us.' The raw yet controlled vocal quality of John Lennon as he sings 'Ticket To Ride.'
The Beatles got it right. No-one has come close. No-one ever will. It has already been done.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Not Fade Away.
The music didn’t die in 1959 when Buddy Holly, along with ‘The Big Bopper’ and Ritchie Valens, died as Don Maclean sang in the early 1970s. Rock music was only starting to get a head of steam up, with Buddy Holly leading the charge. He was spurned to do so after seeing Elvis Presley some three or four years earlier performing what was termed by the more conservatively minded 'evil' rock and roll.
After his death the multitude of rock and roll, blues and rhythm, folk and blues artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton to name but a few, were quick to mention him as a major influence at the start of their careers.
Buddy Holly was 'the man' who, tragically, was never able to fully enjoy this, let alone be aware of it. He wasn't the first to play rock and roll but his timing with regards to making it globally popular and influencing the face of rock music is unquestionable.
As with all forms of music, rock music is kinetic. The impact that Buddy Holly had on rock music is, to this writer, the most profound.
Buddy Holly was 'the man' who, tragically, was never able to fully enjoy this, let alone be aware of it. He wasn't the first to play rock and roll but his timing with regards to making it globally popular and influencing the face of rock music is unquestionable.
As with all forms of music, rock music is kinetic. The impact that Buddy Holly had on rock music is, to this writer, the most profound.
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