Amplifier

11.08.10

 There is a proper procedure for taking advantage of any investment. Music, for example. Buying music is an investment.
To get the maximum you must

LISTEN TO IT FOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER OPTIMUM CONDITIONS.

Not in your car or on a portable player through a headset.
Take it home.
Get rid of all distractions (even her or him).
Turn off your cell phone.
Turn off everything that rings or beeps or rattles or whistles.
Make yourself comfortable.
Play your LP.
LISTEN all the way through.
Think about what you got.
Think about who would appreciate the investment.
Decide if there is someone to share this with.
Turn it on again.
Enjoy Yourself.

-Gil Scott-Heron

These are the liner notes to I'm New Here, the latest from US poet/singer/artist Gil Scott-Heron and whilst Gil isn't from here and as such he ain't for sale on Amplifier his message applies to all music and your listening environment.

His advice raises the question, when was the last time you actually listened to music - not had it in the background but as foreground listening where you were actively engaged in the experience?

Try is sometime, it can be most rewarding... and sometimes not.

Release Of The Day:
Wai - Ora

ORA is the second album from Wai, the highly innovative group from Aotearoa who signalled a new, unique style and sound with their ground breaking debut Wai 100% (2000).

Wai (Mina Ripia and Maaka McGregor) crate new music from ancient Maori roots, traditions and the Maori language, the result being as soulful and funky as any music, while sounding not remotely like anything heard before.

Their previous album, Wai 100%, was acclaimed internationally including Maori Album of the Year 2001 (NZ Music Awards), Finalist for Asia/Pacific Album of the Year and Innovator of the Year (BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music 2001).

"ORA means life, health, vitality and survival. ORA celebrates the will to survive; we hope the album connects and inspires those who face hardship and doubt to survive."

Charting The Mainstream 

A hearty congratulations to Opshop who with their latest opus Until The End Of Time hits the album chart this week at number one, top effort by their fanbase at the countries music stores.

Nesian Mystik drop off a bit from last week's high of 4 to find themselves at 8 this week with 99AD. Julia Deans Modern Fables is at 15 and Gin is at 17 this week.

Eru Dangerspeil is next with the Live CD/DVD Greats News For The Modern Man jumping several spots to arrive at 23 from 35 last week while Faty Freddy's drop a few to land at 25 with live From The Roundhouse.

Die! Die! Die!'s new album Form drops from 19 to 34 and Shapeshifter old the rear guard postion of 40 with System IS A Vampire.

Singles land is singles land and doesn't change much this week except for Brooke Fraser's new single debuting at number 10 this week.

You can see the official NZ Music Chart here. 

Gigs:

Here are our pick for live music for this week as found on the Makuna gig guide.

For a full breakdown on whats on offer around the countries pubs and clubs take a look at Makuna

Have a great day.
Ed