This was one we used to do a cover of, but we did the full rockin' 200 bpm version. It usually juiced up a set. I cut the pace in half, stripped it down and layered the vocals. I kept it simple. Tried some keyboard flourishes, but ultimately I didn't think it added anything, so I nixed most of them. The only keyboard part I kept was the Sigur Ros-esque sort of repeating chime. That I liked. Mostly I didn't want much in the way of the vocals. And the Lead II, pictured here. So that's it. As usual, let me know what you think...
Download here:
The FMTana-"That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate"
And the cover....
I've been holding onto this one for a while, but you get away from it for too long and you forget how much you initially liked it. The song is completely held together by "The Doctor", my Boss DR-660 AKA Dr. Rhythm (pictured here.) It's a pretty simple drum machine that has a very simple way of creating songs with some very simple sounds. Anyway, this version of what is probably my favorite Unrest song is probably the first and last time I'll ever channel my inner Sam Prekop. I'm just not that jazzy. But it works here I think. To quote the great Chicago aluminum guitar rawk gods Tar, "Good part wrong band."
Hopefully this won't be my only post of the month, but it's possible with my upcoming sked.Download file here:The FMTana-"I Do Believe You Are Blushing"
Onto the cover....
I've emphasized the "metal" in this version of "Metal Heart." From the noisy drum loop to the biting guitar harmonics, it's certainly not the pretty original from 'Moon Pix' or even her bluesier version on 'Jukebox.' I did a version more akin to that original, but I might as well have flown in Mick Turner from Australia to do the guitars. This one's a bit different. As always, let me know what you think...
Download file here:The FMTana-"Metal Heart"
Slacking. Even with nothing to do. I'm not going to compose a big post on what this particular artist (Fugazi) meant to/means to me. Because it's basically one big idea that overshadows every other big idea: DIY.*
*this, despite the fact that i do have some very nice fugazi-related memories: like a large contingent of interested participants piling into my minivan and driving from syracuse to rochester to see fugazi play for $5 (natch), which was the first time i met one of my best friends from college and future roomie, paige.
Never has the concept of DIY been so effective and easily done than in the age we're living. I can record a song in my house with my computer and crappy guitars and put it on this blog and a kid from Utica, NY can download it on his computer. I have the means of production and the means of distribution. Not only am I a one man band. I am a one man recording studio and record label. Just like that.
15-20 years ago as an un-radio friendly hardcore band, it was a little tougher. There weren't mp3s or iTunes. There were 1000 7"s to be stuffed into 1000 hand-pressed sleeves. And mail. And word of mouth. And snow up to your teeth. Both ways. Uphill.
Still, no one streamlined the DIY ethos as effectively as Dischord Records. And because of them and Mr. Ian McKaye, we got a lot of great bands and a lot of inspired and inspiring record labels (Simple Machines, Merge, Teenbeat, etc.) Thanks up and to the right.
On to the tune...
I've been picking this one out on the Beast for quite a while now. I didn't stay true to the original bassline at all, which is the song's calling card. But my intent was that this version wouldn't lack the intensity of the original, even though it won't get 5,000 kids jumping up and down, pumping their fists. I think I like it. As always, let me know what you think.
Download file here:
The FMTana-"Waiting Room"
My cover of Archers of Loaf's "Backwash." Let me know what you think.
Download file here:
The FMTana-"Backwash"
This was one we used to do a cover of, but we did the full rockin' 200 bpm version. It usually juiced up a set. I cut the pace in half, stripped it down and layered the vocals. I kept it simple. Tried some keyboard flourishes, but ultimately I didn't think it added anything, so I nixed most of them. The only keyboard part I kept was the Sigur Ros-esque sort of repeating chime. That I liked. Mostly I didn't want much in the way of the vocals. And the Lead II, pictured here. So that's it. As usual, let me know what you think...
