The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper: Line Out: Exit Interview

King Crimson Guitartist, Robert Fripp, Quits Music Now Hangs Out With Lawyers

Mike Nipper — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:45:01 -0700

“I couldn’t concentrate on music, so I made the choice to give up my career as a musician in the front line to deal with the business.”

Apparently, this all stems from a recent altercation with music giant the Universal Group, who recently bought up a series of independent labels that own parts of his back catalog. Fripp believes this action has led to the release of unauthorized releases under his name.

Shitty labels issuing "unauthorized" releases has been happening since the beginning of the industry, it sucks, but if you don't own your the rights to your jams you gotta hire a better lawyer, Mr. Fripp. And then there is the "Kanye" problem...

He cites other examples of his music being used without his consent, notably in the Kanye West single "Power," which freely sampled the King Crimson classic "21st Century Schizoid Man." The video scored one million plays on YouTube before Fripp was reportedly consulted.

Oof. The Kanye biz seems like something that shoulda been sorted prior to having to litigate, it's not 1985 and Kanye Inc. should be sussed. I could only imagine the hell that would be unleashed if Kanye's jams were to be exploited. Perhaps the biz now looks at Fripp as having no contemporary relevance, like most musicians, and figured he could be rolled; same shit, different day then. I feel bad for Fripp, I do, but this gaming and gambling by the music biz ain't new and has been documented and debated enough I hesitated to even write this post. I'd hope after a life time as a musician on a major label he would have avoided exploitation, or at least to the point of not having to QUIT making music to control his music.

If you wanna read the full text from the The Financial Times, have some.

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Record Store Relevance on KUOW Right NOW

Mike Nipper — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:30:28 -0800

Tune in to 94.9FM to hear The Conversation if you give a shit about record stores. It's streaming online HERE! Also they want folks with opinions and stories to call in/email... tell 'em whatcha think!

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Caperin': Have a look at all of my shoes.

Derek Erdman — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:30:05 -0700

I've spent hours on the phone talking to troubled people needing advice in the past week, from dead friends to being kicked out the house to job loss. One teen-aged male was calling from Bremerton contemplating suicide, we talked for four hours about how to make his life ridiculous instead of just throwing it away. By the end of the phone call we were laughing hard after we decided to watch an episode of Trailer Park Boys together, over the phone. He called back the next morning to thank me and asked if I would describe the rest of my day to him. We talked about clothing for a bit because I have a uniform that I usually wear, the same t-shirt and pair of pants everyday. I've been wearing these clothes for most of the past 12 months and they're in tatters. I usually wear an army shirt to cover the t-shirt when I leave the house, because the t-shirt has giant holes in it. I can't seem to bring myself to get rid of it though; it's the most comfortable thing in the world. I explained that I have 37 pairs of the same exact black Old Navy socks. When we got to the topic of shoes I was baffled to realize that I own 15 pairs of them. If I could be accused of hoarding anything, it would be shoes. I have some that should have been thrown away ages ago, and as I described each pair, I realized why I kept nearly all of them without really noticing.

#1 Converse All-Stars, purchased in April 2001: I wore these shoes for approximately three years in Chicago, IL. In that time "our nation's tragedy" occurred, the day my mother called to tell me that the Sears Tower had been destroyed by airplanes. I looked out the window to see that it was still there and later wore these shoes during a trip to Haiti just after the border was re-opened. Looking at these shoes now I think the only reason that I never threw them away is because they still seem perfectly wearable. I've never retired a pair in the past until they were absolutely falling apart. I find these shoes to be classically uncomfortable and hardly protective against the elements. You might as well just wrap duct tape around your feet.

#2 Vans Chukka Boots, purchased in November 2008: I first saw these shoes on a girl at a CVS in Chicago and really liked them, so I asked her where she got them. She wasn't terribly interested in telling me, I think she thought I was trying to pick her up. That wasn't the case, as I was standing next to my girlfriend at the time who I liked quite a lot. On our way out of the store we noticed the same girl being detained for shoplifting what seemed to be numerous boxes of Just Born Hot Tamales candies. I ordered these shoes from Zappos later that night and was wearing them 3 months later when I witnessed a terrible bicycle accident on Damen Avenue. I stopped to help the girl who was a pedestrian and had been hit by a cyclist. I sat with her until an ambulance came and noticed we were wearing the same shoes. Then I realized it was the same girl from the CVS. I asked her if she remembered me asking about her shoes and she said she did. I also brought up the shoplifting, which was probably inappropriate at the time. She told me that she didn't get arrested, but CVS made her purchase all of the boxes she tried to steal. Then I mentioned that I really liked Hot Tamales candies.

#3 Vans Rata Vulc, purchased in November 2010: John Atkins came to our house with his daughter Billie shortly after I moved to Seattle. He was wearing a pair of these shoes and they're exactly how I imagined the shoes I've always wanted. They're not flashy and they seemed really comfortable. John told me where to get a pair, a skateboard shop on a street I now don't remember. Now when I wear these shoes, I usually end up seeing John and he's wearing his. I feel terrible about it. I hardly wear them though, I consider them my "going to court" shoes.

#4 Clarks Wallabee Boots, purchased in July 2005: I was obsessed with Clarks Wallabees for nearly three months, just enough time to buy two pair and decide that I didn't like them. I find them to be too narrow, I like wide shoes better. Also, I find the soles to be too similar to gum erasers, which makes me just want to pick at them. People seem to like these shoes though, and they get a lot of compliments. I was delighted to find out that the Wu-Tang Clan were similarly obsessed, though for a much longer period. I can't bear to get rid of these shoes—they cost too much money. I'd also put them in the "going to court" category.

#5 Deer Stags slippers, Christmas gift December 2004: I'm fairly certain my mother gave me these slippers, though I could be mistaken. Looking at them now, there are three tacks stuck to the bottom of them. They don't allow MY feet to breathe, so they're rather smelly. I hardly ever wear these and I'll probably put them in the trash in ten minutes. I encountered a mouse in the garage of my house in Chicago and accidentally, uh, stepped on it to death when we both jumped in the same exact direction after confrontation. I was wearing these slippers. I never cleaned them. G-R-O-S-S.

#6 Vans Old Skool, "purchased" May 2004: I had a friend who worked at an "alternative clothing" store in Chicago called The Alley. He'd often implore me to come in and load up on free shoes and I only took him up on it once. By the looks of it, I've only worn these shoes a handful (!) of times. Like jazz and classical music, I'm saving them for my later years. When I'll really look good in them.

#7 Sorel boots, purchased December 2009: The only time I've been to REI was to buy these boots. Chicago winters can be rather brutal, and I'd never had the proper footwear until I purchased these. Even when I had them, I hardly wore them. I don't like the way boots scrunch my toes up, they feel smooshed and folded. I really like to flick my big toe against the one next to it, if there's no room, I get grumpy.

#8 Clarks Wallabees, purchased in July 2005: See #4 for original story. My roommate Lacey borrowed these before I lived with her but gave them back when I eventually moved in to her house. She said they were too big.

#9 Saucony Jazz Running Shoes, acquired July 2009: When the Dutchess & the Duke played at the Pitchfork Festival, I was fortunate enough to know them and know that they left town by the time Sunday rolled around. Saucony was giving away shoes to band members in the backstage area and I strolled up declaring that I was the kalimba player in the band. I had to fill out some forms and some shoes arrived in the mail a week later. I'm a sneak for sneakers! These shoes are so light that I've never even worn them. They're size nine, you can have them if you want them.

#10 Dickies Steel Toe Work Shoes, purchased (unknown): Sean from Tit Pig has been at our house for the past three nights. We usually just call him Tit Pig when we're referring to him, we're not sure if he's noticed or how he feels about it. Regardless, I made a grand production of my show collection on Saturday night and when I unearthed these, he declared them to be my "Sling Blade" shoes. Then we did a series of quotes from that movie in that voice, "It ain't got no gasoline in it", "I do like them french fried por-tators, uhm hm", etc. I remember buying these when I was going through my postal carrier phase. My grandfather and father were postal carriers, I reckon I should sign myself up ASAP, "uhm hm".

#11 Vans (unsure what type), purchased in November 2010: I bought these on the same day as #3. I don't think I even tried them on and I certainly haven't worn them since. They were on sale for an absurd price and I figured since I was buying shoes that I would just buy some more shoes. I have a feeling that I'll never wear these shoes, they're totally hideous.

#12: Roberts full brogue saddle shoes, purchased in December 2010: After a spirited night of drinking last December, I came across these shoes on eBay at 4am and bid on them. I followed the auction for the next 3 days and was dismayed to find that I was outbid at the last second while the basement was flooding and a number of my possessions were being submerged in sewage. Four days later the eBay seller wrote to me stating that the original winner wasn't going to pay and I could have the shoes if I wanted them. I only wore them on one night at the Pony where everybody made fun of me. "I'm making a statement!" I told them. "OH SHUT UP, DEREK," they replied.

#13: Dr. Martens Mary Jane Flats, purchased October 2006: I got beat up in high school a bunch of times. Mostly because I had a big mouth, but also because I dressed like a goof. This isn't the same pair of Mary Janes that I had in high school, but it was the same brand and color. I bought these years later thinking that I would wear them some time, but I never have. "Don't ever wear those shoes in public," Tit Pig said on Saturday night. "Girls will think that you're transgendered."

#14: Vans Slip-ons, birthday gift December 2010: My dear friend Jim Newberry sent these shoes to me in the mail last December. Jim's a well known photographer, but I wasn't really aware of this when I met him. At the time I asked what he did for a living and he told me that his "boss was a Jewish carpenter." I was confused for the longest time about what this meant. I wear these shoes once ever two weeks. They're perfectly comfortable and good for any occasion when you need to say: "I'M NOT TAKING ANY OF THIS SERIOUSLY."

#15: Vans SK8 HI: These are the shoes I wear mostly every day. They're really hard to take on and off and they're kind of smelly, but whoa are they comfortable. Three years ago I was playing tennis in Lawton, Oklahoma and some teenagers approached me. I was pretty sure I was about to be thrashed when they finally asked, "Hey man, where did you get those shoes?"

Thanks + sorry for looking at my shoes. TLA!

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R.I.P. Telefon Tel Aviv’s Charlie Cooper

Dave Segal — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:03:30 -0800

Charlie Cooper, a member of New Orleans electronic-music duo Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away Jan. 22 at age 31. Cause of death has not been reported at this time.

TTA released their third album, Immolate Yourself (Bpitch Control), Jan. 20. The group had built up a loving, sizable fan base through their technically proficient beat programming and sophisticated melodic sense, winning over Nine Inch Nails fans, IDM heads, and aficionados of melancholic, ’80s-inflected electro pop in substantial numbers. TTA were also in demand as remixers, reconfiguring tracks by NIN, jazz great Phil Ranelin, and Tool singer Maynard James Keenan’s Puscifer project. TTA played a well-received set at the 2005 Decibel Fest in Seattle.

Surviving TTA member Joshua Eustis wrote the following eulogy:

It breaks my heart to inform you all that Charlie Cooper, my better half in Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on January 22nd.

We have been friends since high school, and began making records together a decade ago. We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another's expense.

Aside from Charlie's singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere. His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world - his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved. In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.

He is survived by a sister, a niece, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter. As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.

Yours in Music,
Joshua Eustis

Telefon Tel Aviv- “Helen of Troy”

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Asheton to Asheton…

Dave Segal — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:14:18 -0800

The Stooges’ late Ron Asheton was one of the most influential and vital guitarists in rock history. Not a technical virtuoso nor a versatile player, Asheton instead dazzled through the power and intensity of his attack, his primal, unforgettable riffs, and his scabrous, incendiary textures. He needed to ratchet up his sound to match Iggy Pop’s outsized personality and mic/stage presence, and that Asheton did, with flying sparks. His incisive, potent m.o. provided crucial DNA for the evolution of metal, punk, and glam rock.

In honor of his sadly early passing at age 60 earlier this month, I present what I think are Asheton’s most impressive moments. I could easily go on all day on this topic; it wasn’t easy to narrow them down to this number. (Here are NME's top 5 Asheton riffs.)

“Little Doll”: Those opening explosions and that descending riff: so much uplift and doom economically packed into one piece. The solo that occupies the second half becomes increasingly unnerving, mirroring Iggy’s abject desperation.

“No Fun”: Man, what a grinding, satisfying riff. When Iggy implores, “Come on, Ron, tell ’em how I, tell ’em how I, tell ’em how I feel,” Asheton responds with rousing, “at the end of his tether” exclamations in the six-string equivalent of boldfaced italics.

“Loose”: If you haven’t fucked or fought to this song, then you really haven’t fucked or fought. Birthday Party and many others were inspired to cover it, but nobody beats the original.

“Dirt”: Always made me think this was the Stooges trying to be Funkadelic circa 1970 (which is actually the year “Dirt” came out, but the groups were in close proximity). Asheton at his most crystalline and Eddie Hazel-esque.

“We Will Fall”: Proves Asheton was no one-shtick pony. You can hear the seeds of Swans and Loop in this haunting, simmering dirge.

"Down on the Street": Guitar as stalking wildcat, all animalistic urges/id-iful lust—yet precise with it.

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R.I.P. Freddie Hubbard, Delaney Bramlett, Count Five’s John Byrne

Dave Segal — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:59:17 -0800

In addition to jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard passing away Dec. 29 at age 70 (btw, my favorite Hubbard LP is 1971’s Sing Me a Song of Songmy, which he recorded with Turkish electroacoustic composer Ilhan Mimaroglu), Delaney Bramlett and guitarist/vocalist John Byrne of the Count Five breathed their last in December 2008, too.

Bramlett—who attained his greatest notoriety for his role in Delaney, Bonnie & Friends—was a tremendous soul singer, deft guitarist, and writer of powerfully moving and catchy songs like “Let It Rain” and “Comin’ Home.” He was close friends with rock royalty like George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and the Allman Brothers, but he never attained their household-name status.

John Byrne wrote and sang the Count Five’s immortal garage-rock rave-up nugget “Psychotic Reaction,” which you should play whenever you need an energy burst.

Much respect to these three gifted musicians.

Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction”

Delaney, Bonnie & Friends’ “Comin’ Home”

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R.I.P. Mitch Mitchell

Dave Segal — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:37:31 -0800

Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell passed away Nov. 12 in a Portland hotel room; he had been on tour with a Jimi Hendrix tribute band. Mitchell—who was born in Ealing, England—was 61. Mitchell's death is suspected to be from natural causes, but an autopsy has yet to be conducted.

Mitchell played on JHE’s fantastic triumvirate of LPs—Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold as Love, and Electric Ladyland—which represents some of the most innovative rock ever. Playing behind perhaps the world's greatest rock guitarist, Mitchell rose to the occasion with his distinctive style, which merged dexterous, intricate jazz fills with mercurial, powerful rock timekeeping. He embodied a fluid combination of John Bonham’s brute force and funkiness, Keith Moon’s manic energy, and Elvin Jones' intuitive knack for nuanced dynamics. After he left the Experience in 1970, Mitchell played with Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, and Terry Reid, among others.

Last night at the Moore Theatre during their encore, Medeski Martin + Wood paid tribute to Mitchell with a dazzling, abstract rendition of the Experience’s "Crosstown Traffic."

Respect to one of the best sticksmen ever, Mitch Mitchell.

Jimi Hendrix Experience’s "If 6 Was 9"

"You Got Me Floatin'"

"Spanish Castle Magic" live

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Dolemite and Dee Dee...dead.

Mike Nipper — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:37:00 -0700

Dee Dee Warwick sister of Dionne Warwick AND Rudy Ray Moore the "Human Tar-nadah" or "King Of The Party Records", prolly best known as Dolemite, have both died.

Dee Dee was only 63...dig her genius!

Moore died in Akron, OH, from diabetes, he was 81. Some of his family live in Spokane and word is there will be a memorial there as well as in Akron. Dig, I couldn't find great a pic of Dolemite SHIRTLESS (as THAT is how he should always been seen) so y'all will just hafta enjoy his aural throwdowns.

And I HAD to include this...

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