State of Mind of The Art

Spotted On: ArsTechnica

The RIAA’s head, Cary Sherman, wants to put encryption on our computer that will force us to decrypt music before listening to it. In other words, the filter will scan all your incoming data and then either allow or deny your ability to listen to it. since this idea likely won’t be popular (who’s going to willingly put a filter on their computer that blocks the files they are downloading?), the next suggestion is to put the filters in our modems.

Despite the predictable public backlash against these tactics (in an environment where the RIAA already has public approval that rivals the US Congress), some ISPs are moving ahead with these filters. The technical specifics are a bit thick, suffice it to say that various file encryptions can bypass these filters unless entire protocols are blocked.

Here’s a video of Mr. Sherman lauding the glories of filtering:

Bottom Line: Being out of touch with your consumers’ needs does not improve your financial picture, or your credibility.

Today is Bob Marley’s birthday (in my opinion, an international holiday).
in celebration of the birth of one of the most influential and incredible musicians of our time, here are some videos of Bob.

If you want to honor Bob’s memory today, stand for something you believe in.

A couple of interviews, speaking about music, rasta, and oppression:

Africa Unite - Live - Bob was a true freedom fighter.

Roots Rock Reggae - Originally broadcast on TV. Dig the I-Threes!

Bob Playing Soccer in Paris, 1977 (Bob loved soccer)

And finally, Bob speaking about ganja and prohibition

Spotted on: Youtube

Who woulda believed that a 20 year old video would provide such great wisdom about music today?

The first half of the video is on the music business. The second half is a tirade about sex.
Had he mentioned drugs, we’d have the holy trinity of music.

Spotted on: YouTube

Spotted on: Gar Lives

Steve Albini speaks about DIY music promotion and bands operating in the music business.