iTunes

For those of you who didn't realize you can subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Just go to iTunes and click on the "advanced" dropdown. Select "subscribe to podcast." The URL you need to paste in is: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AllYouNeedIsHops

Sometimes you have to wait for a new episode for it to kick in. It's been working for several months now so hopefully it will keep it up. For whatever reason iTunes has a love/hate relationship with Hops. Currently the mood is set to "love".

Enjoy.

Blind Dating My Music

Today I got an email from an artist I’ve played on the show a few times before, Matthew Ryan. He mentioned how he had just released a song “Some Streets Lead Nowhere” and the proceeds were going to help fund his next album. I got excited and was about to download the new song when I realized I had already bought this song! I paid 99 cents for it on iTunes and listened to had listened to it maybe once (the play count field on iTunes read 0 meaning I never had clicked on it). Why do I mention this? Because it seems to be happening to me more and more these days.

I’m simply overwhelmed by the amount of music I have access to.

This is coming from a guy who started All You Need Is Hops and the Hopscasts in order to help my friends and others filter their choices in music. What older bands have I been missing? What new albums do I need to be downloading? What songs belong on my mp3 player if I’m in a bad mood? In my quest to help figure all of this out I have downloaded more music than I could possibly listen to. According to my iTunes playlist it would take me over 52 days to listen to everything on my hard drive, and that isn’t counting the hundreds of CDs I haven’t uploaded yet. It’s all starting to feel like homework. I get two or three albums or songs by a few new bands and try to listen to them before I get a bunch more in the next few days. I can’t keep up, I don’t even want to.

This made me realize - I don’t want to be set up on a date with my music. I want to meet my music in a bar.

Or in a movie. Or on my iPod while I’m taking the train. Or in my kitchen when Mrs. Hops and I are making dinner. Discovering new music should happen organically. It should be connected to some type of emotional response. Why do you think you fall in love with songs when they’re played in great movies? Especially when you’ve heard them dozens of times before. I’m sick of listening to stuff just because its on my list of things to do.

So what now? I’m going to keep focusing on creating Hopscasts that make you hear music in a different context than you would if you had just downloaded the songs onto your mp3 player randomly. Hopefully it will help both of us remember why we listen in the first place.

Sometimes there might even be a new band that I think you should definitely check out. I’ll pick the bar. I promise you won't regret it.

Download Matthew Ryan's "Some Streets Lead Nowhere" through iTunes

Maybe Everything That Dies Someday Come Back

In an amazing twist of fate, I checked my iTunes podcast listings today and noticed that my latest episode of ALL YOU NEED IS HOPS was suddenly available for download via iTunes! If you remember I had this working for Episode 1, then it died.

Anyway, if you want to subscribe via iTunes click on the Advanced tab --> Subscribe to podcast. Then past this URL in: http://feeds.feedburner.com/AllYouNeedIsHops

I hope it works... and keeps working.

The First Must Read Article of 2008...

... was actually written in 2007 - it just took me some time to read it. The article entitled "David Byrne's Survival Strategies for Emerging Artists — and Megastars" appeared in Wired Magazine and was actually written by Mr. David Byrne himself - not a bad source to give you insight on the music business. Some interesting tidbits I learned from reading this article:

• David Byrne does NOT think the music business is dead. It's just changing and we can all agree that is a good thing.
  
• An artist may earn less from an album with iTunes than with a traditional CD. This suprised me quite a bit but it makes sense. The record label gives the artist the same cut. And since digital downloads cost less than CDs it makes sense that their adjusted margin won't come up more positive than it was before. Record labels aren't exactly practicers of the "share the wealth" mantra.
• For an average $16 CD the artist makes $1.60 (vs. $1.40 on iTunes), the label makes $1.76 and the a store makes $0.80. I remember going to Best Buy in 2002 to buy the new Johnny Cash album and was both angry and confused when I couldn't find it on the shelf. I asked the clerk and he (after not knowing who Johnny Cash was) looked it up in their system and found they already sold both copies they had. Only two copies? Now I understand why. You aren't going to stock an entire store with CD's you think won't sell (and by think I mean told by the record labels) in the hopes I stumble in there and they make 80 cents on me.
• Less music is purchased today and more is digital. No surprise there.
• Even larger record labels (not the huge ones but ones I easily recognize) have only a dozen or so employees. It makes sense but I always envisioned a larger organization.

Please read the article if you're interested in the music business and how it impact both music and business. While you're visiting Wired also check out David Byrne interviewing Thom Yorke, and a great article on the alternate reality game surrounding Nine Inch Nails' Year Zero "marketing" campaign.

Free (Legal) Music

I added the Goombah player on the right side of the screen (scroll down). You can stream tracks or click the down arrow to download them for free in MP3 format. If you're interested you can download a application that will give you music recommendations based on your iTunes library. Or you can get your recommendations from me. Your call.

About Goombah:
Goombah is a new, free application for discovering music. It analyzes your iTunes library and finds matching members with similar tastes and recommends tracks that are not in your collection. Goombah also recommends quality,legal free music based on your taste that you can download. Let me know your Goombah nickname when you sign up - we can browse each other's libraries. Learn more about Goombah at http://www.goombah.com/

All You Need Is Hops Episode 23: Anti-Valentine’s Day

“Women may come and go, but the Rolling Stones will always be there for you” - Hops

Valentine’s Day sucks. We all know it – we just try and trick ourselves into making pretend that it is a sweet, romantic holiday. People who have a significant other end up wasting money on crap the television tells us is romantic. Single people despise the day because it tries to make them feel bad about being single. This episode rallies against the “holiday” with some great anti-Valentine’s Day songs.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full set list can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 13: Mystery Madness

All You Need Is Hops Episode 13: Mystery Madness is now available. This Hopscast is a fun one. Each of the sets in the show is linked by a common theme. However, instead of me telling you what that theme is, you'll have to guess for yourselves. Let's see how well you can do!

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just ask. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

The set list can be viewed here. The answers to the riddles are on the bottom but I urge you to listen first and try to guess for yourself.

Happy Hopscasting.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 26: Humidity

“Look at that slow southern sun, hover and burn over everyone”
- From Matthew Ryan's "Drift"

Humidity. Heaviness. Slow Southern Sun. Rocking Chair. Nice Icy Drinks. Porch. Hot. Thick Air. Hammocks. Sangria In The Park. Lazy Afternoon.

Episode 26 is all about humidity. It has hot and heavy music that feels like the end of summer. Sit on your porch, pop your collar, open a Bartles & James and chill out to this episode.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full set list can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 18: Black Magic

Double Double Toil and Trouble! This episode is intended to scare you (in a Harry Potter kind of way) through the use of Black Magic. Old black magic, new black magic - either way you'll be cast under Hops' spell. The first in a two part Halloween series.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full setlist can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

"Commercial" Failures

The topic of songs in commercials has been covered before here on “All You Need Is Hops”. I’ve come to terms with this since commercials have really become just another medium to get your music out to the general public. Sometimes they can even be done well. However, lately I feel this trend of selling out has really gotten worse. It’s one thing for Bob Dylan or U2 to appear on an iTunes commercial. I see the cross-over there. It’s a product associated with music and you’re simply appearing with your song playing. Kind of like a brief clip of a music video. But seeing Bob Dylan in an ad for Victoria’s Secret makes you question your sanity. This is a great clip where Bob talks about selling out and then a clip from the video is played:

So maybe it’s always been Bob’s dream to appear in a Victoria’s Secret ad. But what about the other great sellouts that we’ve seen recently? The other day I was watching TV and a Chili’s ad came on. It was a normal Chili’s commercial except when the “I want my Chili’s baby back ribs” song started playing it was different. Instead of the normal version it was a new version recorded by Rhett Miller of The Old 97’s. Having your song appear in a commercial has reached the point of acceptance (thank you Rolling Stones and The Who) but singing a jingle for a commercial, well that’s just not cool in my book. The Old 97’s used to be a great band. While they’ve really fallen off my radar lately and I haven’t enjoyed Rhett Miller’s solo work, I still could respect them. Now the Chili’s commercial makes me ashamed to even listen to an album by them. And it doesn’t even make me want baby back ribs. I hope he got paid really well.

A few weeks ago I saw Jay-Z in a Budweiser commercial. The theme was that Jay-Z, The King, was back. And somehow the King of Beers influenced his decision. This didn’t bother me as much. First of all I thought it was a pretty brilliant piece of marketing. He basically got paid by Budweiser so he could film a commercial telling everyone he’s back. Plus, there is an acceptance in hip-hop culture to make money in this manner. At least his commercial was respectable, it wasn’t like the Black Eyed Peas hyping up Best Buy and somehow designing Hondas.

But no matter how many incidents of selling-out there will be in the future, I think it will be tough to top the WORST sell-out of all-time. I’m talking about Darius Rucker (of Hootie and the Blowfish) telling us to eat a tender crisp bacon cheddar ranch sandwich from Burger King. It is has all the elements of a huge mistake

1) Artist appearing in the commercial

2) Artist singing a jingle and not his song

3) It’s completely embarrassing, more embarrassing than any high school yearbook photo you could think of

4) It’s sad because you’ve realized how far they’ve fallen.

Maybe he did it just to meet Brooke Burke (on the swing). Maybe he owes money to the mafia. Maybe he’s just a giant tool. I can’t figure it out. Anyway watch the video and let me know if it makes you laugh, cry or vomit:

All You Need Is Hops Episode 14: Crime and Punishment

Tony loves a good Hopscast

Was this a good Hopscast? Fughetaboudit! Inspired by the last season of the Sopranos, Episode 14 of "All You Need Is Hops" is a journey from crime to punishment. It begins with some great Mafia inspired tunes, continues with music about getting caught and finally the consequences of crime. All themes dealt with on The Sopranos.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just ask. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

The set list can be viewed here.

Happy Hopscasting.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 29: The South

Southern Heritage Not Southern Hatred

(Photo taken at "The Virginia Store" in Alexandria, Virginia)

Episode 29 explores themes relating to the American South including racism, rednecks, The Civil War and pride. You get everything from Nina Simone to Lynyrd Skynyrd all wrapped up in one Hopscast.

Download the show by right clicking here or use the links on the side of the screen.

View setlist on the Hopscasts page here though I always prefer you listen first.

Subscribe via iTunes

All You Need Is Hops Episode 22: Rejuvenation and Resurrection

All You Need Is Hops Episode 21: Rejuvenation and Resurrection is now available! The songs from this show are intended to kick of 2008 on a positive note. They bring the spirit that a new year and a new day can bring rejuvenation, salvation and resurrection. It's upbeat...but it's not cheesy. I don't do cheesy, at least not on purpose.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full set list can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 28: Costume Party '08

I've Got My Spine I've Got My Orange Crush
-From "Orange Crush" by REM

Happy Halloween everyone!

Episode 28 is the second of a two part Halloween special. One of the most popular episodes of the year the annual costume party consists of all cover tunes.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full set list can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 17: America, The Beautiful

Independence Day may have come and gone here in America, but that doesn’t mean we should forget what it means to be free. This show explores songs that touch upon the disillusionment and anger that some people, even some American people, feel towards the United States today and their place in it. I think the show will make some of you listen closely and make others cover their ears.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full setlist can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes (though you might have to wait until the next episode for it to kick in). Instructions can be found on the blog here.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 31: Noir

Episode 31: Noir is full of mysterious songs meant to be played on a dark and stormy night. Inspired by film noir and neo-film noir this episode deals with themes of crime novels, spy thrillers, femme fatales, sexual tension and car crashes.

Download the show by right clicking here or use the links on the side of the screen.

View setlist on the Hopscasts page though I always prefer you listen first.

Subscribe via iTunes

All You Need Is Hops Episode 15: The Electric Kool-Aid Hops Test

With the weather warming up where I live I wanted to do a good summer show. I instantly thought of what some people might call "hippie music". Now before you cringe, the point of the show is that there is more to this genre than the culture that surrounds it. When you listen with open ears you'll realize that there were amazing bands who influence a lot the bands today. I tried to focus on three bands: The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Phish. Each set will play one of their songs and then more modern bands that are borrowing from them. For those who love this music you'll enjoy hearing how it has evolved. For those that do not think you like "hippie music" I hope it makes you appreciate the genre more.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

This show will blow your mind!

All You Need Is Hops Episode 12: Beside You in Time

Hops and his special guest circa '98

All You Need Is Hops Episode 12: Beside You in Time features a special guest co-host, Mrs. Hops! This episode will explore music that leans more towards hard rock and grunge but with that Hops sensibility we all love. Mrs. Hops and I will explain how Nine Inch Nails, Tori Amos and The Beatles are all linked while playing some other great music along the way.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just ask. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

The set list can be viewed here. Mrs. Hops plans on adding some set notes in the next few days, I’ll post when those are up.

Happy Hopscasting.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 24: The Dark Side of the Woods

“I went over the river - and into the woods - where did I go?”
- From My Morning Jacket's "Into The Woods"

What will you find when you venture deep into the dark side of the woods? Will you find good? Will you find evil? Find out in this episode. Think of it as The Lord of the Rings meets Dark Side of the Moon.

As always you can download the show via the Hopscast links on the right side of this page, by clicking the title of this post or just clicking here. Right clicking allows you to save the file as an MP3; left clicking lets you stream the show in your browser. The full set list can be found on the Hopscast page though I'd prefer if you listen before peeking. Of course I’d be happy to burn a show onto a CD and mail it to you if you just email me. You can also subscribe to the Hopscast via iTunes. Instructions can be found on the blog here.

All You Need Is Hops Episode 30: Top of the Hops '09

It's be the begining of 2009, so it's high time I finally gave you all my 2008 year end special... so here it is. All You Need Is Hops Episode 30: Top Of The Hops '08 is simply a collection from my top 10 albums of the year, plus a few other gems.

Download the show by right clicking here or use the links on the side of the screen.

View setlist on the Hopscasts page here though I always prefer you listen first.

Subscribe via iTunes