How to bring down a music machine. (Or why non-marketing marketing works)

So I was checking out some new music when I found
the website of artist Joe Pug. Forgoing carefully
crafted advertisements and forgetting radio friendly
playlists, Joe just wants to give away his music.
Simple as that. The only thing he asks is that you
pass it on to likeminded friends. Cool.

Two weeks later I received a package of CDs with a
handwritten letter. Here's the letter which just happens
to namedrop my town. Nice touch.


Here's the letter:

Jason,

Thanks for taking me up on my offer.

Strangely, I think I stopped in Livingston for a cup
of coffee on my way to Vancouver to record my record.
I like it. Thanks for listening.

Yours in music,

Joe Pug

Song of the Moment

Coldplay's Death And All His Friends

All winter we got carried. Away over on the rooftops
Let's get married All summer we just hurried
So come over, just be patient, and don't worry
So come over, just be patient, and don't worry

So come over, just be patient, and don't worry

And don't worry

No I don't wanna battle from beginning to end
I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge
I don't wanna follow Death and all his friends

No I don't wanna battle from beginning to end
I don't want a cycle of recycled revenge
I don't wanna follow Death and all of his friends

And in the end
We lie awake, and we dream of making our escape

And in the end
We lie awake, and we dream of making our escape

Montana

Not the state of my birth or childhood, but the state of my heart.

Album of the Moment- Coldplay's Viva La Vida

How does a pop band with artful aspirations please everyone while
satisfying themselves at the same time?

They don't.

Hang in there, Iowa

When the weather turned stormy on Tuesday evening in the small farming town of Orchard in northeastern Iowa, Lori Mehman looked out her front door and saw this funnel cloud bearing down.

The tornado was one of many reported in Iowa and across the Midwest this week, where storms and heavy rains have also produced widespread flooding. Hang in there, Iowa.

Oh, glorious orange snowplow

Oh, glorious orange snowplow
Last seen on Bozeman Pass
Surrounded by millions of Irish greens.

How beautiful and so very odd.
For you to join us, this day, June 12.

The flying sand, the spitting snow, the slanting rain
dance wildly through my collective mind and soul.

Oh, glorious orange snowplow; have you seen our friend, the sun?
For I hope not to write another of these tomorrow.

Yep, Bozeman. June 11.

Album of the Moment- Mason Jennings In the Ever

Laid back and intense. Drawn to faith but nagged by doubt.
Peaceful but angry. Sure, he's just a guy with a guitar.
But he's also sholdering a burden for us all. Listen.

Vampire Weekend A-Punk

My vote for song and video of the moment.

Radiohead puts it all in perspective

Radiohead teamed up with MTV to raise
awareness of the exploitation and slavery
of children around the world by creating
a new video for their song All I Need.

When the future's architectured by a carnival of idiots on show you'd better lie low

Coldplay are getting closer to the revolutionary spectacle of their latest album cover. George W. Bush declaring war on Iraq! Rockets being launched! Bush conducts a military band, Tony Blair strums an electric guitar, and Bush dances, all in time with the music. The Clintons, Barack Obama and MC Rove make appearances too.

Well-crafted- The song and video.

Straight Out of Compton (The heartfelt rendition)