Wigged Out

This Robert apologizes. Phil Spector any wig is an improvement.

Who's Gonna Get the Money?

This Robert is perplexed. 

I like artists getting paid. I just wonder after seeing the Performance Rights Act pass in the House Judiciary Committee, how fair is this new law shaping up to be? 

An outfit called SoundExchange was created in 2000 as an unincorporated division of the RIAA. In September 2003, SoundExchange was spun off as an independent and non-profit organization.  

This Robert wonders if the money from taxing radio for the artist's performance is going to get to the recording artist. This Robert doesn't see any artists on the 18 member board of Sound Exchange, only record companies, lawyers, and RIAA officials.  This Robert knows that money being paid to record companies doesn't necessarily mean the artist sees any of it.

Poorly dressed Phil

I lost a bet to Blind Lemon Jefferson about the outcome of the Phil Spector murder trial. After watching L.A. juries find O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake not guilty, this Robert was sure the creator of the "wall of sound" would waltz out of the courtroom, not guilty of shooting that poor woman. But to my surprise, he didn't. Do you think Phil's look had anything to do with the jury's verdict? What's with the hairdo Mr Spector? I'd fire your fashion consultant before any more damage is done? Then I'd plan a vacation with Roman Polanski.

Neil, Caught in the Middle?

Mr. Neil Young, I see you're caught in a technological conundrum. You want to show the auto business new ways with your wonderful electric car. I congratulate this bold step.

But when it comes to YouTube technology, Mr. Young, are you showing some old show business ways? Warner Music Group, your record company, is negotiating for more money for themselves by removing their music from YouTube.

This Robert agrees with their right to have your music removed. This Robert read your blog and agrees: "It is time for industry wide standards of artist's compensation on the web."

Robert just wonders how much truth there is in YouTube's response, "It is the record labels' responsibility to represent and pay their artists."

Mr Young, does this mean Warner was collecting money from YouTube and not paying you?

Ryan Adams vs. Jim DeRogatis, Verbal Heavyweights

Man, I just heard the best rant ever. It was a performing musician sounding off on a music journalist's answering machine. Robert is truly amused that the journalist is Mr. Jim DeRogatis. You all remember, he took the 5th amendment at R. Kelley's pornography trial.

First, here's the review that set Ryan Adams off. Then here's what Ryan said to Jim De's answering machine. You decide who's got a case.

Ska Surviving

Some good news, Ska music, one of my favorites, isn't dead.

The Specials, one of my favorite Ska bands, has reunited and are on tour in Europe.

The Uptones, my favorite Ska band, have released their 1st studio CD, Skankin' Foolz Unite.

It's Ska and It's gr8. It's such a shame there isn't even a Ska section in iTunes. What gives?

Is 2009 the year Ska gets it's due? This Robert hopes so.

Jobs Listens to Johnson

Well, well Mr. Steve Jobs, this Robert is truly sorry to hear about your condition.

But I've got to thank you for finally taking my advice and going DRM free at your iTunes store.

Music is a world-wide open source language. It's about time everyone treated it that way.