Don’t you hate it when you’ve missed something awesome? If you’ve been following me for at least the last two months or longer, then you know that I was in Anaheim for the NAMM show in January. The show/convention is so damn large it’s impossible, not virtually but truly impossible, to see everything that goes on. As it turns out, one of my favorite musicians was there and I had no idea. Grrrr. Ian Thornley is a powerhouse of a writer, guitar player and singer. Powerhouse! Not only was Ian there, but he also performed at a private party for an amp manufacturer Suhr. I’ve heard of their amps, though I’ve never played one. A few nights ago as I was prepping the video I released this week as part of the recording process for vocals on a new single – I came across video of Ian’s performance at NAMM. It’s so damn amazing that I had to share it you all.
So many live performances sound so horrible that live music can often leave a lot to be desired. However, when you watch this, you should be floored by how awesome it sounds. I know I am. It sounds like a freakin’ recording. That’s how tight, how solid, how rich, how in tune these guys are. Remember, this is live, and it’s a band that had one rehearsal (it’s not Ian’s regular band). This is why I love playing with awesome professionals. They make it look and sound easy – and it is if you’re like Ian. There’s a real joy when working with musicians who transcend to this level. I remember my first album and how I wanted to be able to pull it off live – to sound just like the record. Wish that band could have stayed together, they had the calibre.
Blown Wide Open Performance I Missed
Do yourself a favor, go buy his music. Go see him live.
Having just shot the video for Touch last night and being that there are elements of Touch that sound like they were inspired by Gorillaz, I had to throw in today’s Throwback – Stylo by Gorillaz. One it’s a cool tune. Two, it’s got that indie but high budget feel. I really like how they took the previous elements of their animated characters and moved them into a more “real” world, rather than an animated world. I’m excited to see how Touch turns out, however we have more shooting we’ll have to do. Much like how Bruce Willis gets out at the end of Stylo to check and make sure he has to shoot ’em dead if he finds ’em.
Stylo
[Mos Def:]
Love, electricity, shockwave central
Pummel on the motherboard, yes
Push up, overload, legendary heavy glow
Sunshine, thunder roll, keep it all together
Yes the lantern burn, burn it easy
And broadcast, so raw and neatly
Thunder roll, sunshine, work it out
[2D:]
Overload, overload, overload
Comin’ up to the
Overload, overload, overload
Comin’ up to the
Overload, overload, overload
Comin’ up to the
Overload, overload, overload
Comin’ up to the
Oh Stylo… (juice)
Go forth, blossom in your soul
When you know your heart is right
Electric is the love
When the mako flies (a giant fish)
Up from the bottom in your eyes
Then I know the twilight skies, not so broken hearted (from the end of the line)
[Bobby:]
Yes, this love is electric
It’ll be flowing on the street
Night after night
Just to get through the week
Sometimes it’s hard
Right now
[2D:]
Sing yourself (juice)
Out of depression, rise above
I’ll be searching if I know your heart
Electric is the love
[Bobby:]
There’s only one way
Let it pray a little while longer
It’s got a way of passin through man and woman
In another world
In another world, in the universe
Right now
Here’s what we got to do
Yes, this love is electric
It’ll be flowing onto the street
Night after night
Just to get through the week
Sometimes it’s hard
[Mos Def:]
That’s what I’m talking about
Love, electricity, shockwave central
Pummel on the motherboard, yes
Push up, overload, legendary heavy glow
Sunshine, thunder roll, keep it all together
Yes the lantern burn, burn that easy
And broadcast, so raw and neatly
Thunder roll, sunshine, work it out
[Bobby:]
Right now
Enjoy!