Great Musical Performances

Whilst browsing the web for some ideas for audio-fish posts I've come across loads of weird and wonderful musical performances from the stupid, to the breathtaking, here's the best I found this week:


It seems that when cats do anything it is cute but even I can appreciate the sweetness of this.

I don't know much about drums but this guy is amazing!

This is my favourite, must have taken ages to set up.

Cowboys no longer gallivant around like they used to so here's what they do in all that spare time.

I'm a big Alan partridge fan and here he is showing off his moves but he's nothing compared to Bush.

Crowd Surfing Injuries

On Tuesday, Mike Skinner, lead singer of The Streets crowdsurfed in a Cambridge concert (If you're old or just simple and don't know what crowdsurfing is then see more info below the video) and was left "seriously" injured. Now lets clear some things up:

1. If you crowdsurf you can expect to get hurt.


2. The Streets are one of the worlds worst bands and fuel chavism
   

His blog says that he "was punched and scratched, and woke up the next day in "unbelievable pain". Well if you've not noticed I have no sympathy but this video shows what can happen when stage dives and crowd surfing goes wrong.

What Is Crowd Suring? confickr

The Soundtrack To Your Economic Crisis

Making money from an economic crisis is surely a bit contradicting and very hard to do, but this is exactly what German artist Johannes Kreidler has done by releasing new music inspired by the global recession and what not.

He used the stock market and charts to determine the melodies of his tracks. If stocks rose then so did the pitch of the song and vice versa . He then programmed his melodies into Microsoft's Songsmith which is some software tat automatically creates backing tracks. Hey presto! You've got yourself the soundtrack to your recession - It sounds weirdly chirpy.

94.3 point

Saddest Song Ever

Derricks Emo Song is the saddest song in the world but it is also one of the funniest. If you don't already know, an Emo is a type of person that wears what Derrick is wearing and they seem to hate life. They are known to self harm and are very depressing people. "Emo" comes from emotional rock (I think) which is their music genre including bands like My Chemical Romance.

However, like the the economic climate, it is not all doom and gloom with this comedic interpretation of an Emo's bedroom scene. If you're an Emo then watch this and cheer up! If you aren't an Emo then well, erm, watch this and cheer up!

Emo's may be seen as odd people but there is no word to describe this guy!

Grandma's Rap Eminem & Pussy Cat Dolls

Ok today's challenge is to watch this and not laugh or smile. Whoever said choirs were not cool was a loser. This video of the elderly proves that Grandma's and Grandads know how to put our top artists to shame.

The singing isn't even that great! But I have all respect for the organiser who got a load of elderly folk to sing about taking their clothes off and rap like gangsters. I really hope this clip doesn't feature your parents/grandparents. If I had to see my old folk do this, I would be scared for life.

Guitar Boat

I am not the biggest fan of boats and stuff, mainly becasue everytime I go I get wacked by that stupid death pole thing that swings from side to side. Rant over, I discovered that Australian singer-songwriter Josh Pyke had an acousitc guitar shaped speed boat built for his "Make You Happy" music video.

Not only does it work, it was used in Sydney harbour and did I metion it was a speed boat! Shaped like a guitar! Oh yeah, it's also now up for sale to raise money for charity, but I suspect you'll have to pay thousands to get it if you want to out bid some celebrity who's career is down the drain and wants to promote themselves.

Here's the vid:

Nobody Moves Like Bush

Well the world is probably aware that Barack Obama is President of America now and it's probably a good thing. However, I have one problem. I don't get too much into politics, purely because half the time I don't know what's going on, but as I say I have a problem and it is that George Bush is no longer President.

I think Obama will be a better president and do the world good but nobody moves like Bush. I will miss the mispronunciation and question avoiding but most of all, the Bush dance moves that we used to see almost weekly. Hopefully, one day he might release a dance dvd but anyway, I feel it is my duty to create a little space on Audio-Fish where Bush may rule forever.

Couldn't find a compilation on Youtube so here's a link to all Bush's dances on the BBC.

Ouch! - Guitar Smashed Over Head

What are friends for? Breaking guitars over their heads with actually. This is the stupidest thing I've seen since Big Brother (nothing can top that!). But I'll come clean, I also find it funny and worryingly addictive to watch. I mean, what went through their heads?(except the guitar). "I don't want my acoustic guitar anymore. I know I'll find someone who will let me smash it over their head."

Obviously don't try this at home and I'm sure you won't. If you are as mental as these headcases then seek advice but instead of smashing your guitar, just send it to me! Surely it must of hurt. I'm impressed by how the victim/idiot takes it. How did they know the guitar would break like that and not kill their friend/village idiot?

Cooking Keyboard?

I am sure all of us have been through that moment where we wake up one day and think, "I want to cook dinner by playing a keyboard." No? Well maybe it's just me and the guy in today's video.

YouTube user Modd3d said "I installed a MIDI port in my microwave and now I use it to cook corn dogs. Mostly I was testing out my new Midify board and wanted to see if you could use it to control home appliances. It turns out you can. If you want to find out how to Midify stuff go to http://www.division-6.com./ "

This has lead me to have a dream. I dream, that one day, in our future, the time will be upon us where restaurants are run by orchestras and rock bands cooking up our meals. Fast food shops would be controlled by bands like McFly while your local up-market eatery is run by UB40.

Bring on the Beethoven Burger! Ok I'm gonna stop. I'm getting way too carried away.

And The Winner Is... No not you!

Ha Ha Ha! I've don't mind Katy Perry. In fact I'm a bit of a fan, but dear Katy was the subject of a big blunder at France's main music award ceremony, the NRJ awards. Perry cheerfully picked up the trophy for best international song which was actually intended for Rihanna.

Host Nikos Aliagas was the culprit behind the mistake and later admitted to being one heck of a dozy blighter. It was still a night to remember for the pop sensation though, as she rightfully took the prize for best international album.

"We are terribly sorry, but we made a mistake. It wasn’t Katy Perry who was supposed to pick up the Best International Song, but Rihanna with Disturbia,” the host said. “We hope Rihanna and Katy Perry won’t be too upset and we apologize for all the fans who voted for them. The wrong name was put in the envelope. We’re really terribly sorry. Katy Perry will have to give her (award) to Rihanna.”

Oh well, don't feel too sorry. She is earning millions.

Music To Your Rear

When I started this blog, I though I may stray across some weird things but not this. I mean who designs toilet seats? Who would want to buy a piano toilet seat? Why do I want one? If this wasn't funny enough, then the severity of the product description will easily tickle your ribs.

From their web site: "After several years of research & development, Jammin' Johns presents our finest quality 'Studio Series'. The products are produced by a guitar factory that manufactures some of the most popular brands of guitars. The 'Studio Series' features our own newly designed ring with chrome hardware for low maintenance. All finishes are of the highest quality and are hand buffed."

Better yet, the site boasts their VIP customers, and the great Steven Spielberg is mentioned! I don't know what gets into these Hollywood star's heads.

You Don't Need Hands To Play Guitar

Now I'm depressed. I've played guitar for years and have just come across a guy who has no arms but this hasn't stopped him being better than me. Who needs hands when you can just sit down and use your feet? Mark Goffeney was born 1969 San Diego but is also know as big toe. With his friend's help, Goffeney developed his own technique, learning guitar and bass. He would lay the guitar on the ground, supporting the neck with whatever he could get his feet on. He would strum with his left foot and make chords with his right. He is now sponsored by the producers of Aerosmith!

Meanwhile, two hands isn't even good enough for these guys!

Bird Song Fm

What will they put on the air waves next? I got a DAB radio for Christmas, which already seems a long time ago, and I was amazed by the range of quality and trash I could choose for my presets. Having programmed in Radio 1 and Planet Rock, I was a bit stumped as to what else to put on my favourites. So I went through the choices and discovered many radio stations I had never listened to like Gaydar and Radio Bore (Sorry Four) which were not for me. But then I discovered Bird Song.

A radio station where crows and sparrows rule the roost. If you haven't guessed by the name, it's a solid transmition of bird songs and its tweeting brilliant! Ok so you won't listen to it for the chart topping hits that you crave but as background noise it's great. Instantly relaxing and also addictive I'm afraid I've become a regular listener.
Tune In Here!

More Info:
"The audio was originally recorded for the test transmission of Classic FM prior to its launch in 1992. It was later used for the imaginatively named station "D1_temp" and won plaudits from listeners who complained when it was taken off air in June 2005.
Birdsong returned to the airwaves in early 2008 and was upgraded in April of the same year to become available in stereo and for 24 hours a day. Listeners and Birdsong enthusiasts should be aware that the transmission could cease at any time and that the recording is not commercially available.
Please note that the line up of birds featured in the cast may change without warning due to illness, weather and migration."

The Best Music Video Ever!

I think the number of views this video has had on Youtube justifys me saying that if you have not seen this video - where have you been? Ok Go are the band behind this, the best dance routine in the world, and they are actually a good band anyway but I'm afraid they will always be remembered for this video rather than their actual songs.

Apparently you shouldn't try this at home but I think more crazy things like this should be done, so go ahead, get hold of, erm, six treadmills and dance yourself silly. Maybe check out how not to do it as well below.

Sea Music!

In my last post I listed the Sea Organ as one of the weirdest instruments on the net. I watched a few clips of this masterpiece of acoustics and architecture and was simply blown away. Why don't we have one in the U.K?

Its located in Zadar, Croatia and I definitely intend to visit. It was created by expert Dalmatian stone carvers and architect Nikola Basic (no he's not a type of phone) in 2005 and has recieved many acalades since its contruction. It's seventy meters long with thirty-five organ pipes built under the concrete.

So How Does It Work?
The organ pipes are played by air and sea power with plastic tubes under the surface of the water. Because of changing tides and winds, the organ plays a constant, but ever changing melodic masterpiece that only mother nature could compose.

INSTRU-"MENTAL!"

So you've decided to find a hobby and you think playing an instrument would be a good idea. It is a good idea but you don't want a guitar because everybody plays one of them and the drums are too much hassel so how about some bamboo saxophones or a nano-guitar.

Here's the top ten weirdest intruments I could find on the net:

1. LEGO Harpsichord
2. Bamboo Saxophone
3. Bikelophone - Don't ask me what this one is!
4. Nano Guitar - Truly Awesome!
5. Musical Saw
6. Pikasso
7. Rocket Launcher
8. Serpent
9. Sea Organ - musical instrument played by the sea
10. Windform
    

Tell me if you find anything of equivalent stupidity.

Church Of Rock

I'm a Catholic, and I can defend that, but what I can't defend is the state of the Hymn book these days. The book is a bit of a bargain, normally with around a thousand songs to get to grips with in it but these chart topping hits from the nineteen nighty never period need updating.

I am sure modern teenagers would see Church with greater light if it were put into modern context a bit more. I would like to see more appropriate songs in the books.

Here's my top five:

1. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin


2. Highway to Hell - AC/DC


3. Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi


4. Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton


5. My Sweet Lord - George Harrison

Got any better ideas? Please leave a comment.

Geek Rap

Geek rap is my new favourite genre. This came to light after I saw the hadron collider rap and pondered to myself if there were other things like it on the web. The answer is that there is loads of stuff like it. The WWW is littered with the stuff so I picked a few of my favourites.

I am now hoping that one day one of the songs may get a record deal and be thrusted into te charts. It would be great to see Britney Spears feat the maths teachers! This new genre also means that mindless and repetitive Hip-Hop is now educational!

Driving Tunes

Now you may think that this is going to be a post about those fantastic tunes that are great to listen to when you drive along the motorway. Well it is not - although Bryan Adams feat Mel C is a great choice in my opinion. This post is actually about the road markings on a California highway that when driven over, produce a song.

This was done by Honda who seem to have a lot of fun instead of making my car work! Anyway, the tune is "The Lone Ranger" melody from Rossini's "William Tell" which you know, isn't the best choice. Surely Highway to Hell by AC/DC would have been better?

Here is the video:

Robot Rock

I Love Youtube (as you might have guessed from my yapping in the previous post) and once again today I was blown away when I came across a video for a band of robots called "The Trons" created by Greg Locke. I thought it was going to be novel little performance of a mechnanical arm hitting a triangle once and while however I was wrong.

Not only do the robots look like humans (if you really squint - erm, a lot) but they play there intruments with a bit of style and the tune is better than some of the trash I here in the charts. It is the most impressive band I have seen although I am worried about the time the creators have on their hands.

Here's the Video - You won't be dissapointed!