Thank you Justin Gage! Aquarium Drunkard’s label Autumn Tone Records released RAM On L.A. today – a tribute album to Paul McCartney’s classic 1971 solo album RAM (one of my favorite albums of all time, I might add) featuring a dozen L.A. based bands hand picked by Justin himself.
The not-for-profit compilation is available free via aquariumdrunkard.com. But listeners are encouraged to make donations to No More Landmines, the fantastic cause that “helps and empowers communities around the world by removing the threat of landmines and unexploded weapons.” A cause championed by Sir Paul McCartney himself. Donate here.
Set your DVRs! The line up of artists performing at this year’s Grammys is actually worth watching. Radiohead is confirmed to play at the 51st annual Grammy Awards on February 8 in Los Angeles. It’s the band’s first live US television performance since 2000. Radiohead has five Grammy nods: Album Of The Year and Best Alternative Album for In Rainbows, and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, Best Rock Song and Best Short Form Music Video for “House Of Cards.” Whew. Sweep it Radiohead!
Paul McCartney is also on the bill and will be backed by Foo Fighter Dave Grohl on the drums. The rest of the line up I don’t really care about. The broadcast starts at 5PM PST/ 8PM EST.
My friend Erin had this print of an old British poster in her house that struck me. It’s a reproduction of an old slogan used to allay public fear during the outbreak of World War 2. The original poster was held in reserve for use only in times of extreme crisis. Although thousands were produced, only a handful ever saw the light of day. (For a reproduction of the poster, go to Keep Calm Gallery.)
Some 60 years later, I couldn’t help but think how fitting it was in this day and age where fear and uncertainty has reached epidemic proportions. It seems as though the world is on the edge of its seat, waiting for life as we know it to end sometime in 2009. Just how bad will 2009 be? The speculation is endless and the anticipation exhausting. It’s only January 1 and I’m already tired of it. And like a bunch of rubberneckers at the scene of an accident, we seem compelled to slow down and look at the wreckage, clogging up everything behind us. Too scared to do anything else. While I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, I have decided to adopt this as my motto and modus operandi for 2009. I think we can all use a little more of that British ‘stiff upper lip’ right now.
So Happy New Year folks. Let’s all just keep calm and carry on. In honor of our wise British brethren, I’ve composed a mix of some of my favorite UK-based artists and songs. Enjoy. And let’s keep on rockin’ in the free world!
the OCMD 