Copper


Brainz The Size of a Planet, Part 2

In the last edition of Copper, I introduced MusicBrainz, a crowd-sourced, free-to-use database of metadata for recorded music. From a skeptical beginning, I have come to appreciate that MusicBrainz is actually a...

Brainz The Size of a Planet, Part 2

Issue 48QUIBBLES AND BITS

In the last edition of Copper, I introduced MusicBrainz, a crowd-sourced, free-to-use database of metadata for recorded music. From a skeptical beginning, I have come to appreciate that MusicBrainz is actually a...

Hurray for the Riff Raff!

Hurray for the Riff Raff!

Alynda Segarra is the heart of Hurray for the Riff Raff, which remains a band thanks to whoever she happens to be working with at the time. Raised in the...

Hurray for the Riff Raff!

Issue 46... AND INDIE FOR ALL

Alynda Segarra is the heart of Hurray for the Riff Raff, which remains a band thanks to whoever she happens to be working with at the time. Raised in the...

Cecilia’s Cafe, Albuquerque

Cecilia’s Cafe, Albuquerque

Cecilia’s Cafe, Albuquerque

Issue 46PARTING SHOT

Gibson and hh gregg—Yet Again!

We previously wrote about the financial problems of Gibson Brands in Copper #s 45  and 40. Last issue, we reported that Gibson had announced that it was selling its factory near historic Beale Street in...

Gibson and hh gregg—Yet Again!

Issue 46INDUSTRY NEWS

We previously wrote about the financial problems of Gibson Brands in Copper #s 45  and 40. Last issue, we reported that Gibson had announced that it was selling its factory near historic Beale Street in...

Southern Italian Wines: A Walk on the Wild Side...

Last time out Part 1 launched our safari through the hinterlands of Southern Italy, specifically through the mostly unfamiliar region of Basilicata — mountainous, poor, almost unapproachably landlocked — and...

Southern Italian Wines: A Walk on the Wild Side...

Issue 46FEATURED

Last time out Part 1 launched our safari through the hinterlands of Southern Italy, specifically through the mostly unfamiliar region of Basilicata — mountainous, poor, almost unapproachably landlocked — and...

The Band, Part 1: The Hawks

First we need to talk about Ronnie Hawkins.  The Hawk was born in Arkansas in 1935 and took an early interest in music.  At the University of Arkansas he formed...

The Band, Part 1: The Hawks

Issue 46Part 1: The HawksThe Band

First we need to talk about Ronnie Hawkins.  The Hawk was born in Arkansas in 1935 and took an early interest in music.  At the University of Arkansas he formed...

Art 2

As he lay down in bed, my father noticed a window set high up on the wall. This was odd as the window to the outside was on the opposing...

Art 2

Issue 46MUSIC'AL NOTES

As he lay down in bed, my father noticed a window set high up on the wall. This was odd as the window to the outside was on the opposing...

Toronto Skyline

Toronto Skyline

Toronto Skyline

Issue 48PARTING SHOT

The Stories that Just Wouldn’t Go Away in 2017

The end of the year is often a time to look back at the significa of the preceding 365 days. Industry News generally features fast-breaking stories that preclude such a retrospective viewpoint—but...

The Stories that Just Wouldn’t Go Away in 2017

Issue 48INDUSTRY NEWS

The end of the year is often a time to look back at the significa of the preceding 365 days. Industry News generally features fast-breaking stories that preclude such a retrospective viewpoint—but...

“Go Tell Veronica…” – A Brief, Superficial Glim...

Adam Sandler, in his impish introduction on Saturday Night Live to the original “Hanukkah Song”, quips, “There’s a lot of Christmas songs out there, but not that many Hanukkah songs. So, I...

“Go Tell Veronica…” – A Brief, Superficial Glim...

Issue 48FEATURED

Adam Sandler, in his impish introduction on Saturday Night Live to the original “Hanukkah Song”, quips, “There’s a lot of Christmas songs out there, but not that many Hanukkah songs. So, I...

Dan’s 100 Best Albums of 2017!

Dan’s 100 Best Albums of 2017!

[If you’re looking for yet another remaster of Kind Of Blue or SPLHCB 50—this is not your list. If, however, you’re looking for new music, maybe outrageous music—Dan is your guy. Agree, disagre,...

Dan’s 100 Best Albums of 2017!

Issue 48SOMETHING OLD / SOMETHING NEW

[If you’re looking for yet another remaster of Kind Of Blue or SPLHCB 50—this is not your list. If, however, you’re looking for new music, maybe outrageous music—Dan is your guy. Agree, disagre,...

What If Christmas Sucks?

Old Joke.  There are 10 kinds of people in the world.  Those who understand binary and those who don’t. But there is St Thomas Garnet’s theorem.  He postulated there are actually 3...

What If Christmas Sucks?

Issue 48MUSIC TO MY EARS

Old Joke.  There are 10 kinds of people in the world.  Those who understand binary and those who don’t. But there is St Thomas Garnet’s theorem.  He postulated there are actually 3...

Matthew and the Atlas

In the 1960s, the folk music revival opened up a place for artists who loved traditional British song as much as they loved creating new material. Chief among those trad-influenced...

Matthew and the Atlas

Issue 48AND INDIE FOR ALL

In the 1960s, the folk music revival opened up a place for artists who loved traditional British song as much as they loved creating new material. Chief among those trad-influenced...

Opportunities

“It was the Armani coat that sealed the deal,” said Mike Creek. “What Armani coat?” I asked. Act One. Music Hall, my company, had been in business for about two...

Opportunities

Issue 48MUSIC'AL NOTES

“It was the Armani coat that sealed the deal,” said Mike Creek. “What Armani coat?” I asked. Act One. Music Hall, my company, had been in business for about two...

Brit Psychedelics, Continued

Brit Psychedelics, Continued

Cream’s Disraeli Gears is being moved to a later issue. Here then are more UK contenders: The Move, Traffic, Procol Harum & The Yardbirds The Move—singles Why are they here?  They only...

Brit Psychedelics, Continued

Issue 48TWISTED SYSTEMS

Cream’s Disraeli Gears is being moved to a later issue. Here then are more UK contenders: The Move, Traffic, Procol Harum & The Yardbirds The Move—singles Why are they here?  They only...

An Embarrassment of Riches

Leave it to an indy hipster musician with several different noms de scène de musicien (stage names) to angst over having too much music. Funny thing is—I agree with him. James Jackson Toth is a...

An Embarrassment of Riches

Issue 48THE AUDIO CYNIC

Leave it to an indy hipster musician with several different noms de scène de musicien (stage names) to angst over having too much music. Funny thing is—I agree with him. James Jackson Toth is a...

Charley Hansen: RIP

Charley Hansen: RIP

Ayre Acoustics posted the following on the company Facebook page and website on Wednesday, November 29: “Charles Hansen 1956 – 2017 “With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that Charles Hansen, founder of Ayre...

Charley Hansen: RIP

Issue 48THE AUDIO CYNIC

Ayre Acoustics posted the following on the company Facebook page and website on Wednesday, November 29: “Charles Hansen 1956 – 2017 “With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that Charles Hansen, founder of Ayre...

Gatecrashing

Gatecrashing

“Would you like to see the car?” Leland and I looked at each other in bewilderment. “Sure” we said. Parties at hi fi shows are fun. They are a way...

Gatecrashing

Issue 47MUSIC'AL NOTES

“Would you like to see the car?” Leland and I looked at each other in bewilderment. “Sure” we said. Parties at hi fi shows are fun. They are a way...

Oboe Quartets

What does an oboe sound like? If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of yin/yang balancing acts, oboes might well provide your soundtrack. On the one hand: honey. Golden, slow-pouring strands...

Oboe Quartets

Issue 48TOO MUCH TCHAIKOVSKY

What does an oboe sound like? If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of yin/yang balancing acts, oboes might well provide your soundtrack. On the one hand: honey. Golden, slow-pouring strands...

Dry vs. Juicy

Dry vs. Juicy

Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.  Well, it’s hard to write about a lot of things. Sometimes we have to invent new language, but mostly we make old language...

Dry vs. Juicy

Issue 47TOO MUCH TCHAIKOVSKY

Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.  Well, it’s hard to write about a lot of things. Sometimes we have to invent new language, but mostly we make old language...

Geezerpalooza

Back at the dawn of the grunge era in 1991, Perry Farrell dreamed up Lollapalooza as a festival that would serve as a grand farewell tour for his band, Jane’s Addiction. Over...

Geezerpalooza

Issue 45THE AUDIO CYNIC

Back at the dawn of the grunge era in 1991, Perry Farrell dreamed up Lollapalooza as a festival that would serve as a grand farewell tour for his band, Jane’s Addiction. Over...

So This is Christmas…

So This is Christmas…

“So this is Christmas”, sings John Lennon, “And what have you done? Another year over.  And a new one just begun.” In our western society there is no holiday or seasonal...

So This is Christmas…

Issue 48FEATURED

“So this is Christmas”, sings John Lennon, “And what have you done? Another year over.  And a new one just begun.” In our western society there is no holiday or seasonal...

The '67 Psychedelic Shootout Continues!

Let it not be said that journalists don’t pay attention to their readers. The responses to my contenders to the Psychedelic Shootout of 1967 has persuaded me to add 4...

The '67 Psychedelic Shootout Continues!

Issue 46TWISTED SYSTEMS

Let it not be said that journalists don’t pay attention to their readers. The responses to my contenders to the Psychedelic Shootout of 1967 has persuaded me to add 4...

Kavi Alexander, Part 2

Kavi Alexander, Part 2

[Part 1 of John Seetoo’s interview with recording engineer/producer Kavi Alexander appeared in Copper #45.  Herewith, the conclusion.—Ed.] J.S.: Some non-western music genres like South Asian and Turkish music are notable for...

Kavi Alexander, Part 2

Issue 46THE COPPER INTERVIEW

[Part 1 of John Seetoo’s interview with recording engineer/producer Kavi Alexander appeared in Copper #45.  Herewith, the conclusion.—Ed.] J.S.: Some non-western music genres like South Asian and Turkish music are notable for...

Sound Synonyms

Sound Synonyms

Sound Synonyms

Issue 46FEATURED

Kavi Alexander, Part 1

Kavi Alexander, Part 1

Kavi Alexander considers creating music to be a sacred act, and has made Water Lily Acoustics, his labor of love, an avenue for sharing the magic when his recordings capture the inspired...

Kavi Alexander, Part 1

Issue 45THE COPPER INTERVIEW

Kavi Alexander considers creating music to be a sacred act, and has made Water Lily Acoustics, his labor of love, an avenue for sharing the magic when his recordings capture the inspired...

More Bad News for Sears and Gibson

We’ve previously written about the sad, seemingly-inevitable  decline of Sears. While it does not directly affect the audio biz, it certainly does affect the retail climate of America. For many years, Sears...

More Bad News for Sears and Gibson

Issue 45INDUSTRY NEWS

We’ve previously written about the sad, seemingly-inevitable  decline of Sears. While it does not directly affect the audio biz, it certainly does affect the retail climate of America. For many years, Sears...

Flat Worms

Flat Worms

From the scuzzy, fuzzy den of Castle Face Records comes the first full length LP of Flat Worms, called – wait for it… Flat Worms. It comes out spittin’ fast paced, gnarly, in your face...

Flat Worms

Issue 45SOMETHING OLD / SOMETHING NEW

From the scuzzy, fuzzy den of Castle Face Records comes the first full length LP of Flat Worms, called – wait for it… Flat Worms. It comes out spittin’ fast paced, gnarly, in your face...

Southern Italian Wines: A Walk on the Wild Side...

It’s a Malbec world out there. Once upon a time, it was a Merlot world—and then came the movie Sideways, based on Rex Pickett’s novel of the same name. Sideways detailed the misadventures of...

Southern Italian Wines: A Walk on the Wild Side...

Issue 45FEATURED

It’s a Malbec world out there. Once upon a time, it was a Merlot world—and then came the movie Sideways, based on Rex Pickett’s novel of the same name. Sideways detailed the misadventures of...

The Two Most Important People in the World

The Two Most Important People in the World

Let’s call my audio-show buddy Gavin. I first met him in the elevator at the 2017 Los Angeles Audio Show, and we chatted for ages in the foyer. Then I...

The Two Most Important People in the World

Issue 45FEATURED

Let’s call my audio-show buddy Gavin. I first met him in the elevator at the 2017 Los Angeles Audio Show, and we chatted for ages in the foyer. Then I...

Leopold and his Fiction

With eyes like big brown marbles and his dyed blond hair slicked back, Daniel James Leopold looks like a man whose songs would teeter at the edge of madness. And...

Leopold and his Fiction

Issue 45AND INDIE FOR ALL

With eyes like big brown marbles and his dyed blond hair slicked back, Daniel James Leopold looks like a man whose songs would teeter at the edge of madness. And...

Summer Holiday

“We’ve come to report a car accident”said Ivor. The policeman became animated and said, “Vieni, vieni (come, come) theese-away.” He led us through some corridors and into a courtyard. He...

Summer Holiday

Issue 45MUSIC'AL NOTES

“We’ve come to report a car accident”said Ivor. The policeman became animated and said, “Vieni, vieni (come, come) theese-away.” He led us through some corridors and into a courtyard. He...

The Great 1967 Psychedelic Album of the Year Shootout

The Great 1967 Psychedelic Album of the Year Sh...

Part 1   The Contenders I recently sent away for, and received, the 50th anniversary edition of the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request, from now on  referred to as TSMR, for the sake of...

The Great 1967 Psychedelic Album of the Year Sh...

Issue 45TWISTED SYSTEMS

Part 1   The Contenders I recently sent away for, and received, the 50th anniversary edition of the Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request, from now on  referred to as TSMR, for the sake of...

Like a Circle in a Spiral

On a piano keyboard, most of us know that all the white notes are identified by the letters A–G, while the black notes are the sharps and flats … written...

Like a Circle in a Spiral

Issue 45QUIBBLES AND BITS

On a piano keyboard, most of us know that all the white notes are identified by the letters A–G, while the black notes are the sharps and flats … written...

Why Doesn’t My System Sound Better? (Or: A Neur...

By any objective measure, it sounds incredible. But you know how people like us are: obsessive to a degree that’s way past the point of fault. Maybe I’m romanticizing how...

Why Doesn’t My System Sound Better? (Or: A Neur...

Issue 45MUSIC AUDIO AND OTHER ILLNESSES

By any objective measure, it sounds incredible. But you know how people like us are: obsessive to a degree that’s way past the point of fault. Maybe I’m romanticizing how...

Close Encounters

Close Encounters

Close Encounters

Issue 45PARTING SHOT

Materials Science

I’ve danced around this subject before, with my discussions of tone and wood. Back a million years ago in my college days, I majored in mechanical engineering, focusing on internal combustion engines and...

Materials Science

Issue 45VINTAGE WHINE

I’ve danced around this subject before, with my discussions of tone and wood. Back a million years ago in my college days, I majored in mechanical engineering, focusing on internal combustion engines and...

Diminished Capacity

Diminished Capacity

Diminished Capacity

Issue 45FEATURED

Fall Has Fallen....

Fall Has Fallen....

...and it can't get up! Welcome to Copper #45! The year ticks away, and we are presented/threatened with the horrors of endless repetitions of Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas"...Well, be of good...

Fall Has Fallen....

Issue 45Opening Salvo

...and it can't get up! Welcome to Copper #45! The year ticks away, and we are presented/threatened with the horrors of endless repetitions of Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas"...Well, be of good...

Read more
Trick or Treat!

Trick or Treat!

Welcome to Copper #44! I hope you were able to attend the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was a big, bold show, and spirits were upbeat. I wandered around a bit, and was only able...

Trick or Treat!

Issue 44Opening Salvo

Welcome to Copper #44! I hope you were able to attend the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was a big, bold show, and spirits were upbeat. I wandered around a bit, and was only able...

Read more
Issue 44

Issue 44

Issue 44

Issue 44

Dangerous Work

If 2016 was Snakebit, in terms of the number of musicians who died—what should we call 2017? Sure, last year saw incredible losses in the music world: David Bowie, Prince, Glenn...

Dangerous Work

Issue 44THE AUDIO CYNIC

If 2016 was Snakebit, in terms of the number of musicians who died—what should we call 2017? Sure, last year saw incredible losses in the music world: David Bowie, Prince, Glenn...

LCD Soundsystem

American Dream is arguably James Murphy’s best album yet. It had to be: complete, expansive and from the heart. After touring for This Is Happening, LCD Soundsystem had the blow-out show to end all blow-outs in...

LCD Soundsystem

Issue 43SOMETHING OLD / SOMETHING NEW

American Dream is arguably James Murphy’s best album yet. It had to be: complete, expansive and from the heart. After touring for This Is Happening, LCD Soundsystem had the blow-out show to end all blow-outs in...

Mashrou’ Leila

The name of this Lebanese band, Mashrou’ Leila, means “The Night Project.” Their sound is a blend of Arab pop and western electronica. But what really matters is what they are...

Mashrou’ Leila

Issue 43AND INDIE FOR ALL

The name of this Lebanese band, Mashrou’ Leila, means “The Night Project.” Their sound is a blend of Arab pop and western electronica. But what really matters is what they are...

Tone Control (or lack of it)

I’ve previously mourned the death of tone in modern audio gear, and written about wood in audio gear. As far as I’m concerned, we’re talking about two sides of the same coin. There was...

Tone Control (or lack of it)

Issue 43VINTAGE WHINE

I’ve previously mourned the death of tone in modern audio gear, and written about wood in audio gear. As far as I’m concerned, we’re talking about two sides of the same coin. There was...

Plus Ça Change….

 The full expression is of course, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. If your French is as bad as mine, that may be meaningless—but it translates literally (more or...

Plus Ça Change….

Issue 43THE AUDIO CYNIC

 The full expression is of course, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. If your French is as bad as mine, that may be meaningless—but it translates literally (more or...

Classe' Closes; Focal CEO Passes Away

As mentioned back in Copper #40, changes were afoot at Classe’, part of the B&W Group. It has since become clear that Classe’ will be shut down, effective this weekend. While this may...

Classe' Closes; Focal CEO Passes Away

Issue 43INDUSTRY NEWS

As mentioned back in Copper #40, changes were afoot at Classe’, part of the B&W Group. It has since become clear that Classe’ will be shut down, effective this weekend. While this may...

The Most Remarkable Man

The Most Remarkable Man

I’ve discussed a few of the heavyweight characters I encountered in my initial years as a player. But I didn’t yet talk about the man whose influence on me is...

The Most Remarkable Man

Issue 43

I’ve discussed a few of the heavyweight characters I encountered in my initial years as a player. But I didn’t yet talk about the man whose influence on me is...

The Agony of the Leaves

I’d never heard the phrase “the agony of the leaves” until I landed a project for a specialty tea manufacturer (there’s the clue, in case you haven’t heard it either)....

The Agony of the Leaves

Issue 43FEATURED

I’d never heard the phrase “the agony of the leaves” until I landed a project for a specialty tea manufacturer (there’s the clue, in case you haven’t heard it either)....

AKG Closes in Vienna; Cavalli Audio Closes

As reported in Copper #42,  Harman laid off 650 employees in its Pro Audio divisions. Since Harman’s purchase by Samsung last year, the company has undergone a series of contractions and consolidations, which many...

AKG Closes in Vienna; Cavalli Audio Closes

Issue 44INDUSTRY NEWS

As reported in Copper #42,  Harman laid off 650 employees in its Pro Audio divisions. Since Harman’s purchase by Samsung last year, the company has undergone a series of contractions and consolidations, which many...