Songs for Ice Cream Trucks
Despite a serious degree in music composition, Michael Hearst isn't too worried about his latest work getting the surround-sound treatment. In fact, his self-explanatory new solo release, Songs for Ice Cream Trucks, was recorded specifically to sound good coming from the beat-up tweeters of popsicle pushers' rolling stock.
"I talked in-depth with drivers," Hearst says, "and was told to take into consideration the speakers the music would be played through. In other words, no crazy bass and drums. Ice cream truck music has always used high-end chimes because those sounds carry better through air."
Hearst, who collects bizarro instruments the way others collect MySpace friend requests, jammed everything from claviola, bass, guitar and melodicas to theremin, glockenspiel, percussive toys and even a vintage Casio keyboard into his Ice Cream playhouse.
"Especially the glockenspiel and Casio," he says. "The Casio might have some of the worst drum-machine and keyboard sounds known to mankind. It's really fantastic! Theremin is one of the last instruments you'd think would work with ice cream trucks, but I have three. I mostly play the Moog Etherwave. Unfortunately, there's only so much you can do with it without driving people insane."
...
In fact, ice cream trucks around the nation have started ditching their glockenspiel nightmares, adopting his soundtrack for a refreshing change of sonic scenery.
"I first heard Michael's music on MySpace about a year and a half ago," explains Matt Allen, also known as the Ice Cream Man in Los Angeles. "Since then, I've played it from my truck Bessie. It sounds like something you'd hear in a movie about ice cream."
Not music-related, really, but we thought last night was the night for the 2nd Industries baby. Mrs. Industries was having irregular contractions for a few hours, but they must have been Braxton-Hicks, because she's back to normal again.
C'mon baby 2! Quit messing around.
Your Dad's not busy enough and needs something else to occupy his idle time.
The 31st. But our son was 9 days early.
Your Dad's not busy enough and needs something else to occupy his idle time
No kidding! I had, like, 20 minutes of free time last week.
I had, like, 20 minutes of free time last week.
Cor, that's not even enough time for a game of Cities and Knights! Tragic.
The 31st.
That's my 2nd niece's birthday! She'll be 6 this year. A good day for second borns. (Although I hope your one comes a little earlier if Mrs. Indurstries is ready!)
that's not even enough time for a game of Cities and Knights!
I know! (sob)
Although I hope your one comes a little earlier if Mrs. Indurstries is ready!
We are so very ready. Except for the whole "having everything ready" aspect of being ready. Is there a condition for being ready to have something finished even if you know you are, in some ways, unprepared for it?
Is there a condition for being ready to have something finished even if you know you are, in some ways, unprepared for it?
well I'm sure the Germans have a word for it!
(I know EXACTLY what you mean anyway)
In random music related news, I found this flickr group today:
[link]
(super random because I found it in relation to my friend asking how I felt about "crusty old guys" because she was thinking she might try to set me up with someone from lungfish. hahaha)
Anyway, I need to find a scanner and upload a ton of old pictures!
I can think of no better form of psychotherapy for inpatients at a mental health center than a live concert by the Cramps. See for yourself. >[link]
eta: Apparently, the video was taken in 1978....
