Good News and Bad

The next few weeks bring much excitement to the Silent Stereo family. Silent Stereo artists Boss Tweed are off to Europe for a whirlwind tour. The band touches down in Belgium on March 15th and then plays dates in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Poland. Stop by the band's myspace page and wish them well on their journey. Or better yet, download Boss Tweed's newest recordings. The band came down to our Jersey City studios to record a real old fashioned 45 record, but we know that not everyone still has a record player, so we're making the songs available at your favorite digital download service. You can find the tracks at iTunes, Rhapsody, and a number of other distributors.
Meanwhile, our friends the Dansettes and the Black Hollies are heading down to Austin to take part in the annual South by Southwest Music festival. And in a show of the close bonds we share at Silent Stereo, there will be a little member mixing as Andy of the Dansettes drums for the Black Hollies and Justin of the Black Hollies returns the favor by playing bass for the Dansettes. Last year, the Dansettes had a raring good time at the festival, meeting Eddie Bo and Archie Bell. Let's see what this year brings.
Oh, and March 11 was the birthday of silent movie star Dorothy Gish, sister of Lillian Gish and known for her comedic work. The Gish's are a favorite of ours at Silent Stereo and we remember and honor their work.
In sadder news, Brad Delp, original lead singer of the band Boston, was found dead in his home at age 55. While we won't profess to be great fans of Boston, it must be noted that Boston's first album truly encapsulated the Silent Stereo philosophy. Keyboardist, guitarist, and studio maestro Tom Scholz (from the lovely town of Toledo, OH) recorded the first Boston album in his 12-track analog basement studio. After getting a major label deal, the album was released more or less as it was recorded in the basement. And as the three hit singles ("More Than A Feeling," "Long Time," and "Peace of Mind,") can attest quality music has more to do with the talent and passion of the band than any fancy studio production. Of course, this was in era prior to electronic pitch correction (remember Billy Joel at the Super Bowl?) and Delp did all of his own vocal harmonies, which sound quite good.