This fascinating, brilliant 20-minute video narrates the history of the "Amen Break," a six-second drum sample from the b-side of a chart-topping single from 1969. This sample was used extensively in early hiphop and sample-based music, and became the basis for drum-and-bass and jungle music -- a six-second clip that spawned several entire subcultures. Nate Harrison's 2004 video is a meditation on the ownership of culture, the nature of art and creativity, and the history of a remarkable music clip.

[link]

20-minute video

"Video" in the loosest sense of the word.... Still fascinating, though!

In recent "I'm working on the ding dang book so this cost is totally justified news" I've secured a used VHS copy of Tom Waits' movie Big Time (It's not out on DVD) and also the Japanese import of Ricki Lee Jones CD Girl At Her Volcano (basically her "Tom broke my fucking heart!" EP. It includes his song "Rainbow Sleeves" which is otherwise not so available, but deeply gorgeous, particularly in her rending version).

I saw Big Time in a theater when it first came out, and bits and pieces since, but haven't watched the whole thing in a while.

As soon as I find my copy of Marianne Faithful's Strange Weather I'll start posting my Tom Waits Covers Mix. Including covers of TW songs by: Johnny Cash, The Ramones, Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks, The Wedding Present, Neko Case, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Marianne Faithful, Ute Lemperer, Holly Cole, John Hammond, Andre Williams, Lydia Lunch w/ Nels Clines, Tindersticks, Blue Hawaiians, Alex Chilton, Carla Bozulich, Giant Sand, Violent Femmes, Frente, Tim Buckley and maybe Ian Mathews if I pick up that record.

I saw Big Time in a theater when it first came out, and bits and pieces since, but haven't watched the whole thing in a while.

My local art-house theater is gonna be showing Big Time at midnight soon - I can't wait!

Also, can't wait for the covers....

Also, can't wait for the covers....

It's pretty awe inspiring to hear the range of genres that his songs work with. Blues and jazz and weimar cabaret, of course, but also country and pop and punk. The Jeffrey Lee Pierce is straight up rap and it works perfectly (because Tom's all about the rhythm and the worldplay).

David, I've got Nora O'Connor doing "Looks Like I'm Up Shit Creek Again" -- do you want it? I like it quite a bit.

As soon as I find my copy of Marianne Faithful's Strange Weather

I have that -- even included "Penthouse Serenade" on one Buffistamix. What would you like? I'll send it/them to you. (After work, I mean.) Btw, did you get the Berger book? Get as in receive; I'm sure you grok Berger's mouth music.

David, I've got Nora O'Connor doing "Looks Like I'm Up Shit Creek Again" -- do you want it? I like it quite a bit.

Please! Shoot it to me.

Joe, if you could just send me "Strange Weather" you'd save me the trouble of digging up my living room.

I have not received the Berger as yet. ::looks suspiciously at mailbox::

Please! Shoot it to me.

OK, insent to your gmail address.