Trader Rock Tumblr

Forgot to say that I'm now posting a lot of stuff at my new Trader Rock tumblr. 

Here you'll find photos, extra videos, MP3s, and reblogs of other stuff I find interesting or cool. Having fun with the more social, sharing elements of the tumblr platform. Check it out.

 

Patti Smith interview with Charlie Rose

Charlie Rose recently interviewed singer & writer, Patti Smith about her latest book and her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

While I've never been particularly interested in Patti Smith's music, having regarded her in the past as more of an NPR icon and a safe figurehead of New York punk, I really enjoyed this interview.

Smith comes off as a really cool person, and it's great to hear her talk about her early days in New York and the bond that grew between two young artists.

She also tells some nice stories about her late husband, Fred "Sonic" Smith (of the MC5), the nature of celebrity, and some of the great musicians and artists she came to know as a young singer living in New York.


Here's the famous cover photo from Patti's debut album, Horses, that Mapplethorpe shot. Story behind the photo is also revealed. It is a great image.

Enjoy the interview.

Duran Duran - Rio

Duran Duran - Rio.



Duran Duran were the mersh Japan, but they were fucking amazing in that role.

Their videos were totally groundbreaking for their time, pairing catchy dance pop with breathtaking scenery, glamor and fun, and they raised the bar for all the MTV clips that followed.

Their visual style and omnipresence made a lasting imprint on my childhood memory. Watching the video for "Rio", I realize again how much my memories of the '80s are intertwined with the flash and color of the early MTV stars and their video clips.

Saw the VH1 "Behind the Music" special on the band last week and noticed Brad Elterman talking about the guys from Duran. You can find some of his photos from the group's early days here.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - The Message

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - The Message.

Update: Sorry rap fans. We had to remove this classic cut from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five due to a DMCA take down notice received today.

In it's place, you'll find the cover image for the album of the same name and a link to our recent Old School Friday mix, which includes some important precursors of rap music as well as some early hip hop and club hits of the period.

We hope artists & labels will be moved to learn that online sharing of music can bring their past hits and new creations to a whole new listening audience.

Until then, we'll be happy to take down any videos that artists & copyright owners don't want shared on this blog (you can email us at the address in the Trader Rock profile).