brainscat.com » music

Supposedly Open iTunes Multimedia Markup

tor — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 17:49:22 +0000

Well, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the fact that iTunes now supports multimedia annotation and playback of audio files. On one hand, it’s great to see excellent support for this kind of feature in a prime-time application. On the other hand they’ve gone and implemented something which is pretty much in the same space as the w3 spec, SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language). Why re-invent the wheel? Initial signs point to market protection of iTunes, AAC, iPods, and Garageband software. While this new format isn’t proprietary, it seems like big companies like Apple or MS are supporting alternative niche “open” formats, to create market protection. Sure it’s open, but did they really need to make another competing format? In this case, Apple just gave the middle finger to all current SMIL supporting media players.

If it weren’t bad enough that they created a competing format, they only allow the spec to work with their proprietary format, AAC. The Voxmedia Wiki, the most comprehensive source for how to implement AAC multimedia markup, states that Garageband/Podcast Chapter Tool is only compatible with AAC files. Apple’s decision to only support this markup in their player for AAC files fucking sucks. I’m really, really mad about this. I see no reason why the annotations can’t be applied to other file formats, as it should be the player’s job to associate the timestamp in the XML file with the position of audio playback.

Maybe I don’t get this. I hope I don’t, and if I don’t, someone please set me straight. But from where I’m sitting, this new development is a mixed blessing. It’s too bad that the functionality that podcasters have been desiring is caught up in this GarageBand/iTunes/AAC quasi-open format bullshit.

Found by way of Scoble.
Update: It looks like Simon is a bit miffed too.

Beck: Guero

tor — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 22:03:12 +0000

Let me say right now that this is going to be the album for my coming summer, given that it’s got some tasty hip-hop beats and easygoing melodies.

The fact that he’s back collaborating with the Dust Brothers shows through, as it’s somewhat reminiscient of Odelay, though, I’d categorize this album as simpler and far less processed than Mutations, Odelay, or Midnite Vultures.

iPod Value?

tor — Fri, 11 Mar 2005 22:10:15 +0000

My third generation iPod was definitely worth getting at the time. Though, with greater competition now, as well as converging devices, I really don’t think I’ll be replacing my iPod when it dies. By the time that happens, I’ll be in the market for a single device, akin to the Motorola MPx, something to replace my phone, my iPod, and PDA. I can’t wait to have room in my pockets for a wallet again.

Beware of Napster’s DRM

tor — Sun, 06 Mar 2005 21:25:38 +0000

If you’re thinking of using Napster’s new and “improved” service, you might want to take a look at this users experience with their DRM. By way of Scoble’s link log.

Billy Harvey Is Good

tor — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 21:34:52 +0000

Check out Billy Harvey’s website. It’s a great example of simulating 3d effects in Flash with simple scaling and volume manipulation. Oh, and it’s really cool too. That’s why you should check it out.

Wired CD High Quality Download

tor — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 15:38:40 +0000

The individual songs from the Wired CD are now available for download at high quality. Previously, you could only download one large track containing the whole disc.

Brad Sucks

tor — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 14:48:23 +0000

Go listen to Brad Sucks. I can’t remember what podcast uses the guitar riff for “Dirt Bag” as their intro music but it prompted me to download it a few weeks ago. Now, Adam Curry’s giving him some airtime.

All of the work by Brad Sucks is free to use and redistribute, remix, and broadcast for non-commercial purposes. Oh, and he uses WordPress as well.

New Sarah McLachlan Video is Unconventional

tor — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 05:13:19 +0000

Check out Sarah McLachlan’s new video. It’s thought provoking to some extent, and I can’t decide whether or not if it lies on the side of being sincere or subvertantly preachy. I guess I don’t like being put on a guilt trip, but then, isn’t that part of the point of the guilt trip? By way of Tim Bray

World On Fire (for iTunes users)
World On Fire (everybody else)

Don’t Take My Word For It

tor — Tue, 18 May 2004 20:27:58 +0000

Kenny G sucks. Most people know this, but I’ve never seen my views so exactly articulated. Pat Metheny took the bile that simmers in our stomach for Kenny G, and interpreted it into some of the most hateful prose I’ve read. Take a look at this if you hate Kenny G, or if you interested in reading a rabid rant of the most pure, refined substance.

RollingStone Top 50 Artists

tor — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 17:06:57 +0000

RollingStone, the magazine who brought you the most flamingly gay cover of Ben Affleck, a publication that I love to hate, but all too often find myself nodding in agreement with, has put up an interesting overview of what they rate as the top 50 artists of all time.

Of course, I don’t agree (and I doubt you will) with the ordering of a lot of artists, so with the exception of the top 5, think of it as a simple who’s who list. The nice spin on it is that each writeup on each superband is authored by a recognized, regarded celebrity.

Highlights include…

The Doors by Marilyn Manson
Muddy Waters by Billy Gibbons
Stevie Wonder by Elton John
Led Zeppelin by David Grohl
Fats Domino by Dr. John
The Beatles by Elvis Costello
And my personal favorite, Johnny Cash by Kris Kristofferson

25 lines

tor — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 01:16:34 +0000

1. Lorin has never and will never punch anyone in the face, even if that person is a shitty movie.
2. Lorin was right about the Grey Album.
3. Tony Hawk Underground’s sick mode is impossible.
4. Jay-Z’s Black Album is boring.
5. If you like cigars, try a Montecristo #2.
6. You’re breaking the law by downloading the Grey Album.
7. Norah Jones Feels Like Home actually makes me like some aspects of country music.
8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is refreshing.
9. Justin is a smart man who knows lots about movies.
10. Natalie Portman is definetly hot enough to make me want to see a shitty movie like Garden State.
11. The Beatles have been butchered in the Grey Album.
12. I wish Johnny Cash were my grandad.
13. I will buy the Matrix Trilogy despite the creamy shit center that is the second movie.
14. If you smoke cigarettes don’t fucking tell me my cigar stinks.
15. Jim Carrey is a good actor.
16. Justin likes some shitty ass movies.
17. I wish I had a lightsaber.
18. Disney stole almost every story it ever made a movie of.
19. If you can do 40 fliptricks in one combo, you need to go outside.
20. Natalie Portman is definetly hot enough to make me want to see a shitty movie like Star Wars Episode III.
21. Disney is rich. DJ Danger Mouse isn’t, and can’t sell his album.
22. I liked Top Gun.
23. Good cigars are only tobacco. Cigarettes have all kinds of added chemicals in them.
24. I’m no better than Justin.
25. I hope Lorin punches somebody in the fucking face, one day, I really really do, and knocks them out cold.