Grant Manship

John Cale Has A Secret

During a discussion with Professor Katkin about the 2008 WFMU setlist and the two Velvet Underground tracks included in the set, I mentioned I've been on a big Velvet Underground kick lately.  In response to this, Ken sent over this little gem of John Cale on the September 16, 1963 episode of I've Got a Secret.  His secret centered around his participation in an 18 hour 40 minute piano performance, the first full length presentation of Erik Satie's "Vexations".  As the YouTube poster who uploaded the video mentions, the other pianists who participated in the performance were John Cage, David Tudor, Christian Wolff, Philip Corner, Viola Farber, Robert Wood, MacRae Cook, John Cale, David Del Tredici, James Tenney, Howard Klein (the New York Times reviewer), Joshua Rifkin, and two reserves.  The group played the piece, which is only three lines long, the required 840 times on September 9, 1963, from 6 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. the following day.  Seated also on the I've Got a Secret stage was Off Broadway actor, Karl Schenzer, who's secret was that he was the only person to stay for the entire piano concert.

Clash of the Choirs

At risk of losing whatever small amount of sweet indie cred this site affords me I have to post about Clash of the Choirs because I have a strict bros before street cred policy.  That's right, my buddy Scott Metcalf was selected to be a member of the Queen City's choir fronted by Cincinnati's own Nick Lachey.  Scott's one of those ridiculously talented people who has taught himself how to play everything.  Piano, guitar, you name it.

So with that being said if you find yourself with nothing to do tonight through Thursday, check out the show or at the very least, go here and vote for Cincinnati's choir.  If they win it'll mean a $250,000 donation to help support Children's Hospital here in Cincinnati.  If nothing else, vote for Cincinnati to help Scott in his quest to take down Michael Bolton and his choir.  Developing...

Late Night TV Goodness!!!

The National are going to be on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson at 12:35 AM EST so don't miss their performance.  I was lucky enough to catch the band's Chicago and Cincinnati shows this past weekend which were excellent so until they come to your town, this will hopefully whet your appetite.

Late Night Internet and TV Goodness!!!

Tonight is shaping up to be an excellent evening of musical entertainment on both the Internet and TV.  There is a little something for any fans of the Kings of Leon, Albert Hammond, Jr., or Dr. Dog. 

First, the Kings of Leon will be performing at 9 PM EST on MSN's Music in Concert Series.  Second, Dr. Dog will make an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman on CBS.  Finally, and certainly last but not least, Albert Hammond, Jr. is the musical guest on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson which is also on CBS after Letterman.

• Kings of Leon - "My Party" from Because of the Times
• Dr. Dog - "Ain't It Strange" from We All Belong
• Dr. Dog - "Worst Trip" from We All Belong
• Albert Hammond, Jr. - "In Transit" from Yours to Keep

TOTP2's Marc Bolan Special

Just when I thought I couldn't find anything interesting to post today, I found this on YouTube.  It's the special that aired on Top of the Pops 2, I'm assuming sometime in September of 2002, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Marc Bolan's untimely death.

You've got to love Marc's haircut during "Born to Boogie" and the "New Romantic" look he's sporting during "Laser Love".

Be patient and let the video load, it's kind of lengthy (approx. 24 minutes) but well worth the wait!  You might want to pause the video at first to give it a head start and avoid any interruptions.

Set Your Tivos

The White Stripes are set to give the first ever live musical performance* on the Daily Show, December 1st.

*There seems to be some discussion as to whether this is actually the first ever live musical performance on the show.  Some viewers/nitpickers are suggesting that it was actually They Might Be Giants or Tenacious D but, in all reality, who really cares?