I am reveling in the discovery of ramon speed's new stun organ. Neighbors gave ramon a keyboard. Power cord wont power, but AAs do. Also, can't get the direct line to run through the Roland, BUT......can run it direct through limiter/gate to the 4-track. Results on tone no. 12 is the awesome new ramon speed stun organ.
Also, many great contacts on my last post regarding Bob Claymore's not-so-flattering review of the "Effulgence and Alacrity - ep." OJK replies that RS should name its next effort "Wimpy mushmouthed snorewads" from the opening clause of Mr. Claymore's review. It is a pithy phrase.
Am finally nearing the end of the re-mixes for Unread's triple-tape re-release of Godspeed. The third tape is a real corker, and we've included on that piece of plastic the title track from the E & A - ep, which did not make the EP, but did make the release show at Alex and Nicole's Gallery Night. Lots of other old gems that would've otherwise remained under a rock. Thanks Chris for eliciting these.
Finally, just two tracks (of six) yet to be mixed for the hopeful comp with Snowstorm (Kevin Monotone). I understand he has recorded some for this.
I will not post again til these two look-back projects are done and RS is again oriented forward.
Anyway, am totally psyched with the stun organ. Think the Joy Formidable "The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade." Sweet!
That is all
- ramon
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
The omitted "listening to" section:
From the last entry, I omitted my "listening to" section. This is germane as ramon speed has moved to new digs. William Speed has taken over the finished part of the basement (a slow and steady war of attrition). In any event, ramon has moved to the utility room, which is most aptly named. The room is where I listen now to the "listening to."
Anyway, that's where it happens and here's what it is:
1. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
2. The Cure - Three Imaginary Boys
3. Firehose - Mr. Machinery Operater (a recent re-find)
4. The Pixies - Come on Pilgrim (in anticipation with JPW)
5. Dum Dum Girls - I Will Be
that is all.
- ramon
Anyway, that's where it happens and here's what it is:
1. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
2. The Cure - Three Imaginary Boys
3. Firehose - Mr. Machinery Operater (a recent re-find)
4. The Pixies - Come on Pilgrim (in anticipation with JPW)
5. Dum Dum Girls - I Will Be
that is all.
- ramon
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bob Claymore's Kryptonite
Hello Folks,
Still hunkered down with some projects. As previously noted, I am re-mixing Godspeed for a epic triple cassette release. Yes, the first incarnation was a double cassette, but the re-issue will contain unreleased material, comp appearances and outtakes. Second, I am final mixing tracks for a split (potential....fingers crossed) with Snowstorm (Kevin Monotone's). This is great work, but taking some time. Kevin Speed and I have been working on new and old material. In between all of this, I get the chance to read a few things. From recent musings I have gleaned that not everyone liked last year's "Effulgence and Alacrity - ep".
See: http://still-single.tumblr.com/post/3338957753/ramon-speed-effulgence-and-alacrity-7-ep-unread
I don't know how to respond to Mssr. Claymore, but think that it suffices to say that the record was not his bag of tea. I don't think it's important to point out to this illiterate mutt that just because he needed a dictionary to untangle the title of the record does not mean its inappropriatly named. What I tried to capture with the title is that these songs were produced with enthusiasm and eagerness. I also tried to capture the brightness and radiance I felt in recording these songs, after not having produced music like this in so long. That radiance is also evidenced in each beat of Kevin Speed's drums, which without question, shine forth brilliantly. So, it matters not to me that he didn't approve of the title, becuase that title meant so much to me. I I would also note that, while it is nice to hear kinder words regarding this project, like those of Luigi:
http://www.underwaternow.com/ihearstrangemusic/reviews.htm
and Jason:
http://7inches.blogspot.com/2010/06/ramon-speed-effulgence-and-alacrity-ep.html
that is not what motivated and compelled me to make this record. Those are verily distilled in the title to the piece. I think that, at least, Claymore was honest in his estimations, which is exactly what I sought to be in recording this ep.
On a side note, whatever pretentions Mssr. Claymore observed from the title (or general appearance) of the record, I find it hard to believe that these can be attributed to the actual music. So the vocal quality didn't meet his approval. I hope this is because he didn't like the form and character of the voice (often I don't) and not the fact that recording on a Tascam 4-track necessarily limits the quality of full band recordings, the vocals often suffering the brunt of that. Similarly, I hope that Claymore simply didn't like the music and not the hiss and crash that are nearly unavoidable when recording in such a manner. Finally, I relish a review like Claymore's becuase I am keenly aware that ramon speed music is not for everyone. That type of music is best left to others.
So, despite the acerbic tone of Claymore's opinions I am glad for his review and especially that it was informed by actually listening to the record.
That is all.
Still hunkered down with some projects. As previously noted, I am re-mixing Godspeed for a epic triple cassette release. Yes, the first incarnation was a double cassette, but the re-issue will contain unreleased material, comp appearances and outtakes. Second, I am final mixing tracks for a split (potential....fingers crossed) with Snowstorm (Kevin Monotone's). This is great work, but taking some time. Kevin Speed and I have been working on new and old material. In between all of this, I get the chance to read a few things. From recent musings I have gleaned that not everyone liked last year's "Effulgence and Alacrity - ep".
See: http://still-single.tumblr.com/post/3338957753/ramon-speed-effulgence-and-alacrity-7-ep-unread
I don't know how to respond to Mssr. Claymore, but think that it suffices to say that the record was not his bag of tea. I don't think it's important to point out to this illiterate mutt that just because he needed a dictionary to untangle the title of the record does not mean its inappropriatly named. What I tried to capture with the title is that these songs were produced with enthusiasm and eagerness. I also tried to capture the brightness and radiance I felt in recording these songs, after not having produced music like this in so long. That radiance is also evidenced in each beat of Kevin Speed's drums, which without question, shine forth brilliantly. So, it matters not to me that he didn't approve of the title, becuase that title meant so much to me. I I would also note that, while it is nice to hear kinder words regarding this project, like those of Luigi:
http://www.underwaternow.com/ihearstrangemusic/reviews.htm
and Jason:
http://7inches.blogspot.com/2010/06/ramon-speed-effulgence-and-alacrity-ep.html
that is not what motivated and compelled me to make this record. Those are verily distilled in the title to the piece. I think that, at least, Claymore was honest in his estimations, which is exactly what I sought to be in recording this ep.
On a side note, whatever pretentions Mssr. Claymore observed from the title (or general appearance) of the record, I find it hard to believe that these can be attributed to the actual music. So the vocal quality didn't meet his approval. I hope this is because he didn't like the form and character of the voice (often I don't) and not the fact that recording on a Tascam 4-track necessarily limits the quality of full band recordings, the vocals often suffering the brunt of that. Similarly, I hope that Claymore simply didn't like the music and not the hiss and crash that are nearly unavoidable when recording in such a manner. Finally, I relish a review like Claymore's becuase I am keenly aware that ramon speed music is not for everyone. That type of music is best left to others.
So, despite the acerbic tone of Claymore's opinions I am glad for his review and especially that it was informed by actually listening to the record.
That is all.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fixed, remixed, onward and up!
Speed gear is back from Benske. All fixed and sounding solid. Alas, this means back to work. During the 3 weeks of repair, I've been re-mixing Godspeed for release on Unread in a triple cassette format. Third tape is outtakes, unreleased material (ahem, Little Jupiter) and compilation appearances. Also, in final mix stage for a possible split release with Unread/Monotone superstars Snowstorm. Appearance would be ramon speed w/ Wooden Horses (aka Ryan Anderlee and Jourdain Lafroimboise). Ramon is backed by the Wooden Horses' beats and chords ala Ryan's sonic baritone guitar and Jourdain's heavy handed drums. Will know more on that when the final mix is ready. Also, slowly emerging is a 15 year anniversary product with Robot Zito to commemorate the release of "Held Longer than Haikus but Shorter than Odes." Tony is busy so his songs are still rising up from the ash.
Now back to work. RS and Kevin and trying to bring our chef in residence Ben Bartlett into our weird fold for the new RS material. I agree with Kevin that the two-piece was a valiant effort, but too hard to hear live. We did, however, fly awfully close to the sun. A tune or two from the Reptile Palace may show up on the Godspead third tape. We have a lot of work to do and are hoping that in addition to Ben, Jourdain ("I played keys on tour with Maritime") can help out. Erin is still to busy this year with, well with all her endeavors including Group of the Altos to help out. Maybe next year. She wishes us well and sends support our way. We hope to have a working copy of full length recordings by the first of the year. Hey that's just being realistic. In all events, with all equipment humming and in tow, there is nary an excuse form getting it on.
Stay tuned to the tunage.
That is all.
- Ramon
Listening to:
Versus - On the Ones and Threes
Film School - Fission
Amps for Christ - Every Eleven Seconds
Robyn - Body Talk (Part II)
The Walkmen - Lisbon
Now back to work. RS and Kevin and trying to bring our chef in residence Ben Bartlett into our weird fold for the new RS material. I agree with Kevin that the two-piece was a valiant effort, but too hard to hear live. We did, however, fly awfully close to the sun. A tune or two from the Reptile Palace may show up on the Godspead third tape. We have a lot of work to do and are hoping that in addition to Ben, Jourdain ("I played keys on tour with Maritime") can help out. Erin is still to busy this year with, well with all her endeavors including Group of the Altos to help out. Maybe next year. She wishes us well and sends support our way. We hope to have a working copy of full length recordings by the first of the year. Hey that's just being realistic. In all events, with all equipment humming and in tow, there is nary an excuse form getting it on.
Stay tuned to the tunage.
That is all.
- Ramon
Listening to:
Versus - On the Ones and Threes
Film School - Fission
Amps for Christ - Every Eleven Seconds
Robyn - Body Talk (Part II)
The Walkmen - Lisbon
Monday, September 27, 2010
Plow the Speed
Okay. This first blog comes at the end of a ramon speed bumrush. Have titled this spot "Unread era edicts," and can offer little explanation save for the fact that you can fairly break up ramon speed music into two era; to wit: 1) Sing, Eunuchs! 1994-1996 and 2) Unread 2008-present. Here is what's been going on.
Kevin and I played at the Reptile Palace on 9.17 culminating about 4 weeks of rehearsal of new material. First new stuff since recording the Effulgence and Alacrity - ep. Also, first time performing as a two-piece since playing with Chris Deden in May of 2008 at Jesse Joyner's house. It went well. Still have some kinks to work out. Most of these involve electrics and Jeff Benske is presently helping me iron these out. Also immersed in re-mixing 1995's double cassette Godspeed, originally on Sing, Eunuch's. Will be released as a triple with a third tape with outtakes, comp appearances and rarities (no pun). Also, recording final vocals and guitars to 6 song piece recorded with Wooden Horses for upcoming release (hopefully) on Unread, perhaps as a split (crossing my fingers that it will be with Snowstorm or KOTAA). Then Kevin and I are going to set to recording the new material for a full length. This would ideally have a 2011 release date. That's about it right now. Please come back and see what we're up to.
Listening to:
KOTAA - You Wanna See a Dead Body
Gang of Four - Entertainment!
Superchunk - Majesty Shredding
Azure Ray - Drawing Down the Moon
Japandroids - Post-Nothing
Kevin and I played at the Reptile Palace on 9.17 culminating about 4 weeks of rehearsal of new material. First new stuff since recording the Effulgence and Alacrity - ep. Also, first time performing as a two-piece since playing with Chris Deden in May of 2008 at Jesse Joyner's house. It went well. Still have some kinks to work out. Most of these involve electrics and Jeff Benske is presently helping me iron these out. Also immersed in re-mixing 1995's double cassette Godspeed, originally on Sing, Eunuch's. Will be released as a triple with a third tape with outtakes, comp appearances and rarities (no pun). Also, recording final vocals and guitars to 6 song piece recorded with Wooden Horses for upcoming release (hopefully) on Unread, perhaps as a split (crossing my fingers that it will be with Snowstorm or KOTAA). Then Kevin and I are going to set to recording the new material for a full length. This would ideally have a 2011 release date. That's about it right now. Please come back and see what we're up to.
Listening to:
KOTAA - You Wanna See a Dead Body
Gang of Four - Entertainment!
Superchunk - Majesty Shredding
Azure Ray - Drawing Down the Moon
Japandroids - Post-Nothing
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