Apple's Little Plastic Tab

Here's why Apple is Apple and other companies aren't. You know when you buy a new Apple product it's got that little plastic film around it? And you know how it's got a little tab that you pull to magically release the plastic cover and free your wonderful new device? Happy endorphins blasting inside your brain making you happy! The folks at Roku must have thought that little wrapper was the key to success. Only they forgot the tab. I haplessly searched for the end of the plastic and try in vain to peel up the corners to get that freakin' plastic off. (for Apple it's a well thought out extra, there to protect my beautiful new product....for Roku, it's "that freakin' plastic). 

They're both beautiful devices.  There's no detail too small when creating a good user experience.

Searching For Sugar Man

Fans of music and humanity alike will applaud the movie, the music and the man that is Rodriguez.  Just as "Smile" stood as the mythical holy grail of rock albums, Rodriguez's tale is an inspiring, amazing and wonderful story that holds the same allure.  After releasing two highly un-celebrated albums in the early 70's, Rodriguez slipped into obscurity, only to discover decades later that his records had struck a chord (and sparked a movement) in South Africa.  It's a story that had to be created in Hollywood, but thankfully wasn't.  Both of his albums are now available again - as well as several tracks from his un-released third album, available on the documentary soundtrack - and hearing them it's hard to imagine how they were overlooked in the first place.  They encompass the spirit of Dylan, the irreverence of Phil Ochs and at times the vocal dig of James Taylor (blues-rompy James Taylor, not campfires and handymen James Taylor). See him, see the movie, listen to the music.

more trailers: Yahoo! Movies | Apple

sugarman.org (official fan site)

listen to "Sugar Man"

buy Rodriguez albums at lightintheattic.net

(full-disclosure: I work at Sony Music)

Record Store Day II

Here's the haul from my Unofficial Record Store Day II: The Sequel with No Equal.  Stops - all in New Jersey - included Princeton Record Exchange (Princeton), Vintage Vinyl (Fords) and Tunes (Hoboken).

The Ride

Vinyl














CDs

Dared

Insound and Great Customer Service

I recently ordered a vinyl copy of First Aid Kit's "The Lion's Roar" from Insound.com.  When it arrived the sleeve was a bit busted up.  I emailed their customer support to ask about a replacement, got a reply in less than 12 hours, and had my replacement in a couple of days.  I'm now once again groovin' to the sweet sounds of First Aid Kit.  Rockin' good vibes from the folks at Insound!

Hindsight

These guys might think they all artsy and ironic....

But so did these guys...

Hands

2 guys, different songs, both wanting us to look at their hands....

Google Music Manager Won't Leave Me Alone

No matter how many times I un-check the "start with Windows" box, Google's Music Manager manages to ignore it and re-start itself every few weeks....as if maybe I've changed my mind and it knows what's best for me despite myself.  Easy solution? Uninstall.