By CLAUDIA DREIFUS
Published: May 31, 2010

“I wondered whether human music had been shaped for our brains by evolution — meaning, it helped us survive.

It used to be that I could only convert mp3 files in Logic and get better sound at very low bit rates. I had to try something new because Logic’s new 64-bit configuration does not allow a conversion to mp3—you have to be in 32-bit mode, which bites when I forget to change it back.

Anyway, enjoy.

Vanguard is the “Alta-mate”

Pros: Lightweight, Unfolds Quickly, Folds Small, Good Stability
Best Uses: Photography, Stabilization, Portraits

I love this thing for quick easy jobs. It’s probably not the best if you want longer exposures or if there is wind or if you’re using a very long lens. I use it with a 14-24 fixed 2.8 and it’s fine for most small jobs.

Adorama

Well, since I’ve sort of been cooped up  to finish a bunch of work — voluntarily, that is — I missed the sunshine. Sunshine has also been a bit scarce for everyone, so I then I figured that everybody needs is a little more sunshine these days and so why not highlight some of the best sunshine songs ever! (In no particular order, to be sure.)

Sunshine by World Party
Sunshine by Twista & Anthony Hamilton
Sunshine by Keane
Sunshine by Peter Salett
Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles
Play In The Sunshine by Prince
You Are My Sunshine by Gene Harris (You have to get this version, which is out of print. Sorry.)
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder

Those should shine a little light on ya! Shine on!

Definitely the big news is the ridiculous outcome of the election in Iran. Check out “The Song Remains The Same” by Led Zeppelin. It’s sufficiently angry-sounding.

The other piece of music that comes to mind today is “Downtown Train” by Tom Waits. Tom’s version is by far the most interesting, maybe since he wrote it. It’s that feeling I get when I think of the boroughs of NYC and the subway series and cloudy, pensive days. Go Yankees!

“The Soft Weed Factor” by Soft Machine in Honor of Hugh Hopper, composer/bassist. To me they’re a prog-rock version of Weather Report. It may be an acquired taste for some but the real music lovers out here will appreciate their creativity. You know who you are.

Ok, here’s another twofer! Today’s entry is all about Albany’s power struggle; it’s a good time to talk about power and relationships. “Power of One” by Daniel Lanois — a genius — and I think his album “Shine” is exceptional. The other selection is me being funny, I guess, since Golisano and Smith aren’t talking any more. “Why Do Lovers Break Each Others Hearts” by Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans from 1962.

Let’s celebrate Broadway with one of my all-time favorite shows — Jesus Christ Superstar. A word of caution — however — the ONLY satisfactory recording is by the original London cast. Sadly, it’s not on iTunes but I found it for you here but please be careful and make sure it’s the recording from 1970 with Murray Head as Judas:  I now direct your attention to the “Overture” which is amazing. There are — of course other tracks that really rock. The whole thing is a very organic recording, even a bit “loose” at times. It all comes together to form something really groundbreaking in Broadway. You really have to have this album; it’s really the only one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals that I think is consistent and compelling all the way through.