What we're listening to. Beyonce 'Lemonade' (but keep it quiet).

No and neither did we, ever in our wildest think we'd be blogging a Beyonce Album. What? Beyonce? But then it was just released and went on at Streamabout Offices and we were all stunned. Right from the start.

There's an old lesson here that you should keep your ears open. People say, 'I don't like Jazz' and so they never hear the beauty of Coltrane or Miles. 'I don't like Reggae' and you'll never hear Marley. So always good to listen.

Added to that, stars like Beyonce work with only the best Producers and Musicians because they can and boy, does this record sound it. The Production is as good as we've heard, ever.

Given too, that this Album is supposedly about her failing relationship (Jay Z), sometimes that sort of thing brings out great songwriting because it's so heartfelt and meaningful when sung. Think Amy's 'Back to Black'. Good Albums come out of hard times. 

It's her sixth studio Album and a bit R&B, Country and even Gospel. It comes with a movie release on HBO and features Kendrick Lamarr (isn't everyone) but lends itself to sampling. Led Zep's Robert Plant "When the levee breaks" gets a look in as does Andy Williams "Can't get used to losing you", "Walk on By" Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Jack White, King Crimson, it's really diverse and imaginative.

It debuted in the US at number one and in the UK. Now you might expect a Beyonce Album to do that anyway but this is really worth the listen. It takes getting used to but it's pretty special. 

Definitely an Album of the year if not more.

There, we said it.
And never thought we would. Ever. 
Phew.

All the single ladies....

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Prince 'Sign O the times'; Daft Punk 'Random Access Memories'; Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black';Police 'Outlandos D'Amour'; Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.

Apple.Share price slips, Cook responds.

Apple, on foot of recent Q1 numbers which were seemingly 'below expectations' and which you can read about by scrolling down this blog, means their share price is slipping.

It's -11% since April 26th (-27% over the year). An 8 straight day decline and this hasn't happened since 1998. 

Sales in China were also -26% so investor confidence is a bit rattled with headline investor Carl Icahn, dumping his stock and adding to the downward pressure.

Tim Cook was interviewed yesterday to rally support and as he points out, things are still pretty good at Apple. 

Q1 had 50 Billion+ in revenues; 10 Billion in profits. "No one else is earning that" he said, "Last year we earned 53 Billion in profits and I think the number 2 company was 24 Billion". He also talked about "great innovation in the pipeline" and if you looked at China on a two-year basis, "Apple grew +70%. It's hard-pressed to say those aren't good results". 

He also called India a market with huge potential. 

Cook is right. This is an extraordinary company showing dazzling high numbers and will continue. The donkeys of Wall Street can't see past short term declines in their supposed high expectations. They're simply playing the market, shorting for their own financial gain rather than a true reflection of company value and activity.

So be it. But don't let that be statement on true value long term. 10 Billion in profits. In a Quarter. No reason to panic. 

What we're listening to. Prince, 'Sign o the times'

It was actually 1984's album 'Purple Rain' that brought Prince to everyone's attention but 'Sign O the Times' was his masterpiece. 

The other Albums that run it close are 'Parade', 'Purple Rain', 'Dirty Mind', 'Around the world in a day', 'Lovesexy' and '1999'. Not bad to have that many contenders for greatness....out of 37 studio albums.

His greatest song in Streamabout's heads anyway, was, 'The most beautiful girl in the world'. You'll hear it here, later but it's from 'The Gold Experience'.

It was his uncanny ability to bring so many music styles - funk, rock, soul, jazz, gospel, disco - together, that made him unique. His own mastery of studio techniques and instruments brought greatness and no more so, than the one song a day he was supposed to have written. 

Explicit, sexual fantasies in lyrics, famously got him attention too. 

His live shows were stunning (we saw him live) with the Superbowl 2007 show well talked about still and sometimes in local clubs after long 'official' headline shows. 

Born in Minneapolis 1958, his father played in a jazz trio and his mother was a vocalist although they separated when he was 10.

He was shy, not a great fan of interviews and in 1987 released this epic double album 'Sign o the times'. 

It's very diverse and 'U got the look' actually features 70's disco diva, Sheena Easton. He nearly single handedly, arranged and recorded all of the music often referred to as 'minimalist'.

In 1989 'Time Out' called it the greatest Album of all time but it's at 93 on 'Rolling Stone' 500 best ever. 

If you want to get to know Prince, this is a great place to start and gives you a real sense of his genius because that's what it was. 

Rest in Peace.

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Daft Punk 'Random Access Memories'; Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black';Police 'Outlandos D'Amour'; Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.

Apple Sales Fall. It's still all good.

Iphone Sales have fallen for the first time ever and with that, Apple's Revenues have fallen too for the first time.

Sales of a staggering 50 Billion+ for 3 months ending in March were -13% on last years comparable. Talk about being a victim of your own success. 

Revenues from services (Itunes, Apps etc) were +20%. Apple watch performance was unclear but seemingly 'good'.

Iphone sales which generally accounts for 65% of Apple's Revenue, were down in the quarter from 61 million to 51 million and Ipad/Mac sales were also down ....but slow downs in Ipad sales is becoming a trend. 

It seems that 'the Mac premium' is not being paid by consumers as easily anymore and of course, IPhone has to reach saturation at some point.

Phone upgrades too, are less attractive as the OS remains 'more or less' the same and where do you go after Iphone6? Added to that, publicity about the FBI and Tax issues, have a negative affect.

A profit of 10.5 Billion usd is down -23% but of course, just keeps adding to he massive Apple cashpile. Enough cash that it could have bailed out Ireland in the recent downfall for example. Apple is stronger than a lot of countries.

However, it's a significant drop and a significant moment with the company also suffering from a lack of innovation with no new brilliant products on the horizon.

But what a company. The trail blazer, the cash king and still generating sales of 50 Billion usd in a quarter...what's not to like?

But where do you go now? Rebuild trust in the Apple brand with an extensive marketing campaign that shows the value in Apple products and generates usage of the services. 

Watch for it.

USA Today publishers try to buy Newspaper Group for 815 Million.

Gannett, publishers of 'USA Today' have made a bid to buy Tribune Publishing (LA Times, Chicago Tribune etc) for 815 million usd in cash. That's a 63% premium on Tribune's stock price and they'll take on the debts estimated at 350 million usd.

The consolidation of both publishers (read - the job losses) would estimate savings of 50 million usd a year and of course, probably bring a bigger, better group. Certainly a stronger one in these fickle Newspaper times.

The offer was unsolicited and by all reports, not well received by Tribune Publishing. 

Yet on paper, it looks like a lifeline.....interesting. 

Ad Blockers Blocking illegal?

The Ad blocker problem rumbles on...

One of the clear (and clever) ways for Publishers to deal with Ad blocking is to not let readers who are using them, to see any content. 

The argument goes, that the content has to be paid for and Advertising is the way that does that. So if you block the Ads (using an Ad Blocker), there's no way of paying for the content.

So Publishers automatically detect you have an Ad blocker and deny you access. It follows the legal action against 'Brave', already featured on this Blog so is part of the story.

However, it might now seem that the very detection by publishers of Ad blocking is illegal because it's being done without permissions.

There's talk of a letter from The EU which outlines that privacy is the main issue and readers must give consent to have their Ad blocker well, blocked.

200 million people are using Ad blockers and Publishers are really suffering. This is another problem on top of that problem for them. Now that it's found it's way into the 'privacy community' and activists, will only add to it.

But remember! Video is not Ad blocked! streamabout.com

What we're listening to. Daft Punk 'Random access memories'.

One of the really great music videos of all time is 'Around the world' from Daft Punk and based on the work of artist Escher. If you haven't seen it, be amazed...

Random Access Memories is the band's fourth Album from 2013 although it reflects a very 70's vibe. 70's legend, Giorgio Moroder features on the record as does Nile Rodgers from 'Chic'. Pharrell Williams is also here to give it a contemporary feel and the single, 'Get Lucky' is very 'him' (he's on vocals too).

But this is Electronic Disco.

Daft Punk have said that they were looking for a 'Steely Dan' and a 'Dark Side of the Moon/Rumours' sound and that's what they got. Superbly produced and great songwriting, it's a classic.

Mind you too, if you like this you'll love their earlier 'Discovery' Album which is probably as good from 2001. If not, better.

This Album won a Grammy but not just that, it has received massive critical acclaim. Rightly so too, it's one to play for sure when you want to feel good. 

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black';Police 'Outlandos D'Amour'; Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.

What we're listening to. Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black'.

The recent documentary, 'Amy', prompted this and it's really well worth a look. It's an excellent view on the sad, tragedy of Amy Winehouse.

Talented? Not just vocally but as a lyricist and everything comes from her own experiences so when it's sung, it has meaning and that comes across. Just listen to the lyrics on the title song 'Back to Black' or indeed, 'Rehab'.

'Love is a losing game' for Streamabout, is the stand-out track but it's all so strong. Beautiful in fact.

It was of course only her second (and ultimately, final) Album from 2006 with 'Rehab' being the best known track. 'Frank' was her first Album. 

The production is superb too from the really terrific Mark Ronson (Bruno Mars 'Uptown Funk', Adele's '19' and 'Valerie') and he was able to walk the line of not 'overproducing' it. However, we've never seen a record with so many musicians credited so that's the extraordinary ability of Ronson. They're on there, but they don't interfere.

This is a terrific insight into that Album recording.

'Back to Black' is the UK's second best selling Album of all time. 

Amy has been compared to Sarah Vaughan because of her smoky, jazz vocals but that's unfair, she was out on her own albeit with an R&B sound likened to Ray Charles.  

Alcohol (she was booed whilst touring with this record on stage), the collapse of her marriage to the love of her life and of course drugs, caused the pain, inflicted the damage. She died in July 2011. 

She was actually a really great, relatively shy, person who had bucket full's of talent. There's no doubt she'd have gone on to even more extraordinary things. Just it's all too tragic to contemplate.

Here's the title track.

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Police 'Outlandos D'Mour'; Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.

Ad Blocking. Newspapers sue, solution is simple.

The row about Ad-Blocking rumbles on but is anything being achieved and isn't it simpler than all of this?

Some of the UK's and US largest publishers have sent a 'cease and desist' legal threat to 'Brave', a new browser with Ad blocking backed in, run by the former CEO of 'Mozilla'. The publishers include The NY Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal et al - 17 of them at least. Presumably too, they've a lot of letters to send to a lot of Ad blockers.

They seem to favour a long legal battle about 'copyright' than using their heads.

'Brave' blocks all Ads except...their own. Clever boys, although the premise is that publishers also get a share (estimated 55%). Publishers claim it's a breach of copyright and will seek damages. Fair enough, that's going to take a legal while....

(As an aside, Denis O'Brien's mobile Digicel is blocking Ads since September, for a different reason because as a 'platform' that carries traffic to the publishers, they too want a share of the Ad money.)

The difficult bit of course, is that online publishers rely on advertising to pay for (and profit from) their sites. Ad blocking diminishes that revenue and Ad blocking is on a surge in an overcrowded market. But you have some sympathy for publishers who are running a business too. 

However, it's often forgotten that it's the users who want to Ad block, a point that seems to be missed.

And why? Because of the Ads, not because of the content. 

They do not want to be extensively tracked (and they are with the 'consent' of the publisher) and they want a faster browsing experience (which heavy 'rich' advertising negates).

'Brave' sells itself as 'Browse safer and faster'. That's what users want and that's why users are using Ad blocking like 'Brave'. 

More than 200 million people use Ad blocking software for these reasons and as a consequent, browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari are all allowing users to do so. Adblock Plus, the most used blocker, takes payment from companies to bypass their Ad blocking software, often referred to by critics as 'extortion'.

So Ad blocking is something the user wants and we know, the user also wants content. After all, that's why they're online.

Is the solution therefore, not simpler?

If the publisher simply refuses any content to users with Ad blockers (no access to any news for example) that will fix it. And if the publishers come together (which 17 titles seem very keen to do legally), this can be done overnight. 

ITV and Channel 4 are good examples of the start of this journey.

You want access to the site? Switch off your Ad blocker or you get none.

It's really that simple because on balance, users want the content more than they'll suffer the Ads. Exactly as they do in traditional media.

You want to stop Ad blocking then just stop giving the content. Today. 

What we're listening to. Police 'Outlandos d'Amour'.

The Police, possibly better known now, as the band that used to support Sting...... 

Outlandos d'Amour means Outlaws of Love.  

Formed by drummer Stewart Copeland (an American who's Dad was actually CIA) in 1977, in London, as a three piece band, initially without Andy Summers (who was with The Animals), they were very much seen as coming out of the Punk era although their music isn't punk at all. 

The punk reference is a comment reflecting the Band's attitude and their music is often referred to as 'white man's reggae'. 

This was their 1978 debut and it really created a stir. A very new sound.

It was recorded on a £1,500 budget from Copeland's brother Miles and as a consequence, was recorded in down-time in Surrey Sound Studios over 6 months on and off. 

It was the single 'Roxanne' that got the band initial attention especially as it was about prostitution ("you don't have to turn off the red light") which resulted in airplay "bans". 

In fact it was inspired from a visit by Sting to the red-light district of Paris because it was near to a Hotel where the Band were staying. An eye-opener we would think to a lad from Wallsend who's real name is Gordon Sumner. 

"Can't stand losing you", "So lonely" (based on Marley's 'No woman No cry') followed as singles and "Be me girl" is a standout but for us, the real beauty is "Hole in my life". 

It's a great record because it signifies a time and as a three piece, still sounds fresh. Ironically few in Streamabout knew The Police (but they knew Sting) which just shows ya....cause it was nearly 40 years ago...

Here they are very raw from 1978.....

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.

Google SEO Search Ads Removal and how to help.

We don't ever point anyone to another Blog. 

Not just because we're precious but because, well, there's few we find interesting, as most Blogs are Ads for themselves.

But this one we thought was greatly helpful.

Frederick Vallaeys talks about the recent Google changes on search engine results pages and the changes to the layout of Ads. Nope, never met him or heard of him, but it's just because it's good.

Google are removing Ads on the Right hand side to replace them with Product Listing Ads (PLA's).

What he's talking about is just that - Google removing the righthand side Ads (RHS) replacing them with product listings and how it reduced the maximum number of Ads from 11 to 7. 

In fact RHS ads had a low click-through rate (CTR) anyway, but this change makes 18% of more clicks available because competition for space has decreased (choice is more limited).

He also talks about improving ranking through better bid strategy and improved quality score. 

And he knows what he's talking about as an ex-Googler.

You'll find it here and sorry, this Blog makes you cut+paste.

But if you're into SEO, you should read it.
We think anyway.

http://searchengineland.com/advertisers-response-fewer-ads-showing-google-244603?utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer45dea

Apple is 40. Today.

Apple turns 40 today. Yep, it was April Fool's Day, I eh, kid you not.

Now employing nearly 150,000 people and with a value of 700 Billion usd, it's been a long road.

Steve Jobs and Woz met in 1971 but it was in 1976 that they launched Apple1, 50 of them, which 'they' built by hand. 

If you still have one, it's worth about 400k usd today. It was launched to their pals at The Homebrew Computer Club in Palo Alto. 

1977 they launched Apple2; 1978 the external floppy drive; 1980 The Apple3 and went public.

In 1981 Jobs became Chairman; 1983 was the launch of 'Lisa' and John Sculley joined.

1984 was the famous commercial which Jobs originally voiced and then replaced with Richard Dreyfuss; 1985 was when 'Lisa' was dropped and Jobs left.

1987 Woz left; 1989 was the first portable (Mac book); 1991 it launched Quicktime; 1997 Jobs returned and the famous partnership with Microsoft; 1998 was the Imac; 2001 Itunes and the Ipod; 2006 The MacBook Pro.

2007 The Iphone; 2008 The Macbook Air; 2010 The Ipad; 2011 Siri and ICloud.

In 2007 Jobs resigned and Tim Cook took over with Jobs dying that October at 56.

Since then, the Ipad mini in 2012, Beats in 2014 and the Apple Watch.

Long story, great company based entirely on one word.
Innovation.

What we're listening to. Michael Jackson 'Off the Wall'.

Spike Lee's excellent Documentary 'Journey from Motown to Off the Wall', spiked our interest in what we always knew was a great Album. It also marks Spike Lee's ongoing interest in Michael Jackson.

The documentary premiered at Sundance in February and it's a really excellent reminder of the time and the record. If you see it along the way, watch it.

This Album is from 1979 it was in fact, Jackson's fifth studio album but notably his first with Producer Quincy Jones over which there were great doubts in the business when it became known - he was seen as too 'jazzy' a producer. 

Jackson and Jones became friends in making 'The Wiz' (a version of The Wizard of Oz) in 1978 (with Jackson as The Scarecrow) but Jones is undoubtedly, the stunning producer of the decade. It is Jones, that in our view, finds that Michael Jackson sound.

Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney wrote two of the songs on the record, Jackson wrote three and including 'Don't Stop til you get enough' but all of them marked a big departure from his 'Motown Sound'. In fact it was also a controversial move away from Motown's Berry Gordy and into the hands of Epic Records. Perhaps seen (and certainly by Gordy) as disloyal given that Motown had developed Jackson's career. But Motown's control was the issue and Jackson wanted creative freedom.

It's funk, disco and ballads ('She's out of my life') and remains one of the best selling Albums of all times with lots of awards (8 times platinum, Grammy Hall of Fame). 

'Rock with you', 'Workin' Day and Night' is a real disco classic (and Streamabout's favourite here), as is 'Get On the Floor' and 'Off the Wall' has all the production values of 'Thriller' which followed this record in 1982. 

Thriller was another Quincy Jones record too ('Billie Jean', 'Beat it') and in itself, 'Thriller' is THE best selling Album of all time and by a long way at that.

So 'Off the Wall' is the roots of 'Thriller' which brings Jackson total infamy.

It should be remembered too, that Jackson recorded 'Off the Wall' aged 21(!), remarkable in itself and he died aged 51 in 2009. 

There can be little doubt that he was a genius and a sublime vocalist nevermind, magnificent dancer (and a huge fan of Gene Kelly). Just an extraordinary man who ended so tragically. Such a loss.

Now listen to this, get into the groove and just try not to shake it baby.....the magic of Michael Jackson....

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.

Instagram. Relax. The row will be later than expected.

Instagram (launched October 2010 btw) are changing your feed, but relax, it's not today or tomorrow. In fact, probably in a few weeks after testing. Phew! says you.

They also say that they'll let the Insta Community know in good time.....

The change is likely to be very like Facebook's algorithim where you get 'top posts' based on your behaviour, your interests, the popularity of the post and so on. 

Instagram was famously acquired by Facebook for a billion usd in 2012. (And bet you didn't know that 'Instagram' comes from an amalgm of 'instant camera' and 'telegram'. It is also credited as the site which developed the 'selfie'.)

They'll argue, is about dishing out content that you'll want to see and that's relevant to you! You'll argue that it's about dishing out content that advertisers want you to see because they'll know you're interested based on your behaviour.

Which do you think? We think it's the advertiser one.....

The problem is that users don't like it (and there's about 200 million of them) and see it as taking away choice, one of the key elements of Instagram and overwhelming notifications on your mobile about what will be, advertiser posts rather than friends.

In fact, there's an online petition and real anger out there. 

But will it happen? 
You bet. 

Ireland celebrates 100 years of The Easter Rising on Monday. Short video explains it all.

Ireland celebrates 100 years since what became the start of Independence through the rebellion ('The Rising') on Easter Monday 1916. 

Nice short documentary at the top of the page which explains it all if you're interested. And today....

What we're listening to. Carole King 'Tapestry'

The recent announcement that Carole King will be playing 'Tapestry' in full, in London's Hyde Park July 3rd for the first time, encouraged us to put it on again. 

These type of concerts follow of course, Patti Smith doing 'Horses' live and Springsteen doing 'The River', so a bit of a trend.

Tapestry was released in 1971, she was 29 from Brooklyn and stayed at number one for over 15 weeks, 316 weeks on the Billboard 200 - a record still, for a female solo artist. It was her second Album and produced by legend, Lou Adler.

Neil Sedaka in fact, had dated her in College but following a divorce from musician Gerry Goffin (who co-wrote "Will you love me tomorrow", "You make me feel like a natural woman" and other classics) she moved to LA (Laurel Canyon) where the Album cover shot is taken.

She became friendly with Joni Mitchell (who's legendary 'Blue' Album was released just months before Tapestry), and found a boyfriend in James Taylor (who plays acoustic guitar on Tapestry). Joni you'll hear too on some of the backing vocals.

JT famously recorded Carole King's 'You've got a friend' although most think he wrote it - he didn't, she did. You'll find 'Sweet Baby James' on this blog too, well worth a look.

Tapestry has won every award going and broken every chart record - being so well loved. It's very 70's and very intimate so you need to be in the mood..... but the songs are beautiful - "I feel the earth move", "It's too late", "Will you still love me tomorrow", "You make me feel like a natural woman" and of course, "You've got a friend". 

One of the all-time classic records that every collection should have. It's calming and that's just what we needed this week in Streamabout.

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal;Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill

1.3 Million UK Homes have no TV. New BARB data.

People are watching less and less TV so they're not even buying one.

New UK Barb figures (the TV measurement group) show that in the UK over 1.3 million homes don't have a traditional TV simply because they want online video like Amazon and Netflix. That's 4.7% of homes in 2015.

That actually tallies in Streamabout, where 2 crew members have no TV for over a year. They simply say, when asked, 'Well, Why would I?'. Fair enough.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of UK Homes subscribe to an online broadcaster and that's up in a year from 14%. Netflix is the dominant brand with growth of 1.5 million UK subscribers last year alone.

We've blogged and blogged about the decline in TV audiences, despite broadcasters issuing dubious statements to the contrary. But not buying a TV set in the home is another very clear indicator of the TV decline. If you don't have a TV you can't access TV stations except for the few broadcasting free online).

And the markets know it, hence the declines in broadcasters share prices. The top 10 US TV shows last year, featured only 2 Shows and a massive 8 live Sports. Broadband speeds and penetration zoom on, as does online choice.

The game is up and online video marches on thankfully. The truth needs to be told by the broadcasters and their representative bodies to advertisers. Advertisers need to move quicker, online to video.

Gawker's loss bring journalism into the money-making arena.

'Gawker' the American blog founded in 2002 by Nick Denton (ex Financial Times) focused on media and celebrity, has lost its legal battle against Hulk Hogan for 115 million usd in damages. More damages are to come and it's likely that Gawker will appeal.

The blog has always been controversial about the removal of videos/pics/emails (Tom Cruise, Sarah Palin), albeit with circa 23 million visits a month and a fairly furious rate of staff turnovers as Editors in Chief. We count 14 in about 12 years.

It took the jury a mere 3 hours to find in Hogan's favour where Gawker had refused to take down a Hogan sex tape (published 2012) thereby, violating Hogan's privacy. 

You can find all the Court documents here (cut + paste); http://www.2dca.org/Clerk/2D15-5044/15-5044.shtml

The fundamental is that it's probably going to be difficult for Gawker to find this amount of money. The Guardian says "it could destroy the site forever".

What needs to be understood is that Media are private businesses and whilst they might hide in the cloak of 'legitimate public interest', publishing is about generating readers and generating readers is about generating advertising and subscriptions. The more controversial it is, the more readers.

So this is not about 'journalism' per se but rather, money. Journalism is about money anyway. And they lost.

TUESDAY UPDATE - And he's just been awarded another 25m usd on top of the 115m usd already. 

What we're listening to. The Beatles 'Red Album'

Given the death of George Martin (RIP) got us thinking about playing The Beatles. Not that we're huge fans (as someone here said, "I preferred them when they were Wings"), there's absolutely no doubting their genius.

And you could have picked any album - Sgt Peppers, Abbey Road, Rubber Soul, Let it Be, Help, Revolver, Please please me, Yellow Submarine (in fact probably THE George Martin record) but that short list alone, signifies their greatness.

This Album, 1962-66 (called often, 'The Red Album') seems like a good place to start though, because there's a lot of great tunes - 'Love me do', 'Please please me', 'She loves you', 'I want to hold your hand', 'Can't buy me love', 'Hard Day's night', 'Ticket to ride', 'Help', 'Day Tripper' and so much more including the excellent 'And I love her'. 

All written by Lennon and McCartney.

Of course it's a compilation featuring The Fab Four on a stairway at EMI Studios London. It does show a really creative time in their lives going back 50 years ago (!) and is recorded consequently, largely in mono. It follows the band from debut up to the release of 'Revolver'.

It's pretty amazing too, essential listening and brings back an era but one that remains as fresh today. Given studio constraints at the time, these are live studio sessions and that in itself, is pretty startling.

A fan or not, it is without doubt an untouchable collection of work over 4 years. Staggeringly so. Streamabout crew, started listening as non fans but quickly changed their tune too.

Give it a go.

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal;Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill

Facebook push Facebook Live with Celebs.

Facebook are focusing on Live content through their 'Facebook Live' streaming video product, showcased at The Superbowl.

It's about real time sharing and they're in discussions with Hollywood talent agents to get celebrities on board, paid of course. Celebrities will bring attention to the product and "live" (as it is happening) is well viewed. It's one in the eye for Twitter. And indeed, for google's YouTube.

Video on Facebook is showing staggering growth to now a 100 million hours a day being viewed and that growth has come over the last 6 months. 

Add to that, the whole concept is to get Facebook into the broadcaster space - as they say, with 100 million hours of video a day, they've a Superbowl audience everyday. How's that.

Need video? Streamabout.com

What we're listening to. Sex Pistols 'Never mind the Bollocks'.

Say what you like but if ever there was an Album that changed everything, this is it.

1977 and the only studio album from the Pistols. 

The Band was offensive, the album cover was offensive with most record stores refusing to display it - but that was the Malcolm McLaren promotional magic of making it "underground". Tapping into the coolness of kids, something they really, really shouldn't have - Unless they were cool.

It heralded the era of punk.

Of course the Pistols were at this time, notorious, something which Richard Branson (who actually decided the track list) and Virgin saw as an monied opportunity. The Pistols were not short of publicity. 

Record shops were police raided under obscenity laws - exactly what a promoter wanted. Indeed a high-profile court case found that in fact 'bollocks' was an old English term and ruled reluctantly, not to breach obscenity laws but did add, to the whole publicity, to the record sales.

So despite the bans, the court cases, the outrage, the record debuted at number one in the UK.

Rolling Stone said it was the second best record in two decades after 'Sgt. Peppers' which clearly, it's not. Not by a mile. But we know what they mean.

It is generational and transformative. There has never been anything like it before or since. A Nirvana moment.

If there's a good song on it, it's 'Pretty Vacant'. One of those classic opening riffs and drum intro. 'God Save the Queen' is there and 'Anarchy in the UK' but this is not about great songwriting and crafted musicianship, it's about raw energy and a new way of looking at the world. It does that in spades and well worth a Streamabout listen.

You'll hear the world spin. And if you like it, get a hold of Sid Vicious "My Way". Now that is, a classic.

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal;Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill

What we're listening to. Sam Cooke 'Live at The Harlem Square'.

'Live at the Harlem Square' (Harlem Square is actually in Miami btw) is also known as 'One Night Stand', Sam Cooke's second live album.

Recorded in January 1963 although only released in 1985, because the record label thought it might be damaging to his 'pop' image. He was known as the 'King of Soul' with Aretha, 'The Queen'.

It is generally regarded as one of the best live albums ever released.

And it comes with a great story...read on, dear reader, read on....

The Album, from the spoken intro onwards, creates a great sense of a 'speakeasy' club. Intimate. 

'Chain Gang' you'll know and 'Cupid', 'Twisting the night away', 'Having a Party' but 'Bringing it all back home' is the cracking track. Notable too from the Van Morrison tribute ("Sam Cooke is playing on the radio" from 'Real Real Gone') and with Van's reference to "You send me" directly taken from 'Bringing it all back home'. A tribute indeed.

It's real soul.

Very worthy of the listen to understand the roots and the transition from Gospel to Soul. 

What we didn't know at all, was the manner of Sam Cooke's death at 33.

He was shot and killed, clad only in a Sport Jacket and shoes (no pants) by Bertha Franklin in The Hacienda Motel in LA, she was the Manager and it was ruled a 'justifiable homicide'. 

What happened was, she said, that Cooke broke into her office and attacked her. He was in a rage looking for a lady who had accompanied him to the Hotel earlier, whom she explained, wasn't there. 

In Cooke's rage and not believing her, he grabbed her so she shot him in the heart fatally.

At the time Bertha was on the phone to the Motel's owner (Evelyn Carr), who claimed to have heard the whole thing. 

The woman whom Cooke was looking for, was identified later (Elisa Boyer) because actually, she was also on the phone at a booth beside the Motel at the time to the police, saying she'd just escaped being kidnapped. 

She said, she had been with Cooke earlier that night socialising and when Cooke promised to take her home, he took her to the Motel against her will. When he took her to the room, he attempted to rape her (hence no pants) and then she escaped after a struggle.

Another view, because the family disputed all of this, was that she had gone willingly and was trying to rob Cooke (she took Cooke's clothes with her). 

Tests showed that Cooke was drunk.

That was December 1964, 10 months after the record was released. A tragic end to a great Soul singer. Have a listen.....

Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal;Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.