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Music for quilting

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Polly Esther

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Nov 28, 2009, 9:25:45 AM11/28/09
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Here we go again. They keep adding words to the language. Explain, please,
for me how to buy CDs. I see the words 'remix' and 'remaster'. I
understand 'in concert' and 'studio' recording and assume in concert would
mean there would be some background racket. Other than that, how would I
know when a CD was going to be a pleasure or if it would be hastily tossed
together junk? Do brand names assure quality?
Other than that? What do you dearly love for quilting music? Do you do
soothing or jazzy or need John Phillip Sousa to keep you going? Polly

Dr. Zachary Smith

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Nov 28, 2009, 10:59:59 AM11/28/09
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remix
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remaster
What's a "brand name" and what's "quality" (i.e. quality *what*)?
Sorry Polly, but those are some of your trademarked "it depends" kind
of answers. ;-)

I listen to bluegrass almost exclusively, with smatterings of country
or tunes from my... ahem... youth. There are a couple/three BG labels
I gravitate toward because they have good reputations & catalogs for
the kinds of things I like, but that's never a guarantee, especially
when you're talking about really old or rare stuff. And a lot depends
on the cuts that have been chosen for a particular collection. Other
genres may vary.

I like traditional (all acoustic) bluegrass for a lot of reasons.
There are slow spiritual gospels that make me sway to the music,
faster pickin' that gets my feet (and everything else) moving in my
chair, and about everything in-between. Sometimes I'll slide a disc
into the drive or a player, and sometimes I'll bring up a link to a
commercial-free internet stream.

Sherry

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Nov 28, 2009, 11:13:28 AM11/28/09
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I knew Dr. Zachary would provide a technical answer. :-)

Here's my un-technical one: Remixes are yukky. They take the original
music,
depending on what kind of remix it is, and change it, make it longer,
whatever.
I think originally they started doing this to make music more
danceable.
OTOH, remastered music is wonderful, IMO. They take the original
tracks, and
enhance them using technology that wasn't available when they were
originally
recorded. Unless you're a real music purist, and like to preserve, for
instance,
original mono recordings, I think you'd love remastered music.

What do I love for quilting music? Oh my. Just about everything. (And
yes, I *do*
have a John Phillips Sousa cd!)
Right now, it's Christmas music. The Transiberian Orchestra, Enya,
Andrea Bocelli, Steeleye span
is in my top 10 at the moment.
Other times, I like broadway soundtracks. I like oldies rock n roll,
too. And 1980's
hair bands. I love Gordon Lightfoot and Harry Chapin. Sometimes it's
1940s songbirds
like Rosemary Clooney. Keith Urban. Lady Antebellum.
Yoda loved The Ramones. I used to sing along, "Yoda is a punk rocker,
Yoda is a punk
rocker NOWWWWW.....
(guess a shorter list would be what kind of music I *don't* like)

Sherry

Ginger in CA

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Nov 28, 2009, 11:19:57 AM11/28/09
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Cannot tell you the difference in remix or remaster, excpet if there
is an older recording they might run it through new techniques and
spruce it up, like a mini-makeover.

Live, in concert vs studio. Studio they take and pretty it all up,
there are no flat notes or lost words, or background noise.

Music to listen to? Gosh I have a lot of different ones, so I can
choose depending on my mood. I like Native American music, or Celtic
music, or sound tracks. Gypsy music, country, classic. Sometimes I
just put on the radio if I want to motor along and not take any break
to change the CD out.

Ginger in CA

Patti

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Nov 28, 2009, 12:32:25 PM11/28/09
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I have a feeling (and that's as strong as I can get >g<) that
're-master' is where they take an old recording (probably very old) and
do technical things with it to give it the sort of sound quality we are
used to these days?
.
In message <7ncq75F...@mid.individual.net>, Polly Esther
<Poll...@cableone.net> writes

--
Best Regards
pat on the hill

Kate XXXXXX

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Nov 28, 2009, 12:48:12 PM11/28/09
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What I listen to depends entirely on lots of thing! :D

If I'm in a hurry, it can be the 1812 Overture, Souza's Liberty Bell,
Red Hot Chiilie Pipers (rock with bagpipes - somehow *very* Scottish!),
brass bands, Thin Lizzy, massed pipe bands, Status Quo, Morris On (and
on down to Great Grandson of Morris On!)...

If I need to go slow and careful, and have plenty of time, it might be
Vera Lynn, Jethro Tull, Bach organ music, choral stuff...

At Christmas I tend to crank out the Messiah, carols from Kings College,
Jethro Tull, and all sorts...

NEVER Whirlitzer Christmas carols, or easy listening stuff.

Sometimes opera.

Folk, rock, classical, celtic fringe, some jazz... Never what my friend
call Yack Radio (where they do nothing but talk at you), and not usually
funny stuff, as I stop sewing to giggle at things like I'm Sorry I'll
Read That Again or Flanders and Swann, Jake Thackery, or most of Mike
Harding and The Kipper Family.

Cheap music? Well, I usually like the freebies from the Classic FM
magazine, unless it's piano music (especially not keen on most of Lizt
and Scriabin).

It's almost December. I must dig out the Christmas music. I have about
20 Christmas CD's.

--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

Sunny

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Nov 28, 2009, 1:49:52 PM11/28/09
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Personally I don't like in concert CDs because I find there is too
much peripheral noise for me to enjoy the music. Probably that's
because of bad engineering or recording. Whatever.

Right now (and almost always) I like Latin music for the beat and the
guitars and the blood stirring. I have found West African music and
love it for all the same reasons plus amazing harmonies. Gypsy Punk
has left the category of "current phase" and entered my regular
listening stable. I could go on, but mostly I have found I like
instrumental or uncomplicated (read this foreign language cuz I don't
know what they're saying) lyrics for quilting. It keeps me on the
fabric while giving me a beat to keep me going.

As with everything else, music is intensely personal. What works for
me may not work for you. If you want to dabble in non-Top 40 but don't
know where to start, go to a Starbucks and buy one of their CDs. They
have put together some amazing music and it's very easy entry to music
you might not know about and will never hear on the radio.

Sunny

NightMist

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Nov 28, 2009, 3:57:01 PM11/28/09
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Remix has several meanings, it can sometimes be good, it can sometimes
be bad.
If you see it linked to a name other than the original artist, it
usually means that the song was remixed by a DJ into a long version
dance mix. Unless you are throwing a sock hop you probably will not
be interested in those.
Sometimes it means the record company made money on an artist's new
record and has tried to remix all their old albums to sound like the
one they just made a bunch of money on. These efforts are usually
full of fail, as I can personally attest to in at least one instance.
I was beyond disappointed in the copy of "The Scream" by Siouxie and
the Banshees that I aquired because my original copy had a severe case
of PTSS (Played To S*** Syndrome). They made the songs sound like
covers by a third rate dance band, mixed out most of the original
band, and did really wierd things with special effects on the vocals.
Sometimes it means that the artist finally got the rights to their own
music, and has issued a remix that is as close as they can get to the
way it was supposed to sound in the first place. Sometimes it suits
you ear, sometimes it does not.

Remastering usually leaves the mix alone and involves imposing new
technology to clarify the sound, dig out subtleties that may have been
overwhelmed in the initial master, eliminate noise, impose stereo
divisions, and etc. Very occasionally it may include the artist
redoing specific tracks because the original technology they were
recorded with was exceptionally poor for certain sounds.
Remastering with an ear to noise elimination has the potential to
revive very very old recordings, as well as many live recordings that
just had too much crowd enthusiasm (or an idiot placing the recording
mikes). Particularly orchestral recordings, because the only way
there has been to record those for many years has been to spot mikes
around the orchestra and pray.

Of course if you want new music and are willing to take your chances
listening to somebody you have never heard of, you can always go to:

www.jamendo.com

NightMist
--

Legolas is my house elf

Polly Esther

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Nov 28, 2009, 10:18:44 PM11/28/09
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Thank you; thank you all. The range of expertise and the kindness of this
group is always a joy. We've bought some CDs that could offend the sound of
tin cans and old shoes tied to a Just Married bumper as well as some that
just make our spirits soar.
The only musical instrument Mr. Esther can play is the Bose - but my
golly, how he loves that system. Since you've educated me, now I can shop
for some happy surprises for him. Again, I do sincerely thank you. Polly

"NightMist" <night...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4b118707...@news.windstream.net...

Roberta

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Nov 29, 2009, 5:47:56 AM11/29/09
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If it ain't Baroque don't fix it!

DH just set me up with this website: http://www.radiosure.com/
Once it'S downloaded and installed, you can go through a zillion radio
stations (possible to search just your favorite category), add to your
personal favorites list, and music is yours!

All the stores we ever buy CDs in allow you to listen to a bit first.
Roberta in D

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:25:45 -0600, "Polly Esther"
<Poll...@cableone.net> wrote:

Dr. Zachary Smith

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Nov 29, 2009, 11:31:23 AM11/29/09
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A word about music and FME/Q from Mrs. Doc...

Hello,
Free motion quilting has proven to be a challenge for me. I had lunch
with a quilting friend and asked if she had the same issue. We are
both quasi-computer geeks (she taught Computer Science at a local
university; I have worked for 25 years in IS at a big company). She
asked me, "When you 'doodle', do you doodle in circles and arcs, or in
straight lines?"

"Straight lines." I replied. "Me too!" she said, "I had to learn to
doodle with no straight lines." What she told me next really blew me
away. "Then I needed to find some 'round' music." "Round music?", I
asked, "what are you talking about?" She went on to describe music
that is calming, free-flowing, smooth, gentle ..."round"!. She puts
on her headphones and gets into the rhythm of the music and practices
free motion quilting along with the music. I tried it, and it
works!

I also will share with you a site I found where you can create your
own music "station". http://www.pandora.com Basically, you select a
type of music, or an artist, or a song. They play a song for you and
you "vote" whether you like it or not. If you do, they play another
selection with similar "qualities". If you don't like one, you vote
"no". They apologize (imagine that!) and try another. Before you
know it, you've created your own radio station that only plays music
you like! You can create multiple stations (I have one for Classical,
one for New Age, and one for Bluegrass! - what does that tell you
about me?!)

We now return you to your regular "Doc"...

Before you ask... yes, she has her own acct. here, but is currently
"time-commited" to other groups/interests/pursuits, and I've learned
(in 38 yrs. together) when NOT to push...

Doc (& Mrs. Doc)

Sally Swindells

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Nov 29, 2009, 12:41:14 PM11/29/09
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Pandora is for US only. : (

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallyattheseaside/

Donna in Idaho

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Nov 29, 2009, 6:19:35 PM11/29/09
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I just bought an iPod and have been busy this afternoon loading music from
my CDs on it. Dock it with my stereo and it will play all day! So far I've
loaded classical, Christmas and jazz with lots more to go. Sure like not
having to load and unload CDs all the time.

Ginger, tell me about Gypsy music, please? Would that be Pearl Reinhardt
type music? We used to hear Pearl Django at the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree
and loved his group.

Donna in SW Idaho

Ginger in CA

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Nov 29, 2009, 7:52:11 PM11/29/09
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Hi Donna [waving wildly from Calif!]
I have Gypsy Caravan, which is a collection of Gypsy groups from
France, Spain, and Romania. I am searching for more.
I first heard this in a bookstore about 10 years ago, and bought it
right away. According to the liner notes, they had to go out to the
camps to records some of the groups, others it was their first time
ever recorded.

Ginger in CA

Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.

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Nov 29, 2009, 9:48:38 PM11/29/09
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My only complaint with Pandora is that when you have what you want and are
satisfied they will continue to throw in songs that they think you'll like.
Is there any way to 'close' your station so they stop adding to it?

But I do enjoy Pandora- very much!

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

"Sally Swindells" <sally_s...@REMOVEhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0JudnfqE8pGpL4_W...@bt.com...

Polly Esther

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Nov 29, 2009, 11:50:15 PM11/29/09
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I wish I'd been there for that conversation. I can see some music as
'round'. Can also see it in color. Can't imagine doodling in straight
lines. I have to really shift sides of my brain to do stars or anything
that needs no curves. Investigating Pandora is something I'm eager to do;
just haven't had any serious time 'for me' and that one's important. Thank
you. Polly


"Dr. Zachary Smith" <Dr.S...@rochester.rr.com> wrote in message
news:98a2429f-1d8b-4df1...@g26g2000yqe.googlegroups.com...

Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.

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Nov 30, 2009, 8:45:36 AM11/30/09
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Jumping up and running to the computer to give Pandora a 'no, thanks' to a
song is a great way to make yourself take mini-breaks while quilting. ;-)
I have my computer on all the time so it may as well be entertaining me with
music while it's sitting there.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

"Polly Esther" <Poll...@cableone.net> wrote in message
news:7nh186F...@mid.individual.net...

Julia in MN

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Nov 30, 2009, 11:23:54 AM11/30/09
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I have the computer in my sewing room and often listen to Minnesota
Public Radio's Radio Heartland, an eclectic mix of acoustic, Americana,
blues, etc. It's online only outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul.
<http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/radio_heartland/> When
I'm machine-quilting anything very big, I move out to the dining room
and turn on the MPR classical music station. I do my hand work in the
living room tuned in to MPR; on Sunday afternoons, it's the news station
with Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk, and Wait Wait; otherwise it's the
classical music station.

Julia in MN


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This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
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amy in CNY

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Nov 30, 2009, 12:50:53 PM11/30/09
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On Nov 30, 11:23 am, Julia in MN <jaccola-AT-chartermi-

DOT-...@jjjjjjj.jjj> wrote:
> and turn on the MPR classical music station. I do my hand work in the
> living room tuned in to MPR; on Sunday afternoons, it's the news station
> with Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk, and Wait Wait; otherwise it's the
> classical music station.

Do you mean "NPR"?

amy in CNY

Jack Campin - bogus address

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Nov 30, 2009, 1:02:10 PM11/30/09
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> Free motion quilting has proven to be a challenge for me. I had lunch
> with a quilting friend and asked if she had the same issue. We are
> both quasi-computer geeks (she taught Computer Science at a local
> university; I have worked for 25 years in IS at a big company). She
> asked me, "When you 'doodle', do you doodle in circles and arcs, or in
> straight lines?"
>
> "Straight lines." I replied. "Me too!" she said, "I had to learn to
> doodle with no straight lines." What she told me next really blew me
> away. "Then I needed to find some 'round' music." "Round music?", I
> asked, "what are you talking about?" She went on to describe music
> that is calming, free-flowing, smooth, gentle ..."round"!. She puts
> on her headphones and gets into the rhythm of the music and practices
> free motion quilting along with the music. I tried it, and it
> works!

Try music for the Armenian duduk or Azeri balaban (same instrument,
different names) - Djivan Gasparian, Alihan Samedov, Suren Asaduryan.
Lots on YouTube, probably on Spotify as well. But hold off watching
Asaduryan on video unless you're sure you can handle the roundness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
e m a i l : j a c k @ c a m p i n . m e . u k
Jack Campin, 11 Third Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4PU, Scotland
mobile 07800 739 557 <http://www.campin.me.uk> Twitter: JackCampin

Dr. Zachary Smith

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Nov 30, 2009, 1:59:17 PM11/30/09
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On Nov 30, 1:02 pm, Jack Campin - bogus address
<bo...@purr.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> Try music for the Armenian duduk or Azeri balaban (same instrument,
> different names) - Djivan Gasparian, Alihan Samedov, Suren Asaduryan.
> Lots on YouTube, probably on Spotify as well.  But hold off watching
> Asaduryan on video unless you're sure you can handle the roundness.

"Roundness" must be in the ear of the beholder... I tried a couple
and they made Fudgy howl - first thing that has!
I guess it may be a little *too* eclectic even for us (but so is pan
flute music...)
She plays banjo (mostly Scruggs style) so our concept of "round" can
include some good rolls (picking patterns) and breakdowns on the fast
side and Gospels by Seldom Scene, The Bluegrass Album Band, or Doc
Watson on the slowed-down side... :-)

Doc

Julia in MN

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Nov 30, 2009, 4:11:19 PM11/30/09
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Nope. I mean MPR -- Minnesota Public Radio. It is the local affiliate of
NPR. All of their broadcasts are also streamed online; you can listen
anywhere in the world at <http://minnesota.publicradio.org/>

Julia in MN

Maureen Wozniak

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Dec 1, 2009, 8:53:59 AM12/1/09
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On Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:50:53 -0600, amy in CNY wrote
(in article
<1c147d0d-b6e6-4c07...@1g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>):

> On Nov 30, 11:23ᅵam, Julia in MN <jaccola-AT-chartermi-

LOL, Amy

amy in CNY

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Dec 1, 2009, 3:38:44 PM12/1/09
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On Nov 30, 4:11 pm, Julia in MN <jaccola-AT-chartermi-

Ahhhh! ok, i see now. Our station is WUNY, utica new york.
amy in CNY

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