2021 music streaming: an amazing year for The Argument. Nearly 300 worldwide streams (298), in 8 countries (Indonesia second only to USA), for a solid $0.67. Couldn’t have done it without our fans. Gratitude.
EP 9 of our COVID Covers: “Steppin’ Out” by @joejacksonmusic. Thrilling to decode these iconic piano chords. I used live drums, but in '82 Joe used a Korg KR-55 + live snare (he played all instruments). For our recently departed cat, Pete: “into the night, into the light.”
EP 8 of our COVID Covers: “Message Of Love” by The Pretenders. Headed into “COVID 2: The Remaskening,” so we went with this crazy cool beat and a shuttlecock. Note @danielspils 's joyously flailing limbs (this drum part is a blast to play). Vox @brangien. Song @ThePretendersHQ.
Ep7 of our COVID Covers: “Message In A Bottle” by The Police. Simplified the drums b/c couldn’t get @copelandmusic to play for us (pandemic and all). Transcribed @asummersmusic killer guitar part to my trusty piano and away we went! @brangien sings in kaftan; @danielspils mimes.
Ep 6 of our COVID Covers: “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell (covering Gloria Jones). What is a soft cell? This video offers no answers.
We pulled out the horns, piano bench, and a cat hair roller to hit what are arguably the two most iconic quarter notes of early ‘80s synth-pop.
Episode 5 of our COVID Covers: “Man in the Box” by Alice In Chains.
This week, the box is coming from inside the house. We’re cooped up, souped-up, and ready for ‘90s rock! @danielspils made a guitar “talk box” from headphones and tape and discovered how to fast zoom. @brangien
Ep 4 of our COVID Covers: “Destination Unknown” by Missing Persons.
An ‘80s tune that seems made for the present. Behind The Music™: I bought the analog synthesizer I used in this video at Down Home Guitar in Anchorage in the early ‘80s. I never upgraded. @danielspils@brangien
Episode 3 of our COVID Covers: PJ Harvey’s “Down By The River.”
This week @brangien & @danielspils find ourselves going mildly stir crazy and proving (re: video editing software) that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. We promise to chill out if we make it to ep 4.
Episode 2 of our Quarantine Covers (a series which may only last 2 episodes).
Between Zoom calls and eating Triscuits, we’re singing duets to pass the time. This week: Soundgarden’s 4th of July.
The Seattle Viaduct is coming down ... but spins of "O, Viaduct!" are up! Thank you @seattletimes and @nytimes for featuring our music video "O, Viaduct!". Lyrics quoted in both papers (where's the fainting couch?). A recap of our unexpected press flurry:
https://t.co/kw48mxhdrm