The Peak of the Tweet?

The thing with Twitter, along with other massively popular trend sites, is that it will continue to grow until it: A) is no longer the "new site on the block" B) it reached it's capacity audience (people who are interested in this type of technology) and C) it is bumped out of it's spot by another website using similar, upgraded technology.

According to an article on CNN.com, Twitter has flat-lined in new subscribers over the last couple of months (approximately from July to December '09). While this may seem to be the beginning of the end for the site that popularized the ever-so-popular "Tweet", it is not necessarily so. Twitter.com is the type of website that attracts a certain type of internet user; young, technologically savvy people interested in the endless boundaries of communication. While the numbers show that Twitter hasn't gained an eye-catching amount of new subscribers, people already subscribed have upped their average amounts of tweets as well as "following" others and gaining more "followers". This strikes me as the most important statistic of the article.

Here's my theory: Twitter appeals to the myspace and facebook crowd (and mostly the youth). It is no longer a "newly discovered" website. The reason Twitter had originally garnered so much attention is because of the way it hit the scene; the millions of people already familiar with social networking sites jumped on the new opportunity to join this trendy new site. At this current point in time, most of the people that want to be involved with Twitter are, in fact, tweeters. That doesn't mean Twitter won't continue to thrive. There are plenty of websites that are not as popular as they were in their launching months (see: myspace, facebook, etc.) but continue to thrive because people continue to use them with frequency.

Basically, as long as celebrities, athletes, politicians and even universities/colleges continue to use this application, Twitter will stay afloat. Sure, it might have "peaked" in the sense that they aren't continuing their growth with users (there are only so many people in the world, anyway!) but I don't believe its cultural influence has. Like it or not, Twitter will be around for a while. At about 23 million users strong, it may not be growing at the astronomically numbers it once was, but those 23 mil. will continue to show loyalty and use the site.

Happy Grab Bag Record Day at Salvation Army!!!

There's honestly something really awesome and special about old-school vinyl records. It's not like buying a new album on vinyl because there is so much digital technology put into the recording of the music that it almost negates the fact that the music is being played on a circular piece of etched VINYL. And it's not quite like listening to cd's and mp3's of old music because that bullshit is most likely completely remastered, out of order, compiled into some hits collection... while all being done without the artists consent and little royalties. (Note: Not that I don't love remastered music -- I do -- but it's not the same). The point is, old music on old vinyl is special. Sure, it's music from the past, but it's new and completely unique in an -- I want to say -- authentic way; when I listen to a random album purchased from a thrift store like Salvation Army, I have no idea what to expect. I don't have any preconceived perceptions or notions on the artist or album... other than maybe the year it was released (which sometimes can be hard to find on those old vinyl) and the artwork gracing the cover. Otherwise, I have no further knowledge on the music I am going to hear. It's a wonderfully sick experience.

So, it's been decided by me that today is a national...no...worldwide... holiday.

Here are the rules of my Holiday (Grab Bag Record Day? We'll work on it):

* This Holiday doesn't hit you in the wallet. It's cheap, and therefore, Grab Bag (record) Day will commence every Wednesday. Unless you are busy, in which case you may celebrate on any of the other days, or you could...not celebrate...whatever, bro.

* You must buy (less than) ten dollars worth of random music, movies and media (vinyl ;) , CD's, VHS movies, DVDs, books on tape, etc.) at a local thrift store of your choice.

* Must have at least 5 items to constitute Rob's definition of "Grab Bag" (one item per finger on the grabbing hand)

and lastly

* Must share your findings via blogosphereeeee.

Ok, whew, so moving on. I will become the first to post on my findings. I actually got somewhere around 11 albums for only $6.00. SIX DOLLARS! You can't even buy a new EP for six bucks.

Anyway, here's what I enjoyed the most out of my grab bag:

1) Roger Williams - Roger! (1967) 12-Song LP
Standout Tracks: Theme From "BLACK ORPHEUS", I'm a Believer (Monkees Cover), And I Love Her (Beatles Cover)

**Roger Williams is an insanely talented pianist. Actually, if what I've learned is true, he is THE best-selling pianist in the history of pop music. I didn't know much about him before listening to this album, but I have to say it's everything from fun to moving while managing to be quite an overall upbeat enjoyable album. If you are into Frank Sinatra type stuff as well talented musicianship, this might bode well with your ears.

2) Glen Campbell - The Artistry of Glen Campbell (1967) 20-Song Double LP
Standout Tracks: Wayfaring Stranger (oh my god, so so so good), Scarlet Ribbons, Love is Blue

**Incredible vocals with intricate, noodling acoustic guitars. Wayfaring Stranger has quickly become one of my favorite songs (this week) and his version of Scarlet Ribbons rules. Also, picking up this album opened my Glen Campbell doors; I have discovered an album which he had collaborated on called Present Tense by psychedelic rockers Sagittarius. THAT comes highly recommended as well (especially if you are a sucker for Beach Boys era psych-pop. 

3) The Grateful Dead - Live in Europe '72 (1972) ? Live LP

Standout Tracks: Sugar Magnolia, Cumberland Blues

**Never been a "Dead Head", but I have found a new appreciation for the Dead. Their unique live and improvised sound and fuzzed guitars are quite endearing. I wouldn't suggest it if you aren't looking for random music of the past or are a major fan of the Grateful Dead, but it is TOTALLY worth the 45 cents.


That's all for now. There's a bunch of other random things that I enjoyed including records by Neil Young, Glenn Yarbrough, and a Ferrante & Teicher "Broadway Hits" album. If you're interested in anything else concerning these albums or artists, feel free to hit me up.

Happy Grab Bag Record Day to all!

Double-Lee Good an All-Star?

My generation of Knick fans know what its like to root for a team without a leader. We know that for nearly a decade now, we haven't had even one superstar star all-star. As the NBA All-Star game approaches, talk surrounding David Lee as a possible all-star (reserve) has become a popular topic in the world of basketball.

I'm currently too lazy to get all the statistics and official numbers, but this I know: David Lee has helped turn the Knicks into a competitive team this season. For much of the average Knicks game, the offense runs through him.

He isn't afraid to take the make-or-break shot late in games. He's averaging an impressing 19 points, 11 rebounds, and approximately 3 assists a game (leads NBA centers). He is undersized at 6'9 for a center, yet he fearlessly takes on the biggest and toughest players in the league and often dominates them offensively.

Basically, the guy deserves to represent NY in Dallas on February 14th.

In closing, lets go David Lee and lets go Knicks (currently dishin' and swishin' against the Timberwolves, lead 28-8).

-RB

Trivia Question: Who was the last player that the Knicks sent to the All-Star game?

DES!GN by Rob Baranoff

So once upon a time, I spent hours and hours and hours making, coding, and designing a myspace page that would be used as a portfolio for my work.

Well, I forgot my password and haven't used it in over a year. But, it came out pretty nifty and, for those interested, you can see some random and old pieces of artwork I've created.

Check it out at : www.myspace.com/designbyrobbaranoff.

-RB

There's Something Wrong With My Toast

I thought I'd make a recommendation on this rainy afternoon.


ARCHERS OF LOAF - Icky Mettle
Alias Records | 1993

It's hard not to love this record. At least for me ... and people like me.

I was driving in my car the other day and I decided to put my iPod on shuffle, get a random song, and subsequently listen to that song's respective album throughout the day (I do this often). The song "Backwash" from the Loaf's Icky Mettle (1993) album was picked by the hand of fate to brighten up my day.

This record is chock full o' music from another time while simultaneously acting as a precursor for the popular indie rock/pop punk/rock/etc. of today.

Allow me to explain:

Icky Mettle is a raw, romping, rockin' album that manages to hold true to the punk aesthetic while paying obvious homage to the underground hardcore scene that graced the mid-late 80's. At the time, Archers of Loaf burned some pretty major bridges that would become almost formulaic for the underground rock scene that would follow. By mixing their brand of indie rock with raw sounds of the underground hardcore punk scene (a la Husker Du), Archers of Loaf would almost accidentally create an underground classic. The resulting product would be a catchy, punky, sing-a-long record while being tastefully noisy and raw.

Or what I like to call, real music.

It's lyrically heartfelt. I believe lead singer Eric Bachmann when he yelps "You say I'll never be honest with you / Cause you don't deserve it anyway / No I don't think that you could love me anyway" on the song "Wrong". I believe that the screaching guitars on "Learo, You're a Hole" are emphasizing the singers feeling of discontent. I believe it.

If you're looking for that perfect pop-polished record full of perfect harmonies and ambiguous lyrics, you should run far from this record and never look back. But, in the event that you may just be ready to listen to one of the rawest, influential, and often overlooked indie rock masterpieces of the past, Icky Mettle may just brighten up your day too.

You owe it an honest chance.

Favorite Songs: Web In Front, Backwash, Hate Paste

First And Foremost: I Love King Elvis

The name's Rob Baranoff and I'm pleased to introduce my blog, Rob in the Mean Time.

This will serve as a creative outlet for my art and thoughts. This first post is a sketch I made a few years ago using various Adobe programs and a Wacom drawing Tablet.

The Essentials:

• Love music (especially vinyl and collecting records like a fiend. Seriously, I'll buy any record for the right price. For example, I've recently acquired a bunch of random old "junk records". I found a great Supertramp album in there and it makes me think I should've been born in the 70's. Too bad I can't grow gnarly chest hair...anyway...)
• Student By Day, Graphic Designer By... Other Days.
• Enjoy Playing Shows (Rock & Roll \m/)
• Saying "Bless You" after any natural bodily function occurs.
  

As far as introductions go, I like to keep things short and simple. I'll be on here quite frequently for the next couple months so feel free to stop by if you like what you see.

-RB