RDK

Great to hear that everything's running smoothly so far. As for FLAC, I'd prefer it too, but the files are much bigger and could be a problem if anyone's still on dial-up. More to the point, I didn't use it this time for the simple fact that i was in a hurry, didn't have the Flac program handy (while I did have iTunes), and I didn't think as many participants would be familiar with Flac (or the decoding of) as they would be with the more common mp3 format. I'm all for using Flac in the future, but I'm not sure if it's really necessary. I'm curious what everyone thinks of the sound quality of these tracks (albeit they are all vinyl sourced). I used the 192 setting in iTunes (and ironically, I've never used iTunes to rip/burn before). I was concerned about the posting of the links here (rather than by PM), but since i kinda changed the "rules" at the last minute - hey, it was your fault! - I thought it would be faster and less confusing this way. I did PM Jim that i was doing so and to remove the links if he objected, but i have yet to hear back. In any case, I'll be removing the files in just a week or two, so this should still be pretty much limited to only those reading this thread.

If you want to save a few bucks (for now at least) and get a ballpark calibration, you can use the THX Optimizer which is available on some DVDS: Star Wars and the Indiana Jones films at least.

Yes, the mp3 files can be converted/burned as .wav files to play on any CD player. Or you can keep them as mp3s to play on your computer, ipod, or even some CD/DVD players that play mp3s. Two discs worth of tunes, about 79 minutes each.

Okay, following Tooter's suggestion, I've just uploaded an mp3 version (but sounds nice!) of BFT 43. The tracks are available at the following links... Disc A: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K9P57M7E Disc B: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TCAJAR90 Downloading should be easy - you don't need an account - though you may need to wait an hour or so between d/l'ing the second file. The mp3 files are zipped, so you'll need to unzip them, but you should all have the ability to do that already. This was surprisingly easy to do - I've never uploaded a file like this before. I don't expect any problems downloading them, but please give feedback on any difficulties you might have. No CDRs have been sent out yet. My wife was about to run the first batch of discs (to European participants) off to the post office when I called her to wait. I figured I'd give this a try instead since it would be much faster and cheaper. I do have discs already burned that I can send out as needed to anyone who is unable to download these files and/or can't play mp3 files, but this method should really improve BFT service, especially for any overseas participants. If I had more time I'd post these as uncompressed FLAC files, but for now they're mp3 only. Please let me know if this is acceptable. I'm eager to hear if it works, what problems we might possibly face, and how we might improve this sort of BFT distribution in the future.

Hmmm. I wish I had thought of that earlier. I wonder if we're all comfortable enough with torrenting these in the future?

My thoughts exactly. But you'd never catch me saying that now.

Where's Soy Bomb when you really need him?

Silly comment and equally stupid ruling. I'm guessing (hoping) that this will be overturned on appeal.

The search function will seek out each word, not just any use of those three words together. So you'll get any thread that contains the words "African," "High," or "Life."

I'll only add that ECM of the 70s is a far cry from what they've been putting out for the last two decades or so. Yeah, some of the more recent stuff is okay, but goddam so much of it puts me to sleep. Chewy's right in that regard - but only to a point. I dig a much much higher percentage of their 70s sides, when the label really meant something.

Keith Jarrett: My Song, Koln (many others too!) Pat Metheny: As Falls Witchita... Richie Beirach: Elm Dave Liebman: Lookout Farm Charlie Haden: Ballad for the Fallen too early in the a.m. to think of titles, but various discs by Charles Lloyd, John Surman, Methany, etc. Oh and Chewy: fuck off!

Some John Cage perhaps?

itunes is a poor value if you're buying albums but it's great for singles and build-your-own comps.

Interesting (or maybe not), but they just added Definitive.

You joke, Chuck, but I'm getting all my local HD signals through a $12 UHF antenna!

Updated with additions. And there's still time to sign up since I stupidly copied a second batch of disc #2 instead of a first batch of #1. So I have plenty of copies... First discs should go out tomorrow to European participants... if i can brave the holiday crowds and get to the post office for stamps.

Speaking of Finding Nemo, the HD-DVD (or Blueray, I forget which) was playing on a 1080p 70" plasma when i was in Best Buy last week. Stunningly good picture - maybe the best I've ever seen - but over $9,000. BTW, you can get a lot more HDTV advice, recommendations, and hostilty over at the AVS forums. But I've pretty much come to the conclusion that nearly all HDTV sets look pretty damn good and - properly set up - are virtually indistinguishable from each other.

It's a matter of personal preference. Flat screen plasmas have superior contrast to most RPTVs, but they often have less accurate color. Most RPTVs are actually sharper - except for the still very expensive 1080p plasmas - but I've found that the other qualities more than make up for it. Plasmas and flat panel LCDs are still relatively limited in size, with very few of them over 50". For me, one of the biggest differences is the reflective glass screen of the plasmas verses the non-glare screen of the DLPs. Not a problem, of course, in a darkened room, but in my living room I really prefer the "matte" screen of my DLP that reduces room/window reflections. Personally, unless you need/want to hang your TV on the wall, I'd save the money and go with a RPTV. Which HDTV did you end up getting Joe?

Forget "prime time." TCM's recent Underground series was pretty terrific. I just got through watching The Sadist, a great entry in TCM's Arch Hall Jr. "festival."

I've said this before but it bears repeating... The great thing about Myspace, Youtube, etc. is that it allows everyone to have their own website. But conversely, the bad thing about Myspace, Youtube, etc. is that it allows everyone to have their own website. Frankly, most of "You" out there simply aren't that interesting.

Bumping this to add that there's a tremendously fine torrent on Dime right now of Grimes' "Spaceship on the Runway Quartet" as broadcast from Stockholm on 11/14/06. With Fred Anderson, Marshall Allen, and Avreeayl Ra. Highly recommended!

Here's who's signed up so far... Dan Gould Stereojack Bright Moments Tjobbe Mikeweil Magnificant Goldberg Dutchmanx Durium Martyjazz Mr. Bassman Stefan Wood Dmitry King Ubu Jim R. JSngry Sidewinder If I've missed you, please let me know asap. Anyone else who'd like to participate please pm me your address.

DNA testing is perhaps the greatest boon to law enforecement since fingerprinting became standard practice. Lots of closed cases are now open, and formerly "scott free" parties have been convicted and doing time. Fortunately it works the other way as well, clearing those wrongly charged.

Hmm. Soy makes me shit funny but it's never influenced who I want to fuck.