"Not That Guy"

"It's been a long time, now I'm, coming back home..."

Truer words have never been sung.

Contrary to the wildly exaggerated rumors of my incarceration for grand theft auto (out-of-date inspection sticker) and a mid-life crisis walkabout (spent a few hours at a Vespa shop), I'm still very much here, folks.

Granted, not that you'd know it.

After spending the last few years behind the scenes - building a new studio, producing/mixing for various artists and writing for such publications as Guitar World and Songwriter's Market - I've finally gotten the chance to return to my original post as singer-songwriter with the release (7/22) of a newly minted single, "Not That Guy" (DreamCrush Music).

An up-tempo, piano-driven, (some have even said "jaunty" - don't you love that word?) pop rock ode to the perils of "friend zone" banishment, "Not That Guy" features my old friend Jay Sherman-Godfrey (TMBG, Laura Cantrell) on guitars/bass/keys, Joe McGinty (Ryan Adams, Ronnie Spector) on piano and was mastered by Ted Jensen (Paul McCartney, Eagles) at Sterling Sound.

Given my schedule, I've found myself a bit time challenged of late when it comes to recording music for myself as an artist. Rather than waiting to amass an album's worth of new material before sending it all out into the world, I thought why not release the new tunes as I finish them? As such, "Not That Guy" marks the first of several, single song releases I have planned for the coming months.

I mean, unless I pick up that Vespa or something.

XO,
-mb
www.markbacino.com

Sample/purchase "Not That Guy" at iTunes

Sample/purchase "Not That Guy" at Amazon

Purchase "Not That Guy" in CD format

The Queens English 2.0

After crawling out from under four months worth of construction materials, acoustic treatments and patch cables last April, I quietly went back to work in my shiny, new studio space (left/below) somehow neglecting to alert the media (aka your bad selves) that The Queens English 2.0 had become a reality. Now, close to a year later, in efforts to remedy my oversight (& obvious lack of business sense), I thought I’d spread the word about my new-ish, sonic sanctuary.

Starting to feel as if I’d outgrown the original QE, I decided to take the plunge and design/construct a new, custom studio space from the ground up. Being as dangerous with a hammer as a dude with gambling issues at the track, I found a good acoustic consultant and a solid contractor and we were off to the races. A few, um, “interesting” and semi-daunting months later, a fully heated, cooled, ventilated, soundproofed and acoustically treated cozy but effective studio was born.

That said, it's important for me to make the distinction that I don't view the space as a traditional, commercial “studio” for rent, per say, but rather a sonic laboratory/workshop for all my musical endeavors, ranging from production work for other artists, to tracking or mixing gigs, to composing original music for picture.

So if you’re a singer-songwriter looking for someone with my musical sensibilities to produce-record-mix your new tune, give me a holler. If, maybe, you're looking to record a VO or podcast or even looking to mix a track you recorded on your laptop, hit me up, I'd be happy to hear from you. Likewise, if you're looking for someone to score your ad spot or indie film, feel free to reach out as well. Never working on the clock (a total drag, I've been there) we offer affordable, per-project rates for every budget.

To make contact to discuss a project, please email me at – mark@thequeensenglish.com or visit www.thequeensenglish.com for work samples and more info.

Let's make some awesome music together in the new digs, shall we?

God save the Queens!

XO,
-mb 

www.markbacino.com

Introducing Intro.Verse.Chorus

Wanted to interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to let you know about a pet project of mine called - intro.verse.chorus

Newly launched, intro.verse.chorus is a website/blog dedicated to the art of songwriting. In addition to maintaining my personal Blog here, I’ll also be writing for intro.verse.chorus as well as curating, with other writers contributing as we go. The idea being sort of a ‘songwriters on songwriting’ kind of collective. If you’re a musician, songwriter or even an Über-music fan curious to see what goes on under the hood, I think you’ll enjoy this site.

Check out our launch post to learn more or jump straight to the main URL here…

www.introversechorus.com

…for the latest piece featuring the first installment of a master class series with singer/songwriter and Composer Fellow of the Sundance Institute, David Poe.

Lastly, selected posts from my personal intro.verse.chorus contributions will also be featured on my Guitar World Blog.

Please visit IVC if you can, subscribe if you like (RSS or email) and pass it along to the musician, songwriter or music lover in your life.

Thanks, as always!

Write on…

XO,
-mb

---
Follow @IVChorus on Twitter
Like IVC on Facebook

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Look Ma!

Flop of the World...

Thought I'd kick off the new year on a positive note and share some hot-off-the-press music. See below for the self-doubting, tongue-in-cheek title track to my (some time in the distant future) new album, "Flop of the World".

(Yes, music journos, I know the title's a "gimme", snark away).

Produced by yours truly and my musical director of some 38 years, Jay Sherman-Godfrey, "Flop..." will be streaming here on the Blog for your listening pleasure through 1/22/12.

Lyrically speaking, the writing for this new album seems to be shaping up as kind of a loose exploration in perspective (one man's ceiling..., etc) and how it relates to our definitions of "success/failure", whether it be in life or in love.

Musically, the record looks as if it might turn out to be a mingling of French Quarter-infused, music hall romps and "Million Dollar Milkshake"-era powerpop jams. Sounds odd? Possibly so. But maybe it's all in the way you look at it.

XO,
-mb

Mark Bacino - "Flop of the World" by markbacino

Flop of the World

Flop of the world,
Flop of the world
Looking up at the bottom
Even the Japanese forgot him
Flop of the world…

”Don’t change you’re beautiful, each song’s a hit
Just try and lay off of that 70’s bit.
Think something edgy, outside the box
How ‘bout some hip hop, or some classic rock?”

Flop of the world,
Flop of the world
Looking up at the bottom
Even the Japanese forgot him
Flop of the world…

Does this sound hipper?
Angry and lean
Should I try screamin’?
I’m not that mean, it’s not my scene...

Maybe it's true, maybe I’m not that great
Even this melody is second rate
Just a legend in my own mind
Soon flipping burgers for the take-out line…

Flop of the world (look Ma!),
Flop of the world
Looking up at the bottom
Even the Japanese forgot him
Flop of the world

Flop of the world
Flop of the world…

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Summertime...

"...And the livin' is easy"

Or at least so goes the Gershwin classic. And, really, I can't argue as I check in from this quiet, country cottage Southampton way; Our family, seaside vaca in full swing.

That said, truth be told, I'm not a big fan of the summer; never have been. I come from a long line of perspiring Sicilians. Growing up my Dad had an air conditioner in every room of the house. One August day our neighbor came to visit wearing a parka. He thought we were crazy but we were happy as clams (in the freezer section).

In addition to my freon-dependent DNA, I also think my long-standing summer reservations neurotically stem from feelings of intimidation fueled by the expectations of all those "Hot Fun in the Summertime" cliches that accompany the season - Like, what if I don't particularly feel like having fun, fun, fun? Or worse yet, what if I really try to have a sunny, sultry blast but my summer's a total wipe out? Isn't that way too much pressure to put on one's self... especially when it's so damn hot?

But, just as the seasons change, surprisingly, I find myself loosening up a bit these days when it comes to my summertime blues. Despite my contempt for temperatures above 70 degrees (and an acute shorts phobia), I've promised myself to at least try and take advantage of some of what these brief, sun-drenched months have to offer, expectations be damned, before Daddy takes that T-Bird away.

XO,
-mb

PS - In keeping with the spirit of this post, check out one of my favorite "summer" songs below by my old pal, Michael Shelley -



(Can't see the player? Click here to listen)

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Liner Notes

I was recently approached by pop music Blog, "Pop Fair" and asked if I might have any rare/unreleased tracks, demos, etc I might be willing to share with their readers. I thought it was a cool idea and a fun way to say thanks to all who have listened over the years so I decided to give the project a go. After putting in some thought and receiving some great suggestions from the Pop Fair folks themselves, we dug through the vaults to come up with a (hopefully) interesting and different collection of material.

Currently posted on Pop Fair as a free digi EP download, I realized that maybe some peeps might enjoy this somewhat random collection of odds and sods a little better if they knew the back stories behind the tunes. So, as such, here goes...

"Every Night"

Some years back I was asked to contribute to a Macca tribute album the proceeds of which were to benefit cancer research. I'm usually not a big fan of "tribute records" but since this one would be helping a worthy cause and as the source material was that of Sir Paul's, how could I refuse?

The Paulie track I decided to cover was one of my faves of his, "Every Night". After mulling it over a bit, I decided to keep my arrangement fairly close to the original with a few embellishments. Why mess with perfection, right?

In the end, the project became a really nice double-disc affair (Oglio Records), featuring some scrappy up-and-comers such as myself as well as some very talented, well-established artists like Neil & Tim Finn, Matthew Sweet, etc. Funny enough, the esteemed Mr. Sweet also chose to do a cover of "Every Night". Our takes on the tune are interestingly very similar, proving either great minds think alike... or we both were too chicken to mess with McCartney's vision.

Since this album is no longer officially in print, I thought it was fair game to share the track. That said, if you like what you hear, please consider making a donation to the charity's original recipient, The Susan G. Komen Foundation.


"In Colour"

As some may know, my alter-ego (he spells Mark w/ a "c") creates music for television from time to time. This track, pulled from my commercial jingle work, was originally pitched for an HP color printer ad. Sadly, it was never used for the campaign but I always liked the way it came out - sort of a glammy mix of T-Rex meets Bowie in vibe. Very 70's Brit-tastic (thus the English spelling of "color", of course). I'm such a dorky Anglophile.


"Down to the River" (demo)

A few years back the word was out that one of my favorite 70's bands, America, was making a new album ("Here & Now") produced by Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger and Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha. Adam and James' intriguing premise for the project was to take the band back to their roots sound-wise while also having America record a few songs written by a new generation of pop songwriters who were influenced by the band. I asked Adam if I could submit something and he graciously said I could. Written in about two afternoons and quickly recorded in maybe two hours time, this bare-bones demo is what I submitted for the band's consideration.

Ultimately, "Down to the River" was passed on for the project with a lot of the outside writing credits going to higher profile artists such as My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf, etc. I was a little disappointed the tune didn't make the cut but felt a whole lot better when Adam told me Gerry and Dewey from America really dug the song and were seriously considering it. Honors enough for a kid who used to listen with wonder to "Ventura Highway" on a tiny AM radio back in the 70's.


"(Love Theme From) Shark"

This tune comes to you direct from yet another failed TV pitch (it's a tough biz, folks). "Shark" was written back in '06 as a potential theme song for a (short-lived) US television series/legal drama of the same name staring James Woods. Woods playing a notorious LA defense attorney who, disillusioned with his career, becomes a public prosecutor. If I remember right, they were looking for a theme with a "Mack the Knife" retro-vibe to it which I tried (emphasis on 'tried') to deliver.

For some reason this tune also reminds me a little of, dare I say, Jon Brion's work. A good thing to aspire to in my book.


"Camp Elmo" (Live Acoustic)

This live, stripped-down performance of the 'Queens English' song, "Camp Elmo" was pulled from one of my video Blogs and features my bud, Jay Sherman-Godfrey accompanying me on acoustic guitar and vocals. Minus the album version production, this take on the song assumes an almost country-ish, back porch vibe I kind of like.


"Listening to the Band"

This pop/punk cover of the great Michael Shelley song should technically be credited to 'The Clifton Foundation', a silly band/side-project that my wife and I launched just for kicks back in the early oughts. Aside from this tune (which was actually recorded as a birthday gift for Mr. Shelley), the Cliftons also partially recorded a yet unfinished EP. Maybe when our son goes off to college, my wife and I will try and finish it from our rocking chairs (emphasis on 'rocking').


"For Real"

This tune is yet another track that should really be credited to a side project/band of mine called, 'The Down Crowd'. This outfit was originally formed to explore some of my darker tunes. With elements of electronica sprinkled throughout the productions, it was sort of an interesting stylistic detour I might revisit one day, time permitting.


"Let's Go"

Another in a continuing series of rejected TV spots, this bouncy little ditty was composed for, of all things, a Hershey Theme Park (aka "The Sweetest Place on Earth") ad pitch. There was also a version of this tune with lyrics too embarrassing to ever be heard anywhere except within the confines of a park built on pure chocolate.


"Lighter Than Air"

One more time!.. failed television ad pitch # 1,015 (are you starting to see a trend here folks, maybe I should go back to grad school?). This one was submitted for a 3 Musketeers' commercial some time back that was aimed at the fairer sex and sang the praises of the chocolate bar as a lighter and somewhat less fattening snack. Ummm... Ok.


"(Do the) Juje"

Ah, success... finally! This fun instrumental was composed for and used on the now defunct but wildly popular male-makeover, TV series, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". I stole the title of the tune from a (faux French?) nonsensical, buzz word that one of the show's stars, Carson Kressley, often used to describe adding a stylish little adjustment or tweak to someone's look in order to amp it up - "Just give it a little juje and there you go!..".

Hope you enjoy the download! Thanks for listening and if you're new to my music and haven't done so as of yet, please visit my site and join the mailing list, I'd love to stay in touch.

XO,
-mb

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

I Am What I Am...

"I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam!"

Sage advice from the spinach huffing sailor man of yore.

Watching Popeye cartoons as a kid, I don't think I ever fully appreciated the depth of that little pronouncement. Thinking back on it's meaning now as an adult, I realize it's quite a useful mantra when the idealism of youth yields to the cold, hard facts of grownups-ville. When things, maybe not turning out as expected on that bumpy road into town, force one to reconcile who they've become with who they thought they'd be.

I find the same applies in art as it does life.

With the first month of the new year almost a memory and 2010 fading into the distance, I've found myself running into many of those inevitable, year-in-review, "Best Of" lists folks in the music world, journalists and fans alike, enjoy assembling. I guess these compilations are fun to read but at the same time, probably a little dangerous to hold too much stock in especially if stuff you've created stands to very likely be omitted from such rundowns. That said, I also have to admit it's kind of flattering when the work you've done is actually included in the roll call.

Releasing "Queens English" back in the spring, I feared I might alienate some hardcore fans of the power pop vibe who've previously supported my music since "QE" is, stylistically, a touch outside the genre and a little different from what I've done in the past. As such, it was kind of cool and in some ways validating to see the album appear on a number of these aforementioned "Best Of" lists especially those within the pop scene. While certainly being a full on pop record in my mind, I also knew "QE" was not "Pop Job 2.0". With downtown guitars replaced by uptown horns and "Who's your daddy?" lyrical content substituted with tales of baby-daddies, it was, indeed, a bit of a change up but one, nonetheless, a sailor man with heart-on-his-sleeve leanings had to make. I really had no choice.

I am what I am... Hope you are too.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

And to All a Good Night...

(Can't see the player? Click here to watch)

Since this is a time of year steeped in tradition, I thought I'd start one of my own here on ye 'ol Blog. At first I thought of posting pictures of drunken, sidewalk Santas in various states of inebriation each year from here on out but after mulling it over I realized that didn't exactly fit the spirit of the season. Instead I thought I'd, once again as last year, post a video of my favorite, late night, Christmas Eve companion, The Yule Log. As I've mentioned in this space before, as an only-child and TV baby of the 70's, this kitschy, flickerin' friend kept me company on those long, night-before-Christmases when, too excited to sleep (visions of Stretch Armstrong dancing in my head), I would switch on the bedroom black & white, twist the dial to WPIX and let the motherf'er burn 'tll the morning light.

Happy Holidays!

All the Best,
-mb

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Oy Story

Ok, so my Mom gives my 5 year old son this unidentified (& strangely handless) action figure she claims was mine back when I was a kid his age. After racking my brain trying to place this random piece of my childhood (the groovy vest, that knowing smile, the great hair...), I finally gave up the ghost and turned to that modern day oracle known to us all as the interweb.

My search ultimately led me here, to the real life inspiration for this tot-time, turtlenecked defender of the good.

Not much more to say really, except... the 70's were truly out of hand, yo.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Reelin' in the Years Pt. II

"How About Always" from an appearance on the television show Fearl*ss Music (circa '03? '04?).

Since folks seemed to enjoy the “All I Want” clip posted here a few weeks back, I thought I'd post another tune from the Fearl*ss Music sessions.

As before, same rules apply - the audio is unmixed/garage rock-esque, I look kind of out of it and the singer (aka yours truly) can hardly hear himself (not my personal best) over the din of the crazy rock combo but once again…

Ah, the sound of youthful, rock 'n roll exuberance...

The Band -

Cheri Leone: backing vox/percussion
Matty Karas: gtr/backing vox
Greg Beshers: lead gtr/backing vox
Tom Ward: bass
Ed Klinger: drums
MB: creative caterwaulin’

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Reelin' in the Years

Stumbled upon this live version of "All I Want" while poking around the vaults the other day. Thought I'd dust it off and post it here. The clip comes from an appearance I made on the television show Fearl*ss Music (circa '03? '04?).

The audio from this raw footage is unmixed and a little distorted sounding, giving the song a sort of garage rock quality which I kind of like for reasons unknown to me. I also look somewhat "elevated" in this clip for reasons unknown to me now as well. Free, on set tallboys, perhaps? Just say no to drugs, kids.

One of my few memories from this taping (aside from the free beer) was the troubling lack of adequate vocal monitors on set - hearing one's voice over the band was a bit of a, let's say, challenge? But hey, no excuses folks, I am, after all, a semi-professional.

Not my best performance but... Ah, the sound of youthful, rock 'n roll exuberance...

The Band -

Cheri Leone: backing vox/percussion
Matty Karas: gtr
Greg Beshers: lead gtr
Tom Ward: bass
Ed Klinger: drums
MB: glassy-eyed skifflin'

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Twisters, Textbooks and the Passage of Time

Not exactly sure which I'd label the more stressful event of the past month - a tornado unexpectedly ripping through my neighborhood late one afternoon or my five year old son starting Kindergarten. If I had to lay money down, I'd probably go with the latter.

Seems like only a moment ago my wife and I brought my son home from the hospital that sunny spring afternoon, quietly watching him sleep as we shared a bowl of cereal, both of us too exhausted and drained by the previous 48 hours to make a decent meal for ourselves. Now as my son ambles down the street each morning toting a "Transformers" backpack almost as big as him stuffed with mini-textbooks, lunch and a toy chicken (don't ask), I can't help but marvel at the passage of time.

After the morning schoolyard drop-off, the house strangely silent, my wife at work and my studio computers yet to rev up for the day, I sit with a wandering mind in front of yet another bowl of cereal. After splitting my time over the past five years between caring for my son and freelance music work, I'm suddenly feeling out of balance, off base, kind of like those poor trees on my block post-tornado. It's certainly been a whirlwind half decade and now with my new album out into the world (kind of like a second child) and my son taking his first steps from the fold, I suppose the nest is feeling a tad empty.

As I trip over a toy and make my way from a quiet Camp Elmo down to my studio space, I realize I'm holding an expression on my face not unlike that of my son's as he walks through those schoolhouse doors each morning, both of us facing the future with equal parts melancholy and excitement for the new twists and turns that lie ahead.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Something So Strong

For those following me on Twitter or reading my Facebook posts of late, it will come as no surprise to learn I've been on a serious "Crowded House" listening jag these days. As a long-time fan of the band, I've been busy obsessing over their latest album, "Intriguer", as well as revisiting their incredible back catalog. Listening to that amazing body of work, particularly the albums that meant so much to me growing up, I couldn't help but reminisce about the very first time I saw my fave Kiwi trio perform live...

Circa '88 I'm a 19 year old college kid working with my best friend in the home recording studio we built in the basement of his parent's house (an anomaly for the time, btw, not like today wherein every musician has Pro Tools in their bedroom), when my friend's younger sister burst in informing us that CH was on WNEW announcing a "secret" show that evening at CBGB's. The band's second record had just come out and as my friend and I were enamored with both their albums, we immediately stopped what we were doing and made our trek from Queens down to the Bowery.

Long story longer, we got to the club early enough to sit first-table-center at the foot of the stage. Needless to say, that intimate night of music was incredible. CH was simply the tightest (yet agile) band I'd seen to date, playing the most beautifully melodic, Beatle-esque tunes just six inches in front of me replete with their own unique brand of style and humor. And the harmonies?! Man, could those three sing together (RIP Paul Hester). Too young to see the Fab Four live, I imagined this must have been what it was like.

After the band played an electric AND an acoustic busking set, my friend and I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet our heroes in the tiny dressing room behind stage. I remember being incredibly star struck. When the moment finally came, we first met an amazingly friendly Nick and then an equally genuine Neil. I offered Mr. Finn a sweaty, nervous handshake (which he graciously accepted - sorry Neil), made some small talk and a fantastic night of music came to a surreal conclusion. A pedestrian experience, maybe, for some but us true music fans know better; I could have died on the ride back to Queens that evening, I probably wouldn't have noticed.

I believe the very next day CH taped this Letterman appearance; check it to get an idea of the pure joy, subtle power and sound that floored this young musician that night at CBs.

Something so strong, indeed.



www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

Laugh Clown Laugh

(Mobile users click here to view video)

In keeping with a long-standing, self-deprecating (& honestly somewhat perplexing) tradition of making a fool of myself in the name of an album release (see here & here), I give you the video for "Happy", the single from my new album, "Queens English".

Obviously, it's one of those clips wherein you question whether this kind of behavior is beneficial to one's career... but since I'm never quite sure I actually have one, I figure I'm good to go; why not climb out on that shaky limb and have a little fun in the process?

Or who knows? Maybe I'm just one of those cryin' on the inside kind of clowns.

www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

The Gig

Ah, the gig... Simultaneously the thrill and bane of a performer's existence (or at least this performer's). A bubbling Diet Coke-meets-Mentos combination of nervousness and excitement - Will it suck? Will it be cool? Will five people come out or 150? Will the bartender cut off our free drinks?

In my case, all those questions are forgotten and invariably melt away as the first chord sounds and my attentions turn toward the simple joy of making music with friends and connecting with a live audience.

Such was, indeed, the case last week at our Pete's show in Brooklyn as a warm, summer Monday evening - not generally the recipe for record attendance - predictably yielded a small but loyal crowd while the band and I took to providing our take on the popular song format.

Later, during the after-set hang (sometimes just as much fun as the set itself), I found myself meeting, getting to know and having a blast with a very cool group of peeps who, flatteringly, care close to as much about my music as I do despite them being extremely intelligent and successful folks ;-) Always a humbling experience; one for which I'm eternally grateful and never take for granted.

Although the music business finds itself in a bad way these days, fraught with many pitfalls, I can think of very few "9 to 5's" (barring obvious philanthropic endeavors) that offer the kind of fulfillment and human connection described above.

Ah, the gig... Nice work if you can get it.

A low-res, iPhone vid from the show featuring yours truly and the band (from L to R): Matty Karas, Jay Sherman-Godfrey, John Lee, Cheri Leone and Bob Byrne



www.markbacino.com
www.dreamcrushmusic.com

The Kids Wanna Rock

"Turned on the radio
Sounded like a disco
Musta turned the dial for a couple of miles
But I couldn't find no rock n' roll

This computerized crap ain't gettin' me off
Everywhere I go - the kids wanna rock" - Bryan Adams

First off, just wanted to remind everyone that the band folk and I will be playing some new jams and some old faves at Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn this coming Monday night (8/2, 8p) as we celebrate (somewhat belatedly) the release of my newest long player, "Queens English". If you're free, please join us as we make a racket in the back room then retire to Pete's awesome garden for a mid-summer night's libation under the stars. Details below -

Mark Bacino
Mon. August 2, 2010 - 8pm
Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.302.3770
www.petescandystore.com
*Free Admission*

Lastly, in quick literary transition from live to Memorex - It struck me this week, in a wave of randomness, just how much I rely upon YouTube vids these days while investigating new musical finds. After, say, reading about a new band or artist, I find myself, almost reflexively, hitting my YouTube browser tab long before heading to iTunes, MySpace, etc. Usually I find your standard issue, MTV-era, bells and whistles video or a DIY Flip Cam vid but sometimes I land on a fan made clip, as I'm sure you have, consisting of nothing more than a tune from the band in question along with a static picture lasting the entire duration of the song. You would think given the obvious nature of YouTube as a visual platform this would be a detriment to the video's popularity but often I find these "static" vids to have thousands of plays. Go figure - The fascinating nexus of YouTube as Web 2.0 jukebox and modern man's uncanny ability to bend technology toward never intended uses coupled with his timeless need to simply get his groove on.

It's with all these lofty concepts in mind that I thought it might be fun to post some music from my new album in simple, YouTube neo-jukebox form -

www.youtube.com/user/MBacino

I suppose no matter the medium, the kids still wanna rock.

A wise Canuck that Mr. Adams, no?

XO,
-mb

www.markbacino.com

Cobwebs...

One of my all time faves, Prince, recently declared that the "Internet's completely over" in a UK Daily Mirror piece. Of course he's totally wrong and of course the statement is probably just a way for the purple one to generate heat around his new album release (which The Daily Mirror just happens to be distributing free with it's paper) but I have to admit, all technological naivete/publicity stunts aside, in a roundabout way I kind of get what Prince might be saying.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm no luddite; having logged onto the interwebs myself for the first time back in '94 and surrounding myself daily with a bevy of computers, audio equipment and iPhones. Certainly the net is one of the greatest tools ever invented (thanks Al Gore) and we've yet to even scratch the surface, but like every piece of technology that has a profound affect on mankind, it, of course, has it's benefits and it's drawbacks. I guess what I'm trying to say is the web, at least for me, is sometimes like my Uncle Milt; love 'em, great fun, knows a heck of a lot about stuff but at times is just a tad removed from reality and, well, a bit much.

This weekend past, my wife and I accompanied my young son to one of his schoolmate's birthday parties. Although we knew the birthday boy's parents a bit, we were suddenly thrust into a totally foreign social-circle, spending the afternoon getting to know a bunch of flesh and blood strangers face to face. After the initial handshake awkwardness passed I found myself having the kind of fun Facebook could never hope to provide.

Maybe Prince is still a genius after all.

(For a laugh, click here to visit an archive of my first website created circa 1997 and inspired by the ridiculous promo picture of me above).

www.markbacino.com

On Your Radio

On your radio, On your radio, You're gonna hear me on your radio... - Joe Jackson

As some of you may know, I've been doing a lot of radio over the past month or so to help spread the word about my new album, "Queens English". In the process I've had a lot of fun, met a bunch of fine folks and learned a little along the way. Despite the sad state of corporate-run, commercial radio in this country, with it's generic playlists and endless commercial breaks, in my experience I'm happy to report that the medium of radio, along with it's true free-form spirit, is still alive and well; You might have to look a little harder for it but it's out there in the form of specialty shows, college stations, local broadcasting and the like.

And now thanks to the wonder of the interwebs, many of these aforementioned radio programs can finally enjoy a wider-then-ever-before reach via live internet streaming and podcasts, etc., no longer restricted by the limitations of signal strength or the lack of funds en route to finding a larger audience.

It's with all this in mind that I thought I'd share with you a podcast from one of my recent radio appearances. Back on June 5th I was lucky enough to be DJ Michael Shelley's guest on his always awesome, number-one-hits program which broadcasts via a stronghold of free-form radio, the mighty WFMU. If you haven't listened to Michael's show before you really should; with it's eclectic mix of pop, country, soul and a little dead-pan humor sprinkled throughout, it airs most Saturdays 11a -1p (EST) on 91.1 FM in NY/NJ and, of course, on the web streaming at WFMU.org. In addition to his DJ-ing expertise, Michael also happens to be one of my favorite singer/songwriters with numerous excellent albums to his credit. Please check out all things Mr. Shelley at his website when you get a moment.

So without further ado, here's my segment on The Michael Shelley Program, WFMU, NY 6/5/10 (thanks Michael for having me!) -



(Here's a link to the show for the Flash challenged among us)

www.markbacino.com

Speakin' The Queens - (Episode 5)

Check out Episode 5 of "Speakin' The Queens"; the video portion of my Blog and the world's only music Vlog to come to you direct from a Queens, NY living room.

This episode features music* from yours truly and special guests Cheri, Matty and Chris, collectively known as The Trouble Dolls; a great pop band based in NYC. The T Dolls are currently in the studio working on a new collection of songs while their 2003 album, “Sticky” (Half a Cow), is a must have for fans of all things melodic. Those with a keen eye might also recognize Cheri and Matty from their moonlighting gig as longtime members of my live band.

Many thanks to The Trouble Dolls for doing the show. Please visit them on the web at -

www.troubledolls.com


*All songs copyright 2010 by their respective artists.
www.markbacino.com

Rock Show

Just a quick, save the date, note this week to let you guys know that the band and I will be playing a gig at the world's famous Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn, NY Monday August 2nd at 8pm.

Kickin' out jams old and new, please join us and celebrate the release of my album, "Queens English".

To get the band psyched for the gig, I've begun weekly pep talks post-rehearsal. Since you all are like family, I thought I'd record one and share it (listen here). Hopefully you too will find this little speech inspirational.

See you in August!

Show details...

Mark Bacino Live
Mon. August 2, 2010 - 8pm
Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.302.3770
www.petescandystore.com
*Free Admission*

The Band -

Matty Karas
Cheri Leone
John Lee
Bob Byrne
Jay Sherman-Godfrey

www.markbacino.com