Loudon Wainwrigtht III - The Ukulele Song
November 11, 2008
Loudon Wainwright III - The Ukulele Song (Chords)(PDF)
Nowadays, Loudon Wainwright is most most famous for being Dad to Rufus and Martha and marrying Dame Edna Everage. Which is a shame as he’s a shining example of what a singer-songwriter should be. So many singer-songwriters just churn out dour dirges. But even when Loudon writes miserable songs, he makes sure they have a big singalong chorus (Unhappy Anniversary) and he really knows how to push the button and push it hard (White Winos). Plus, when they make a big Hollywood blockbuster of my life story, One Man Guy is going to be the theme song.
Loudon also has a few ukulele songs such as Things Should Be Getting Better, Passion Play and this ode to the uke itself.
It’s fairly simple to play. You can strum down, up, down, up pretty much the whole way through. The only tricky part is the, “…could be bright and breezy…” part. Just one down strum each for those quick chords.
Monday Exposure: Jacob Borshard
November 10, 2008
Jacob Borshard - Mary 2007 (MP3)
Jacob Borshard - Pigeon’s Blood (MP3)
Jacob Borshard - In Love Again, Again via creebobby.com
New music from Jacob Borshard is always cause for celebration in the Woodshed household and I’m still a little hungover from my own private release party for his latest album A Glow in the Dark. As with his previous albums, they’re available for free download on his website (scroll right and you’ll find them). And Jacob was kind enough to answer a few ill considered questions from me.
How does A Glow in the Dark compare to your previous albums?
It’s the third in a set of three, a sequel in the way a movie is a sequel. Some stories reach an ending and others come back from the dead. I tried to make this album intertwine with the others in a way that would reward careful listening.
Also, I tried very hard to advance the lyrics and find new sounds.
(By the way, the electric sounds are all ukulele. I had a solid-body concert Danelectro uke made. The bass is a bass, though, a mini Fender P-Bass.)
How does playing the ukulele influence your song writing?
It keeps me going. I’m out to win the title ‘King of Ukulele Songwriting’. Who gives out those sorts of titles? Is there a descendant of Liliuokalani that has such jurisdiction?
First I write songs in my head. Then I try to work it out with the ukulele and find the chords. After that stage the uke is sort of the Excalibur that points the way. With some songs I’ll record and scat with the uke to find parts I hadn’t imagined. All solos are written while recording. Otherwise I would never remember them.
My main uke for this album, by the way, is an Earnest Instruments ‘La Paula’. It sounds and plays like an angel.
Did the Hollywood glitz and glam of winning the Music & Lyrics contest give you a taste for stardom or put you off for life?
It gave me a definite lust for more glitz and glam, but also showed me quite clearly that I’m not gonna get it!
What three songs does everyone need to hear?
Mary 2007
Pigeon’s Blood
In Love Again Again
How did you get involved with WeePOP? And are there any more releases planned?
Thor from WeePOP emailed and asked if I’d do it. I said yes. It was the artwork for ‘Cocktail’ that got me serious about drawing again. No more WeePOP releases planned, but one never knows . . .
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’d like to make an album of lyllabyes, a loud all rock n’ roll album, a collection of cover songs, some really fun new music videos, and a one page comic every week.
You can download all three of Jacob’s albums on creebobby.com, buy Last Brontosaurus and Songs for a Small Stereo here and Cocktail on WeePOP!
Aloha de Chocobo (Final Fantasy)
November 9, 2008
I’ve been meaning to tab this one out since I did Ukulele de Chocobo. It has a lovely Hawaiian flavoured tune and works very well as a solo ukulele piece (even to those who have never ridden a bright yellow, overside galliforme).
It is possible - and more technically correct - to fingerpick this tune with your thumb on G, index on C, middle on E and ring on A throughout. However, I like to move everything up a string (thumb on C, index on E, middle on A) for bars like two and four.
Saturday UkeTube
November 8, 2008
Breaking the habit of a lifetime and including a Jake cover this week. There are a couple of differences from the usual Jake fare: it’s one of his less famous tunes and it’s backed by an orchestra. Other videos this week include Damien Rice, The Be Arthurs and a new version of my favourite Phredd song.
The University Laboratory School Symphonic Band w/ Ian Cablay, Micah Ganiron & Lee Teraoka - Tokado
Marie Darling - Jacob and the Star
Damien Rice and Mark Sheridan - Hallelujah
The Be Arthurs - You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff)
Phredd, Steven Courtney and Bigsby - Elmer’s Electric Tricycle
Mark Kailana Nelson - Sleepwalk
Fabio Koryu Calabro - Ha Vinto Obama
Ukulele Stands, Bushman Baritone Ukes
November 7, 2008
Dedicated ukulele stands a few and far between. Usually you have to make do with a mandolin stand. But now there are these ukulele cradles. They are more expensive than any ukulele I own. But, still, very pretty.
If you’ve got a few low level luthiering skills, this set of five Bushman baritone ukuleles could be a good investment. They’re factory seconds and are just the body. But stick on a bridge, a nut and tuners and you shouldn’t have trouble selling them on for a profit.
Despite some ferocious bidding, this Custom Martin Style 5 failed to reach its reserve. It’s very unusual: mahogany, black and monogrammed.
I’m not a big fan of pictures on ukuleles. The obvious exception is the ultra sexy Le Domino. But sometimes they work when they’re hilariously naff or on the back (as with this Gibson Royal Flush.
Ukulele Kitsch of the Week is a fiercely fought title this week. Any other week the ukulele sushi set and the Hawaiian Santas would have triumphed. But there’s no competing with a necklace covered in pink flamingos playing the ukulele.
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