the blogford files

As many of you know Tone Box Digital was chosen as one of the five finalist in Wired.com’s small business program.  The program launched today and I wanted to get the word out.

Tone Box Digital is an indie label and distribution service for the arts.  We currently distribute and market over 25 artists and are working on digital distribution for independent films and shorts.  Unlike the other competitors, Tone Box Digital is funded by one individual.  No backers.  No investors. No deep pockets.  Just one individual, me. That’s not me complaining, I am 100% proud that Tone Box has survived this long and has been making a profit (small as is) since it was launched in late 2003.  What’s the coolest thing about Tone Box?  The best part is that the artists make more money than anyone in the chain.  This gives them the opportunity to make a living at what they do best.

I’d like to ask you to take a minute or two and go vote for Tone Box and all that I am trying to accomplish.

It’s real simple.  Go to this Link.  Check out the video… have a giggle or two at my chattering and then vote!

To vote hit the red button with the arrow above it.  It’s right beside my video to the left.

Thanks for all the support and help over the years.  I couldn’t have done any of this without my friends, family and most importantly the artists that have let me be a part of their music.

I don’t think so! You guys will need some stuff to listen to while putting up the Christmas tree.

The first track is a pretty cool remix of Jingle Bells- the second is a classic to all, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and lastly is a little gem I found, an entire album of Christmas piano from the 1920’s.

Joe Williams
“Jingle Bells” (mp3)
from “Christmas Remixed 2″
(Rock River Music)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Bing Crosby
“White Christmas” (mp3)
from “Bing Crosby Christmas”
(Spectra Records)

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John Tasker Howard
“The First Noel” (mp3)
from “A Piano Christmas in the 1920’s”
(Lyrichord)

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Buy at GroupieTunes
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I’ve been on the hunt the past few weeks for something new.  Not necessarily innovative in the music world but at least music that can keep my attention from beat 1.  It’s not a huge list and unfortunately it’s not all available yet but I’m giving you a heads up…

What are you listening to?

• Tom Yarbrough: My Good Thing EP- the track “Oh, Your Love” is amazing.  Should be available in the next few months online.  I’ll definitely keep you guys posted on his stuff.
• Our Heart’s Hero: Just received two demo tracks from these guys- and I must say they have come a long way since the over-Christian-radio-produced self-titled debut on Gotee.  Excited to see these guys back to the edge!  Really digging the track called “Keep Breathing”
• Oasis: Dig Out Your Soul is one of if not my favorite album of 2008.  Absolutely amazing. “Bag It Up”, “Waiting For The Rapture” & “The Shock Of The Lightning” are stand outs on this album-  but I highly recommend the whole thing…
• Stereophonics: Decade In The Sun is a best of collection with a crazy new track called “My Own Worst Enemy”.
• The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’s new single “You Better Pray”-  good rock and roll.
• Butch Walker: Sycamore Meadows-  good safe record… if you are a fan then you will love this record.
• The Classic Crime’s “The Fight”- yes, it’s a few years old but just dig this track.

What I did NOT buy or like this week.

• David Cook’s new album.  Cookie Cutter- absolutely nothing new and no surprises.  Will be a huge hit with mom’s and young ladies across the US.  I’m curious about his photos, his head seems really long- just me or the hair-do?
• Red’s new single “Fight Inside”.  I tried it.  It seems to be Chevelle meets Linkin Park and both of those bands keep me covered.
• Bret Michaels “Acoustic Sessions”-  Need I say more?

Please advise…  What are you listening to?

Have you ever had an awkward pause in a conversation where you could
have sworn you heard crickets chirping? Now you can ACTUALLY hear
crickets chirping. Check out theCRICKETtoy.

theCRICKETtoy was created by my friend Jeff Anderson, a songwriter/producer in Nashville with a goofy sense of humor. He has several awkward videos posted here and you can buy your own cricket on his website. Matter of fact, it would make the ideal stocking stuffer for the teen in your life. Everyone knows they are full of awkward moments…

Watch His ‘Not the Greatest Singer‘ Video

P.S. I told him I would help him get the word out, so please copy and paste this entry in your blog and ask your readers to buy a toy and put this entry in their blog. I want to see just how many blogs we can get this fun, toy (Great Stocking Stuffer-only $5) on! I think we’ve got the next “pet rock” and it’s fun to be a part of creating a cultural phenomenon!

Got some good stuff this week!  Some garage rock, pop/rock and modern/alt rock… Enjoy it!

Prima Donna is clearly inspired by the early punk of groups such as X-Ray Specs, the Damned, and the Sex Pistols as well as ‘70s glitter such as Mott the Hoople and David Bowie, the group’s sharp ‘n’ concise songwriting sidesteps any notions of the group being ‘retro.’ How retro can a group be if their average age is 22?

Prima Donna
“Stray Doll” (mp3)
from “After Hours”
(Acetate Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Buy at mTraks
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War Tapes is a Los Angeles 4-piece that successfully blends the attitude and edge of today’s post-hard-core scene with an appealing nod to 80’s new-wave and post-punk. All the while, War Tapes demonstrate a knack for creating huge hooks, turbulent soundscapes, and fist pumping, heart breaking sing-a-long choruses.

War Tapes
“Dreaming of You” (mp3)
from “War Tapes”
(Sarathan Records)

Buy at Amazon.com MP3 Store (label)
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Buy at Rhapsody
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Tim Mahoney has crafted one great pop/rock track…  It’s familiar sounding as many singer/songwriter/rock guys are- but it’s done well.  The chorus makes you want to get in your car and drive to the beach.  Cheesy sounding I know but when you hear it you’ll know what I mean.

Tim Mahoney
“Piece of You” (mp3)
from “Stay - Leave”
(Tim Mahoney band)

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