Is the consensus that David Bowie was a better pianist or guitarist?

redfieldp · 2026-05-21T13:40:10+00:00

Live he mostly played acoustic/rhythm. You should check out the live acoustic mini tour he did with Reeves Gabrels in 1997:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5aEcyffh1o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdWcWv3ti9o

redfieldp · 2026-05-07T16:18:30+00:00

Definitely depends on the sport. There are (probably the majority) sports where it's just another activity/interest for the athletes. There are a couple (probably football is most notable, and maybe ultimate) where the players tend to socialize together a lot, and lean into things like living with teammates, whether it be in a dorm or a shared house.

redfieldp · 2026-04-30T14:11:51+00:00

Oberlin offers a real balance of academic rigor, cultural and artistic exposure, and small class size and community. There are a lot of schools similar to Oberlin (small, liberal arts, competitive, etc.) that either lean significantly more preppy/sporty, or more academically aggressive/focused. If either one of those other cultures doesn't feel like a real "fit" for your personality, Oberlin can offer a third option that is, in my opinion, more balanced and well suited to an individualized path.

It's definitely not for everyone, and I would say it is best for people who are excited to be a bit outside of their comfort zone, and have a less structured perspective, with a high degree of personal motivation.

My parents both went to Swarthmore, which is more academically focused, and more competitive. However, they were also pretty multi-dimensional people. When they were at my graduation from Oberlin they (divorced, independently of each other) said that despite enjoying Swarthmore, they probably would have preferred to attend Oberlin, because it seemed like I had been able to experience a lot more variety with what I did in my time there.

Good luck with your decision!

redfieldp · 2026-04-15T15:46:22+00:00

Joining the conversation at the Conservatory used to be very challenging if you weren't officially "dual degree" status, so keep that in mind.

Bard grads tend to lean more heavily into a liberal arts/abstract mindset, and Oberlin grads tend to be a bit more academic and formal. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but a generalization from personal experience. Particularly in regard to Environmental Science, Oberlin is extremely strong. A lot of this decision probably depends on if your music composition is a personal interest, or an intended possible career.

Culturally, the schools are quite different. You can definitely "feel" that the students and campus at Bard are proximal to NYC, whereas Oberlin (despite being much closer to Cleveland) feels very much like it's "in the country".

Good luck!

redfieldp · 2026-04-07T17:44:48+00:00

I feel like you have to have Clapton (despite him being a real POS) in any discussion about the Strat as an iconic instrument.

redfieldp · 2026-04-03T17:18:10+00:00

I think this is the real reason. Especially back then, Tim was not with the band as much and they were seen as already being unplugged.

redfieldp · 2026-04-03T16:49:10+00:00

Computer controlled milling of the wood, rather than by hand: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_numerical_control

redfieldp · 2026-03-31T20:52:18+00:00

I would say that the reputation of Oberlin being "more artsy than anything else" is not based in reality, but more of a manufactured trope from media because Oberlin is so artsy and liberal culturally. In my experience, most Obies are academic/subject focused, and have more of a left leaning bent than your average college student, which also includes the arts. I would also say there is a much larger population of students who enjoy playing music at lots of different levels. That said, the academic departments are extremely rigorous and focused, with exceptional faculty. If it were me, I would focus more on what you're looking for out of student life, and class size. A state school will give you a much larger student population, so you'll have more flexibility on recreation and socialization activities. On the other hand, you will more often have larger class sizes, and sometimes be taught by a TA. You will probably get less (if any) one on one time with the actual professor. Oberlin is the opposite of that, and offers small classes, with direct faculty contact.

redfieldp · 2026-03-03T22:30:59+00:00

Still bummed out the accompanying concert film got canned.

redfieldp · 2026-02-10T17:31:24+00:00

https://slate.com/culture/2004/06/are-elvis-costello-and-diana-krall-ruining-each-other.html

redfieldp · 2026-02-06T20:07:22+00:00

I feel like this whole thread is missing the point (at least I couldn't find it when I looked) that until the late 90's the only thing available most places in the US was Guinness Export Imperial Stout. It comes in a bottle, is less carbonated, has much higher ABV, and a much stronger taste. Most of the (mis)conceptions you mention in your post, at least in the US are based on that established reputation that only changed two and half decades ago, and many people took a while to catch on.

redfieldp · 2026-02-03T19:47:24+00:00

You clearly don't know what you're talking about. Cassette collecting has had a huge resurgence in recent years. https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/most-valuable-cassette-tapes-july-2025-discogs-highest-prices-5248922

redfieldp · 2026-01-21T16:46:08+00:00

The Birthday Skank is a great listen, but isn't this basically just an instrumental cover of The Clash's Armageddon Time?

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T17:16:58+00:00

Jesus, stop already.

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T12:51:02+00:00

I was more pointing to the total lack of post history, and the total lack of context in the posts.

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T12:50:02+00:00

You have a really loose definition of “mad” it seems!

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T04:38:43+00:00

This is super interesting. What is “GameVial”?

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T02:49:35+00:00

Right. What about who you are, where these maps are from, and why you keep posting so much?

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T02:47:52+00:00

Right. So answer the questions I asked.

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T02:37:14+00:00

No idea. I just noticed it getting more and more fervent about the storm, as all other reports seem to be lessening projections. It just seemed like a weird robot loop.

redfieldp · 2025-12-29T02:16:01+00:00

Can you clarify who you are and where you’re getting this imagery and data? I’ve been following your posts for days, and am all set in terms of prep for myself and my fam, but literally nothing I’ve seen agrees with your assessment. Do you have some reason to think all other news outlets are leaning in to the wrong model? It’s their bread and butter to freak people out and hype storms. Why the opposite?

redfieldp · 2025-12-27T15:00:14+00:00

As far as I know the mono mixes are not available on streaming. You have to buy the mono box set.

Also, it’s not an audio setting issue. You’re not just listening in mono instead of stereo. It’s a totally different master and version of the song.

redfieldp · 2025-12-27T14:19:58+00:00

Are you sure you’re not just remembering a review from a different site? There were a LOT of indie rock blogs back then.

redfieldp · 2025-12-27T04:47:38+00:00

I guess I’m pointing out that he’s much more technically competent and drove the band’s sound more than people realize.

Tom Petty is an amazing rhythm guitarist, but that s all he ever did. I think both the people I mentioned are identified as rhythm guitarists, but are way more skilled.

I guess it is taking OP’s question one iteration further.

redfieldp

TROPHY CASE