Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Earn 100% music royalties via ReverbNation. Get on iTunes, Walmart, Last.FM and more: http://livebandsbarcelona.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/use-reverbnation-get-100-of-your-royalties-via-itunes-last-fm-napster-and-a-shed-load-more/
Friday, March 26, 2010
Get a free Soulfly MP3, "Rise of the Fallen" FREE! But hurry, it goes off line Monday! http://ping.fm/oEUvL
Monday, March 15, 2010
Slash new album tracklisting announced. Ozzy, Iggy, Duff and loads more feature. Out May 10, 2010 http://ping.fm/WuqzZ
Giovanni Rana Pasta. Love it or hate it. For me, buying mouldy pasta and no company response. Hate it: http://ping.fm/1EH8u
Saturday, March 13, 2010
i-Tab. Learn real time guitar chords, vocals and tempos with a near device. Looks like the real Guitar Hero: http://ping.fm/7EcPv
Friday, March 12, 2010
Very interesting: Pink Floyd win against EMI vs iTunes and single downloads. Artist like punter doesn't seem to have rights http://ping.fm/rhSiQ
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Want to be the new keyboard player or bassist for the Smashing Pumpkins: Apply today! http://ping.fm/xn8ZZ
Interesting article about the pluses of using social media and not letting reviews rot. To be honest, I'm in accord with the writer 110%.
http://www.clickz.com/3639717
http://www.clickz.com/3639717
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Seems like no-one in the UK knows where to find legal music online. Billboard mag says it all: http://ping.fm/PTrJb
Monday, March 08, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Universal Music: Online Music Sales 2009 Up
Universal Music seems to be winning with their online sales. P2P killing music.. Bah! No way. Universal Music Group's digital sales have grown 8.4% in 2009.
The format has changed from physical copy to digital. As one would expect if you belong to other distribution channels that allow content to be downloaded at a fraction of the price of the physical. Still, my thoughts are that physical product sales (CDs) are just over-priced per se. When you're paying a HUGE portion as an artist to the distribution channel [like 40% just to get it from a shop] it's no surprise that they are declining.
Okay this label has the likes of U2, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Eminem, and Lil Wayne are all on Universal. No small fish for the pop world wonders! So, we'd see healthy downloads as people use for both mp3 and smart phone usage!
According to TechCrunch mobile products have been "tempered by softening demand for mobile products in the United States and Japan". The author continues, "UMG says it will 'continue to encourage and support innovation', citing Spotify's iPhone application and MusicStation's presence on the Android Market as examples."
Well, that and maybe making songs for download simultaneously worldwide via your new distribution channels might stop p2p, or at least make the temptation a lot less. This seems to be a widening and a sad approach to frustrating money paying fans, who in desperation make their way to p2p places to download something they'd have otherwise paid for.
I for one and very frustrated with walled off sales on websites. I think they stifle the artist and directly effect sales. The market has now changed. If you're not selling your products at the right time, then blame the p2p community for killing your profits. Still, there is having cake and eating it in my opinion. Force ISPs to block p2p, so people cannot listen to an album before buying and not allow downloads. Mmmmm... something familiar here?
It would not surprise me if Apple etc encode a download code in the AAC code, so if you share something, they know the culprit. Watch this space for more info.
The format has changed from physical copy to digital. As one would expect if you belong to other distribution channels that allow content to be downloaded at a fraction of the price of the physical. Still, my thoughts are that physical product sales (CDs) are just over-priced per se. When you're paying a HUGE portion as an artist to the distribution channel [like 40% just to get it from a shop] it's no surprise that they are declining.
Okay this label has the likes of U2, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Eminem, and Lil Wayne are all on Universal. No small fish for the pop world wonders! So, we'd see healthy downloads as people use for both mp3 and smart phone usage!
According to TechCrunch mobile products have been "tempered by softening demand for mobile products in the United States and Japan". The author continues, "UMG says it will 'continue to encourage and support innovation', citing Spotify's iPhone application and MusicStation's presence on the Android Market as examples."
Well, that and maybe making songs for download simultaneously worldwide via your new distribution channels might stop p2p, or at least make the temptation a lot less. This seems to be a widening and a sad approach to frustrating money paying fans, who in desperation make their way to p2p places to download something they'd have otherwise paid for.
I for one and very frustrated with walled off sales on websites. I think they stifle the artist and directly effect sales. The market has now changed. If you're not selling your products at the right time, then blame the p2p community for killing your profits. Still, there is having cake and eating it in my opinion. Force ISPs to block p2p, so people cannot listen to an album before buying and not allow downloads. Mmmmm... something familiar here?
It would not surprise me if Apple etc encode a download code in the AAC code, so if you share something, they know the culprit. Watch this space for more info.
Pre-order God of War EP for just $1.99: Trivium, Opeth, Mutiny Within, and Taking Dawn!
Holy moly… I just read that RoadRunner are releasing a cool God of War influenced EP with brand new material from Trivium, Opeth, Mutiny Within, and Taking Dawn!
You can pre-order the single on Shockhound for just $1.99.
The sad thing is.. you cannot preview or buy it from outside the States!
No wonder people turn to p2p, which is a sad thing for fans and the record companies alike.
RoadRunner, you’re one of the BEST metal record companies out there. Seeing as you created Metallica who are against p2p, why are you not changing your business distribution model.
Here’s a sample God of War music video from Trivium
http://ping.fm/qFawv
You can pre-order the single on Shockhound for just $1.99.
The sad thing is.. you cannot preview or buy it from outside the States!
No wonder people turn to p2p, which is a sad thing for fans and the record companies alike.
RoadRunner, you’re one of the BEST metal record companies out there. Seeing as you created Metallica who are against p2p, why are you not changing your business distribution model.
Here’s a sample God of War music video from Trivium
http://ping.fm/qFawv
Pre-order God of War EP for just $1.99: Trivium, Opeth, Mutiny Within, and Taking Dawn! http://ping.fm/arK6R
Metallica and AC/DC in top 10, 2009 money makers
According to Billboard magazine, [link at end], Metallica and AC/DC are raking in the wonger with their huge 2008-10 tours and album releases.
Here's a break down of the results:
01. U2 - $108,601,283
02. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - $57,619,037
03. MADONNA - $47,237,774
04. AC/DC - $43,650,466
05. BRITNEY SPEARS - $38,885,267
06. PINK - $36,347,658
07. JONAS BROTHERS - $33,596,576
08. COLDPLAY - $27,326,562
09. KENNY CHESNEY - $26,581,141
10. METALLICA - $25,564,234
So, metal gods Metallica saw $22.8 million from 55 arena shows from 968,000 fans plus 694,000 album sales in 2009. Nice, as 'Death Magnetic' was just 297,000 sales and others must have got the back catelog. An interesting fact that 'Enter Sandman', sold 450,000 and was their highest earner :-D.
AC/DC on the other hand received $41.4 million from live tours. It's ranked No. 4 on Billboard's 2009 tally of the top 25 highest-grossing tours! Nice one boys!
Link to story: [ http://ping.fm/HKhz8]
Here's a break down of the results:
01. U2 - $108,601,283
02. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - $57,619,037
03. MADONNA - $47,237,774
04. AC/DC - $43,650,466
05. BRITNEY SPEARS - $38,885,267
06. PINK - $36,347,658
07. JONAS BROTHERS - $33,596,576
08. COLDPLAY - $27,326,562
09. KENNY CHESNEY - $26,581,141
10. METALLICA - $25,564,234
So, metal gods Metallica saw $22.8 million from 55 arena shows from 968,000 fans plus 694,000 album sales in 2009. Nice, as 'Death Magnetic' was just 297,000 sales and others must have got the back catelog. An interesting fact that 'Enter Sandman', sold 450,000 and was their highest earner :-D.
AC/DC on the other hand received $41.4 million from live tours. It's ranked No. 4 on Billboard's 2009 tally of the top 25 highest-grossing tours! Nice one boys!
Link to story: [ http://ping.fm/HKhz8]
Pavement have reunited and are ready to tour
Pavement will be beginning their tour March 1st in Lord of the Rings country, Auckland, New Zealand. It's been some time since we seen them and they've been rehearing hard for this gig! We ought to be seeing quite a bit of their repertoire of the 40 plus songs they've been rehearsing. Let's hope they stay tight and we see Pavement in 2010 in Barcelona!
Simon and Garfunkel To Play Live: Fargodome
Sorry, I love this band. Here's a heads up for all those Stateside. I'm hoping Simon and Garfunkle play later worldwide.
They'll be playing at the Fardodome on May 7.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. March 6 for $51.50, $86.50 and $126.50. So you can get them at the Fargodome box office or via Ticketmaster.
They'll be playing at the Fardodome on May 7.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. March 6 for $51.50, $86.50 and $126.50. So you can get them at the Fargodome box office or via Ticketmaster.
Yes, yes, the Gorillaz are going to be releasing a long awaited album 3rd album, “Plastic Beach,” on March 8 in the UK on Parlophone. For whatever reason Americans will enjoy it on Virgin.
There’s a lot of collaborations influenced by forward thinking Damien Albarn, we get to enjoy Snoop Dogg in the opening track, “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach.”
As a virtual band, they’ve had some funky pre-single samplers picking up the online campaign for “Plastic Beach” campaign, after first a new Gorillaz single “Stylo” was leaked online.
Nice one. “Stylo” has peaked at No. 25 on Billboard’s Alternative chart.
The new Gorillaz Stylo video will be out tomorrow, Tuesday (March 2) on YouTube.
There’s a lot of collaborations influenced by forward thinking Damien Albarn, we get to enjoy Snoop Dogg in the opening track, “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach.”
As a virtual band, they’ve had some funky pre-single samplers picking up the online campaign for “Plastic Beach” campaign, after first a new Gorillaz single “Stylo” was leaked online.
Nice one. “Stylo” has peaked at No. 25 on Billboard’s Alternative chart.
The new Gorillaz Stylo video will be out tomorrow, Tuesday (March 2) on YouTube.
Life’s a “Beach” new album release for Gorillaz. Stylo single out tomorrow on youtube. http://ping.fm/LmwVv
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Interesting collaborations: Ministry & Sonic Youth Members Form The High Confessions http://ping.fm/2yJht
Cool affordable heat mapping. I'm giving Clicktale a go on a few of my sites. I hope it turns up what Google Analytics can't http://ping.fm/plBWI
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Muse & Warner announce fan based app for iPhone and Touchpad. Connect to fans and get rich media content. http://ping.fm/UEhvt
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Quicksand Remedy Live Music Review, 5 Feb 2010
Read the highlights of the concert here. http://ping.fm/MiUtn
If you’d like to know what I thought of the band blow for blow.. read on! Any comments really welcome!
Coming onstage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
Next up they charged in with, “Nothing Compared To You”. This song has been reworked a few times since the band’s first gigs back in 2007. Delivered with energy and charm, the tune rocked the audience and you could see was equally enjoyed by the band.
The main melody, I felt took a long time to kick in. Still it was a refreshing re-working of an established tune. Obviously, this song came across as well polished. It is one of their strongest in their repertoire. I would have personally changed around this song for, “Welcome to the Circus”.
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
They’ve played this tune 2x before. Once they played it acoustically and for me, it’s a very interesting direction for the band.
As a musician and having liked the song a bit too much, sorry guys, but I’m gonna have to criticise it. I thought the stopping and starting was a bit overplayed. It affected the overall tempo of the song…
Quicksand Remedy
Quicksand remedy in the studio
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practiced songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk ‘til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number, with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
The bass line was relentless with its funk-some delivery. A pity as the song was was let down by the sound mix. Chris’ guitar could have been more crunchy putting the ‘heavy’ into the rock!
As a musician, I would say having the bass and guitar playing on and offbeat, with some off time ride hits would give the song a little more edge. That’s me being picky!
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquiliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquiliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
QSR pride their songs on the slower build up for heavy, stamping staple funk-metal endings. With this song’s stronger part at the end, I’d personally recommend, for this song, a heavier start using the song’s ending melodies and place them at the beginning.
Next up was their infamous, “Tribute” is always a winner with the band’s on-stage heavy rocking and bass-tastic confident performance. Nothing bad could be said about this number. This song plus the penultimate song of the evening, “Funky Tasty”, were well known by their following and set off dancing with hands in the air.
QSR, much to the crowd’s enjoyment, through in a cover of Chilli’s “If you have to ask”. Delivered in their ineffable style, it was an interesting choice. From their 2 core influences I no longer feel the band is separated in influence with their Pearl Jam vs Chillis sound.
Previously they had TOO much of a rock vs funk dichotomy. The sound now comes across as conjoined and as such is less forced and more natural sounding.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video http://ping.fm/6Ep9K]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Chris, ended off the song with a gruff vocal, “Quicksaaaandddddddd”, settling a triumphant upbeat feeling with the crowd. Come-on guys…. We wanted another? No, it was time at the bar and QSR packed up giving us, the audience a well deserved breather and time to grab a drink and do some Skillington moves… hhaaahhha.
If you’d like to know what I thought of the band blow for blow.. read on! Any comments really welcome!
Coming onstage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
Next up they charged in with, “Nothing Compared To You”. This song has been reworked a few times since the band’s first gigs back in 2007. Delivered with energy and charm, the tune rocked the audience and you could see was equally enjoyed by the band.
The main melody, I felt took a long time to kick in. Still it was a refreshing re-working of an established tune. Obviously, this song came across as well polished. It is one of their strongest in their repertoire. I would have personally changed around this song for, “Welcome to the Circus”.
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
They’ve played this tune 2x before. Once they played it acoustically and for me, it’s a very interesting direction for the band.
As a musician and having liked the song a bit too much, sorry guys, but I’m gonna have to criticise it. I thought the stopping and starting was a bit overplayed. It affected the overall tempo of the song…
Quicksand Remedy
Quicksand remedy in the studio
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practiced songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk ‘til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number, with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
The bass line was relentless with its funk-some delivery. A pity as the song was was let down by the sound mix. Chris’ guitar could have been more crunchy putting the ‘heavy’ into the rock!
As a musician, I would say having the bass and guitar playing on and offbeat, with some off time ride hits would give the song a little more edge. That’s me being picky!
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquiliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquiliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
QSR pride their songs on the slower build up for heavy, stamping staple funk-metal endings. With this song’s stronger part at the end, I’d personally recommend, for this song, a heavier start using the song’s ending melodies and place them at the beginning.
Next up was their infamous, “Tribute” is always a winner with the band’s on-stage heavy rocking and bass-tastic confident performance. Nothing bad could be said about this number. This song plus the penultimate song of the evening, “Funky Tasty”, were well known by their following and set off dancing with hands in the air.
QSR, much to the crowd’s enjoyment, through in a cover of Chilli’s “If you have to ask”. Delivered in their ineffable style, it was an interesting choice. From their 2 core influences I no longer feel the band is separated in influence with their Pearl Jam vs Chillis sound.
Previously they had TOO much of a rock vs funk dichotomy. The sound now comes across as conjoined and as such is less forced and more natural sounding.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video http://ping.fm/6Ep9K]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Chris, ended off the song with a gruff vocal, “Quicksaaaandddddddd”, settling a triumphant upbeat feeling with the crowd. Come-on guys…. We wanted another? No, it was time at the bar and QSR packed up giving us, the audience a well deserved breather and time to grab a drink and do some Skillington moves… hhaaahhha.
Reverendo Brown: Live Music Review Razzamatazz 3, Feb 2010, Barcelona, Spain
I have to say I quite like Reverendo Brown. This Barcelona Pop/ Rock quintet take from quite a few influences from different musical styles and directions.
The end result is very pleasant, their songs uplifting with an occult lower sadness that really needs to come out. I'll come on to this in a bit. The band has already proved their mettle, getting through to the semi-finals of Barcelona's prestigious Emergenzia's Battle of the Bands.
**Reverendo Brown Concert Highlights
The second song of the evening, "Luciernagas" kicked off with a great keyboard intro and waded into Radiohead style guitar work. Coupled off with a confident and energy vocal delivery this song didn't disappoint the audience.
Lead singer, Reverend Brown"Pupilas" , I enjoyed a lot. This song carries with it Rafa [the guitarist] leads with a indie, brit rock riffs while Christian on bass delivers solid rock edgy emotion beautifully. Estíbaliz gave some Siouxsie Souix, vocal delivery[of Siouxsie and the Banshees fame] that got me a dancing baby! Great tune!
I think this is one of their stronger set songs.
I think the song would be even stronger with some male octave or tonal vocal harmonies.
"El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", I personally think they ought to enter this song for Eurovision for the song for Spain. One of their strongest Spanish feeling indie / rock numbers thatthe crowd instantly moves, nods and dances to! The keyboard melodies race ahead without abating, driving the hands in the air of the audience. Rúben behind the drums puts his heart into strong percussive hi-hat and snare delivery. The song is near perfect.
For me, maybe they could do with some more phrasal spacing in the builds. I'd love to hear a hard house version of this song. RB, send it to Paul Oakenfold.... I think it'll be a winner!
Reverend Brown, Spanish Barcelona Rock Band
Reverendo Brown, covered "Creep", the infamous Radiohead number. This showed a more serious nature to the band. The best thing is they carried it off perfectly, the edginess of the song showed a more delicate and emotional edge to the band. They were in tune with the song. The drum lines were perfectly delivered by Rúben giving the song a familiar pace and feel.
This shows the band has a lot more promise to carry off emotive songs through their delivery! I want to see more of this please!
"Vampiros" is where I think the keyboard melodies are very Killers orientated with strong Oreja de Van Gogh style vocals. With the pace set the band loved us and left us with I believe one of their strongest songs, "Malo Final". This song for me topped, "El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", but only just.
I'd say if you're in a tough spot Reverendo Brown, I'd play "Malo Final", first to get the crowd going and don't give up! Nice one boys and girls!
**Concert low lights
Reverend Brown, RazzamatazzThere's not much to fault this band on. As I said, I think they could start to show a bit more indie edginess that'll set them apart from being perceived as just another Spanish pop/rock band.
Reverendo Brown deserve more. With 2 of their stronger songs, plus their cover, 'Creep', has shown more musical depth to touch and convey emotion that the band put into their numbers.
Sadly, the key influences drift towards the pop angle, which is okay. However, it is not enough to get them really noticed as something different from the plethora of other great Spanish pop/rock bands out there.
I'd say their brit indie guitar lines from Rafa, I enjoyed a lot. Together with a great fusion of brit/iberican pop/rock [look at the newer direction of Vertusa Morla] seems to have some life, and something to set them apart.
Estíbaliz lead singer needs to be a lot more versatile on-stage and get away from the stand alone mike. She interacts great with the band but she's mainly static on stage and isn't enough to kick you in the balls during the choruses [which are very strong] .
Estíbaliz please get up close to the crowd, play around with the band more. During the concert there was some interaction but it could be better with some of their slower numbers and male vocal harmonies that'd bring a dimension of band cohesion.
**About Reverendo Brown, their influences and members
The female vocal lead band take a great chunk of their influence from Spanish Rock / Pop gods of music. Notably their sound is very Oreja de Van Gogh, with The Killers, REM and Radiohead thrown in for good measure.
Suprisingly the vocals, guided by the bands sound at times sounds very Souisie & the Banshees. A nice touch!
Reverend Brown, Lead SingerBehind the keyboards resides Alfredo, the band's chief composer adding in great rhythmic and ambient chords, giving the band a great anthemic feel. It's hard to place exactly where his influence is. The nearest would be compared to Brandon Flowers of The Killers fame.
Set List:
Carmen San Diego
Luciernagas
Pupilas
El Lado fresquito de la Almohada
Lagartos
Creep
Vampiros
Malo Final
The end result is very pleasant, their songs uplifting with an occult lower sadness that really needs to come out. I'll come on to this in a bit. The band has already proved their mettle, getting through to the semi-finals of Barcelona's prestigious Emergenzia's Battle of the Bands.
**Reverendo Brown Concert Highlights
The second song of the evening, "Luciernagas" kicked off with a great keyboard intro and waded into Radiohead style guitar work. Coupled off with a confident and energy vocal delivery this song didn't disappoint the audience.
Lead singer, Reverend Brown"Pupilas" , I enjoyed a lot. This song carries with it Rafa [the guitarist] leads with a indie, brit rock riffs while Christian on bass delivers solid rock edgy emotion beautifully. Estíbaliz gave some Siouxsie Souix, vocal delivery[of Siouxsie and the Banshees fame] that got me a dancing baby! Great tune!
I think this is one of their stronger set songs.
I think the song would be even stronger with some male octave or tonal vocal harmonies.
"El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", I personally think they ought to enter this song for Eurovision for the song for Spain. One of their strongest Spanish feeling indie / rock numbers thatthe crowd instantly moves, nods and dances to! The keyboard melodies race ahead without abating, driving the hands in the air of the audience. Rúben behind the drums puts his heart into strong percussive hi-hat and snare delivery. The song is near perfect.
For me, maybe they could do with some more phrasal spacing in the builds. I'd love to hear a hard house version of this song. RB, send it to Paul Oakenfold.... I think it'll be a winner!
Reverend Brown, Spanish Barcelona Rock Band
Reverendo Brown, covered "Creep", the infamous Radiohead number. This showed a more serious nature to the band. The best thing is they carried it off perfectly, the edginess of the song showed a more delicate and emotional edge to the band. They were in tune with the song. The drum lines were perfectly delivered by Rúben giving the song a familiar pace and feel.
This shows the band has a lot more promise to carry off emotive songs through their delivery! I want to see more of this please!
"Vampiros" is where I think the keyboard melodies are very Killers orientated with strong Oreja de Van Gogh style vocals. With the pace set the band loved us and left us with I believe one of their strongest songs, "Malo Final". This song for me topped, "El Lado fresquito de la Almohada", but only just.
I'd say if you're in a tough spot Reverendo Brown, I'd play "Malo Final", first to get the crowd going and don't give up! Nice one boys and girls!
**Concert low lights
Reverend Brown, RazzamatazzThere's not much to fault this band on. As I said, I think they could start to show a bit more indie edginess that'll set them apart from being perceived as just another Spanish pop/rock band.
Reverendo Brown deserve more. With 2 of their stronger songs, plus their cover, 'Creep', has shown more musical depth to touch and convey emotion that the band put into their numbers.
Sadly, the key influences drift towards the pop angle, which is okay. However, it is not enough to get them really noticed as something different from the plethora of other great Spanish pop/rock bands out there.
I'd say their brit indie guitar lines from Rafa, I enjoyed a lot. Together with a great fusion of brit/iberican pop/rock [look at the newer direction of Vertusa Morla] seems to have some life, and something to set them apart.
Estíbaliz lead singer needs to be a lot more versatile on-stage and get away from the stand alone mike. She interacts great with the band but she's mainly static on stage and isn't enough to kick you in the balls during the choruses [which are very strong] .
Estíbaliz please get up close to the crowd, play around with the band more. During the concert there was some interaction but it could be better with some of their slower numbers and male vocal harmonies that'd bring a dimension of band cohesion.
**About Reverendo Brown, their influences and members
The female vocal lead band take a great chunk of their influence from Spanish Rock / Pop gods of music. Notably their sound is very Oreja de Van Gogh, with The Killers, REM and Radiohead thrown in for good measure.
Suprisingly the vocals, guided by the bands sound at times sounds very Souisie & the Banshees. A nice touch!
Reverend Brown, Lead SingerBehind the keyboards resides Alfredo, the band's chief composer adding in great rhythmic and ambient chords, giving the band a great anthemic feel. It's hard to place exactly where his influence is. The nearest would be compared to Brandon Flowers of The Killers fame.
Set List:
Carmen San Diego
Luciernagas
Pupilas
El Lado fresquito de la Almohada
Lagartos
Creep
Vampiros
Malo Final
Reverendo Brown, live music review from their epic concert at Razzamatazz, 5th Feb 2010: http://ping.fm/qTSme
Great news for U2 fans, Interpol are supporting during June/July 2010 in the States. http://ping.fm/KykO2
Metal hammer give a great lead on a new Deftones song for download. My comments and link here:http://ping.fm/9MXwl
Friday, February 19, 2010
Getting dodgy SERPs? Then quit off google's personalised search for proper results: http://ping.fm/f01dX
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Really interesting news piece on: The “unbundling” of the shopping experience across channels: implications for retailers:
http://ping.fm/2r8Rr
http://ping.fm/2r8Rr
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Watch they Easyjet CEO race Ryarair's CEO race around Trafalger Sq, London. Interesting ploy in social media: http://ping.fm/gKLLS
Bullet for my Valentine lovers? Download a new track free here: http://ping.fm/soZXf
#bulletformyvalentine mp3
#bulletformyvalentine mp3
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Quicksand Remedy Live in Barcelona, Live Music Review from their 5 Feb 2010 gig at Razzamatazz
http://ping.fm/C1EVf
http://ping.fm/C1EVf
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Feb 2010
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Highlights:
Coming on-stage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practised songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number but with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video here http://ping.fm/7UHqA]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Lowlights:
Despite the venue’s mismatched sound mixing, the songs still came across as strong, powerful and emotive. The bass was too a little too loud, the guitar weak with hardly any lower end. The drum-kit had a very weak sound especially on the bass drum and mid toms.
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquilliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquilliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
About Quicksand Remedy: Feel, Grove and Influences
Brimming with energy, professionalism, well polished tunes and on-stage presence Quicksand Remedy is one of Barcelona’s best ex-pat heavy rock trios.
The group sandwiches in a healthy portion of Pearl Jam with a hot side dish of Red Hot Chilli Peppers influences, while remaining true to something unique in rock/funk fusion.
Having been around a few years now, the band carries off some very deep emotional songs. This is not an easy thing to do. Indeed, I’d say the band has now matured for the better. They are now successfully carrying off the darker feel in their music that the lyrics always conveyed.
Onstage the group successfully interacts with one another, while their bassist is just pure crazy! Chris, head banging during his instrumental and solos, gives the audience the impression of solid work, well delivered.
This event debuted some new material and newish material from their present single [and video see here http://ping.fm/MpvnO].
Coming on-stage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practised songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number but with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video here http://ping.fm/7UHqA]. For some of the more comical elements, Johns [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Lowlights:
Despite the venue’s mismatched sound mixing, the songs still came across as strong, powerful and emotive. The bass was too a little too loud, the guitar weak with hardly any lower end. The drum-kit had a very weak sound especially on the bass drum and mid toms.
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquilliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquilliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
About Quicksand Remedy: Feel, Grove and Influences
Brimming with energy, professionalism, well polished tunes and on-stage presence Quicksand Remedy is one of Barcelona’s best ex-pat heavy rock trios.
The group sandwiches in a healthy portion of Pearl Jam with a hot side dish of Red Hot Chilli Peppers influences, while remaining true to something unique in rock/funk fusion.
Having been around a few years now, the band carries off some very deep emotional songs. This is not an easy thing to do. Indeed, I’d say the band has now matured for the better. They are now successfully carrying off the darker feel in their music that the lyrics always conveyed.
Onstage the group successfully interacts with one another, while their bassist is just pure crazy! Chris, head banging during his instrumental and solos, gives the audience the impression of solid work, well delivered.
This event debuted some new material and newish material from their present single [and video see here http://ping.fm/MpvnO].
Interesting article on social media vs corporations. Now users are being educated! http://ping.fm/Tixqy
News: 10 Reasons You Can’t Ignore Google Buzz as an SEO. I can't say much more than I agree! http://ping.fm/3WLUw
Saturday, May 30, 2009
What SEO Misses. The Buying Path To Conversion Pt. II
When looking at great how to guides on SEO, there appear to be, at least for I, some very important factors missing. These are aligning a campaign to the objectives and then making the content to support this. Many guides already and probably already rightly assume this has been done.
Last blog I mused about getting richer content on-site. I proposed using testimonial and rich content especially with Google snippets web masters can now dream to conquer shortfalls in already optimized content.
Let's look at this a little deeper. Let's use an example that actually inspired this article. The author is looking for a net book. Now early along the way in research I found problems such as short battery life, disk space, RAM differences, screen glare and weight.
Of course, but even complex terms are not really finding what I need. In short, the whole Web 2.0 experience centers search and content to a simple statement. They address, "I want to find people like me". The nearest I'm going to get is a large portal like cnet.com, if I am lucky an independent review site. But search on these portals is limited. If I know already the make, model and RAM, then I can make an informed decision. So how about a lower spec machine running Linux to a higher one with XP?
Adding syndicated or embedded reviews, or even better adding comments, word clouds and rich snippets, I could find something in the decision buying phase. Now think, how could I have got people from the first research to my site? I'd say providing content with user experience and reviews adding real life examples of success stories. These could include an amateur writer taking it to the beach, watch movies, get free Wi-Fi, extra light with lots of batteries as the person is always out.
Sure, one can create this, but don't surfers look for something a bit more dynamic? Searches change through time. For I search for easy answers to the questions I have. Still, if there's another hurdle if price or service is my bane for bounces maybe one can addresses this via the potential conversions I could have got.
In SEO one part is to get people to your site, effect the decision of yes and convert. The shopping process is another aspect of conversion and best left to another posting.
Lucky SEOing all.
Last blog I mused about getting richer content on-site. I proposed using testimonial and rich content especially with Google snippets web masters can now dream to conquer shortfalls in already optimized content.
Let's look at this a little deeper. Let's use an example that actually inspired this article. The author is looking for a net book. Now early along the way in research I found problems such as short battery life, disk space, RAM differences, screen glare and weight.
Of course, but even complex terms are not really finding what I need. In short, the whole Web 2.0 experience centers search and content to a simple statement. They address, "I want to find people like me". The nearest I'm going to get is a large portal like cnet.com, if I am lucky an independent review site. But search on these portals is limited. If I know already the make, model and RAM, then I can make an informed decision. So how about a lower spec machine running Linux to a higher one with XP?
Adding syndicated or embedded reviews, or even better adding comments, word clouds and rich snippets, I could find something in the decision buying phase. Now think, how could I have got people from the first research to my site? I'd say providing content with user experience and reviews adding real life examples of success stories. These could include an amateur writer taking it to the beach, watch movies, get free Wi-Fi, extra light with lots of batteries as the person is always out.
Sure, one can create this, but don't surfers look for something a bit more dynamic? Searches change through time. For I search for easy answers to the questions I have. Still, if there's another hurdle if price or service is my bane for bounces maybe one can addresses this via the potential conversions I could have got.
In SEO one part is to get people to your site, effect the decision of yes and convert. The shopping process is another aspect of conversion and best left to another posting.
Lucky SEOing all.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
What's Dangerous About Twitter....
Recently Jonathan Ross tv and radio presenter accidentally published his email on twitter with another user. In essence, this is really easy to do. For I, now getting used to all the functionality of twitter [or lack of], it's not hard to confuse the buttons. For web masters and marketeers this is quite dangerous. I have seen many corporates, like Cisco use Twitter for B2B networking. Imagine email addresses from present leads being exposed.
At least going for Jonathon it shows his postings are in fact real and not some invention of some clever SEM company in his agents employ.
I think twitter ought to change a background or at least name the type of reply one is making. Having a simple @ or D I think is party confusing [for someone like my Dad].
Although twitter did react quickly burying the post, it is showing the high risks of trying to bury twits. Indeed if you use any synchronising software across portals, a higher one. One is still able to find Jonathan Ross's email using advanced search. I guess it will be a matter of time before removed altogether. Now for Ross, he is hoping their tech guys are not Fawlty tower fans!
With any form of on/offline libel at steak it is not hard to imagine this happening again.
This is a wake up call to webmasters who have got past the phase of burying bad web pages, but now syndicated and posted content that lies between b2b and c2c life its a risk that all good SMO'ers ought to be addressing in their process flow client documentation.
Recently Jonathan Ross tv and radio presenter accidentally published his email on twitter with another user. In essence, this is really easy to do. For I, now getting used to all the functionality of twitter [or lack of], it's not hard to confuse the buttons. For web masters and marketeers this is quite dangerous. I have seen many corporates, like Cisco use Twitter for B2B networking. Imagine email addresses from present leads being exposed.
At least going for Jonathan it shows his postings are in fact real and not some invention of some clever SEM company in his agents employ.
I think twitter ought to change a background or at least name the type of reply one is making. Having a simple @ or D I think is party confusing [for someone like my Dad].
Although twitter did react quickly burying the post, it is showing the high risks of trying to bury twits. Indeed if you use any synchronising software across portals, a higher one. One is still able to find Jonathan Ross's email using advanced search. I guess it will be a matter of time before removed altogether. Now for Ross, he is hoping their tech guys are not Fawlty tower fans!
With any form of on/off-line libel at steak it is not hard to imagine this happening again.
This is a wake up call to web masters who have got past the phase of burying bad web pages, but now syndicated and posted content that lies between b2b and c2c life its a risk that all good SMO'ers ought to be addressing in their process flow client documentation.
At least going for Jonathon it shows his postings are in fact real and not some invention of some clever SEM company in his agents employ.
I think twitter ought to change a background or at least name the type of reply one is making. Having a simple @ or D I think is party confusing [for someone like my Dad].
Although twitter did react quickly burying the post, it is showing the high risks of trying to bury twits. Indeed if you use any synchronising software across portals, a higher one. One is still able to find Jonathan Ross's email using advanced search. I guess it will be a matter of time before removed altogether. Now for Ross, he is hoping their tech guys are not Fawlty tower fans!
With any form of on/offline libel at steak it is not hard to imagine this happening again.
This is a wake up call to webmasters who have got past the phase of burying bad web pages, but now syndicated and posted content that lies between b2b and c2c life its a risk that all good SMO'ers ought to be addressing in their process flow client documentation.
Recently Jonathan Ross tv and radio presenter accidentally published his email on twitter with another user. In essence, this is really easy to do. For I, now getting used to all the functionality of twitter [or lack of], it's not hard to confuse the buttons. For web masters and marketeers this is quite dangerous. I have seen many corporates, like Cisco use Twitter for B2B networking. Imagine email addresses from present leads being exposed.
At least going for Jonathan it shows his postings are in fact real and not some invention of some clever SEM company in his agents employ.
I think twitter ought to change a background or at least name the type of reply one is making. Having a simple @ or D I think is party confusing [for someone like my Dad].
Although twitter did react quickly burying the post, it is showing the high risks of trying to bury twits. Indeed if you use any synchronising software across portals, a higher one. One is still able to find Jonathan Ross's email using advanced search. I guess it will be a matter of time before removed altogether. Now for Ross, he is hoping their tech guys are not Fawlty tower fans!
With any form of on/off-line libel at steak it is not hard to imagine this happening again.
This is a wake up call to web masters who have got past the phase of burying bad web pages, but now syndicated and posted content that lies between b2b and c2c life its a risk that all good SMO'ers ought to be addressing in their process flow client documentation.
Monday, May 25, 2009
ISP based marketing models - Smarter Web Marketing
Some aspects I believe are missing from search per se are the words used during the buying cycle. Of course analytics provides various timelines, but as internet and the buying cycle is associated with different IP addresses for various searches now on various devices. Thus, heavy browsing may happen at home, some quick searches during the daytime at work and the adhoc reminders using mobile devices/notebooks.
A personal change in search, adverts etc could be changed to match business and consumer isp adsl packages. Indeed for isps to provide this information to ad searches is invaluable information. For advertisers it could mean different ads to business in the day to home an work isps, with an opt out option if their business model is for sme (ie a remote worker or sole business might use a personal email account for home and work). Isps might use this info to target users from different isps for acquisition for adsl and advertisers could find out which home domains provide the most conversions or type of customer.
For isps and email providers it is both a keen monitiser as well as risk. However from the leverage providing this information to analytic companies who in turn sell this onto the marketeer, this form of targetting will make email campaign analysis of domain openers a cost saving benefit. Wondering why gmail openers are less interested in your offers, well then separate via isp and then make a model for home users from btinternet who use gmail, brand up your campaign and make more sensible partnerships with their own campaigning. It provides another outlet and will help with locating the natural language of the recipient.
A personal change in search, adverts etc could be changed to match business and consumer isp adsl packages. Indeed for isps to provide this information to ad searches is invaluable information. For advertisers it could mean different ads to business in the day to home an work isps, with an opt out option if their business model is for sme (ie a remote worker or sole business might use a personal email account for home and work). Isps might use this info to target users from different isps for acquisition for adsl and advertisers could find out which home domains provide the most conversions or type of customer.
For isps and email providers it is both a keen monitiser as well as risk. However from the leverage providing this information to analytic companies who in turn sell this onto the marketeer, this form of targetting will make email campaign analysis of domain openers a cost saving benefit. Wondering why gmail openers are less interested in your offers, well then separate via isp and then make a model for home users from btinternet who use gmail, brand up your campaign and make more sensible partnerships with their own campaigning. It provides another outlet and will help with locating the natural language of the recipient.
Google Snippits, A B2C Web Master's Dream
Rich snippets for I, grabbed my attention to create a new advancement in syndicating reviews, products and prices from various areas. I will need to investigate further if it can be integrated into a personal favourite of mine, Google Base. The best is the extra links within content that add relevance and user ranking to a product or service. If integrated with adsense a marketeer could mark up comment keywords which show up, adding a new dimension to PPC. As well, these snippits can add a long tail aspect in SEO searching.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Google Street View Truck
Caught the infamous video capture wagon in the reflection here: Look in the windows to see the truck.
As well, there's a red car which hasn't had it's number obsured: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102418814097969820952.0004346f7007198e83c49&ll=41.414966,2.177653&spn=0,359.990344&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.414903,2.17773&panoid=soV7MGDAQ2FYHz23AB5wKw&cbp=12,153.88003366422294,,1,19.4525
Enjoy. I was expecting a truck laden with Google advertising. No, it's a grey car with a camera on top!-+
As well, there's a red car which hasn't had it's number obsured: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102418814097969820952.0004346f7007198e83c49&ll=41.414966,2.177653&spn=0,359.990344&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.414903,2.17773&panoid=soV7MGDAQ2FYHz23AB5wKw&cbp=12,153.88003366422294,,1,19.4525
Enjoy. I was expecting a truck laden with Google advertising. No, it's a grey car with a camera on top!-+
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What is SMO or SMM with Web 2.0 and SEO together... are you confused?
Let's talk about the world of SMO, [Search Media Optimisation] SMM [Search Media Optimisation] the re-aligned SEO [Search Engine Optimisation] and new marketing efforts by people such as myself.
Although it's not a black and white picture I saw the first development of the Web, or Web 1.0 s it's now known as the following:
Why are Facebook et al famous?
Well, we always want to know what people who we worked with once are doing or even follow someone from afar who we knew was right or wrong but never really wanted to confront. So.. what does this mean commercially?
It meant that:
It's hard to say, even the world's best can't answer that one. I think it's best to find the truth in the language game, i.e: language in use.
It seems clear to me that SMO or SMM encompasses the following elements:
Not easy to answer... Let's look at how people make a buying decision [for b2b or b2c].
So are you offering it all? I personally think many firms don't. Why do I think this?
Bottom line: One has to consider entering Web 2.0 infact any form of elevated CRM with an:
As well, responding and engaging to me is something that is marketing and PR focused. Indeed, I would say a lot of Web 2.0, SMM, SMO is about safeguarding reputation online. Maybe as I had found in some agencies I'd worked for and networked with, online PR was always scoffed at. Now it seems to have come into central play again. For this reason, I think the BEST people to speak to would be an internet savvy PR agency and to learn ALL the basics of responce media.
Although it's not a black and white picture I saw the first development of the Web, or Web 1.0 s it's now known as the following:
- SEO: Remember link farms and Google bombing! This then later went into best practice as people became very aware of the difference between a good looking site and site rankings changed dramatically. This effected the suppliers of SEO at that time, moving towards a better practice. In essence, all SEO agencies are behind what the next strategy or Google 'Algorithms' would be. But that's the nature of the game.
- Website structure, then later heat-maps and navigation ease
- CMS: Content Management and later dynamic and user specific content, like Amazon's personalised logged in pages. This for me was crucial for a major player to move into Web 2.0 with personalised CRM as it's leader and starting point.
- Booking engines, search portals [like Lycos with special offers]
- Email marketing [never forgotten]
- PPC, PCM, banners and affiliate campaigning
- Consistent pricing , price parity, terms and conditions and then back to web structure [as in part one].
Why are Facebook et al famous?
Well, we always want to know what people who we worked with once are doing or even follow someone from afar who we knew was right or wrong but never really wanted to confront. So.. what does this mean commercially?
It meant that:
- Customers had the right to talk, critise as well as SHARE their thoughts with business.
- This created a rise in customer to business [c2b] then later.. customer to customer [c2c] and user generated content [ugc] took off!
It's hard to say, even the world's best can't answer that one. I think it's best to find the truth in the language game, i.e: language in use.
It seems clear to me that SMO or SMM encompasses the following elements:
- Blogs: The good, the bad and the ugly. They all have something to say. Are you listening?
- Photos and pictures: By the User
- Videos: By the User
- Rating and review sites: These include consumer reviews
- Networking sites: To on-line end players beit business or consumer or even a potential new buyer whos looking around at other possibilities and wants the real bottom line.
Not easy to answer... Let's look at how people make a buying decision [for b2b or b2c].
So are you offering it all? I personally think many firms don't. Why do I think this?
- Web 1.0 to 2.0 lesson: 24% of sites do not allow customers to enlarge the product image
- 1 in 3 sites so not offer customer reviews: No feedback, no credibility!
- 61% do not offer any information on the product/service
- Web 1.0 lesson still not learned... 58% correctly answer an e-mail question within 24 hours.
EIAA Online –Shoppers Europe 2008
Bottom line: One has to consider entering Web 2.0 infact any form of elevated CRM with an:
- Understanding the audience: What are their motivators. Think about what they'd say about your brand exposure and make it right!
- Think less corporate and more risky point of view. This aims at being transparent, credible and valuable. Why, as I've heard your 10 second sales pitch, you're saying you're the best now why.. and without all the jargonised business power speech. Talk to me in my language and how I LIKE IT [most important element of SMO: Personally this is I believe an element it can never fulfil when push comes to shove].
- Take in, feed-back attitude to all learn to repeat.. truthfully!
As well, responding and engaging to me is something that is marketing and PR focused. Indeed, I would say a lot of Web 2.0, SMM, SMO is about safeguarding reputation online. Maybe as I had found in some agencies I'd worked for and networked with, online PR was always scoffed at. Now it seems to have come into central play again. For this reason, I think the BEST people to speak to would be an internet savvy PR agency and to learn ALL the basics of responce media.
TravelCLICK Social Media Optimization Solution at ITB in Berlin.
TravelCLICK announce that they will launch Social Media Optimization Solution at ITB in Berlin. Good for them. I will be interested if they'll follow some great advice for review sites: By adding Rich Media this has a knock-on affect to conversion: Why is this?
* People want to see what the hotel is like, what they expect and value from their stay.
* Using SMO studies have stated that site visitors tend to go further on a site and stay on their longer offering videos
* A case study by Jetair.be conducted landing page A/B testing. There was a 200% increase in online conversion using video. Additionally site stickiness [people staying on-site] radically increased
So, where is the value in SMO and using Web 2.0? Well, using something like Google streetview to a hotel site adds something? Why is this then?
* Hotels can demonstrate it's closeness to shops or include user generated content of great views show a truthfulness to their claim. For example Marriot did actual views OUTSIDE the windows showing the Eiffel Tower. This adds a show me, don’t tell me and credibility to any website promise.
These easy to miss facits adds credibility and does not lessen the quality or brand value of a site Why addressing reviews on places like TripAdvisor is a good thing?
* In 2008, 75%+ of reviews were good on leading review sites. There's also very goodhotel managers and staff, like those at the Pulitzer in Barcelona Spain as seeen on TripAdvisor . This increases the increase conversion rate as satisfaction post-stay, even a loose to win situation is a good example of smart marketing.
* One can also learn from the comments what are the hotel’s USPs and fall-down points..
* Finally a hotelier can find out about their USPs and benchmark these to trained staff on the phone. Thing is, where TravelCLICK fall down with this, is that the competitive benchmarking vs competitors, I'd be very surprised if they offer a ABC toolkit saying you're better than X hotel coz of this or that! This waits to be seen.
What's going on at present:
* Many hoteliers are arguing with people who had a problem WRONG! Be honest and admit mistakes!
* Stay with core review sites, get your ratings up and then move on elsewhere!
* Larger hotel chains have been known to get lawyers to the publishers of UGC. Wrong, embrace it and move it to your USPS
What Web 2.) can do for you?
* Web 2.0 can add to site stickiness. How about integrating content rom new sources. If you're offering value, don't overstate your brand, compliment it with relative values to yours!
Web 2.0 and UGC adds credibility to a hotelier's website. Your visitors won’t click-away if they feel the site is unbalanced. If they feel the reviews, testimonials sum up the hotel, they tell it on trust if the reviews hit the mark
So what about... video? Man do I cringe at many hotel promo videos. It's like having ice-cream with 29 flakes in it and calling it a diet version... come on get over it already! What should I do?
* Offer a range of videos. Not all your punters are going to be rich or looking for the best rooms... but sell them in their league. As well, if the situation, location and communication is good... showing the options helps with UPSELLING!
* Do you hate it when you go to a myspace page and music you hate blares out. How do you think visitors to your hotel feel? Don’t automatically play videos. Let the user decide.
* Make sure ALL videos are concise and fulfil what they were designed for. Don't take a person on a long journey. They want to see the room godammit! They migh be looking at work and son't want 30 secs of montages. People get disinterested fast, aim at the lowest common demoninator and offer a 30 sec and a 2 minute one. Offer - OPTIONS!
* Ensure that the video clearly supports the conversion goal and is well located on the site. If I can see it and it's well labelled I'll click it....
Anyway.... let's hear from TravelCLICK on what they see as an optimisation strategy using Web 2.0 rich media integration and development of facebook and myspace pages to give a true encompassing taste of hotels, world wide! I for one am very interested!
* People want to see what the hotel is like, what they expect and value from their stay.
* Using SMO studies have stated that site visitors tend to go further on a site and stay on their longer offering videos
* A case study by Jetair.be conducted landing page A/B testing. There was a 200% increase in online conversion using video. Additionally site stickiness [people staying on-site] radically increased
So, where is the value in SMO and using Web 2.0? Well, using something like Google streetview to a hotel site adds something? Why is this then?
* Hotels can demonstrate it's closeness to shops or include user generated content of great views show a truthfulness to their claim. For example Marriot did actual views OUTSIDE the windows showing the Eiffel Tower. This adds a show me, don’t tell me and credibility to any website promise.
These easy to miss facits adds credibility and does not lessen the quality or brand value of a site Why addressing reviews on places like TripAdvisor is a good thing?
* In 2008, 75%+ of reviews were good on leading review sites. There's also very goodhotel managers and staff, like those at the Pulitzer in Barcelona Spain as seeen on TripAdvisor . This increases the increase conversion rate as satisfaction post-stay, even a loose to win situation is a good example of smart marketing.
* One can also learn from the comments what are the hotel’s USPs and fall-down points..
* Finally a hotelier can find out about their USPs and benchmark these to trained staff on the phone. Thing is, where TravelCLICK fall down with this, is that the competitive benchmarking vs competitors, I'd be very surprised if they offer a ABC toolkit saying you're better than X hotel coz of this or that! This waits to be seen.
What's going on at present:
* Many hoteliers are arguing with people who had a problem WRONG! Be honest and admit mistakes!
* Stay with core review sites, get your ratings up and then move on elsewhere!
* Larger hotel chains have been known to get lawyers to the publishers of UGC. Wrong, embrace it and move it to your USPS
What Web 2.) can do for you?
* Web 2.0 can add to site stickiness. How about integrating content rom new sources. If you're offering value, don't overstate your brand, compliment it with relative values to yours!
Web 2.0 and UGC adds credibility to a hotelier's website. Your visitors won’t click-away if they feel the site is unbalanced. If they feel the reviews, testimonials sum up the hotel, they tell it on trust if the reviews hit the mark
So what about... video? Man do I cringe at many hotel promo videos. It's like having ice-cream with 29 flakes in it and calling it a diet version... come on get over it already! What should I do?
* Offer a range of videos. Not all your punters are going to be rich or looking for the best rooms... but sell them in their league. As well, if the situation, location and communication is good... showing the options helps with UPSELLING!
* Do you hate it when you go to a myspace page and music you hate blares out. How do you think visitors to your hotel feel? Don’t automatically play videos. Let the user decide.
* Make sure ALL videos are concise and fulfil what they were designed for. Don't take a person on a long journey. They want to see the room godammit! They migh be looking at work and son't want 30 secs of montages. People get disinterested fast, aim at the lowest common demoninator and offer a 30 sec and a 2 minute one. Offer - OPTIONS!
* Ensure that the video clearly supports the conversion goal and is well located on the site. If I can see it and it's well labelled I'll click it....
Anyway.... let's hear from TravelCLICK on what they see as an optimisation strategy using Web 2.0 rich media integration and development of facebook and myspace pages to give a true encompassing taste of hotels, world wide! I for one am very interested!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Travel Article: Besalú
The medieval town of Besalú has a rich heritage dating back more than a millennia. The town is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Barcelona. Getting there is best reached by car. Take the A7 direction Girona and take Exit 6, Palafrugell, Palamós then on the C66 straight to Besalú. We enjoyed a great day in this clean, tranquil feudal town appreciating it’s feeling of age and narrow cobble stoned streets.
Besalú stands out like Gerona for it rich medieval architecture and structures. It was once the capital of the county of Besalú during its feudal period – Charlemagne's 8th and 9th century. Due to a lack of an heir it later fell under the jurisdiction of Barcelona. Although it was invaded by the Moors none of their epoch remains.
The highlight of the town is the Romanesque walled bridge with well-preserved garrets and towers. It looks as beautiful as it does ominous. The Bridge crosses the Fluvia River and must have provided a great deal of protection from invading forces. Nowadays you cannot sense the river’s protection. The dropping of the river’s depth now provides a more pleasurable and scenic aspect. From the riverbanks/riverbed you can view the bridges impressive architecture above and its foundation resting on river rocks.
There are tours that give a greater appreciation of the town, although I preferred to go around at my own pace. Quite rare to encounter in Spain, scattered around the town there are a lot of plaçards explaining historical sites next to places of interest. A Tren Turistic offers tours every 45 minutes during the day for visits inside the churches and the Jewish Mikvah.
Like Gerona the town has a Jewish heritage. Near to the river you can find the remains of the Jewish quarter. Notably there are the remains of a Synagogue and a Mikvah (Jewish ritual purity bath house). This is quite a treasure as it is unique in Spain! You will have to go to the tourist office in Plaça de la Llibertat or join one of the tours.
Standing between the tall walls dark alley leading to the Jewish quarter is very eerie experience. More so, when you find out the section was walled and separated off by royal anti-Semitic sentiments in 1415.
Walking around the town you will note it has three religious buildings dedicated to Sant Julia, Sant Pere and Sant Vincenc. The latter is a quaint Gothic chapel but my highlight was the architecture of the 12th century monastery of Sant Pere. Their exteriors are well preserved. It is a pity that these sites can only be visited on guided tours. If the sun is not reflecting off the windows you can view their interiors by dropping a Euro in a coffer slot near the windows.
Near the river you will find the remains of the Jewish quarter. Standing in the tall dark alley leading to the Jewish quarter is very eerie when told that the section was separated in 1415. At the time by royal degree the area was walled and effectively sectioned off.
Notably there are the remains of a Synagogue and a mikvah (Jewish ritual purity bath house) in Besalú. You will have to go to the tourist office in plaça de la Llibertat to pick up a key to visit it. It costs 0,60€. This site is quite a treasure being unique in Spain!
The town has narrow streets that open onto market squares. In the two main plaças offering a choice of tapas, pizza and more exotic food. I recommend the numerous restaurants boasting historic food traditions within the town. The cuisine here is called ‘volcanic’, mainly as inactive but not extinct volcanoes have provided rich soil for growing rich tasting foods.
The stand-out restaurants include Cúria Reial, Olivera, Cal Parent, Can Quei and El Pont Vell. For me it was a dream come true. I am a big fan of nouveau medieval cuisine. Some of the meals include a variety of wild boar, duck, rabbit, bacon, snails, pears chestnuts and my favourite setas. Look out for restaurants serving “fesols de Santa Pau" basically tasty beans.
Notably these restaurants use an alcoholic beverage called Ratafia. This is a tasty but sweet drink has a dark grapey/plumb spicy cordial drink with heavy overtones of Christmas spices like cinnamon, cloves, walnut, and nutmeg. It is smoother but a lot sweeter than mulled wine. Most shops sell it and offer a free taster.
The town is filled with stores with local food produce and tourist shops. Many stores sell the usual medieval tourist tat. The difference is the choice of unique jewellery, ceramic, metal and wood utensil sellers. Additionally there are authentically made dairy and meat products. There are various bodegas selling young wine in plastic bottles. For 6€ you can pick up 5 litres of local high quality Merlot or Grenache table wine. Although, I found the staff uninformed about the wine it tasted good.
Around the town is some really surreal art. When walking around, look up to the sides of churches and various buildings. On some you will see chairs with their legs fixed to the wall. For some impressive history, good food and a chilled setting, do not miss your chance of visiting Besalú.
PUBLISHED ARTICLE - GETTING INVOLVED IN ART AND WORKSHOPS IN BARCELONA
Many will agree that
There are a plethora of places to get your hands and feet dirty with art projects or courses in
Prices for non-qualificational courses start at around 40€ and the price range depends on the venue, teacher, level and materials used. Photography courses in general are highly popular. A centre that is quite well-frequented and very reasonably priced is Casa Elizade. A three-month course in photography costs around 50€, however, the courses are only in Catalan! As with all venues it is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Barcelona Connect chatted to Tom Gruner, an artist who has been active on the
Getting directly involved in underground art is not necessarily difficult. There are great support groups trying to consolidate the various artistic factions. “A group called Puto Encuentro are at the forefront in bringing fractionalised underground art groups and artists together," Tom said.
Rising property costs have not only affected homebuyers; art studios have experienced a dramatic rise in ground rates. Tom agrees: "Urban regeneration projects such as the @22 project have created a lot of property price speculation. Now many spacious properties are out of the price range of artists here. I don't expect many more to open. I've heard of a few artists finding low cost spaces around Sants or in
Many artists agree that
Your speciality can at times dictate where it is more reasonable to set up a studio. For those specialising in jewellery or smaller scale art, the Gotico or the Borne seems to be the area of choice. For painting large works or sculpture seek places in
For the most part, English-speaking artists rarely bring over a workshop from the
If you are a budding artist and wish to exhibit here, it’s a good idea to find galleries/spaces and the shows you like, then contact the gallery’s organisers. Tom agrees: “Galleries are always looking for artists. It’s just important for artists to really commit to their ideas and make a collection relating to those ideas, then present them with confidence. Artists shouldn't have to pay anything for an exhibition beyond commission to the gallery for sold works.”
An interesting studio-to-rent project worth a mention is WorkBox - a project set up by the Metropolitan Museum of Barcelona. Basically, you hire a maritime container per month and can even exhibit there. Prices are a uniform 300€ a month, which is expensive but the benefits include a chance to be involved in this art project, to exhibit with established artists and do some networking.
Tom Gruner has been in Barcelona for three years and works with print making and ceramics at BCN Art Factory, www.bcnartfactory.org
HOW TO PLAY LIVE IN BARCELONA - A MUSICIANS GUIDE
Finding a place to play is the first step in a pretty straightforward process. As with any pub/club in the
A number of venues insist on charging a publicity fee. It is recommended to visit popular music bars and shops to see if the venue's flyers appear there. However, this pre-requisite is an obligatory payment, if you see the flyers or posters or not. For the most part, your publicity is a hard case of DIY.
For DIY publicity, recommended places to publicise are record shops in Calle Tallers, bars in Gracia, pubs in the Borne and bars around Razzamatazz Barcelona’s
If your band is starting out, you have 30 minutes to over an hour of material; the only way to get a live date is to share a gig date. Networking is not only the primary driver for finding places to play; it is to find other bands to play with. Luckily there a few interested English-speaking musicians who have created such a network site, BCNMusic. The aim of the site is to put bands in contact with each other.
Chris Southern the site's creator and organiser stated his reasons for creating this online venue, “Since setting up the BCNMusic Myspace page, I have learned that there are literally hundreds of bands and venues in and around
Another
When at the gig, it is usual for all the groups to share their amplification and main percussion/drums. This is usually because once the doors open there is an allotted time space for all bands to perform. To move drum kits is time consuming.
BCN Music www.myspace.com/BCNMusic
Loquo www.loquo.com
Craigslist www.barcelona.craigslist.org
.
Email Marketing - Numbering Properly and Avoiding Mistakes
I caught a great article today on emailuniverse.com that'll be of great interest to consultants or web-sites offering great information chunks. When producing value articles, it is best to volumise them. Not only are they great references, but they give the impression of the weight of the information you produce over time. A great example is one done by FreePint.
The summary of the hints were as follows:
- Don't use double numbering: Example to avoid: Volume 2, Issue 1. Number 4. Choose Issue 1. or Number 1, but not both numbering conventions. This is a personal bug bear of mine!
- Use common Arabic numbering instead of Roman Numerals. It'll be easier to understand for your reader.
- Over time, have some continuity of purpose in your numbering/volume scheme so that it makes sense to your readership. It ought to be predictable.
- Your numbering/volume scheme should not change until the purpose or scope of your email newsletter changes.
Best of luck with your newsletters.
WHAT IS WEB 2.0? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
There is no formal definition of what is Web 2.0. The term was coined originally by internet guru Tom O’Reilly and MediaLive International at a conference about the collapse of the internet following the falls in value for many internet companies.
For marketers this meant there were more outlets to suggest their product or service was giving value and could be contained within existing Online communities.
Jupiter Research reported that the take up for Web 2.0 tactics are being extensively employed. 48% of brand marketers will deploy marketing on social networking channels, compared to 38% last year. It is reckoned that 50% of brand marketers will target social networking sites in 2007.
Social marketing tactics used by see brands will compete for attention on already popular network sites like Myspace and Bebo. IDC go further estimating that by 2010 around 70% of web content will be user generated.
Bottom line: Network effects from strategic placing of content in places of user contributions are the key to market link and point of presence dominance with Web 2.0.
If all of this is a bit too much to take in, I’ve spied a very good definitive guide on the Basics of Web 2.0, its growth and how it works at SEOMoz.
They have a great link to a PowerPoint Presentation as well.
INTERCAMBIOS - LEARNING SPANISH IN SPAIN - AN EXPAT HOW TO GUIDE
When learning a new language, everyone starts at base routes. Some may not know the difference between a ceveza and a mediana or chorizo to a salchichon? Indeed you might know a bit but want to unlearn speaking Spanish from the Michael Caine School of pronunciation? This time I look at language exchanges and getting the best from the gift of tongues.
First off, what are you looking for? Spanish word for language exchange is ‘intercambio’. An intercambio is the perfect compliment to any previous experience of speaking Spanish. It is recommended that an intercambio is not substitute any formal lingual training.
Ask yourself how you prefer to learn in a group or one-to-one? Fancy improving your accent and pronunciation or your writing and writing? Where would you prefer to learn? How long do I have per evening, per week? Would you prefer to pay or not? Do you prefer something harder in the short-term or you just looking to pick up a few extra words?
Languages exchanges come in many shapes and forms. There are quite a few local groups that can be found in a city in sites such as www.meetup.com and www.meetin.org. For one to one meetings check personal language exchange sections of loquo.com, craigslist.com and barcelonaconnect.com.
Usually with organised groups there is a small charge. Prices are around 2-3€ per evening. It is not much to pick up a language and make new English and Spanish speaking friends. Many host activities and events like eating tapas and day trips outside the city. From experience there has a noticeable imbalance between English to native Spanish speakers. With the aforementioned groups they normally state who is attending so you can get an idea if a meeting will actually have an even balance of people. One-to-one meetings are free.
If you decide to contact someone from a website, think somewhere both safe and comfortable. Unless you want to spend the evening saying, “que?” every sentence find a place that is audibly quieter than a popular and rowdy bar.
To get the most from a meeting, give some forethought to what you would like to achieve. If you really need some cultural advice, then helping an advanced speaker with English is a great way of having many cultural and social situations explained to you and have to grammar explained to you. Many advanced intercambios have philology degrees or are English teachers.
Setting some basic rules about length of the meeting and splitting up time gives both parties an equal crack speaking in English/Spanish. To get a 50/50 language deal, find someone at more or less the same comprehension level as you. Once you come across a stumbling point with a word, both must find a simple way to describe something clearly. This is great training to think and communicate succinctly.
When meeting up your intercambio having a small dictionary and verb book, pen and notepad is imperative. If you prefer out-of-house meetings surface space to write notes is small. So think small. From experience a majority of Spanish can write and communicate in English. Their main problem is pronunciation. Unless you have scored 180 with Mensa, you will have to write down notes and demonstrate/illustrate on paper. It is very handy to have a hard backed A5 pocket notebook to survive recently cleaned bars, coffee tables and a drink spill.
Giving some thought to a theme for the meeting is good. “You do not appreciate how complex something simple can be. If you go to the doctor you might want to explain, it is like this or that. Having some simple words explained helps”, said Mark from London.
Something to be expected from these meetings is intercambio homework. You will find yourself writing a letter/CV etc in Engish for the other. This favour goes both ways, so do not be afraid to ask. It is advisable to leave in errors and work together to work out a few errors together. This improves the quality of the language exchange and finds small and specialised areas for improvement.
Over time, intercambios grow in to more advanced friendships, relationships or even something more intimate. Its progression is natural and is on the most part, welcomed by the other person. Feeling when the time is right to pop a question, “Fancy going to a movie? Fancy a meal at mine?”, is a way to break the ice. Once you start to lend items like books, DVDs, music or share time together with cultural activities starts a beginning to a richer intercambio.
In some cases both Spaniards and English speakers have started an intercambio for one thing in mind. Like any personal add or social group, this behaviour is not uncommon. If in doubt write an advertisement without stating gender. Other great one-liners are people asking for intercambios in bars. Sometimes you do not know where they will lead.
Many intimate relationships are found through intercambio or through a friend of theirs. Still, a natural progression is better than a desperate one.
A language exchange is a great way to assimilate a culture and have many direct questions answered which elsewhere might cause offence. So go ahead… get involved!
First off, what are you looking for? Spanish word for language exchange is ‘intercambio’. An intercambio is the perfect compliment to any previous experience of speaking Spanish. It is recommended that an intercambio is not substitute any formal lingual training.
Ask yourself how you prefer to learn in a group or one-to-one? Fancy improving your accent and pronunciation or your writing and writing? Where would you prefer to learn? How long do I have per evening, per week? Would you prefer to pay or not? Do you prefer something harder in the short-term or you just looking to pick up a few extra words?
Languages exchanges come in many shapes and forms. There are quite a few local groups that can be found in a city in sites such as www.meetup.com
and www.meetin.org. For one to one meetings check personal language exchange sections of loquo.com, craigslist.com and barcelonaconnect.com.Usually with organised groups there is a small charge. Prices are around 2-3€ per evening. It is not much to pick up a language and make new English and Spanish speaking friends. Many host activities and events like eating tapas and day trips outside the city. From experience there has a noticeable imbalance between English to native Spanish speakers. With the aforementioned groups they normally state who is attending so you can get an idea if a meeting will actually have an even balance of people. One-to-one meetings are free.
If you decide to contact someone from a website, think somewhere both safe and comfortable. Unless you want to spend the evening saying, “que?” every sentence find a place that is audibly quieter than a popular and rowdy bar.
To get the most from a meeting, give some forethought to what you would like to achieve. If you really need some cultural advice, then helping an advanced speaker with English is a great way of having many cultural and social situations explained to you and have to grammar explained to you. Many advanced intercambios have philology degrees or are English teachers.
Setting some basic rules about length of the meeting and splitting up time gives both parties an equal crack speaking in English/Spanish. To get a 50/50 language deal, find someone at more or less the same comprehension level as you. Once you come across a stumbling point with a word, both must find a simple way to describe something clearly. This is great training to think and communicate succinctly.
When meeting up your intercambio having a small dictionary and verb book, pen and notepad is imperative. If you prefer out-of-house meetings surface space to write notes is small. So think small. From experience a majority of Spanish can write and communicate in English. Their main problem is pronunciation. Unless you have scored 180 with Mensa, you will have to write down notes and demonstrate/illustrate on paper. It is very handy to have a hard backed A5 pocket notebook to survive recently cleaned bars, coffee tables and a drink spill.
Giving some thought to a theme for the meeting is good. “You do not appreciate how complex something simple can be. If you go to the doctor you might want to explain, it is like this or that. Having some simple words explained helps”, said Mark from London.
Something to be expected from these meetings is intercambio homework. You will find yourself writing a letter/CV etc in Engish for the other. This favour goes both ways, so do not be afraid to ask. It is advisable to leave in errors and work together to work out a few errors together. This improves the quality of the language exchange and finds small and specialised areas for improvement.
Over time, intercambios grow in to more advanced friendships, relationships or even something more intimate. Its progression is natural and is on the most part, welcomed by the other person. Feeling when the time is right to pop a question, “Fancy going to a movie? Fancy a meal at mine?”, is a way to break the ice. Once you start to lend items like books, DVDs, music or share time together with cultural activities starts a beginning to a richer intercambio.
In some cases both Spaniards and English speakers have started an intercambio for one thing in mind. Like any personal add or social group, this behaviour is not uncommon. If in doubt write an advertisement without stating gender. Other great one-liners are people asking for intercambios in bars. Sometimes you do not know where they will lead.
Many intimate relationships are found through intercambio or through a friend of theirs. Still, a natural progression is better than a desperate one.
A language exchange is a great way to assimilate a culture and have many direct questions answered which elsewhere might cause offence. So go ahead… get involved!
HOW TO FIND CHEAP BOOKS, DVDs, CDs, CLOTHES IN BARCELONA IF YOU ARE AN EX-PAT
Got the Hobnob munchies or missing the all-in-one
Books, CDs and DVDS
If you've discovered the small selection of FNAC's English book and video section and tired of waiting 15-30 day for replenished stock items, there is an exceptional alternative. You can order books, movies, PC games, clothes and electronics from Play.com. You'll be guaranteed to shout, "I want that one". Prices are post free to
one can order in Euros and send presents to friends abroad!
Another alternative is CDWOW.com. This site sells DVDS and CD's reduced prices. The flip side is one has to wait up to one fortnight wait for delivery.
There's great second hand book shops in
Magazines
Fancy getting your favourite mags cheaply? If you've paid for mail redirection, why not get a magazine subscription online? Admittedly, you will receive the magazine a few days later than your mates back home. However, the big bonus is one is not paying inflated international shipping rates. By taking out two or three subscriptions one can make money back on your redirection costs. Payment is the only downfall of this plan. It has to be with a
Department Stores
If you're after something specific from
Foods
There are quite a few expat stores online and based in
Curry
For specialist food types, widely available in
East Asian Food
If oriental cuisine is more to your tastes, there's a large Asian food store 50m from Arc De Triomphe Metro, towards Tetuan. Here you can purchase ingredients to make Thai curries, sushi and most East Asian food types. In these stores you will find all forms of spicy and savoury sauces. Jasmine rice and soy sauce can be picked up for around half the price of El Cortes Ingles.
Clothes
The good news is that Primark have stores in
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