Mudcat CD: New 'Blue Plate Specials' Series 2

Subject: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: bradfordian
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 01:47 PM

Don't know if this has been aired recently. If not read on.

11 years ago, we were discussing what should be on the MUDCAT CDs. 8 years ago the CDs stated appearing -- five in the series; and another, the children's songs was added later.

In the past decade, many catters have joined the fold some of whom may wish to get involved with another such project. Other catters missed an opportunity due to technological restrictions. So time and technology has moved on, as has the membership.

I have no doubt that there may have been many issues to overcome in that first project, and many many hours of behind the scenes of unpaid labour of love. But, hell, it's what we do!

Is it time to consider doing another series of Mudcat CDs? -- I say CDs, but perhaps, in keeping with technological advances ( and keeping production costs to a minimum, we might be thinking of downloadable albums (with perhaps a later option of actually making CDs. Downloadable albums may be good for personal use, but I''m not convinced they make good presents.

However I am thinking of all those who may like to make a contribution to the community who did not do so last time (but not excluding the ones who did!)

Or is it not likely to be economically not worth while?--I don't know how financially beneficial the CD project was. Perhaps someone with a finger on the Blue Plate Special finances could advise if it is worth while having another shot.

Any observations?????

brad

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 03:30 PM

My technology has finally caught up and I would love to be involved in a project like this!

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: jeffp
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 11:31 PM

I could get behind a project like this.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Nov 10 - 11:50 PM

Me,too

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Janie
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 12:20 AM

Me three!

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 01:26 AM

Well, yeah! For various reasons I wasn't able to participate the first time around, but now I could. I've got some fairly decent gear now.

I'd love to!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 03:20 AM

I'm happy to contribute the silence between the tracks like last time.

RtS
Kazoobie doobie doo

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: My guru always said
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 04:08 AM

I'd definitely like to be involved if this gets off the ground!

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Amos
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 10:58 AM

Brad:

The gathering, editing and grouping the tracks was the largest part of the work last time. Once that was done, the tracks could be sold on-line or as a CD entire as the first batch were.

It is hard to believe it's been eight years!!

It might be advantageous to name the collections using ames related to the previous series to make the continuity evident. There are so many fruits and vegetables out there!

If you intend to anchor this effort, which would be highly commendable, let me know if I can help with questions, etc.


A

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 12:05 PM

I wouldnt mind having go at this ! What would be the technical requirement ? Could I get away with something on a Zoom 4 ?

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 12:09 PM

We have some stuff to contribute as well.

Can we also think toward a Blue BOTTLE extension for next Christmas?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 12:31 PM

Blue Bottle would be Drinking Songs ??

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: bradfordian
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 06:08 PM

If enough interest develops over the next few days, with some more pledges to contribute material (9 so far), I'll run with it. (Did I really say this????) I know there are some who will do it if and when a boot is heading for their backsides, so lets start kicking butt!

If Dick and MichaelR would like to join Amos as "Consultants" (fee neg.) that would be kuel!
I'm aware that there would be loads of admin, managing, delegating (hopefully) and CHASING, but being a busy and retired techy (sort of),

I think it is a timely thing to do. Could be ready for next years stocking fillers! (really????? --nah!)

I've been dabbling with recordings and editing recently, so I'm getting the hang of it.

brad

PS AMOS, how about   APRICOT, CINNAMON, LAVENDER, OLIVE, TANGERINE

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: michaelr
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 06:18 PM

I'd be happy to be involved, working on graphics (as before), and contributing content.

However, I must say that continuing the previous series' horticultural concept strikes me as a little unimaginative.

And I second Brad's original query -- how successful was the Blue Plate Special CD series in raising funds for Mudcat? We need to know before we can decide whether it's a good idea to do it again. Dick Greenhaus and/or Max would probably have the answer.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Zen
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 06:26 PM

If it gets off the ground I'd be happy to contribute something as I didn't last time.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: open mike
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 07:36 PM

I would be glad to send in a tune or song...
it would be like a benefit concert...where
the musicians donate time and "ticket sales"
go toward a good cause. the previous c.d.
names were:
Orchid, rose, violet, strawberry and plum

red ---
orange---
Yellow---
green---
blue---
indigo--
violet---

hmm...to use the plate concept,
maybe each disc could have the name of a dish..
disc=dish

apetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert, beverage,

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 07:37 PM

I'd be happy to contribute something from ShoreGrass.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: maeve
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 08:46 PM

I'd have loved to contribute to such a project. I expect you'll no trouble filling the slots. Good idea!

Maeve

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: open mike
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 11:17 PM

who is Mr. Mike, and is Roy G. Biv gay?
how can someone hold a claim on all the colors of the rainbow?

strawberry, rose, orchid, violet and plum
were the names of our first 5 discs.
and this covers only a small portion of
the color wheel..the reds and the purples

I was just saying that the orange, yellow, green and blue
parts of the spectrum had not been utilized yet as names
for our c.d.'s


these tasty ideas were submitted by Bradford
APRICOT, CINNAMON, LAVENDER, OLIVE, TANGERINE
and i was just adding to the menu...these
all have added fragrance value!

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 11:57 PM

I'd be glad to contribute.

Dan

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 02:02 AM

I'd love to be a part of another one.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Will Fly
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 03:56 AM

Mudcat's welcome to any recordings of mine. Just ask.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 04:10 AM

Likewise

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 07:35 AM

Perhaps it could be called the Green Plate Specials as an aid to differentiating between the series?

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 11:02 PM

Well, if they come, I'll be happy to produce and distribute them. This time, though, I would like to have some input in the graphic design: I know what does and doesn't work out well on my printer.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 11:58 PM

Dick, how many of the CDs were sold, and to what extent did Mudcat benefit? It's relevant to the question of whether it's worth repeating the effort.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 03:57 AM

Mudcat made several thousand dollars of support money from the Mudcat CDs.


A

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 07:27 AM

Kendall and I are in on this one.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 08:53 AM

I'd like to contribute a song--but I ain't folk.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: maeve
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 08:59 AM

You've written and performed many appropriate songs, Bruce.

I wish it was an option for me.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 11:13 AM

Any of your songs would be a proud embellishment to a new Mudcat CD series, Bruce.


A

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 11:17 AM

Thank you both.

Amos, I will call you tonight--telephone.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 11:53 AM

Who's gonna put it together? I might be able to come up with something. ...if I can manage to not screw up just because I'm being recorded.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: maeve
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 12:10 PM

It would be great to have one from you. Jeri!

Maeve

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 12:18 PM

Thanks. Maeve, my H2 recorder thingie is VERY portable.
(Just in case that might help you contribute something.)

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 12:37 PM

Those are great names, Bradfordian!

I would be happy to add a cut.

As I recall there were several major phases. The first was demanding content, beating the bushes, tracking down reluctant stars, and reminding people relentlessly until they sent in their tapes, disks, microdisks, CDs, or whatever they had.

The second was choosing the inclusions out of all the candidates. This was hard because so many excellent songs were sent in. My policy was that anyone who tool the trouble to send in material should be represented--which is why there were so many CDs in the series.

Then, sorting them into sequence for the five disks and normalizing or optimizing the recordings as best I could with the tools and skills I had, which were somewhat limited.

Anyway, I also made a point of also continuously letting people know where we stood, what the deadlines were.

There was a huge amount of work done by other folks--graphics, and tracking down what was legal to use, and generating the liner notes for each disk. Mostly serving as a clearing house and facilitator for a lot of very bright people.

A

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Mark Clark
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 12:46 PM

So what is it all Y'all would like? Track from an existing CD? New track especially for Mudcat? New arrangement of existing material? New unencumbered material?

We might consider contributing material.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 12:48 PM

There was a long list of threads under the tag "Mudcat CDs" during the development which covered all questions at that time. We took anything the 'Catter wanted to send in as representative of his art, his heart, his preferences in music, or his momentary impulse.


A

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 02:04 PM

Depending on quantity we expect to sell, it may be more cost effective to have them duplicated or replicated and. 100 duplicated CD-rs in four panel wallets are a little over $3.50 a piece (about $2.30 a piece in simple printed sleeves), and 300 properly replicated ones are 2.62 each, $2 each in sleeves. Doing it on one's own printer always seems cheaper, when when you add the cost of toner, labels, blanks CD-rs, etc., it starts getting pricey. Just a thought.

And Maeve, I'm sure we can find a way to get you recorded. Amongst other things, I'm expecting there will be more than one volume and they won't all be made right away - right?

Dan

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: kendall
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 02:16 PM

I recently discovered another batch of recordings I did before I lost my voice, and I'd be glad to participate, but I'd like to see some folks who did not get in on the other project first.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: maeve
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 02:20 PM

Thanks, Jeri and Dan. We'll see how things work out.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 03:01 PM

I would not want to pass up this one. Put me on the list.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 03:19 PM

I'm with Kendall on that. Others who'd wanted to be on the last BPS should receive preferance over me. I'd be unhappy otherwise. Anyway, lemme know.

BM

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Genie
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 04:25 PM

"There are so many fruits and vegetables out there!" (Amos)

Yes - and some of us are Mudcatters too!

I think it would be great if the next batch included a lot of 'new talent' -- i.e., artists not on the first batch.    But I'm wondering how flexible the 'quota' of songs is, with each CD holding ~ 20 songs.

Also, as one of the main people involved in putting together liner notes for the first batch of CDs -- retroactively -- I'd like to suggest that people submit full liner note info WITH the submission of their mp3s.   Ideally, this would include songwriter and performer credits, copyright info, and lyrics.    This would greatly cut down on the time involved in putting together the liner notes, among other considerations.

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 04:47 PM

Mp3s? Somehow i missed that - probably no point in going with glass mastering then.

I easily have the quality facility to record someone in mp3 quality portably. Professional CD quality is a different story. Hint hint, for you folks wondering how you're going to get recorded.

Dan

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 04:47 PM

I love to contribute a song too. It sounds a great idea.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Crane Driver
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 04:50 PM

We're up for this for sure. Didn't have anything recorded last time around.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: bradfordian
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 05:57 PM

Looks like interest has taken off.
Amos, dick greenhaus, & michaelr are all on board.

If we are gonna get this out for next Christmas, better get cracking.

I am now prepared to set this in motion.

Send your material electronically to

[e-mail]

uncompressed files are preferred eg WAVs (I'll clear my mailbox regularly)

will also take videos and extract the sound.(copies of originals please -- don't send stuff from u-toob)

Any MEMBER can send in more than 1 item, but each should be accompanied by details ie performer (as before, Mudcat names will be used) author (lyrics) composer (tune)

I am happy to take items from existing CDs where ownership is demonstrated.

You need to have copyright, or copyright holders permission, or it can of course be public domain.

I will consult with colleagues from Mudcat regarding content for each CD, and indeed all aspects of this project will be a team effort.

bradfordian

PS. email or PM me for any further queries

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 06:19 PM

Ythanside (cookie expired and gone to f**k knows where).

Please include me in the draw, if only to confirm that a life of lechery and selective debauchery has its occasional upsides.

Having been dead and resuscitated twice in recent months it seems that this may be my final stab at immortality, if only auditory.

Ythanside,

otherwise

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tech: New BLUE PLATE SPECIALs Series 2
From: Genie
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 06:21 PM

bradfordian, do you have any preference as to audio format - e.g., AIFF, mp3, wav, etc?

I'm also wondering if those of you who will be compiling the CDs have any way of removing distortion from audio files. Or is there some affordable software for tweaking audio quality after the fact on audio or video files?   

Dan, it would be great if everyone's songs were recorded in professional CD quality, but that might leave out many good songs/performances.   The first set of Blueplate Special CDs contained songs with a wide range of audio quality, but I still find the CDs a treasure because of the songs and performers themselves.   

The technology has advanced a lot in the last few years, when it comes to the toys and tools most of us peons have. Maybe it will be feasible to tweak things so, for instance, all the songs on a CD come out at roughly the same volume.