Is that guy strumming a violin? Is that other dude playing the cello standing up? Wait, is that an accordion? And the guitarist has a snazzy hat! So I asked social media who these guys were and in no time, I was told this group is Streetlight Cadence who attended HPU and performed at the Ala Moana Center Stage. I’m still finding out more about this interesting group while listening to Roger’s Song.

I mean I didn’t even think twice. Autographed, bonus songs, different covers, and supposedly limited supply (even though there’s a limit of 4 CDs per order). I do like the Folklore album so perhaps Taylor’s music spoke to me during these COVID times. Or maybe, just maybe, I have a weak mind.

Wow, Tom Cruise was originally picked to play the lead role of Tom Cody and Daryl Hannah for Ellen Aim. Instead, Michael Pare got the role and a then 18-year old Diane Lane became the voice of the Attackers.

If you’re thinking of picking one up in store, I would call the location first and double check inventory. Although online inventory may say in-stock, the stores may not actually have the HomePod available to sell. Units could be processing through the shipping channel.

I don’t remember exactly when I bought the Backbeat Fit – probably a year ago from Costco. They had been working great with good sound and a secure fit. Now I’m looking for something else.

So not only do I pay an annual fee for Prime, I have to pay a (discounted) fee for this new music service. And there’s another payment tier for Echo use only.

But like I said, I have more research to do. In another vein, what is somewhat telling is the non-mention of the Google Play music service. In articles, The Amazon music service is compared against Spotify and Apple, not Google. Nothing major but just a hint of what’s in the mindset of the general population.

Oh wait… powering down then restarting the Airport Express seems to have brought it back to action. Let the music play!

Wait, part 2… the music just cut out and the Express isn’t showing up again. Too sporadic and problematic for me.

Yup, that is a piano playing in this opening score.

Think of Prince’s songs on an iPod (yes, that iPod of yesteryear). What if, what if Apple was able to get the rights to all of Prince’s available music and package them on a commemorative iPod? Since Prince had essentially removed all his songs from online services, finding them in a digital format isn’t easy or convenient. So if music fans are willing to purchase and listen to Prince’s music catalog, why not an iPod Price Edition?

Until then, it’ll be like this.

Loading up the CD changer with #Prince #throwingitback

A photo posted by @geewhy on Apr 22, 2016 at 10:49am PDT

• How to find good podcasts?
• Can you listen to Apple Music while offline? This isn’t working for me as described.

I’m not necessarily complaining about this choice since it is a solid playlist leading off with Coldplay and ending with lots of Taylor Swift. Everything else in between is good too – Kendrick Lamar, Grimes, Justin Bieber, A-Trak, CHVRCHES, Alessia Cara, and Lana Del Rey.

But I would like more variety of Zane Lowe’s selections in the future. Maybe I have to give Siri the “more like this” command.

While I’ve been satisfied with having access to my music ala iTunes Match, I admit that I enjoyed the free, three-month trial of Apple Music. I learned of and listened to several new songs thanks to Beats 1, but really, that “For You” musical suggestion engine is the appeal. Based on my personal music collection, suggestions were ear-opening as I discovered new tunes from new artists like this remix from Jon Hopkins featuring Lorde.

So I switched (for now). I let my iTunes Match expire and jumped on the Apple Music bandwagon for $10 per month. Instead of buying Kid Cudi’s latest, Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven, for $15, I’ll stream the tracks instead (and wonder what happened with this album???). And I’m relying on My Music to uncover more great hits.

Wow. The Logitech UE Mini Boom surely lives up to its name. It is minuscule at 4.4 x 2.6 x 2.4 inches and is lightweight at 0.7 lbs. But the sounds is booming. You won’t believe your ears when you hear the Mini Boom in action. No wonder it’s The Wirecutter’s choice for the best portable Bluetooth speaker.

The Mini Boom offers up nice conveniences as well. Powering on and off the Mini Boom is accompanied by audio feedback so you know the device is on or off rather than having to look at that tiny pinhole LED in the back. There’s an app to fine tune the speaker settings also allowing the Mini Boom to “double up” where two speakers can play in unison.

Even better, you can find the UE Mini Boom at Costco. Although it’s the staid, all black model, it only costs $69, and there’s an additional $10 off. Well worth it for sixty bucks.

Though I don’t know much about the duo of Michael Alvarado and Carissa Alvarado, I’m thinking Carissa could be the voice of Moana in Disney’s next feature film.

And while many fans are coming from the continental US, many from Asia are also flying in. You think this might have an impact on local iPhone 6 availability in Hawaii? I don’t believe the iPhone 6 released in all countries so if these fans happen to be here for a concert AND the iPhone 6 is released, you think they might indulge? I think so, so don’t be surprised if you see several tourists waiting in line at the various Apple Stores, especially the Waikiki location where Arashi concert goers will be bussed to the west side.

Your iPhone 6 claimed by tourists coming to watch Arashi? Now that would be bittersweet.

February 14, 2015

Wonder if the soundtrack would sound awesome-r with Beats?

Now how to construct the appropriate Smart Playlist…