Things That Matter To People Who Matter

Pentagram | Diana+ camera | Harry Smith | Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience

Pentagram

During the 1970s, Pentagram vocalist Bobby Liebling got addicted to drugs while the band went through multiple lineup reformations, auditioned in front of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS and shortly thereafter broke up without ever releasing an album. It wasn't until 1985 that Bobby got things together and finally recorded and released the band's first self-titled album. For a band that could have been as genre-defining as Sabbath, they still remain quite unknown. So if you find yourself in a situation where you have to explain the genre of doom-metal, don't be so quick to pop in Master of Reality — give the Pentagram self-titled a spin.

Diana+ camera

My current love is my new Diana+ camera from Lomography. I adore it. The Diana is a souped-up medium-format camera that was initially produced in the '60s. Lomo recently released a reproduction that remains true to the original, in all its black-and-blue glory. It produces the lovely, lo-fi, ethereal images that I so love, without the light-leaks and unpredictability of my Holga. Like a Holga, the Diana+ comes with a lightweight plastic body and lens, but you get two shutter settings, three aperture settings, manual focus and a cheap-ass plastic lens cap. It doesn't really get any better. But stop pawing at mine. Get your own.

Harry Smith

My first introduction to Harry Smith came in the form of the Anthology of American Folk Music. Listening to it, I was struck by how genuine the human emotion contained in those simple and beautiful sounds was. Later I found out that the Anthology has a reputation for being important and influential, but to me it is impressive because it was assembled entirely by one man from his personal collection of 78 rpm records. That man is, of course, Harry Smith, and he is responsible for the Fugs' first recordings, respected as a filmmaker, painter, collector of string figures and gatherer of Kiowa ritual music. That such a list of achievements can be attributed to one person is inspiring indeed.

Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience

I recently had the privilege of attending the Grammy Awards. It was quite an experience to hear the masters of each genre pouring out their souls. I found myself turned on by music that didn't interest me before. One of the bands that played in the pre-telecast show was Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Wow — if this music doesn't make you smile, nothing will. I highly recommend you check out his new (Grammy Award-winning!) album, Live! Worldwide, and while you're at it, go see a live performance in a genre that you've never heard. You might find a new favorite.