Estella Ramirez

http://www.macjams.com/song/44349

I was interested in finding out more about the band that opened for Radiohead in Houston this month. They were entertaining and good, but during the show there was no mention of who they were. To be honest, at times they were unimpressive because their songs didn’t feel developed, but rather repetitive. Their strengths, on the other hand, included two drum sets for two great drummers, and a great front man in Angus Andrew, with a chameleon voice that ranges from the almost pubescent-sounding and at once urgent and cool style of Blur’s Damon Albarn, to the dark, rich, but deadpan style of say Joy Division’s Ian Curtis or Interpol’s Paul Banks. Andrew was also not a bad dancer. Like I said, they were interesting (hey, if they’re good enough for Radiohead…), and I was intrigued that I couldn’t figure out who they were. So, I found out. They are called Liars.

I went to their website and found this fantastic commentary on their experience with Radiohead.

I knew from Thom Yorke’s solo album, The Eraser, and from what little I know about him in general, that he is concerned for the environment and governments’ lack of action over the matter. So, it really reaffirmed my admiration of Radiohead to read that they are taking action themselves, that they are “purveyors of truth, beauty and a moral responsibility to the planet.”

I too am continuing to reduce my waste or “footprint,” as it is so commonly called. And I have found not so much an inconvenience, but a great relief and freedom. No one can force me to contribute to the frighteningly humongous dumps of the world.

An ultra-busy and enormously famous group might have a great big excuse not to make an effort like this, but I believe that what such a group, with their world-wide tours and blindingly wonderful productions, actually has is a big impact on the environment, and therefore, an equally large responsibility. I’m really glad to hear Radiohead takes on their responsibility so nobly. And I’m grateful to the Liars for their eloquent commentary on this subject.

This is a collaboration between Walter Vandervelde (Moorlandt) and myself. Moorlandt wrote and played the piano. I wrote the melody and lyrics, which I sing.

http://www.macjams.com/song/42394

This is a collaboration between Steve Craig, Bob Dorsey, Philip VanDusen and myself.

http://www.macjams.com/song/39714

This is a review of Louise Glück’s Averno

http://www.frontporchjournal.com/issue50_review_averno.asp

This is a review of Michael Earl Craig’s Yes, Master.

http://www.frontporchjournal.com/issue40_review_yesm.asp

Karmatoburn created a new version of Metamorphoses. This inspired me to re-record the vocals, with some new harmonies, and other elements, to better sync with the new vision of the song.

http://www.macjams.com/song/38272

Found:

Yellow Tabby Kitten

He is about three months old and weighs less than three pounds.

If you are in the Austin area and he is yours, or you are interested in providing a loving home to him, please send an e-mail to found-kitten [at] estellaramirez.com.

This is a collaboration between Bob Dorsey and myself. It is based on a song by michael2 called Unfinished, which Bob rearranged and to which he wrote lyrics. I then provided a melody and lead and backup vocals. I altered the lyrics to meet my artistic needs.

http://www.macjams.com/song/37977

Well, this is just my bongos (with some echo) and my voice. It’s about changes, as the title implies. Making great changes in order to feel. I happen to have nothing to say unless I feel tortured. And yet who wouldn’t make a drastic change to feel ecstatic? So, I’m never content.

http://www.macjams.com/song/35329