The Once A Week Online Film Festival ● EVER HEAR A POSTMAN WHISTLE?

Directed by award winning, Bexie Bush,  “Ever Hear A Postman Whistle?“ was created for the BBC’s Open University Creative Climate Short Film Competition.

Two old armchairs discuss changing lifestyles and expectations.  Their conversation covers shopping, waste, windmills, postmen and what really matters in life and we find they introduce an ideal way to explore issues around consumerism with their depth of humor, wisdom and experience.  The film gently introduces the idea that we were less wasteful in the past.

All audio for this film is a recorded natural conversation, the microphone wasn’t hidden, but it was unobtrusive.

Enjoy!

The Once A Week Online Film Festival ● THE GIFT

Don’t miss THE GIFT a new film short, produced, directed, and edited by Andrew Griffin, which he co-wrote with Philip Ardagh for Stork Nest.  The story is about a troubled couple who are visited by a stork bearing hope, along with violence and tragedy.

The Gift was screened at Courts-métrages − Festival de Cannes 2012,  and was filmed in Camber, Lydd, and Dungeness, South Kent, UK,  by director of photography, Sam Brown, whose contribution is especially noteworthy.

Additional credits include beautiful music by Max Richter, Hildur Gudnadottir, and Keith Kuniff.  While the cast includes Ian played by Davie McKay, Georgie played by Kate Dickie, June played Lorraine Stanley, Inspector Stevens played by Gary Lewis, and the Baby played by Sullivan.

New Web Site For SUPER RAD MOTION PICTURE GROUP

Super Rad Motion Picture Group was formed by writer, director, post production wiz David N. Donihue to create attention getting commercials, bold feature films, and inventive music videos.

Donihue’s unique eye for visuals and award winning knack for story allows him and his teammates at Super Rad to continue to churn out amazing work on reasonable budgets. Whether in need of a full production or simply post-services, Super Rad is here to turn visions into realities.

Tarock Music experienced Donihue’s expertise when he directed Rick Shaffer’s video, ONE MORE HEARTACHE, from his album, Idiot Flats.

Check out the Super Rad Motion Picture Group’s new site ► http://www.superradfilms.com/

YOKO & SEAN LENNON ● ARTISTS AGAINST FRACKING

Visit YOKO and SEAN LENNON’S new web site, ARTISTS AGAINST FRACKING, to help save our water BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

James Moore says, “Rick Shaffer delivers near perfect rock album with Idiot Flats.”

As a lifelong rock n’ roll fan, I can honestly say that I’ve explored and re-explored a wide range of what the genre has to offer.  Coming across the work of Rick Shaffer recently, though, made me wonder if I’ve really been paying close enough attention.  His new CD “Idiot Flats“ is a joyous mix of the Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop and the Black Keys with an occasional rockabilly tinge to the proceedings, and it’s a solid effort.  “Unforgiven Man” showcases Shaffer’s one-of-a-kind pepped up badass vocal chops, and it would be hard for any rock fan to not love it.  “One More Heartache” brings Springsteen to mind with gut wrenching honesty.  Already, by track two, I’m blown away and requesting a physical copy for my nest road trip.  “Remember” doesn’t slow things down – it heavy’s things up a la 16 Horsepower to keep the momentum strong and forceful.  The title track is a low down blues number, dirtier than the Black Keys material we’re used to hearing these days.  Highlights from the rest of the release include the mean romper “Around The Bend” that’ll make you want to dance by yourself (it’s that kind of number), and “Dangerous Dance,” which brings the great Steve Earl to mind.

I would not hesitate to HIGHLY recommend this release to any serious fan of rock, rock n’ roll, blues, Americana, and even country.  This album is near perfect and delivers a swagger most artists don’t even dream up.  GET IT.

James Moore – IMP – Vancouver, BC, Canada

(James Moore is the author of the best selling music marketing book “Your Band Is A Virus,” and is also a contributor to The Muse’s Muse, Skope Magazine, Target Audience Magazine, Evor, and Music Think Tank.)

WATCH RICK SHAFFER’s NEW VIDEO

Tarock Music called on director and editor, David N. Donihue (Super Rad Motion Picture Group) to give “One More Heartache” the vintage look it required to match Rick Shaffer’s vintage sound.  Shaffer’s poignant lyrics of turning your back on what’s continually forced fed to everyone daily demanded Donihue’s expertise of creating commercials and music videos.  Donihue’s concept was to tell the story of children choosing not to blindly follow the hype from big company advertising, by visually creating two worlds − the real world in black and white,  and the glossy world of advertisers in color.  After searching through thousands of 1960’s commercials Donihue creatively shows the progression of the children’s alarmed state to the final conclusion of their ultimate choice.  The finished video provides the powerful query − is it what you believe, or what you know.  © 2012 Tarock Music

“One More Heartache” is track 2 on the album, Idiot Flats.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Chris West says, “Rick Shaffer has simply never told a lie.”

Until the release of his debut solo venture, I had never heard of Rick Shaffer.  I am proud to say that ever since that initial review, I’ve never forgotten him and apparently he’s never forgotten me either.  So when I was asked to review this latest dose of Rick, I happily obliged.  See, to me there is just something about keeping a sense of honesty to music and I personally feel that when it comes to his music, Rick Shaffer has simply never told a lie.

Following up his last album, Hidden Charms, in true Rick fashion he has continued to expound on his sound while sticking to his roots with Idiot Flats, his latest 10-track full length of bent-note blues, vintage garage fuzz and stripped down honesty, “Unforgiven Man” blasts at the intro with jarring blues finger lead over slightly dirty backing melody.  The hallmark vocal delivery is eerie in how much Rick can effortlessly channel a young Jagger.  Through the track he maintains his trademark “sense of urgency” with the lead still wailing through to the fade.  The fuzz finally takes the lead on “Remember” while the finger-picking wail takes the undercurrent role.  This is the facet where Rick shines most.  I believe in “too much of a thing” but no matter how much fuzz Rick pipes from his rig he never loses control of the ethos of the track.  The bluesy drone, guitar interplay and the vocal delivery find a commonality that makes the track mesh while allowing a full appreciation of the individual elements.  Title track “Idiot Flats” continues the dirty fuzz with bent-note fills and a nasally twang in the vocal delivery; noteworthy in that what I notice is Rick is peppering this album with a dose of vintage Psychobilly/Honky Tonk. The minimal shaker/tambourine percussion keeps time in the background while the fuzz melody plods the track along over the bluesy picking at the foreground.  What is dramatic about it is the multiple soundscapes and layers Rick can lay down and then morph into one harmonious drone.  “Around The Bend” features a slide work intro over the scratchy backing drone. Hard luck Blues vocals bolster the dirty ethos of the track with what sounds like triple guitar interplay.  Again, this track reeks of raw, organic grit that creates a complexity sum of the parts.

What’s important to note is that Rick Shaffer doesn’t put out new albums.  What he offers is a series of recorded evolutions of a sound.  Yes, the basic elements of blues guitar and 60s garage fuzz are ever-present, but the additional facets of vintage R&B, Honky Stomp and Hill Country rhythm can only be identified as evolutionary.  And fittingly so, in that Rick isn’t one to put out static music; this stuff moves and shakes.  It vibrates and resonates.  This isn’t simple “listening music”; it’s a sonic assault . . . an aural hostile takeover.  And there is something special when an artist can command your attention without asking for it . . . such is the case with Rick.

Christopher West - SKOPE Magazine - RATING: 4 (OUT OF 5)

▼

Download a FREE mp3 of ONE MORE HEARTACHE.  The CD can be purchased directly from TAROCK MUSIC with FREE shipping to any country or planet, or from CD BABY, and iTUNES.  

INDIE MUSIC CRITIC Names Idiot Flats PICK OF THE WEEK

INDIE MUSIC CRITIC has named Rick Shaffer’s new album, Idiot Flats, PICK OF THE WEEK.

Shaffer’s latest venture is built on a garage/blues framework, Mississippi Hill Country rhythms, a garage/blues framework mashed together in a 1960’s psychobilly/R&B sound.

Download a free mp3 of ONE MORE HEARTACHE.

Psychobilly blues conjurer infused with a melancholically hopeful Gospelish stomp . . .

Rick Shaffer’s IDIOT FLATS is music by which to read Wild at Heart.  The distorted guitars harken back to Link Wray and King Bee-era Stones, but also ahead to garage-rock California blues billy bands like The Blasters.  But there’s nothing clean or obviously tight in Shaffer.  If anything, there’s a bit of the devil in him, in his stomp, an edge, an unwillingness to hoe the musically pretty party line.

He sings just as unapologetically as he arranges his bass, drums, and guitars.  He doesn’t posses a great voice, or a classically bluesy voice, or a classically rock voice, nor does he have the sort of voice that’s “seen things.”  Not that you don’t see things when your listening to Shaffer’s, One More Heartache.  You see all sorts of great things − duck tails and syringes and back alleys and dancers dancing hard to his music.

But Shaffer’s voice, like his music, like his musical tastes that have influenced his music, just is what it is.  It’s take it or leave it.  A bit haunting, a bit raw, a bit in your face.  But knowing, almost intellectual.  And with an unusually Gospel hopefulness lurking just beneath as well.  The kind of hopefulness that has the veracity of pain and sacrifice to it.  Damn fine.  Just really damn fine.

▬ Devon Jackson

(Devon Jackson is the author of Conspiranoia! (Dutton 2000), and Editor of the Santa Fean Magazine, as well as a freelance writer for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, Details, Vanity Fair, and The Huffington Post, to name a few.)

Purchase the Idiot Flats CD directly from TAROCK MUSIC with free shipping to any country, or planet.

Tarock Music Releases 3rd RICK SHAFFER Solo Album

Tarock Music has released Rick Shaffer’s third solo album, IDIOT FLATS.  His latest venture is built on a garage/blues framework, Mississippi Hill Country rhythms, a garage/blues framework mashed together in a 1960’s psychobilly/R&B sound.  Idiot Flats’ lyrical and vocal tone takes on the packaged commercialized plague, asking the listener to live free in the moment, instead of in the past or the future.

The ten track rave-up comes straight on with reckless abandon.  Among the highlights are, Unforgiven Man, and One More Heartache.  Both are hard-hitting raw 1960’s R&B rockers, tapping into elements of, The Pretty Things, and early Stones. while delivering their own individual character and intensity.

The CD can be purchased directly from TAROCK MUSIC with free shipping to any country or planet, or from CD BABY, iTUNES.  And, it will soon be available from Amazon, Spotify, eMusic, and all popular music sites.

Please Support MUSICIANS FOR AN ETHICAL INTERNET

Would you go to work every day for a year, or more, to get paid .001% of  a PENNY?  I don’t think so.  But, currently, the unethical practice of  paying musicians and song writers .001% of a penny for the music you listen to on a daily basis via the internet is exactly what is happening.

Below is a link to an article by The Trichordist about this issue, along with comments from Bono, LL Cool J, Elton John, Eminem, The Grateful Dead, Prince, and many more.

This form of Internet Slavery forces every artist, famous or not, to be paid less than someone in a third world country, while billions of advertising dollars are illegally made from their music by corporations.  We hope you’ll voice your support via Twitter and Facebook, by sharing The Trichordist article.

Visit . . . THE TRICHORDIST . . . web site to read the article, and sign up for future e-mail notifications to support Artist Rights in the Digital Age.

SAVE UK’s TWICKENHAM FILM STUDIOS ~ SIGN THE PETITION

Twickenham Film Studios has been at the forefront of the British film industry for 99 years – let’s help it make to 100, and beyond.

Spread the word on Twitter, and Facebook.  They need as many people as possible to help.

Films like The Iron Lady, War Horse, Ghandi, Italian Job, Shirley Valentine, Help, Hard Day’s Night, An American Werewolf in London, and many, many more have been made at Twickenham.  It’s a National Treasure!!

SIGN THE PETITION NOW! . . . SAVE TWICKENHAM FILM STUDIOS

“Big Town” Is 2nd Song Licensed For PELOTON

John Lawrence, has licensed a second song, “Big Town,”  for his feature film debut, Peloton, in addition to the previously licensed, “Dark As Night.”

Lawrence wrote and directed Peloton, the story of a man finding his way back into his life, by redeeming himself via cycling.  Before directing Peloton, John was a supporting actor in 127 Hours, holds a BA from Georgetown University, and an MD from the University of Utah.  He is currently working on several scripts, a television pilot, and a book.

Peloton was the Official Selection of the 2011 Heartland Film Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, and the Lucerne International Film Festival. To learn more about film click on . . . VIEW TRAILER . . . and CAST.

“Big Town” and “Dark As Night” was written, performed and produced by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, and is track #8 on The Reds® album, Fugitives From The Laughing House.

“BUY AND SELL” NOMINATED FOR BEST SONG

song . . . “BUY AND SELL” . . . from his album, Hidden Charms, has been nominated for Best Song by the 2012 RockWired Radio Music Awards.

We hope you voted for Rick before the polls closed on March 9th.  And, if you did, thanks so much for all your support.

THIS AIN’T CHINA!

SIGN THE PETITION TO STOP CONGRESS FROM TRYING TO CONTROL THE INTERNET.

STOP SOPA and PIPA NOW!

“Little Cisco” Licensed For DOUBLE BACK

Director, Christopher Kelley, has licensed “Little Cisco” for, Double Back,  a film short that uniquely contrasts a new romantic relationship, with a destructive relationship.  The ending reminds viewers to always expect the unexpected.  Double Back is the latest release by Kelley’s, Table Sixteen Productions.

Double Back premiered December 16, 2011 at Birmingham, Alabama’s Sidewalk Moving Pictures Film Festival.  Sidewalk festival entries are screened at nine venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District, including the newly restored Albama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927.

“Little Cisco” was written, performed and produced by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, and is track #2 on The Reds® album, Fugitives From The Laughing House.

“Dark As Night” Licensed For PELOTON

John Lawrence, has licensed “Dark As Night” for his feature film debut, Peloton.

Lawrence wrote and directed Peloton, the story of a man finding his way back into his life, by redeeming himself via cycling.  Before directing Peloton, John was a supporting actor in 127 Hours, holds a BA from Georgetown University, and an MD from the University of Utah.  He is currently working on several scripts, a television pilot, and a book.

Peloton was the Official Selection of the 2011 Heartland Film Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, and the Lucerne International Film Festival. To learn more about film click on . . . VIEW TRAILER . . . and CAST.

“Dark As Night” was written, performed and produced by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, and is track #8 on The Reds® album, Fugitives From The Laughing House.

KEVIN KOZEL REVIEWS ”HIDDEN CHARMS”

“Shaffer’s fuzzy blues guitar drives each track commendably along the way”. . . . to read Kevin Kozel’s entire Muzik Review, of Rick Shaffer’s album, “Hidden Charms,” click HERE.

“Necessary Illusion” at #77 on Chuck Eddy’s TOP 2010 ALBUMS

Rick Shaffer’s first solo album, “Necessary Illusion,” is listed at #77 on Chuck Eddy’s Top 150 Albums of 2010. Below is the list from 1 to 100.

1. Bob Seger – Never Mind the Bullets Here’s Early Bob Seger (Myonga CD-R reissue)
2. Joe Cuba – El Alcalde Del Barrio (Fania reissue)
3. Bigg Robb – Jerri Curl Muzic (Over25Sound ‘09)
4. Jace Everett – Red Revelations (Western Boys/Hump Head)
5. (Various) – Fire In My Bones: Raw + Rare + Otherworldly African- American Gospel [1944-2007](TompkinsSquare reissue ’09)
6. Allan Sherman – My Son, The Folk Singer (Collectors’ Choice Music reissue)
7. (Various) – Classic Sounds Of New Orleans (Smithsonian Folkways reissue)
8. Traband – Domasa (Indies Scope)
9. Luther Lackey – Preacher’s Wife (Ecko)
10. Ke$ha – Animal (RCA)
11. Jamey Johnson – The Guitar Song (Mercury)
12. John Mellencamp – The Early Years (MMRX reissue)
13. Flynnville Train – Redemption (Evolution)
14. Radar Favourites – Radar Favourites (Reel Recordings reissue)
15. The Orlons – The Wah-Wahtusi/South Street (Collector’s Choice reissue)
16. Was (Not Was) – Pick Of The Litter 1980-2010 (Microwerks reissue)
17. Coati Mundi – Dancing For The Cabana Code In The Land Of Boo-Hoo (Rong)
18. Chely Wright – Lifted Off The Ground (Vanguard)
19. Sweet Angel – A Girl Like Me (Ecko)
20. Far*East Movement – Free Wired (CherryTree/Interscope)
21. Laura Bell Bundy – Achin’ & Shakin’ (Mercury)
22. (Various) – The Roots Of Chica 2: Pyschedelic Cumbias From Peru (Barbés reissue)
23. Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey/Garvey’s Ghost (Hip-O Select reissue)
24. Frank Zappa – Greasy Love Songs (Zappa reissue)
25. Pylon – Chomp More (DFA reissue ‘09)
26. The Endtables – The Endtables (Drag City reissue)
27. Danny Krivit – Edits By Mr. K: Vol. 2: Music Of The Earth (Strut mix)
28. Dwarr – Animals (Drag City reissue)
29. Colt Ford – Chicken And Biscuits (Average Joe’s)
30. Tim Woods – The Blues Sessions (Earwig)
31. Joan Soriano – El Duque De La Bachata (¡Aso)
32. (Various) – Salsa Explosion! The New York Salsa Revolution 1969-1979 (Strut/Fania reissue)
33. Lee Brice – Love Like Crazy (Curb)
34. Scott Morgan – Scott Morgan (Alive Natural Sound)
35. RockTits – Heavy Cosmic Groove Mix (aordisco.blogspot.com mix)
36. Walter Gibbons – Jungle Music (Strut mix)
37. Allan Sherman – My Son, The Celebrity (Collectors’ Choice Music Reissue)
38. Katrina And The Waves – Katrina And The Waves (CGB reissue)
39. Bob Blank – The Blank Generation: Blank Tapes NYC 1975-1985 (Strut mix)
40. This Moment In Black History – Public Square (Smog Veil)
41. Raymilland – Recordings ’79-’83 (BDR reissue)
42. Kenny Chesney – Hemingway’s Whiskey (Sony Nashville)
43. Dave Douglas & Keystone – Spark Of Being (Greenleaf Music)
44. The Sword – Warp Riders (Kemado)
45. Wounded Lion – Wounded Lion (In The Red)
46. Jerrod Niemann – Judge Jerrod And The Hung Jury (Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville)
47. Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Buried Behind The Barn (Alternative Tentacles reissue)
48. Shinyribs – Well After Awhile (Nine Mile)
49. Cankisou – Lé La (Indies Scope)
50. Jefferson Airplane – Setlist: The Very Best Of Jefferson Airplane Live (RCA/Legacy reissue)
51. Chubby Checker – It’s Pony Time/Let’s Twist Again (Collector’s Choice reissue)
52. Art Museums – Rough Frame (Woodsit EP)
53. Tutu And The Pirates – Sub-Urban Insult Rock For The Anti/Lectual 1977-1979 (Factory25 reissue)
54. Chin Chin – Sound Of The Westway (Slumberland reissue)
55. (Various) – Diplo Presents Dubstep: Blow Your Head (Downtown mix)
56. John Jackson – Rappahannock Blues (Smithsonian Folkways reissue)
57. Chuck Brown – We Got This (Sweet Venture)
58. Ebo Taylor – Love And Death (Strut)
59. Randy Houser – They Call Me Cadillac (Show Dog)
60. Kermit Ruffins – Happy Talk (Basin Street)
61. Earl Gaines – Good To Me (Ecko)
62. Shakin’ Street – 21st Century Love Channel (Pervade Productions ’09)
63. M.I.A. – Maya (XL/Interscope)
64. Allan Sherman – My Son, The Nut (Collectors’ Choice Music reissue)
65. Grong Grong – To Hell ‘N’ Back (Memorandum/Aberrant reissue)
66. Method Actors – This Is Still It (Acute reissue)
67. Chrome Dome – Chrome Dome (Lexicon Devil EP)
68. Jeff Eubank – A Street Called Straight (Drag City reissue)
69. Ashley Hutchings, Richard Thompson, Dave Mattacks, John Kirkpatrick, Barry Dransfield – Morris On (Fledg’ling reissue)
70. The Fall –Your Future Our Clutter (Domino)
71. Katrina And The Waves – 2 (CGB reissue)
72. Terry Knight And The Pack – Terry Knight And The Pack/Reflections (Collector’s Choice reissue)
73. Dr. John and the Lower 911 – Tribal (429)
74. Steve Winwood – Revolutions: The Very Best Of (Island reissue)
75. Rosehill – White Lines And Stars (Cypress Creek)
76. Selena Gomez & The Scene – A Year Without Pain (Hollywood)
77. Rick Shaffer – Necessary Illusion (Tarock Music)
78. Honey Ride Me A Goat – Udders (Lexicon Devil)
79. Merle Haggard – I Am What I Am (Vanguard)
80. Ray Wylie Hubbard – A. Enlightenment B. Endarkment (Hint: There Is No C) (Thirty Tigers/Bordello)
81. Elizabeth Cook – Welder (Thirty Tigers)
82. Trace Adkins – Cowboy’s Back In Town (Universal)
83. The Mother Truckers – Van Tour (World)
84. Eddy Current Suppression Ring – Rush To Relax (Goner)
85. DJ Spinna & BBE Soundsystem – Strange Games & Funky Things Volume 5: Smoking ’70s Soul and Rare Grooves (BBE mix)
86. Syl Johnson – Complete Mythology (Advance Sampler) (The Numero Group promo reissue)
87. Johnny Flynn – Been Listening (Thirty Tigers/Transgressive)
88. The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Wages (SideOneDummy)
89. (Various) – Casual Victim Pile: Austin 2010 (Matador)
90. Da-Exclamation Point — [Un]released Recordings 1980-81 (Factory 25 reissue)
91. Kid Rock – Born Free (Atlantic)
92. Marrow – Sunshine Enema (Marrowcell)
93. Jason Boland & The Stragglers – High In the Rockies: A Live Album (Apex Nashville/Thirty Tigers)
94. Trombone Shorty – Backatown (Verve Forecast)
95. Johnny Winter And – Live At The Fillmore East 10/3/70 (Collector’s Choice reissue)
96. (Various) – Indies Scope 2009 (Indies Scope ’09)
97. Kleenex/Liliput – Live Recordings, TV-Clips & Roadmovies (Kill Rock Stars reissue)
98. (Various) – Classic Appalachian Blues (Smithsonian Folkways reissue)
99. Stone River Boys – Love On The Dial (Cow Island)
100. Heart – Red Velvet Car (Legacy)

TAROCK MUSIC Rolls With GLOBAL RIDE PRODUCTIONS & CYCLING FUSION

Tarock Music is very pleased to announce we have signed a licensing Agreement with GLOBAL RIDE PRODUCTIONS to use songs, written by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, in CYCLING FUSION videos.

Global Ride Productions is the world market leader in producing the highest quality virtual cycling DVD’s. Founded by entrepreneur and long time cyclist, Gene Nacey, the Global Ride name was chosen to reflect a mission born from the detachment between the indoor and outdoor worlds of cycling. Most outdoor cyclists see indoor cycling as a boring sub-par method of training, while indoor cyclists have no desire to brave the outdoor elements.

Via their partnership with Cycling Fusion, the Global Ride team have created a means for these two cycling groups to see the benefits of each by providing high-quality videos that combine filming international scenes, using honest cycling training methods, paired with multiple coaching tracks from international coaches and industry leaders. Then artfully adding layers of upbeat commercial music, topped off with bonus yoga, pilates or strength training sessions. The resulting videos place Cycling Fusion at the forefront of an innovative cycling movement.

Sign up for the CYCLING FUSION NEWSLETTER & BLOG, and don’t miss reading REVIEWS of their unique DVD’s, with the added benefit of being introduced to other interesting cycling sites.

Tarock Music looks forward to working with Nacey and his highly skilled Global Ride Productions team.