Hey everybody. I admit, I’m lame at updating JamSmooth.com lately. I’ve been relaxing, reading, watching movies, exercising more than ever and enjoying life. All that and looking for a job too. I read an article today that said you should spend no more than 2 hours a day looking or a job. He argued that the more you look for something the more evasive it is. However today I did something that may have gotten me in the door somewhere. I’m not going to speak about it yet. I’ll let you know.

Tomorrow I’m heading to Austin, TX for SxSW. I’ve never been and I’m excited about going. All I know is that it will be a whirlwind of music, parties and fun. I’ll post as much as I can each day. I’ll be Twittering a ton so follow me at twitter.com/jamsmooth for the updates.

I wanted to ask you readers for any recommendations on restaurants and music. Is there a place I have to check out while I’m there? Is there a band you know that is playing that I have to see? Let me know.

See you in Texas!

After writing that post about Huey Lewis & The News I started thinking, “Is it possible to even have a career like that today?” The same conditions do not exist that did in 1984. Radio no longer controls what people listen to. MTV no longer shows music videos. There is more competition than ever for your attention. We have the Internet, video games and cell phones. All compete for our dollars and where our time goes.

My question is can a band enjoy the same success that bands like Huey Lewis did? Huey Lewis can still tour off of 25 year old songs. Do you really think that Fall Out Boy will be touring 25 years from now? I don’t.

Not only have the marketing and promotion channels changed for bands, record labels no longer develop artists. I loved Malcolm Gladwell’s talk on Fleetwood Mac. “Rumors” was their 14th album. His point was that it took the group 14 records to finally create their masterpiece. Bands no longer have that option. Artists get dropped from the majors after one record if it does not perform.

I think it’s better for a band to sign with an indie label to start and then grow organically, in the same way as a band like Death Cab For Cutie or Interpol. Looking at these bands I see a model for sustainable growth. However neither of these groups will sell anything close to what Huey Lewis & The News sold. It’s impossible.

You can still have a very successful career in the music business. However will there be another Billy Joel, Elton John, Van Halen, Springsteen, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Rush, The Police or U2? How can there be? I’m not saying that there aren’t artists out there who are as good musically and who have great songs. I’m certain there are many great bands out there making timeless music.

With all the superstars mentioned above there is one common trait. They didn’t get into music for the money. They made music because they loved it. Sure all of those artists are super talented and had great songs. However their love for music and art was never doubted. For a modern artist the same rule applies. You don’t make music to get rich. You make music because it’s a need, because you have to.

I think there will be anomalies and some superstar artists will emerge, but nothing like the numbers we saw through the 70′s to the 90′s. Good bands will still be noticed and will survive. The days of private jets, garages filled with Italian sports cars and huge mansions are over. Say hello to the modern superstar who drives a Prius.

Yes I guess the backlog of blogging is coming out this morning. I had to share this song too. This one is even better than “Heart & Soul.” The vocal harmonies are ridiculous. Pay special attention to the bridge at the 3:00 minute mark. This is live.

It’s sick how good this band was. This was 1984. Are bands this good anymore? I mean with killer musicianship, great songwriting, with hooks that stay in your head and live vocal harmonies all while selling loads of records? Seriously is there a band this good?

Death Cab For Cutie is good and maybe not a fair comparison. Even though they’re on a major they still have the Indie rock aesthetic.

I’m not saying Huey Lewis & The News is the greatest band of all time. I’m honestly asking, are bands this good anymore?

I saw this concert on Comcast On Demand at my parent’s house last Thanksgiving. I always liked these guys but this show blew me away. This performance sounds exactly like the record. I was impressed by how good this band is and how easy they make it look. Seriously, this is some mad skill happening here.

What do you think?

That post about Anita Baker reminded me of this Zach Galifianakis video from a while back. What makes this funny is the classic comedy technique, the reverse. You just don’t expect to see a fat white guy with a beard singing Anita Baker tunes on a Ferris Wheel and riding on top of car’s roof.

Obviously Zach likes Anita Baker too. How can you not?

Today marks 4 weeks unemployed. It hasn’t been bad at all. I’ve had lots of time to think and reflect. I haven’t worked out this much in years. Been hitting the gym 6, sometimes 7 times a week.

Have watched lots of movies. Have watched little or no TV. I’ve shifted all my TV watching to the Internet. The shows I watch: Damages, 24 and Late Nite with Jimmy Fallon are online at Hulu.com. My attitude towards TV has shifted like many others with Tivo and DVRs. I watch what I watch when I want and with no commercials.

The other time is spent looking for jobs. I keep a spreadsheet of every single action I take. The spreadsheet shows that I’m doing something and reminds me of all the things I’ve done which is encouraging.

Yesterday I met with The Creative Group. They are a staffing agency for creative professionals in advertising and marketing. I won’t speak on the job we talked about. If I get it then you’ll know.

I have some inside help at Apple Computer. They are not hiring right now but when things thaw out that is a definite contender. I love the Apple brand and I think it would be a good fit for me.

There are other leads as well but I won’t speak on them because I nothing is certain and I don’t want to jinx myself.

Thanks for all of you who are praying for me. It definitely helps. I know God is in control. My prayer is that He uses this trial for His glory.

I’ve been a long time fan of Anita Baker. Her voice is unmistakable. Her songwriting and production are flawless. Enjoy this 1987 performance of “Sweet Love.”