Handheld Shows

The blog world seems to be becoming increasingly more interesting and diverse. What was once overrun with mid-30's corporate slaves and old journalists looking for a forum to rant has begun to get a bit creative and expand into all realms of culture. With the creation of such programs as Stumble, Del.icio.us, Digg it and many others; the world of the Internet and blogs is attempting to become a bit more organized and customized to your preferences and interests.

It is also creating a community. Sure, it is a bit of an artificial community since interaction is done completely through electronic means, but nevertheless it is a form of people coming together around an idea, a news story, or just a funny video and promoting it in a certain way. Never have we had such an ability to control what we want to read, listen, or watch. While a lot of crap came come from that, I think in the end it is a good thing. Its a power that is controlled more by the average internet user and less by a board of directors. Good thing right?

On the occasion, I will let myself "stumble" through a series of blogs and sites in search of something interesting. When something catches my eye, I usually put it up on the links in the sidebar to the left. (Which if you haven't already, check out Awesome Tapes from Africa and or the Post-Secret blog)

My most recent discovery is Handheld Shows. I believe that it is based in Denmark...or at least one of those Scandinavian countries. Basically, they film bands playing tunes in random places. I like the spontaneity and the move from this controlled area where there is a divide between band and audience to a more unstructured, natural setting. Its kinda like having a show in your basement, which for those who have experienced such, know that the lines between audience and band often become blurred or totally erased. Plus, I feel like it takes the concept of the annoying dude on the corner strumming too hard on his guitar as he tries to remember the lyrics to a Beatles song and makes it brilliant and worth stopping for a minute or two and watching.

Here is a video from the blog by Wildbirds & Peacedrums called "Doubt/Hope". This was also recently featured on Pitchfork...enjoy.