The Wow Signal

In 1977 a signal with possible alien origin was intercepted at the Ohio State Big Ear radio telescope array. This signal became known as the wow! signal. Today thousands of people are scanning the skies each night, searching for the wow! signal's return. "The Wow Signal" is also Pat Ortman's second full length CD, and it's theme is our ongoing search for something larger than ourselves, a search for meaning & connection in a modern world. Pat's first CD, "Pat Ortman" got to #1 on Amazon's Indie Alternative bestselling chart in 2001.
Customer Review: "The Wow Signal" Wowed Me!
"The Wow Signal" is Pat Ortman's first foray into a concept album as it explores the acrid desert in which our souls are now starving for communication in the 21st century. It's about reaching out, beyond this familiar plane of existence for life, intelligence and love in the universe. I won't explain the Wow Signal's inspiration or genesis because other reviews have already done that. I will say that this CD is to me, obviously influenced by the late, great George Harrison and also has a distinctive California flavor. The ear appreciates it more and more upon repeated listening. Pat plays guitars, bass, drums, and piano on this recording as well as vocals and he has a very strong, clear and pleasant voice that will only garner more passion and strength from performing live. He received assistance with drums and spoken word from Mick Fleetwood; George Pendergast contributed drums and trumpets and Bill Whitehouse created and performed noise collage. My favourite tracks include the gorgeously ethereal "More", the redemptive "Learning To Forgive" and the passionately political "Selling Hate". I've also found that I like the song "Victim" more every time I hear it. I enjoy all of the songs on "The Wow Signal" but if I had to pick one throw away track, it would be "Grape Jelly", as I don't feel it fits with the overall theme. Pat Ortman is what is real and relevant about music in the 2000's and he is blazing the trail for other independent artists by his example. With passion, ambition and commitment, anyone who has talent on this level WILL succeed as long as you don't ever lose sight of what matters most, and that's being true to yourself and the music.
Customer Review: THIS is the real deal!
This version of the CD is the correct, legit one. The other is a relabeled repackaged one. So rock on, and thanks for supporting indie music!

So youve invested in a state-of-the-art guitar what next? Chances are youll need an amplifier. Guitar amplifiers are an essential part of your music gear; in fact, most musicians agree that a good guitar is no use without a good amp.

When shopping for an amp, you usually have four options: tube, solid state, digital, and hybrid. While the last two are certainly more high-tech, newer isnt always better when it comes to amps. Each type has its own advantages, and it all comes down to your budget and personal preference.

Tube guitar amplifier

The first amps to become available were tube amps. Many experts find them their warm, full tone more natural, and digital amps have tried and failed to duplicate it. Another reason theyre still around is power-saving: they sound much louder than solid-state and digital amps at the same wattage. The only drawback is that the glass tubes break easily, so youll have to be careful moving them around.

Solid state guitar amplifiers

In solid-state amps, the tubes are replaced by transistors. While this makes them sturdier, it tends to make them sound harsh or distorted at high frequency. However, these amps will stand up to heavy use better than tube amps.

Digital guitar amplifier

Digital amps are programmed to imitate a wide range of amp sounds, including distortions, riffs, and the classic tube amp sound. Cheaper digital amps sound synthetic, but with high-end ones you can hardly tell the difference. Get a digital amp if you like being creative and trying out different styles.

Hybrid guitar amplifiers

These amps combine tube and solid-state technology into a single machine. The sound quality isnt as great as the original tube amps, but they will do if you want tube-quality sound without spending on a high-end digital amp.

More guitar amplifier information is available in Picky Guide which contains thousands of quality product information for picky consumers.

dance music 2007