January means one thing in the guitar industry, and it can be summed up in four letters:
NAMM. Our staff hit the Winter NAMM 2010 show in Anaheim, CA, hard—and it hit us back,
too. So for Staff Picks this month we couldn’t think of anything more appropriate to muse
about than the industry’s biggest trade show. Everyone’s experience was different, so we’re
leaving this open-ended: What are your thoughts on Winter NAMM 2010?
STAFF PICKS
White Sugar – Each
track is better than the
previous. It’s rare that a
CD makes me appreciate a long commute; this
one makes me enjoy it.
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
I got the impression that most gear makers
are focusing on their core strengths this year,
rather than trying out every new idea. If I’m
correct, I think it’s a good sign.
Jordan Wagner
Staff Writer
What am I listening to?
The Company Band, Sign
Here, Here, and Here –
The rockin’ lovechild of
members of Clutch, CKY,
Fireball Ministry, and Fu Manchu. One of the
best rock records that I’ve heard in a while, and
it definitely has that Clutch vibe going on.
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
It’s always fast paced and interesting, but
meeting Lemmy from Motörhead and playing the new reissue Mellotron were the major
highlights for me.
Rebecca Dirks
Web Content Editor
What am I listening to?
Joe Strummer & the
Mescaleros, “Johnny
Appleseed” – This song
is like a shot of aural
espresso when I’m dragging. I put it on and get
up and dance, every time.
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
NAMM takes a lot out of you—mentally and
physically—but this year the exhaustion was supplemented with some true optimism and excitement about gear releases in the coming year.
Peter Mayer, Goodbye
Hello – A superb tribute to the Beatles and
George Martin.
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
My personal highlight was meeting Kyle Gass
of Tenacious D. Dude, that was TNT.
Gayla Drake Paul
Acoustic Editor
What am I listening to?
Mogwai, Happy Songs
for Happy People –
Guitar-based post-rock
with surprising twists
and turns; this is my new second favorite thing
from Scotland.
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
It’s like the population of an entire Iowa county shoved into one convention center—but
without all the tractors.
Live, Throwing Copper –
For all that could be said
about Live, this album
layers otherwise ordinary
guitar work in a way that creates an impressive
work of sonic architecture. Plus, a song like “Shit
Towne” will always get me jacked.
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
All around, it was a great show for us. I generally experienced a more positive vibe, and
I’ll really be experiencing a positive vibe if I
can convince my wife to let me add a Fender
Acoustasonic to my collection.
The Full Custom Gospel
Sounds – Heavily influenced by Elvis sideman
Scotty Moore and other music from the 1950s,
the Rev goes full throttle with what he calls
“country-fed punkabilly.”
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
Hands down, the best moment of NAMM
2010 was being able to noodle a bit on Jerry
Cantrell’s actual ‘80s G&L Rampage at the
G&L booth ... don’t tell him!
Shawn Hammond
Editor in Chief
What am I listening to?
Oasis, (What’s the
Story) Morning Glory?
I recently rediscovered
the Gallagher brothers’
sneering songcraft while playing Rock Band
with the wife and kids. (I’m the designated
drummer, which is fine because I’d rather play
real guitar anyway.)
What are your thoughts on
Winter NAMM 2010?
I was stoked to see that manufacturers are continuing to amp up quality and affordability—
and that players still have insatiable appetites
for great new gear. Recession be damned!
