While I might have been around in the late 60’s and early 70’s, I wasn’t what one might call, a good hang. I was way too into cartoons and sugary cereals and Legos and not so much with the smoking and drinking and carousing til all hours.
I missed those late night, bong laden, soul searching conversations with suburban pseudo hippies on sabbatical destined for corporate gigs and neglected housewives all the while seeking salvation within Yes lyrics or reading double meanings into Moody Blues bluster. I missed it and that was: justfinethankyou.
My contemporaries were Flock of Seagulls and Haircut 100 and that ilk, not known certainly for any depth on the bench or in books.
But David Sylvian got me reading Kundera for chrissakes.
Taa daa! I could end it there, really. That’s a victory unto itself. I mean, when was the last time someone whose music you listened to on the regular inspired you to go beyond yourself and within yourself just as the artist himself was taking the same spiritual journey? When was the last time you were intellectually challenged by music or musicians?
I took some heat for slagging The Velvet Underground yesterday but I stand by it. John Cale’s brilliant and Lou’s certainly impressed me over the years, and while they inspired countless bands...what did they inspire in you as the listener? It’s actually not their job to do anything but create and reflect, so fine.
But there’s been something, an added bonus if you will, for those who’ve followed Sylvian from pasty face pin-up to thoughtful, articulate, esoteric artist. If I knew what that was – what word to call it – I’d take a crack at it. An intangible tangibility of sonic texture and spirituality, perhaps.
I’m not sure. I’m failing here.
But David Sylvian got me reading Kundera for chrissakes.
David Sylvian's latest Manafon is out now on his own Samadhisound.
David Sylvian (with Ryuichi Sakamoto) - Forbidden Colours (Mp3)
David Sylvian - Wave [Live] (Mp3)
David Sylvian - Heartbeat (Tainai Kaiki II) (Mp3)
Rain Tree Crow - Every Colour You Are (Mp3)
David Sylvian - It'll Never Happen Again [Live] (Mp3)
10 comments:
heartbeat linky no worky
Linky worky now.
Every Colour You Are...still one of my all-time favorites. Rain Tree Crow an extended glimpse into what Japan would have become had they stayed together. Fortunately the members have all gone on to produce respectible cataloges (some more prolific than others). Doug
Love Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sdtk to the Last Emperor (w/ David Byrne) is one of my favorites.
This is great! I am an independent singer songwriter and I learn a lot from reading blogs like this - thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for the Rain Tree Crow especially Jon - lovely stuff.
Davy, do you need the rest of the RTC?
I don't know it at all: is it good?
Put it this way: yes.
Very nicey nicey!
traiskin@mac.com
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