Jonathan Takagi (jtakagi@millennianet.com)
Wed, 17 Mar 1999 18:57:26 -0700
Lee Gordon wrote:
>We all do have opinions, each entitled to their own, but I can't agree with
>Jonathan less. If you listen closely to nearly every cut we discuss on
>these threads, you'll find such infinitely greater complexity than any of
>the trash that tends to become hits in this country (imho), that it imparts
>almost instant value added.
If this country is the US, then I do agree with you
wholeheartedly. I hate to make value judgements, but
of course this stuff is more complex and valuable
than anything on commercial radio. With the big
exception of Radio Nova in Paris, which has to be the
most amazing radio station in the world. Forget the
compilation CDs, the daily programming is awe-inspiring.
And Gilles Peterson of course...does KCRW in LA still
carry his program?
The trouble is that I don't compare CDs like "Future Sounds
of Jazz 5" with mainstream radio. Placed in context, very
few of the tracks strike me as outstanding, which I find
to be typical of compilation albums. As I said in my original
message, sure this stuff is carefully programmed and sometimes
quite complex, but I still think that the artists could take
more risks. I'm listening to the CD right now, and it's
very pleasant to listen to, but doesn't challenge me at all.
Bjorn Torske has done much better, one or two of the tracks
on the Ferox album were nice, and his latest 10" on Svek is
even better, but his track on the album is boring. Same
shuffling beat with a bit of added percussion, same piano line
with an extra melody on top, same bassline throughout...I
just think it should do more.
> Nevertheless, Jonathan, we're expecting you to come with some very strong
> suggestions for us.
Ah, now I'm put on the spot! :) I'll take the easy way out,
and say that very little has moved me lately. It's like asking
me who I think deserves to win the Oscars, I'd say that the
whole operation ought to be cancelled (except for the potential
booing/egg-throwing/miscellaneous disruption). If I had to
single out someone, it'd have to be an obvious and
not-very-undergrond choice: Carl Craig. Perhaps the
Innerzone Orchestra project has been overhyped (I wasn't too
impressed by the track on Header 2) but I believe that he is
the way forward. Also, his remix on Ubiquity should be interesting.
I'm also a big fan of Joe Claussel. Many may make the accusation
that he veers a little too close to new age noodling, but I
think he harnesses latin rhythms and instrumentation very well.
And if the records aren't convincing enough, surely an afternoon
at Body & Soul would be. I'll end by invalidating myself and
declaring that the only things burning up my speakers lately
have nothing to do with this type of music...
Jim O'Rourke- Eureka (Drag City)
Le Mans- Aquí vivía yo (Elefant)
the Os Mutantes rereleases
the Funkstorung remix comp (who could do without that
Wu Tang mix?)
Humbly,
Jonathan
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.0b3 on Thu Mar 18 1999 - 05:58:16 MET