Mark, your comment reminds me of a passage in Dai Griffiths' 33.3 book on Radiohead's OK Computer in which he argues that the most essential part, the lynchpin as it were, to the album is "Fitter, Happier." I think it's an integral part of a perfect album, where as most other people I know prefer to skip it, the same friends that also skip "Revolution 9" from the white album. I'm not really making a point here so much as making note of it.
Yes mark, why do people rough up 'Revolution 9'? A brave and significant recording by Lennon, and it is repeatable and relatable in me 'umble.
Albums as sprawling as 'The White Album' are certainly assisted by pieces which plot out boundaries, in as much as it allows for greater tension and release in the album overall.
'for my purpose holds to sail beyond the sunset, and the baths of all the western stars, until I die.'
Posts: 2159 | Location: The ever silent spaces of the East | Registered: 12 February 2007
I understand that I'm sick, but the White Album is my fave album of all time, and none of the "sucky" songs has ever caused me anything but pure joy. "Revolution 9" deserves love. If it was your kid, you'd love it, wouldn't you?
I don't know if it was the same quote, but I remember when Kid A came out, a review claimed that what seemed "weird" on OK Computer ("Fitter Happier") was actually THE portent of things to come.
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12874 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
Originally posted by jonathanbrisby: Mark, your comment reminds me of a passage in Dai Griffiths' 33.3 book on Radiohead's OK Computer in which he argues that the most essential part, the lynchpin as it were, to the album is "Fitter, Happier." I think it's an integral part of a perfect album, where as most other people I know prefer to skip it, the same friends that also skip "Revolution 9" from the white album. I'm not really making a point here so much as making note of it.
I agree that "Fitter Happier" exists as a sort of "mission statement" (Thom is cringing somewhere after I typed that) for the album as a whole. Compositionally it has some very interesting sounds and textures presented in its short run time. The problem with the track (and the reason most people tend to skip it) is because of the prevalence of that synthesized "Apple Talk" voice in the years after the album was released. One can't help the feeling that it "dates" the album. Though I haven't really had any desire to listen to Radiohead in the past few years, I usually would skip Fitter Happier for the reasons listed above.
Originally posted by jonathanbrisby: Mark, your comment reminds me of a passage in Dai Griffiths' 33.3 book on Radiohead's OK Computer in which he argues that the most essential part, the lynchpin as it were, to the album is "Fitter, Happier." I think it's an integral part of a perfect album, where as most other people I know prefer to skip it, the same friends that also skip "Revolution 9" from the white album. I'm not really making a point here so much as making note of it.
I agree that "Fitter Happier" exists as a sort of "mission statement" (Thom is cringing somewhere after I typed that) for the album as a whole. Compositionally it has some very interesting sounds and textures presented in its short run time. The problem with the track (and the reason most people tend to skip it) is because of the prevalence of that synthesized "Apple Talk" voice in the years after the album was released. One can't help the feeling that it "dates" the album. Though I haven't really had any desire to listen to Radiohead in the past few years, I usually would skip Fitter Happier for the reasons listed above.
Then again, I'm not so sure Thom would cringe at that. I have no idea where I read this, but I'm fairly sure I read somewhere that making Fitter Happier got T.Y. out of a severe case of writer's block. I think there was something about how he heard the computer's voice speaking his words and he... started crying(?). (I think that's how all the great Radiohead making music stories end - with Thom crying.) Funny thing is - it seems that the same element (the Apple Talk voice) turns people off on the song.
Now about Revolution 9 - that's totally relevant. For better or worse, Rev. 9 is the Beatles doing avant-garde. I haven't heard the track in a while (for whatever reason I like to save listening to the fab four for special occasions.) I think one of the signs of avant-garde at work is a pissed off mob hanging about in the wings, and that works in this case too.
One of the things I like about collage pieces like that is that it provides a unique slice of life. I mean, when a person makes a collage he or she has to pick from all of the sounds sources/samples available. And because that is always limited to some extent, there's a special stamp on the piece right from the get go. Some people might not like the same thing - they would call a piece so limited 'dated.' Risking an unwieldy quote from a philosopher, Hegel said "Every man is necessarily a son of his times. The Beatles are no different. For what it's worth.
You could argue the merit and try to 'debunk' it as quackery - "y'know those liverpool boys can write a catchy tune but they don't know jack about high art," but I'm not interested in that. Some collage (if you're a snob, musique concrete) pieces out there are more technical, more whimsical, more radical, whatever. But I think Revolution 9 deserves a place in the canon. As far as I'm concerned music isn't a contest. And none of the other pieces were written by John Lennon.
There is an interesting connection with my earlier ravings about the fringe. The Beatles don't really seem to fit anywhere in that exploding target. They should be 'in the middle,' I guess. But they never liked to be saddled with one style. So it's comlpicated.
That's nice to hear because I've never thought of the Beatles as being "in the middle" of anything, except for the cutting edge and my personal life. The fact that the cutting edge could be so popular should be an inspiration to all these bands that I don't show enough love to, but maybe now, I will in the future.
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12874 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
Originally posted by mark f: You might find this meaningless, but since it's often grouped with Cage's more avant-garde, early works, what do you think of "Revolution 9"? I've been trying to get a serious response at various sites for years, and nobody seems to be willing to listen to it repeatedly. It's really not that scary and much easier for me to relate to. For God's sake, I've heard it at least 150 times. Anybody have any thoughts or questions about Lennon's monster? He told producer George Martin that IT WAS going to be released as THE single, but Lennon lost out on that one.
You know I really need to listen to the White Album. I always feel like they're on the verge of remastering these albums so I'm hestitant to buy them now. But I bought Revolver a few months ago and I play it at least once a week. Anyway, sorry to digress, considering I'm not contributing to or attempting to answer your question.
Has anybody heard Basil Kirchin's last album, Particles? I just read a review on Dusted. Those bastards - the last 3 times I've gone to the site I've bought a disc right after. I think the streak will continue.
I not the biggest beatles devotee but for me I would skip revolution number 9 but I would never skip fitter happier. Fitter happier is what makes the album, cements the core fabric, the central theme of the album, as soon as those sounds start sliding around in the background it gives me chills.
When I listen to number 9 its interesting for the first few minutes but it just keeps going, it just doesn't hold as much relevance for me as fitter happier. However that may just come down to what decade you were born in.
The head of state has called for me, but I don't have time for him
Posts: 255 | Location: Sydney, Australia | Registered: 07 September 2006
I spoke with the drummer (of Gang Gang Dance) about their new record when they played a couple monthes ago in SLC and he said that while they are expecting to they haven't recorded anything yet and are struggling with producing the record. It kind of sounded like it was up in the air.
On another note. I know my over enthusiasm has been called into question before but I must gush on Pumice's Pebbles. Without a doubt my favourite record so far this year (Even better than Raccoo-oo-oon). Has anyone else heard this. It is one of the most dynamic records I have heard in a long time.
Also enjoying Axolotl's Memory Theatre, Blues Control's s/t and Religious Knives' Remains.
Originally posted by Sicnarf: I spoke with the drummer (of Gang Gang Dance) about their new record when they played a couple monthes ago in SLC and he said that while they are expecting to they haven't recorded anything yet and are struggling with producing the record. It kind of sounded like it was up in the air.
On another note. I know my over enthusiasm has been called into question before but I must gush on Pumice's Pebbles. Without a doubt my favourite record so far this year (Even better than Raccoo-oo-oon). Has anyone else heard this. It is one of the most dynamic records I have heard in a long time.
Also enjoying Axolotl's Memory Theatre, Blues Control's s/t and Religious Knives' Remains.
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I like that Pumice album quite a bit. I found it through Itunes a few days ago.
"Violence, she solved everything"
Posts: 1241 | Location: Nowhere | Registered: 31 July 2006
