Re: [microsound] the clueless leading the blind

[ben nevile <bbn@xxxxxxxx>]

> it's inherent "novelty quotient" which always makes for "interesting copy"
> for newbie journalists who think they have "discovered something"...


even the best journalist is necessarily a step behind.  to go with their
catchy musics, matmos and herbert have good timing, because in 2002
sampling, plastic surgery and corporate bloat are widely understood
concepts.  but if there's some method to the music that is truly cutting
edge, can you really expect the average writer to understand?  do you even
want them to?  isn't discontent with the writers just a reflection of ego?

I've been thinking about this a lot since Mutek.  I have yet to read a
review by a writer whose opinions were aligned with mine.  Initially I was
irritated - ego, no doubt - but I think I understand now that everyone is
listening and looking for different things.  all the music I heard in
Montreal was of the highest calibre, but I'm focussed on performance
techniques and I was almost uniformly disappointed in the methods employed.
after I realized that my ego was getting the better of me my irritation with
"the media" was replaced by an understanding that if you are trying to do
something truly different you just have to work harder.

or maybe I'm off my rocker and my ego is still colouring my opinions.  let
me know what you think.
bbn