On Sun, 2 Jul 1995, Che wrote:
quoted 26 lines Oh gosh, gee whiz...you went to see a Techno Boffin such as RDJ and you>
>
> Oh gosh, gee whiz...you went to see a Techno Boffin such as RDJ and you
> were "horribly disappointed when all he did was spin records"?!? Let's
> see...my watch says it's 1995...what the FUCK would make you expect a live
> show out of Mr. Aphex, anyway? Hmmm...I can't even remember the last time
> I saw someone play "live". Even rock dinosaurs like U2 are gonna have
> racks of sequencers & samplers churning away backstage to deliver that
> "just like the album" sound that idiots like you expect...buy a vowel, get
> a clue, if you're REALLY into electronic music, such as that created by
> Mr. James, then wanting to hear it performed "live" is not a reasonable
> expectation. He may use a sequencer, he may use a DAT, he may just decide
> to spin records he thinks are cool; it doesn't really matter. Would you
> have been entertained if you hadn't been expecting to see Aphex Twin live?
>
> Expecting Richard D. James to perform "live" is like going to see Eric
> Crapton & being disappointed that he didn't use a sequencer & sampler to
> play all his guitar solos.
>
> Take a word of advice from someone who's been going to musical
> performances for over half their life - expectations should always be
> left at home - they're a sure ticket to disappointment.
>
> Chill
> Che
>
I don't think "chill" is the appropriate thing to do at this point, nor
do I think your reply was called for.
Many electronic artists are taking advantage of performing in public (eg
U-ziq, Orbital) to mess around with their recorded material and test out
the public's immediate reaction to new material.
So perhaps expecting RDJ to perform his own material might be expecting a
lot, but it is becoming more acceptable and expected that electronic
artists find a way to present their material in a "live" environment. The
Orb have completed several tours, and Orbital have even headlined at
Glastonbury (meaning they have been seen to be the biggest crowd-puller).
I think Paul's interest lay in seeing how RDJ would interpret his stuff
in a "live" setting, rather than wanting him to perform his tracks note
for note. Also a live setting is enjoyable for the spectator - mostly the
music is cranked up higher than volumes one would listen to it at home,
and there is always the pleasure of seeing other people enjoying
themselves as well.
The fact that a lot of the stuff is pre-recorded should not stop an
intelligent artist from presenting it in a new light.
Rob.