On Fri, 7 Jun 1996, Jon Drukman wrote:
quoted 11 lines I agree that FSOL came up with a new sound but I think the question is> >> >I agree that FSOL came up with a new sound but I think the question is
> >> >whether what's going on in Lifeforms really contitutes something new.
> >>
> >> can someone parse this sentence into english for me?
> >
> >It's english or pretty close as far as I can tell. I be happy to field
> >specific questions about the sentence.
>
> you say it's "a new sound". then you say the question is whether it
> consitutes something new. so which is it? how can a new sound not be
> something new?? it seems axiomatic to me.
A record can have a new sound on a superficial level but be based largely
on convention in more substantive ways. Lifeforms, I think, is incredibly
substantial in its originality. Although the sound and feel may not have
been entirely new (but who cares) it is musically innovative in its
subtle aspects. The real accomplishment of the album is its often barely
noticeable chord changes by way of shift in the tones of the background
noise and samples. The best term I can come up with for this has been
'stealth counterpoint' where something changes and you can't really put
your finger on just what, but the emotional quality of the music has
taken a definite turn. It is a way of hiding musical content in what
seems to be jut a lot of fun noise, and personally I think is better left
alone except maybe to be studied. Most good music provides a richer
experience the more of its elements you make a point to notice, but I
find this album more effective when just experienced. It is however
amazing what they did and needs to be pointed out now and then.
Did anyone ever find anything by WFO other than that song on Excursions 2?
hasta,
e