(And Vice-Versa)
“You’d Rather be Entertained than Enlightened.”
- ROME, To Each His Storm
Almost everyone I introduce worthwhile music to, rejects it on impact. Usually this is because it doesn’t fit the trope of some sonic experience they enjoy. It doesn’t make much difference because music gets made anyway, (seemingly endlessly,) to suit different purposes. Enjoyment on first listen, is one of many.
I have always believed that musicians know something I don’t or have something wonderful or strange (or otherwise worthwhile thing) in tow, for me to discover. This is why I have such a deep connection with certain realms and certain artists. On many occasions I use a bit of spiritual wisdom and throw my expectations and desires at the door, before embarking. This has made genres like minimal, avant-garde, drone, and a few select pieces of pop-garbage far more enjoyable to me.
This is why I love so much music and why I find endless pleasure in seeking out the uncomfortable, and unpleasant-at-first acts. It’s also why I’m a useless critic. I can’t help but see my visitation on earth as brief, and the meanings and pleasures I construct here, as more temporary as the constructions themselves. Any feeling or meaning I have, no matter how lovely, deep, or meaningful, never outlives the construction, that induced the level of love I grew and entangled in my personal feelings in. Sometimes I can’t help it. Other times, here I am, washed up on the riptide feeling the need to bridge a gap between my understanding and common presuppositions regarding something they suppose, “just is”. It certainly IS – but this is yet another vulgar minimization and abuse of the word “just”.
Nothing is just, and nothing is “just anything”. Behind every act, intention, reason and appearance, there are many, many more similar causation, impetuses, forces, and mysteries making things happen and pulling strings, to a degree unfathomable. If something is described as “Just” anything, it is designed for comfort. It’s not useless, but it is untrue, in the big picture.
The Humble Rock Dove 