Julian Cope presents Head Heritage

And there should never, ever be more than four strings on a bass.

More than that = wanker.

I say 'the British' in general are like that, whether it's technique, skill or success.....

....as far as music is concerned, I'd say there's nothing wrong with people improving or developing their 'craft', the problem was/is the snobbish and pious muso attitude, thankfully blown to bits in the mid and late seventies, although this muso attitude still rears it's ugly head from time to time.

This was/is a double edged sword though, as you now get (for want of a better word) 'non-musicians' who, if there is a trace of melody or technique or a celebration of past musical styles in the media, they damn everything that isn't atonal or noise and as you say, it's an attitude writ large (whichever side it falls), that is perculiar to the British Isles

It's just an island full of jealous fuckers whichever way you look at it !!

That's a lie!

I agree for sure! And I can also generally appreciate both, though a middle way is usually my preference.

Ever hear the story about Miles Davis (allegedly) playing a recording for some high-society types of a bunch of kids playing around with musical instruments, telling them first that it was his new album? They LOVED it, assuming that if the Miles had recorded it, then it must be the THANG! (I have heard the same story told about other folks, though, so who knows what there is to it...)

Also comes to mind the recordings made in various asylums which (supposedly - I haven't heard them myself) resemble pre-commercial tribal music of various kinds

Myself, it's always a struggle between technique and theory being more of a guide than I really want them to be on the one hand, and being capable of doing what I want to do (on the other)... Could probably write a small book about that

Some of the best musical fun I have had in recent years was at a Japanese art exhibit at the Hayward three or four years back where one of the artists had a big rug laid out with instruments all over it and visitors were encouraged to just pick up whatever they fancied and join in the improv.

With the beneift of hindsight I now assume that he was taping / fliming the whole thing but playing music with a moving pool of non musicians and non English speakers topped most of the formal musical improv "happenings" that I have been involved in. Was just as satisfying as playing behind Damo. Though no less stressful in the early stages where you are feeling around for some common ground.

Playing a melodica trio with a couple of Japanese tourists was something I'd love to have on tape. They were beautiful players. Like a pair of ultra intuitive mini-skirted Don Cherrys.

What is it about the English that they are so suspicious of technique? Whether it is centre halves, painters, bass players or opening batsmen. God forbid you should be seen to be ... y'know .... make an effort at developing your craft.

Talking of which I am still really enjoying the improvs on your MySpace pages.