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Julian Cope presents Head Heritage

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Music of the mad.
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Robot Emperor
Robot Emperor
762 posts

Re: Music of the mad.
Aug 18, 2011, 01:56
FifePsy wrote:
Robot, i'm guessing you may have had a read of Terry Castle's piece in the latest LRB? If not it would be right up your street.


Got it in one. Great article that does not shy away from the moral ambiguities that collecting such art creates.

I have been thinking about this all day (dull repetitive work, you need something to reflect on or you would go... well, you know). The most interesting things in music possibly come from those who could be described as being estranged from society, not only because it is a much wider group than the institutionalised but also because making music is a more communal activity. It requires at least some engagement with society. This would be beyond some of the artists in the art brut article. Obviously technology is changing this. I bet there are a few hair raising musical scores lying unknown in mental institutions around the world.

Music by those estranged from society, by choice or nature, seems to be JC's bag. Certainly a recurring riff back in the days of the "Album of the month" (this place misses them a lot I reckon).

Don't think western culture ever lost its thing about the holy fool (and whatever - whisper Shaman around these parts) being party to hidden truths and possessing abilites beyond "normal" people. Would it be possible to suggest a balancing act - the dreadfully artisan ability to be proficient or even brilliant at playing an instrument has been seen secondary to the gifts of the holy fool? That the balance has been out of kilter for so long (40 years?)... building on foundations of sand again. Time for bed.
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