Since I can't figure out an MP3 solution, I'll just have to live with Youtube. I actually dislike music video for the most part. It forever changes the way one hears a song, cementing a visual that is frequently half-assed low-budget patchwork. Did I mention that I don't care for videos? I'm going to see about getting some video for my earlier entries, too.
Graham Parker was one third of my New British Invasion triumvirate of heroes, with Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. Only Elvis stayed with me for the long haul, but the other two had their day. I loved the cynicism. These guys were misanthropes through and through, just as I was. Parker's contempt for humanity comes shining through on "Stupefaction" from The Up Escalator. His fame was on the wane at this point (1980), certainly in the US. Parker has continued to put out strong music, without the stylistic transformations of Jackson and Costello.
I'm no longer as bitter as I was, and I cut humanity a bit of slack now, but I have sweet memories of this song.
I can't see the point
But I see the attraction
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I can't agree more on videos. I've not seen the videos for hardly any songs I like! One time I did have a video totally ruin a song I used to think was cute. "Calling You" by Blue October. The song used to bring me a little smile, until I saw the video. Now every time I hear the opening, that goofy video starts running in my head.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ... wasn't a big fan but then I was young and stupid and couldn't get past his hairline :-)
ReplyDeleteNow I'm old I have approaching his hairline myself I can enjoy his music.
I agree about silly pointless videos with stupid, story lines, fancy graphics and all that. I had my fill in the 1980's. But films of live performance of live studio performance like this I can't get enough of.
Just put "old grey whistle test" in the search bar on Youtube and enjoy ... Magic
Rachel X
Of course I'll make an exception for
ReplyDeleteXTC's - Generals and Majors because it's so very silly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCW6Kte2o1A
I've never really listened to the guy much, but leave it to Leslie to expand my musical knowledge. :)
ReplyDeleteI gotta disagree with the take on videos, at least to a degree. Not much cements to my brain I suppose and I like seeing a visual for a particular song. Granted, it's usually a corporate decision rather than from the artist themselves, as to the content. It would be better if the videos contained more artistry and less pandering to the masses though.
I dunno about getting the mp3s up, but have you tried like Playlist.com or something, to just get the song linked up?
Looking forward to your continued insight into the world of music. You're a vault of knowledge sista!
Peace Out, Tina
Thanks for reminding Leslie just how strong GP was (is). Been years, really, and that is a shame.
ReplyDeleteOff to create a new Pandora channel for Mr. Parker here. Should be rather high energy.
Cheers - Petra
I seem to have found a bad widget on my sidebar that was affecting the entire display of the blog. I think I've cleared it up now.
ReplyDelete@ Rachel -- I imagine XTC will appear here before long. I've adored the band since Oranges and Lemons came out. Genarals and Majors is a great song with a very silly video.
@ Tina -- I think your artist's mind helps you not get stuck on some director's take on a piece of music. Must be nice. Thanks for the Playlist.com suggestion. I'll look into it.
@ Petra -- It's sad that the public never really embraced Parker. He's a terrific songwriter, but I suppose he's too pessimistic and snarly for the mainstream.