"Myth and mystery have always been crucial to the worship of music," according to NPR blogger and former Sleater Kinney member Carrie Brownstein. But in an age of blogs and tabloids, she asks: "Where is the mystery now?" It might be found in life of an international DJ, as described by Jace Clayton, a.k.a. DJ/rupture. Brownstein and Clayton join us to share recent essays compiled in the new book Best Music Writing 2009.
Carrie Brownstein and Jace Clayton will appear tonight at Housing Works Bookstore Café at 7 p.m. with other “Best Music Writing 2009” contributors and the book’s editor, music writer Greil Marcus. More info here.
Carrie Brownstein and Jace Clayton will appear tonight at Housing Works Bookstore Café at 7 p.m. with other “Best Music Writing 2009” contributors and the book’s editor, music writer Greil Marcus. More info here.
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Comments [9]
Paul McCartney has been "dead" for years.
In addition to tales of the Loch Ness Monster, two artists come to mind:
Dylan was certainly one of the early purveyors of maintaining some mystery despite the media (by playing with the media).
In high school, I discovered Jeff Buckley (who titled one of his tours the "Mystery White Boy Tour"). The fact that none of my friends knew about him added to the appeal.
After his death, speculation, rumor and memorializing increased. I appreciated the book written about him and his father Tim Buckley, which certainly demystified some parts of his life. I found the special features and add-ons to the posthumously-released Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk to be irritating--same as when they published Kurt Cobain's diary (too much that was never intended for the public was forcibly put out there).
What is up with clips?
In addition to tales of the Loch Ness Monster, two artists come to mind:
Dylan was certainly one of the early purveyors of maintaining some mystery despite the media (by playing with the media).
In high school, I discovered Jeff Buckley (who titled one of his tours the "Mystery White Boy Tour"). The fact that none of my friends knew about him added to the appeal.
After his death, speculation, rumor and memorializing increased. I appreciated the book written about him and his father Tim Buckley, which certainly demystified some parts of his life. I found the special features and add-ons to the posthumously-released Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk to be irritating--same as when they published Kurt Cobain's diary (too much that was never intended for the public was forcibly put out there).
It's also easier to spread different versions of stories more easily and quickly. So, there might be more mystery than less. Especially considering that there always be a few commercial artists getting the lion share of the media's attention.
I think it's important to keep in mind although information is more readily available (via the internet for e.g.) it doesn't mean it's more accurate.
Thank You!
I had this debate with a former bandmate and it was never resolved. Growing up I was more fascinated by the bands that I had to work to discover anything about than ones that were always over-documented.
I think one aspect of modern technology that takes away from mystery in music is looking at bands set list before seeing them in concert--or looking at youtube clips from previous city shows. It used to be you had no idea what was going to be played--and how. Now, you see the show before you see the show--yes, you could limit your internet usage but curiosity always kills the cat, no?
Carrie's right. In my case, it was seeing Be Bop Deluxe at the Paladium in the 70's. Me and my friend Tom left that show right after they finished even though two more bands had yet to play. We never heard of them and needed to know more.
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