Ok. I am a music snob. I want to be first on the block and I want discern quality and beauty before someone tells me what quality and beauty are. That said, when I went to see Sufjan Stevens perform Monday at the Paramount. I wanted to be on time. Why? I wanted to see My Brightest Diamond. Since Shara Worden's rock project was released this late summer I have been like a cheap addict listening to the full album stream from Asthmatic Kitty's website repeatedly I admit. The penchant I have for emotion and truth are met in this fine spread of sound. So I wanted to be on time because I knew after seeing Sufjan a perform a few times before this that the experience would be like watching tv at a close friend's house....but oh the newness of music performed that is under your skin. That is tasty. That kind of experience is more comparable to say... going to concert of someone you want to see perform! Also the excitement was kicking because a rock show in a theatre means everyone has to sit down and listen to all music played...little talking and much listening. It was wonderful...I hung on each note allowing this incredible voice wash over me. Nothing like letting gorgeous music press into you like a brisk, warm spring wind.
Mm, My Brightest Diamond's music was beautiful and moving (and I liked them enough to buy the cd) but in contrast to Sufjan, they sounded so dark. The contrast was nice though, because his music was noticably light and joyful by comparison, even in his sad songs. And then hearing him, made me not like MBD as much, because I need the light in my sorrow. Just my thoughts on the subject.
And by the way, you're not condescending in your snobbery (as you enjoy educating those who aren't as knowledgeable yet have an appreciation for new music) and that makes you less snobby, I think. So you are and aren't a snob.
And I miss you. Your self-portrait is a poor substitute. :)
I can hear where you are coming from and thanks for not condemning and old friend ; )
I think Sufjan's 15 minute orchestral jam sessions were on the side of dark for my taste...a different shade of dark. The baby in Gala's belly was actually clawing frantically during one chaotic post-melodic jam. A couple cents...
Also, as I wrote, I may just be electrified by new music...
Check these lines out though;
I always felt so far from you
Like something wasn't right
But tonight
I rest my head inside the crook of your arm
& I feel like a golden star
Exploding(tonight we are full)
Exploding(tonight we rejoice)
Exploding(you are my golden star)
Exploding
Though everything has come undone
The distance between us closes
And everything is suddenly
Exploding(tonight we are full)
Exploding(tonight we rejoice)
Exploding(you are my golden star)
Exploding
Tonight we are full up
Tonight we rejoice
Tonight we are full up
In spite we rejoice like stars