From Ernesto Ikerd Sent Mon, Jun 29th 1998, 23:02
From Ernesto Ikerd Sent Mon, Jun 29th 1998, 23:02
>And, of course, they're not fluff, but the United States has never been >about subtle, refined taste. The States are about BIGGER, BETTER and >BADDER than YOU. > >Sure, the culture of the US is about freedom and opportunity, but deep >down, it's supported by a strong foundation of power and force and, I >think, the culture is infused by this. This is something that underlies >our politics, our philosophy and our culture. I live in the States, so >I'm not bashing it from afar, but I think this culture has become one of >power, pure and simple and that affects the music. And, when it comes >down to it, guitars are more powerful than electronics...or, so most >Americans believe. I dunno about power, but I think Americans cant listen to anything that doesnt have lyrics. A comment I get a lot from trying to expose my fellow Americans to 'electronic music' is that "Hey!! THeres no words!!!" Im talking about *ANY* electronic music, to say nothing of IDM. There *is* a lull in rock right now and whats tearing up the US airwaves is drivel like Prodigy, Garbage 2.0 (rock-techno/w 303s), and Crystal Method. The "trip like I do" song is huge here - That is, the Filter version - WITH WORDS.. Everybody wants to either "trip like I do" or "smack" their "bitch up" cuz those are the worded mantras that people can vocalize, and the electronic components are just there to spice up the rock guitars. keep in mind this is less true in Detroit, NewYork or LA, but even the national media here pays less attention to 'wordless' acts. You WONT see Autechre on David Letterman or Saturday Night Live, and theres no John Peel :( People do like dance music, but "thats for clubs" , and when its 4am and its time to drive home, theyll throw on Dave Matthews or Jewel to mellow out. Ive just accepted the fact that decent music must be imported, and glimmers of hope like Schematic, Choc industries , and maybe now Orange ( fingers crossed) will hopefully change this in the future. my $.02 ernie Ernesto Ikerd, (817) 763-4795 Company Graphics, Dept 17 Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircaft Systems Fort Worth, Texas