Re: (idm) Sometimes I marvel...

From Oblique Hostility
Sent Wed, Apr 29th 1998, 05:54

On Tue, 28 Apr 1998, Tosh Cooey wrote:

> ...at the artists/music that pass for "intelligent" on this list.
> 
> I guess it all has to do with definitions, but if definitions are so
> broad, then can they define something as scarce as "intelligence".
> 
Name names and back it up Tosh.

Intelligence, as regards the original charter of IDM, has more to do
with music that came out of and was influenced by dance music of the
early 90's, but that worked as home listening music.  So maybe 'armchair
dance music' might be just as appropriate. Intelligent implies that
there is dumb dance music.  That might be the case, but I  think the
only valid categories for music are good music and bad music.

But for me, there is a bright line between stuff that works primarily
as a DJ Tool and music that works as something you can give your whole 
attention and stay interested.

As an example, when I'm at a party or a club, Chicago House works great.
I never feel as alive as I do dancing when a good house DJ is throwing down.
At home, I get restless listening to it.  On the other hand there are a lot
of tracks (say "Jupiter jazz" or "Space Invaders are Smoking Grass") that
are kickass music regardless of where you hear it.