VaughanJB
Scrappy VIP
A couple weeks ago we had Record Store Day. I picked up 6 albums or so.
The one I've been playing is Scott Walkers "Tilt". Scott was a popular vocalist in the 1960's as part of the Walker Brothers. He had a sweet voice, and fit right in with the times. However, in later life something happened. He want full on for the art, and totally dismantled his voice and writing, to start again. Safe to say, there's nothing else quite like Tilt, or the albums that followed (of which Drift is perhaps even tougher to get into).
Honestly, it's as though the music is designed to keep you unsettled, on your toes. All music norms, by way of form and melody, are abandoned. An initial total rejection of these records is the norm, and it's justified. Just what the heck was Scott doing? Had he lost his mind?
There is an excellent documentary on the making of Drift that explains a lot, but keep in mind there's nothing that's going to make this music easy to appreciate. It's extreme. It's frightening. It walks all over expectations. It doesn't even attempt to be loved, just admired (casual fans will dismiss it simply because it's out there, and he knew that). It's an artist set free, and makes a huge mess and it's wonderful. It makes no sense, and even listening today, I struggle with it.
Bowie was a big fan of Scott, and in later life Scott made a complement about Bowie that almost had him in tears, such was his respect for Walker.
Anyway - here's a link if you want to give this a go. Mind, for me it's not a "day" album. This is a past midnight, early hours, experience in darkness. At high volume. Don't worry, you'll hate it no matter time it goes on.
The one I've been playing is Scott Walkers "Tilt". Scott was a popular vocalist in the 1960's as part of the Walker Brothers. He had a sweet voice, and fit right in with the times. However, in later life something happened. He want full on for the art, and totally dismantled his voice and writing, to start again. Safe to say, there's nothing else quite like Tilt, or the albums that followed (of which Drift is perhaps even tougher to get into).
Honestly, it's as though the music is designed to keep you unsettled, on your toes. All music norms, by way of form and melody, are abandoned. An initial total rejection of these records is the norm, and it's justified. Just what the heck was Scott doing? Had he lost his mind?
There is an excellent documentary on the making of Drift that explains a lot, but keep in mind there's nothing that's going to make this music easy to appreciate. It's extreme. It's frightening. It walks all over expectations. It doesn't even attempt to be loved, just admired (casual fans will dismiss it simply because it's out there, and he knew that). It's an artist set free, and makes a huge mess and it's wonderful. It makes no sense, and even listening today, I struggle with it.
Bowie was a big fan of Scott, and in later life Scott made a complement about Bowie that almost had him in tears, such was his respect for Walker.
Anyway - here's a link if you want to give this a go. Mind, for me it's not a "day" album. This is a past midnight, early hours, experience in darkness. At high volume. Don't worry, you'll hate it no matter time it goes on.
The Greatest Show on Earth - Horizons
