David
Fufkin on Whatever: October, 2002
I
know that sometimes I take for granted a lot of things, even
my ability to sit here and type at my computer. I have been
inhibited in my ability to type this month, and it delayed the
update. I want to say thanks for your patience as I type with
searing pain in my shoulder and left arm from a car accident
that could have and should have killed me on September 12. I
was going to skip a month, but I love publishing the site so
much, and I feel lucky to be able to be here to do the update.
I am fine, and I will recover, so I'll just mention a few things
of note this month:
1.
the new Beck CD: Sea Change. I am Beck newbie, so I know nothing
of his history except I have read lots of glowing press. I listen with
my ears, and what I hear on Sea Change is a massive, understated
epic of a recording that combines a Ziggy-Bowie vibe with the pensive
pallor of Nick Drake at his finest. At times, Beck has an almost Gordon
Lightfoot delivery, and believe it or not, it's great. Beck Hansen is
a huge talent and should be applauded for making a sonically beautiful
recording. Listen to this on headphones and be prepared to be blown away.
Believe the hype and check this out.
2.
Aimee Mann: Lost in Space. The lyrics, as always, are some of the
finest that will be heard on a recording in this or any year. The songs,
from a writing perspective, are tight, well constructed and can carry
the weight of complex instrumentation. The arrangements are understated,
thoroughly but not overly planned and utterly musical, leaving one literally
breathless after numerous listens. Her voice is moving, sultry, expressive
and always appropriate for the individual song.
For those who find this a lesser work, I would counter that it is merely
a different work in a large body of exceptional songs and recordings.
Ms. Mann is a songwriter and artist of unlimited range and unfettered
depth who has made another recording worthy of one who, in twenty years,
will be considered as one of the finest pop artists of our generation,
period. I look forward to the day when she actually peaks as an artist.
She is just getting started, and to see her career and body of work unfold
on each recording, including Lost in Space, is exciting to me.
3.
Sparklefest. This Chapel Hill, North Carolina festival will bring together
some great bands between October 9 and 12th. If you live near Chapel Hill,
it is worth your time.
Have
a good month...
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