Music Swap 2: Bear’s Music
What I love about music is its ability to make everyone react in a certain way. Sometimes, music evokes a visual image in my head. Other times, it reminds me of places I’ve been. Music can easily make me sad or happy or angry. The music I sent bear is the piano music that makes me feel as if I am listening to the most beautiful thing ever. I reviewed these songs based off of my gut reaction to musical content therin. Here’s the link to bear’s post.
“Down in the Park” by Gary Numan, from Telekon
In this childish, somewhat monotonous song, I am struck by its chord progression that’s reminiscent of pop music. I should’ve been expecting this from the title and artist, but I flat out ignored who did it at first. Then, I noticed the out of tune piano that reminds me of the uprights at school in the intimate (if you know what goes on in those rooms after hours, you should know I use that word lightly) practice rooms. Surprisingly, I’ve heard a lot of songs like this played there. Then I thought the song would sound good in a movie while someone was walking around. Listening to it again, however, I noticed how similar it is to the solo piano music in The Sims. This made me smile.
Overall I thought “Down in the Park” was decent, but I prefer songs with a bit more going on.
“Winter” by Tori Amos, from Little Earthquakes
I enjoyed this song. The chord progression was interesting and the lyrics are nice. The two major issues I had with this song was that I think it’s way too fast and the arrangement detracts from the melody. Some parts remind me of Massive Attack’s “Unfinished Sympathy” that has a much better arrangement. I also felt Tori (or whoever arranged it) went a bit heavy on the reverb. Tori’s voice is also a bit nasal. I find that this is a big problem for Asian singers that Tori wasn’t able to overcome. If the arrangement was simpler, slower, and more passionate this song would truly get what it deserves.
By the way, if your’e wondering it made me think of it made me think of a music video!
“Piano Piece #13 (Carpenter’s Piece)” by Sonic Youth, from SYR4: Goodbye to the 20th Century
This is faux avant-garde bullshit that was really boring to listen to. Frankly, it’s just plain stupid and weak.When I want real avant-garde music I’ll take Ferneyhough. At least there’s something to listen to instead of people banging on a poorly modified piano. Want proof? Listen to it yourself.
In conclusion, I think bear and I have different taste when it comes to music. I enjoyed listening to something new even if I positively hated it. I hope bear had as much fun as I did and I would love to do this again sometime.



