Sunday, July 6, 2008

Some Collected Thoughts for a Sunday Evening

Just a few quick thoughts...

1. The issue of GQ pictured above (sorry it isn't bigger) has been causing a bit of a stir in my house of late. Apparently, the picture of the lovely Ms. Bundchen is a bit much for some people. Personally, I welcome such pictures into my house... but I guess I'm just wondering what the purpose of such a picture is. I tend to believe that there is some middle ground between "wholesome portrait" and "soft-core porn" called "appreciating the human body." After all, it is a thing of beauty. I'd put GQ covers in that last category, but obviously some don't. And regardless of where you put this particular picture, what exactly are the differences? I'm not sure. But I don't mind my roommate continuing to receive GQ until we can sort it all out.

2. Does anyone besides me listen to Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band's Trout Mask Replica? BBC DJ John Peel on the album, as quoted on Wikipedia (where else does anyone get information these days?): "If there has been anything in the history of popular music which could be described as a work of art in a way that people who are involved in other areas of art would understand, then Trout Mask Replica is probably that work." I think that's one of the most true strong statements I've ever read in a critical evaluation of a piece of art. This album is weird, long, nonsensical, and challenging, to be sure, but it's also skillful, thought provoking, and clearly a work of genius - even if it's mad genius.

3. I just watched The Lives of Others. Drop what you are doing and go out and rent it. It's phenomenally acted, superbly directed, and extremely well-written. The pacing feels right, the characters feel real, and you sympathize completely. And what it's about, when you get down to it, is the transcendence of human relationships. It's one of those movies that makes me wish I knew the native language so that I could fully appreciate it in every way. Nevertheless, even without knowing German, it was excellent.

4. I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and I think Radiohead will go down as the greatest band of my generation. They aren't necessarily my personal favorite, but the way that have pushed the boundaries of their art form, pushed the boundaries of their industry, and made really good, really relevant music blows my mind. And I feel for some reason like I need to be on record as having said it.

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