Perhaps the spikey punk edges of youth have been buffed away till all that's rebellious is the exact thing we once rallied against? It makes sense he's accepting royal invitations, who else will buy his milk jugs amd wrapping paper?
Trying to discuss the man with friends ultimately hits the political barrier at some point over his continuation to tour in Israel and be outspoken. Granted, less so than Roger Waters but i guess Nick hasn't got that Pink Floyd money to retire on...... I joke I joke.
Ultimately it brings to the forefront for me where do we draw the line, if at all, in separation of art from artist. Political view? Where they tour? Oddities of pottery they sell?
He seems less of an artist than a commodity at the moment. A large volume of albums/soundtracks being released fat quicker than he used to. Strange art for sale. Grieving via a website.
Is he actually ok? Part of me wonders of this is all a way of burying pain. Anyway.
well, if for nothing other than the first half of his career he deserves wide berth...however, and here I will blame warren ellis, his output since losing Blixa and Mick Harvey has been underwhelming in the extreme. But most mathematicians do their greatest and boldest work in their 20s....so maybe this is like that. It should also be said that I like evolution as much as the next person. But I also like what I've always liked. and like I've told people who have asked: Oxbow's made the same record every record that still manages to sound totally different and still totally Oxbow. But that takes focus and an unwillingness to, erm...get better?
I completely agree with you. While I don't need a post punk masterpiece from the man anymore I don't buy his records now. I gave up after Skeleton Tree. It's all melded into a very spotty mulch.
Clearly the soundtrack work suits him and Warren. Never listened, probably won't. I feel the true creatives that allowed him the freedom to explore but rein in his shit have gone. Maybe that's easier for a man in his 60s suffering loss.
The difference with Oxbow is that i believe it. You don't compromise. You realise the album that fits the feelings and the sound that suits it. Love's Holiday is creepy and dynamic and still you guys, it's not going to be any of your prior albums mk 2.
Ive seen you perform with Bunuel and with Oxbow. It scared the shit out of me in the rawest and most honest way I've experienced. That's what I want music to do. Make feel something. Nick just makes me feel sad.
Thanks for the reply Eugene. Appreciate your time. I love your writing.
A thoughtful and interesting perspective.
Perhaps the spikey punk edges of youth have been buffed away till all that's rebellious is the exact thing we once rallied against? It makes sense he's accepting royal invitations, who else will buy his milk jugs amd wrapping paper?
Trying to discuss the man with friends ultimately hits the political barrier at some point over his continuation to tour in Israel and be outspoken. Granted, less so than Roger Waters but i guess Nick hasn't got that Pink Floyd money to retire on...... I joke I joke.
Ultimately it brings to the forefront for me where do we draw the line, if at all, in separation of art from artist. Political view? Where they tour? Oddities of pottery they sell?
He seems less of an artist than a commodity at the moment. A large volume of albums/soundtracks being released fat quicker than he used to. Strange art for sale. Grieving via a website.
Is he actually ok? Part of me wonders of this is all a way of burying pain. Anyway.
So when do we get the Oxbow teatowel?
well, if for nothing other than the first half of his career he deserves wide berth...however, and here I will blame warren ellis, his output since losing Blixa and Mick Harvey has been underwhelming in the extreme. But most mathematicians do their greatest and boldest work in their 20s....so maybe this is like that. It should also be said that I like evolution as much as the next person. But I also like what I've always liked. and like I've told people who have asked: Oxbow's made the same record every record that still manages to sound totally different and still totally Oxbow. But that takes focus and an unwillingness to, erm...get better?
I completely agree with you. While I don't need a post punk masterpiece from the man anymore I don't buy his records now. I gave up after Skeleton Tree. It's all melded into a very spotty mulch.
Clearly the soundtrack work suits him and Warren. Never listened, probably won't. I feel the true creatives that allowed him the freedom to explore but rein in his shit have gone. Maybe that's easier for a man in his 60s suffering loss.
The difference with Oxbow is that i believe it. You don't compromise. You realise the album that fits the feelings and the sound that suits it. Love's Holiday is creepy and dynamic and still you guys, it's not going to be any of your prior albums mk 2.
Ive seen you perform with Bunuel and with Oxbow. It scared the shit out of me in the rawest and most honest way I've experienced. That's what I want music to do. Make feel something. Nick just makes me feel sad.
Thanks for the reply Eugene. Appreciate your time. I love your writing.
Shona
Cheers!