Category: Uncategorized

231. Antonín Dvořák

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(September 2019) Episode 231 is ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK.  Of the Romantic era but grounded in classical construction, Dvořák was an Everyman who succeeded in a number of forms. His compositions exude strength and confidence.  I favor the symphonies; the most famous one (“New World”) is among the best all-time. A highlight is his integration of folk themes, through which he promoted national patriotism.  Of noteworthy historical interest, the compositions that emerged from his time in the U.S. resulted in the reflection of African American and Native American music back onto American white society (who were not otherwise exposed in a segregated America).

Favorite piece: Symphony #9 (“New World”)

Favorite Chamber piece: String Quartet #12 (“American”)

Favorite folk adaptation: Slavonic Dances

Favorite small piece: Miniatures in G minor

Favorite overture: Carnival

Favorite opera: The Devil and Kate

Compared to expectations: same

antonin dvorak

229. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

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(August 2019) Episode 229 is PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS. Did you know it’s the Golden Age of Australian Psychedelic Rock? You do now. And one of its highlights is this band from, oddly like many others, Perth. Put on some headphones and max the volume. PPC will exhaust you but in a good way. My new favorite band. (This is the 3rd band in the Project discovered through a podcast, and only the 2nd to start recording this decade.)

Favorite album: And Now For The Whatchamacallit

Favorite song: Ergophobia

Compared to expectations: ↑

AndNowWhatchamacallit.jpg

 

228. Primus

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(August 2019) Episode 228 is PRIMUS. It’s difficult to label their unique meld of funk-metal with Zappa-esque irreverence and weirdness. But they’ve influenced scores of bands nevertheless. What stands out the most are the sparks flying off Les’ bass, but don’t discount Ler’s calisthenics on guitar.  It’s an acquired taste, but a fun ride when you take it for a spin.

Favorite album: Sailing the Seas of Cheese

Favorite song: Jerry Was a Race Car Driver

Compared to expectations: same

Sailing_the_Seas_of_Cheese

227. Claude Debussy

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(August 2019) Episode 227 is CLAUDE DEBUSSY.  I enjoy his music more than I should, since I’m not a fan of impressionist art or French culture. But the color and texture of his compositions grab you, sometimes as if they were beings with their own personality. Certain piano pieces, such as the préludes and études, must be exceedingly difficult to perform. He didn’t kill pianos like Liszt or Rachmaninoff, but certainly wore them out. He was ahead of his time.

Favorite piece: Prelude to the afternoon of a faun

Favorite chamber piece: Sonata for cello and piano

Favorite longer orchestral piece: La mer

Favorite piano piece: 12 Ètudes

Compared to expectations: same

Claude_Debussy_atelier_Nadar

226. John Cage

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(August 2019) Episode 226 is JOHN CAGE. You’ll never see his compositions on standard repertoires or hear them at the dentist office. But after this episode I am convinced he is the most important composer of the 20th century, and arguably of all time, for forcing us to question whether there is a difference between music and sound, between directed sound and undirected sound. Why should we value the vibrations of a violin strong over those made by water sloshing through a conch shell? The emphasis of chance in certain work (perhaps his most controversial aspect) ensures that certain pieces can never be played the same twice. Technically, this episode is not complete, as one of his pieces is currently being played on an organ in Germany and not scheduled to end until the year 2640.

Favorite piece: Seventy Four

Favorite period: “numbers” period (last 5 years of his life)

Favorite prepared piano piece: Three Dances

Favorite string piece: Quartets I-VIII

Favorite piece with woodwinds: Eight

Favorite percussive piece: First Construction (in metal)

Favorite use of household items: Water Walk

Compared to expectations: same

CAGE, John - portrait in 1991, Los Angeles

225. King Missile

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(August 2019) Episode 225  is KING MISSILE.  In its various incarnations, KM is the musical vehicle for poet John S. Hall’s abstract, warped, observational musings. You may recall the novelty song “Detachable Penis,” emblematic of frequent sexual content which comes off as humorously candid rather than perverse. Sure, it’s a joke band, but that sells the music short, which is actually a good listen, while you giggle.

Favorite album: The Psychopathology of Everyday Life

Favorite song: Sex With You

Compared to expectations: same

The_Psychopathology_of_Everyday_Life_(King_Missile_album)_cover_art

 

223. The Black Keys

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(July 2019) Episode 223 of my “opus project” is the BLACK KEYS. I find their initial southern-fried (although they’re from Ohio), bluesy garage rock better in concept than execution due to Dan Auerbach’s reliance on monotonous, laconic vocals. But for me, they pick it up starting with Attack & Release (thanks, Danger Mouse) with a diversified approach and instrumentation. Black Keys satisfies.

Favorite album: El Camino

Favorite song: Gold on the Ceiling

Compared to expectations: same

The_Black_Keys_El_Camino_Album_Cover

222. Joni Mitchell

~ ernopepper ~ 1 Comment

(July 2019) Episode 222 of my “opus project” is JONI MITCHELL. Who doesn’t love Joni Mitchell? I love Joni Mitchell. She’s a legend, an inspiration to countless artists (especially women). And yet … when I started this episode I realized I had not put on a Joni album in 25+ years. I guess the confessional singer-songwriter thing isn’t my thing. Her strongest songwriting, of course, is the early-70s folky/hippy stuff. Mitchell’s later journeys into light jazz, synth, EZ listening and re-arrangements of old hits are really not my thing.

Favorite album: Ladies of the Canyon

Favorite song: For the Roses

Worst album: Dog Eat Dog

Compared to expectations: ↓

Joni_Ladies