Frank Zappa or Captain Beefheart?

Guybrush · 03-04-2012, 03:28 PM

Not saying that this is the case with Beefheart and Zappa, but people so often seem to assume that the more avantgarde something is, the more rules it breaks, the more difficult it is to do - the better/smarter it is. That's not always true. When it comes to music, basically anyone can make avantgarde music, however good it turns out, but not everyone can write a beautiful piece of music. Not saying you don't get creds for being strange, but I definitely think people in general overrate it.

**Frownland** · 03-04-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

Not saying that this is the case with Beefheart and Zappa, but people so often seem to assume that the more avantgarde something is, the more rules it breaks, the more difficult it is to do - the better/smarter it is. That's not always true. When it comes to music, basically anyone can make avantgarde music, however good it turns out, but not everyone can write a beautiful piece of music. Not saying you don't get creds for being strange, but I definitely think people in general overrate it.

Well you try to play 4'33" like John Cage and see how well your theory holds up.

Guybrush · 03-04-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frownland

Well you try to play 4'33" like John Cage and see how well your theory holds up.

It's an interesting piece, but I find it a bit overrated. Basically, it's a funny idea, like an M. Night Shyamalan twist.

**Frownland** · 03-04-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

It's an interesting piece, but I find it a bit overrated. Basically, it's a funny idea, like an M. Night Shyamalan twist.

Same here. It's kind of like Cage is trolling the listener. I agree with what you said about talent and such, though. My favourite songs by Marc Ribot are not very hard to play yet they are brilliant pieces.

blastingas10 · 03-04-2012, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

Not saying that this is the case with Beefheart and Zappa, but people so often seem to assume that the more avantgarde something is, the more rules it breaks, the more difficult it is to do - the better/smarter it is. That's not always true. When it comes to music, basically anyone can make avantgarde music, however good it turns out, but not everyone can write a beautiful piece of music. Not saying you don't get creds for being strange, but I definitely think people in general overrate it.

Absolutely.

Zappa may have used structure, but his songs were still very unique and were completely different from anything else of his time.

blastingas10 · 03-04-2012, 04:24 PM

My brother doesn't know how to play guitar, but when he does he plays it in an avant-garde way that has no structure. However, that doesn't make it good. Just because something is experimental and goes beyond the rules doesn't instantly make it good. I'll take Zappa over Keiji Haino anyday.

TockTockTock · 03-04-2012, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazstp

Yikes. It was a long time ago so a bit of a hazy memory but it was kind of Tom Waits singing blues on acid.

Was it Strictly Personal?

Howard the Duck · 03-05-2012, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Was it Strictly Personal?

yeah I think that was what he described as well

i prefer the Mirror Man sessions, actually

Stephen · 03-05-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Was it Strictly Personal?

Thanks I'll check it out.

Edit: Well it certainly fits my description but I don't think that was it.

Stephen · 03-25-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Was it Strictly Personal?

I've got a feeling it was Bongo Fury. Recently got this album and it's certainly a good one. Guess I missed the fact it was a Zappa/Beefheart collaboration.

View Poll Results: Choose one...
Frank Zappa	36	69.23%
Captain Beefheart	16	30.77%
Voters: 52. You may not vote on this poll

03-04-2012, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	Not saying that this is the case with Beefheart and Zappa, but people so often seem to assume that the more avantgarde something is, the more rules it breaks, the more difficult it is to do - the better/smarter it is. That's not always true. When it comes to music, basically anyone can make avantgarde music, however good it turns out, but not everyone can write a beautiful piece of music. Not saying you don't get creds for being strange, but I definitely think people in general overrate it. __________________ Something Completely Different

03-04-2012, 04:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
blastingas10 Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 2,126	My brother doesn't know how to play guitar, but when he does he plays it in an avant-garde way that has no structure. However, that doesn't make it good. Just because something is experimental and goes beyond the rules doesn't instantly make it good. I'll take Zappa over Keiji Haino anyday.