Glancing Over...

Gavin B. · 08-09-2009, 12:18 AM

I wish I could interest a few forum members in reviewing a Velvet Underground album, other than VUs first album which is over-reviewed to the point of banality. Everything that is insightful about Peel Slowly and See has been said 1000 times over in 100,000 reviews of the album over the past five decades. I wish I could have been first to say some of those insightful things about VU, but older and better music critics beat me to the punch a long time ago.

This is in no way a commentary the quality of Schizotypic's review. I'll read it later a probably keep any thoughts about his review to myself, unless he says anthing in the review that is innacurate by the historcal record, or if he says somthing insightful enough for me to respond to.

My comments are more of reflection on the lack of imagination we all exercise when we choose our subject matter for review. I'm as guilty of it, as the next person and will often select an artist or album that been heavily reviewed, just to get my 2 cents in.

I rarely see reviews of VU's next three equally superb albums White Light White Heat the untitled album known as Velvet Underground, and Loaded VU's final album with Lou Reed at the helm.

Personally I can't write about VU anymore, having collected nearly every concert review, VU flyer, and record review written about VU from 1966-1984 as a favor to Gerard Malanga when he was writting his own autobiography about his involvement with the Factory and VU.

Some of that collected material is in Gerard's archive at archives malanga. The archive has contains the answer to nearly anything you've ever wanted to know about Andy Warhol, VU, Edie Segewick, the Factory or Gerard's own considerable contributions to both VU and Warhol's art.

Gerard was right smack dab in the middle of it all running Warhol's art print operation, his movie production company and whip dancing on stage with VU's Exploding Plastic Intevitable as his night gig. Someone should do a review of him.

I won't even post my earliest reviews of nearly all of VUs albums in MB or anywhere else, because they were written long enough ago to make me embarassed by the poor quality of the review. My days of writting about VU are pretty much over and I've only made one or two exceptions (to the highest bidder) to that rule. Nothing is ever sealed in stone but for now, just listening to them is the only VU related activity that I can still enjoy and I do...every day of my life without exception.

Schizotypic · 08-09-2009, 03:48 AM

Every review I do in my journal isn't about quality, I don't need quality to persuade anyone who hasn't already given an album here a listen. Also it's irrelevant if an album I review has had 100,000 reviews already written on it. The person who hasn't heard the album doesn't know about those reviews anyway. The only reason I write is to share something that was dear to me.

Sorry I didn't review another album by the VU just because it was more rare, and I'm sure they are just as good but unfortunately I have yet to give any other VU album the time of day. Not because I don't want to, but there are so many great albums I own and haven't listened to it's hard to stay focused on just one artist for more then an album or two, also considering how much of my time goes into fully connection and building a relationship with albums which strikes my interest, it isn't a surprise in the six months I've been delving into music that I haven't heard every album from every catologue. If I ever listen to another by them and end-up loving it as much as I did the album I did review, I'll be absolutely sure to review it- as to share the wealth.

Gavin B. · 08-09-2009, 09:21 AM

As I said in my post the comments were no reflection on your review and I apoligize, perhaps it would have been wiser for me to post them somewhere else. No malice was intended, I simply got carried away in moment with a subject matter that's very near and dear to my heart.

Akira · 08-09-2009, 09:49 AM

Personally I'm sick of seeing reviews on this forum of an 'obscure' album that ends up either being crap or bland at best.

I much prefer this thread as at least it's honest, it's not written in some way that resembles a bad Pitchfork review. I'd prefer members to write a review on an album they love whether it is obscure or whether it features in an arbitrary top ten albums you'd find in any mag, than an album that's just there for posing sake.

Schizotypic is discovering music and I'd like to see him review albums he discovers, regardless of how long I have had them and whether or not I actually like them. My number one reason for reading album reviews is that I enjoy people talking about music they love and explaining why they love, how it makes them feel.

Schizo, review whatever album you want and keep up the good work.

Schizotypic · 08-09-2009, 11:04 AM

Thanks Toe, I totally agree and appreciate the post. I'll be definitely reviewing the next album on my list really late tonight or early morning tomorrow dependent on when I get back. It's I.A.S.P by T.A.L if you can figure out what that stands for, ha.

Schizotypic · 08-12-2009, 01:02 AM

The Album Leaf
In A Safe Place (2004)

The Album Leaf is the solo project of Jimmy LaValle, a former member of the aggressive math/grindcore band The Locusts. His solo work sounds nothing in the slightest to his work with The Locusts. Rather then distorted riffs and rough edges The Album Leaf chooses to focus its energy on creating the complete opposite; a sense of calm and togetherness. I don't know what inspired this change of heart, but every album is dripping subtly of peace and beauty. One of the most aesthetic bands I've ever come across.

This is the album I would recommend to anyone who has had a rough week. A hybrid of soft electronic, tranquil instrumental, calming beats, and fuzzed singing, it is one of the most comfortable albums I have ever to sank into. The title of the album is in no way deceiving, really, it does feel like you're in a safe place. If you're in the mood to write poetry, do homework, or just sit and feel out a tough problem, this is the friend to turn to. It gives great advice and is always a comfort to be around.

I highly recommend this album to anybody who wants to cool off. The reason I give this a rating of 5/5 isn't for musical ability but rather just because it impressed me. It did the one thing that I look for in music the most: it took me exactly where it wanted me to be. I couldn't imagine not having the Oasis that is In A Safe Place to turn to every once in a while. It's like living in a house across from a quiet abandoned beach, so if anybody wants an up, feel free to give me a PM. Don't be afraid to post in here either, I love to hear responses.

Really beautiful, enjoy MB.
With a head full of peace, Schizotypic.

5/5

jackhammer · 08-17-2009, 02:35 PM

I just cannot get into the Album Leaf at all. I have tried on a few occasions to listen to them but I turn them off after a couple of tracks. this was about a year ago and I still have 3 albums so maybe I should see if anythings changed.

beszpilman · 08-22-2009, 12:58 PM

Schizotypic, that's an amazing thing you're going through. I can connect deeply with that feeling because I'm going through something very similar!

About 11 months ago I started really delving into music. Before then, I was completely casual about it, musically retarded if you will ;D I completely agree that music is a lifelong journey and sympathize that there's so much to catch up with that sometimes we feel like we're Tryin' to Throw Our Arms Around The World. But I'm young and I don't need to instantly grow musical knowledge and tastes to match those from people who have lived the golden decades (I speak for myself 'cause I don't know your age). There's time and we should relax and savour the great albums with our undue attention. Way to go! I love how you develop a deep connection with the albums you like the most, and I think I need to incorporate that into my method. My way of going through albums ("simmering" for me) is slower than yours, but more all-around-the-block I guess. Maybe not. Maybe it's just plain inferior, but it's my own so I'll never admit it!!

You might like to check my journal (can't link to it 'cause I'm a fledgling but it's up at the top of the journals as of now) started only yesterday, I still have about 4 posts to add in order to bring the journey to where I stand currently. I loved your initial brief log of events by parts, and might in the future rip it off.

And before you begin tracking me down, do know I WILL be checking all the albums you are hailing as masterpieces, but I only take so many albums at any given time and now it has to wait at least until october - oh wait, october's all booked up too so that brings us to december!

Best of luck.. and fare-well!
Be

Schizotypic · 08-22-2009, 08:13 PM

^Thanks for checking out my Members Journal so thoroughly. I completely understand how it may take a while to get around to listening to any recommendations, I have hundreds myself. I will check out your Journal and also wish you the best of luck and hope dearly that you stick around.

beszpilman · 08-23-2009, 07:46 AM

Well, it definitely helps that your journal's relatively recent and doesn't have 10+ pages full of great recommendation I'd feel I couldn't miss! And unfortunately for me I do feel like that about longer journals and.. gasp... read it all!! So I do hope your journal reaches those heights and maybe mine too

Needless to say, I should start off with The Velvet Underground & Nico, hopefully by year's end!

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds is intriguing me too. Do you think it would be a better experience to hear From Her to Eternity first or I should just skip right through to The Firstborn Is Dead ? I usually feel I should give an artist's justice and listen in chronological order, especially when the debut's a good album, but most of the time I don't actually do it.

08-12-2009, 01:02 AM	#16 (permalink)
Schizotypic Souls of Sound Sailors Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mojave Posts: 759	The Album Leaf In A Safe Place (2004) The Album Leaf is the solo project of Jimmy LaValle, a former member of the aggressive math/grindcore band The Locusts. His solo work sounds nothing in the slightest to his work with The Locusts. Rather then distorted riffs and rough edges The Album Leaf chooses to focus its energy on creating the complete opposite; a sense of calm and togetherness. I don't know what inspired this change of heart, but every album is dripping subtly of peace and beauty. One of the most aesthetic bands I've ever come across. This is the album I would recommend to anyone who has had a rough week. A hybrid of soft electronic, tranquil instrumental, calming beats, and fuzzed singing, it is one of the most comfortable albums I have ever to sank into. The title of the album is in no way deceiving, really, it does feel like you're in a safe place. If you're in the mood to write poetry, do homework, or just sit and feel out a tough problem, this is the friend to turn to. It gives great advice and is always a comfort to be around. I highly recommend this album to anybody who wants to cool off. The reason I give this a rating of 5/5 isn't for musical ability but rather just because it impressed me. It did the one thing that I look for in music the most: it took me exactly where it wanted me to be. I couldn't imagine not having the Oasis that is In A Safe Place to turn to every once in a while. It's like living in a house across from a quiet abandoned beach, so if anybody wants an up, feel free to give me a PM. Don't be afraid to post in here either, I love to hear responses. Really beautiful, enjoy MB. With a head full of peace, Schizotypic. 5/5 Last edited by Schizotypic; 08-23-2009 at 01:40 PM.

08-17-2009, 02:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	I just cannot get into the Album Leaf at all. I have tried on a few occasions to listen to them but I turn them off after a couple of tracks. this was about a year ago and I still have 3 albums so maybe I should see if anythings changed. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

08-22-2009, 12:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
beszpilman Groupie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 11	Amazing journey! Schizotypic, that's an amazing thing you're going through. I can connect deeply with that feeling because I'm going through something very similar! About 11 months ago I started really delving into music. Before then, I was completely casual about it, musically retarded if you will ;D I completely agree that music is a lifelong journey and sympathize that there's so much to catch up with that sometimes we feel like we're Tryin' to Throw Our Arms Around The World. But I'm young and I don't need to instantly grow musical knowledge and tastes to match those from people who have lived the golden decades (I speak for myself 'cause I don't know your age). There's time and we should relax and savour the great albums with our undue attention. Way to go! I love how you develop a deep connection with the albums you like the most, and I think I need to incorporate that into my method. My way of going through albums ("simmering" for me) is slower than yours, but more all-around-the-block I guess. Maybe not. Maybe it's just plain inferior, but it's my own so I'll never admit it!! You might like to check my journal (can't link to it 'cause I'm a fledgling but it's up at the top of the journals as of now) started only yesterday, I still have about 4 posts to add in order to bring the journey to where I stand currently. I loved your initial brief log of events by parts, and might in the future rip it off. And before you begin tracking me down, do know I WILL be checking all the albums you are hailing as masterpieces, but I only take so many albums at any given time and now it has to wait at least until october - oh wait, october's all booked up too so that brings us to december! Best of luck.. and fare-well! Be

08-23-2009, 07:46 AM	#20 (permalink)
beszpilman Groupie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 11	Well, it definitely helps that your journal's relatively recent and doesn't have 10+ pages full of great recommendation I'd feel I couldn't miss! And unfortunately for me I do feel like that about longer journals and.. gasp... read it all!! So I do hope your journal reaches those heights and maybe mine too Needless to say, I should start off with The Velvet Underground & Nico, hopefully by year's end! Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds is intriguing me too. Do you think it would be a better experience to hear From Her to Eternity first or I should just skip right through to The Firstborn Is Dead ? I usually feel I should give an artist's justice and listen in chronological order, especially when the debut's a good album, but most of the time I don't actually do it. Last edited by beszpilman; 08-23-2009 at 08:52 AM. Reason: typo

08-09-2009, 12:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
Gavin B. Model Worker Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,248	I wish I could interest a few forum members in reviewing a Velvet Underground album, other than VUs first album which is over-reviewed to the point of banality. Everything that is insightful about Peel Slowly and See has been said 1000 times over in 100,000 reviews of the album over the past five decades. I wish I could have been first to say some of those insightful things about VU, but older and better music critics beat me to the punch a long time ago. This is in no way a commentary the quality of Schizotypic's review. I'll read it later a probably keep any thoughts about his review to myself, unless he says anthing in the review that is innacurate by the historcal record, or if he says somthing insightful enough for me to respond to. My comments are more of reflection on the lack of imagination we all exercise when we choose our subject matter for review. I'm as guilty of it, as the next person and will often select an artist or album that been heavily reviewed, just to get my 2 cents in. I rarely see reviews of VU's next three equally superb albums White Light White Heat the untitled album known as Velvet Underground, and Loaded VU's final album with Lou Reed at the helm. Personally I can't write about VU anymore, having collected nearly every concert review, VU flyer, and record review written about VU from 1966-1984 as a favor to Gerard Malanga when he was writting his own autobiography about his involvement with the Factory and VU. Some of that collected material is in Gerard's archive at archives malanga. The archive has contains the answer to nearly anything you've ever wanted to know about Andy Warhol, VU, Edie Segewick, the Factory or Gerard's own considerable contributions to both VU and Warhol's art. Gerard was right smack dab in the middle of it all running Warhol's art print operation, his movie production company and whip dancing on stage with VU's Exploding Plastic Intevitable as his night gig. Someone should do a review of him. I won't even post my earliest reviews of nearly all of VUs albums in MB or anywhere else, because they were written long enough ago to make me embarassed by the poor quality of the review. My days of writting about VU are pretty much over and I've only made one or two exceptions (to the highest bidder) to that rule. Nothing is ever sealed in stone but for now, just listening to them is the only VU related activity that I can still enjoy and I do...every day of my life without exception.

08-09-2009, 03:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
Schizotypic Souls of Sound Sailors Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mojave Posts: 759	Every review I do in my journal isn't about quality, I don't need quality to persuade anyone who hasn't already given an album here a listen. Also it's irrelevant if an album I review has had 100,000 reviews already written on it. The person who hasn't heard the album doesn't know about those reviews anyway. The only reason I write is to share something that was dear to me. Sorry I didn't review another album by the VU just because it was more rare, and I'm sure they are just as good but unfortunately I have yet to give any other VU album the time of day. Not because I don't want to, but there are so many great albums I own and haven't listened to it's hard to stay focused on just one artist for more then an album or two, also considering how much of my time goes into fully connection and building a relationship with albums which strikes my interest, it isn't a surprise in the six months I've been delving into music that I haven't heard every album from every catologue. If I ever listen to another by them and end-up loving it as much as I did the album I did review, I'll be absolutely sure to review it- as to share the wealth.

08-09-2009, 09:21 AM	#13 (permalink)
Gavin B. Model Worker Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,248	As I said in my post the comments were no reflection on your review and I apoligize, perhaps it would have been wiser for me to post them somewhere else. No malice was intended, I simply got carried away in moment with a subject matter that's very near and dear to my heart.

08-09-2009, 11:04 AM	#15 (permalink)
Schizotypic Souls of Sound Sailors Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mojave Posts: 759	Thanks Toe, I totally agree and appreciate the post. I'll be definitely reviewing the next album on my list really late tonight or early morning tomorrow dependent on when I get back. It's I.A.S.P by T.A.L if you can figure out what that stands for, ha.

08-22-2009, 08:13 PM	#19 (permalink)
Schizotypic Souls of Sound Sailors Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mojave Posts: 759	^Thanks for checking out my Members Journal so thoroughly. I completely understand how it may take a while to get around to listening to any recommendations, I have hundreds myself. I will check out your Journal and also wish you the best of luck and hope dearly that you stick around.