I'm confident that about 97% of the people I have encountered in life would hate the music Scott Walker currently makes. The man was a teen idol in 1960's Britain with the Walker Brothers, but since then he has taken many an artistic detour. The music he strives after these days is decidedly non-populist.
The documentary film "Scott Walker: 30 Century Man" presents Mr. Walker and his work candidly, and with unprecedented access to this publicity-shy man. The film was produced by David Bowie.
I can't say that I'm convinced by Scott Walker's recent work. It is extremely experimental, intentionally difficult, and devoid of "anchors" for listeners. Perhaps it's just not for me.
But before you shut the man out of a space in your collective psyche, witness these glowing quotes from two outstanding musical minds (excerpted from their interviews for the film):
"[Scott Walker is] like an intrepid explorer, or something. Somebody who goes to a part of the world that nobody has ever been to before. Now, that part of the world may be very inhospitable, and full of dangerous animals, or whatever. You wouldn't particularly want to live there yourself, but you have to admire somebody who is willing to follow the path there and stick the flag down, and say, 'Look... this is where you can go.'"
"He really should be -- as far as I'm concerned -- recognized as one of our great composers. But not only that; as one of our great poets as well. His lyrics are absolutely peerless. And it's very surprising to me that he's still largely regarded as a slightly marginal figure. Alright: he isn't very prolific, but the quality of the work he's done is so extraordinary."
Don't you want to buy a Scott Walker LP now? These quotes are compelling! For a look into this musical mind, you can watch the trailer here.
FYI: This film will not compel the average 12 year old (or 50 year old, for that matter...).
Comments
Post a Comment