Considerable Sounds: Music That Matters »
Posted by: Radiofreeeuropa 6 months agoMolecular Mysticism and The Music of the Spheres The musician integrates into the social fabric, but is not of it. Art simply does not exist unassailed by social forces and the material world. One must turn inward in a process that is both personal and universal, emerging in the end outwardly via art. Music requires that it's performer be com
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rdy2rck6 months ago
Very,very excellant. Loved the video and the comments.Must be hard for musicians sometimes to translate their music into art at least visual.
At the height of the "visual" stage shows in the late 70's I guess that's why sometimes I'd go,not particularly like the music but loved the show(besides the drugs-LOL).The shows were art.
BTW-Loved Zappa. Most of his songs were pee-pantsers.LMAO
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Radiofreeeuropa5 months, 4 weeks ago
Anyone remember "the Electric Prunes"? Too much to dream last night was pretty good, they did a "mass" as well...
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Radiofreeeuropa6 months ago
Can you think of any bands that had quite the political influence of the Plastic People? Actually becoming a major catalyst in the overthrowing of a regime? Amazing stuff!
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david_nwpa6 months ago
I am not sure about musical groups; however, I know that authors such as Heinrich Böhl and Hermann Hesse had much to do with the fall of East Germany. Their writings inspired a people to resist at opportune moments. Böhl wrote passionately about the collapse of Germany after World War II and how much the people needed to reclaim their country and return it from the brink of extinction. He was mortified at the changes that transpired over the years that followed the war, in that sooo many people were caught up in commercialism.
As for Hesse, he explored the deeper workings of the human condition and soul. He showed a nation that the Buddha and his ideas had appeal and tangible benefit for the Germans. Put these two authors together, and one could argue that they encouraged East Germans to escape East Berlin, or sneak across the border.
No one of whom I am aware had the influence you described, RFE.
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Radiofreeeuropa6 months ago
Hesse has always been one of my favorites. Narcissus and Goldmund, The Glass Bead Game: (Magister Ludi)had an impact on my psyche that is still resonating today. Very powerful indeed! I've not read any Heinrich Böhl, but now might be a good time. I hadn't realized the historical influence these works have had. Thanks.
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Beau78906 months ago
I don't know if any one band had the influence of the Plastic People, but many of the bands of the '60s contributed greatly to the spirit of the times in the U.S., the sweeping changes in mores and attitudes about so many issues during that time.
The music was an integral part of the movement, from early Dylan through the later Beatles. It served not only to unite and inspire people on a grassroots level, but also came to embody and sometimes crystallize the ideals of a new generation.
'60s music in didn't overthrow the U.S. government, but it sure helped to radically change national policies.
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Spadecaller6 months ago
You're right, RFE; it is amazing.
Upon the shoulders of each other we step up and each and every piece of universal art and song is a serendipitous testament of integrity; it is this unabashed self-less expression that touches us and transforms.
Without the lullabies of Brahms or Chopin, the masterpieces of Beethoven, the jazz, blues, and spirituals of unknown black minstrels, the entertainers like Al Jolson, the folk and social protest songs of Woody Guthrie, country's story of a people, the poetry of Dylan, or classical rock's social and political commentary, would there have ever been "plastic people of the Universe"? (I think not.)
Along the way we may applaud the artist and his/her art, but an unabashed message graced by a universal spirit will always remain free from trend, pomp, or circumstance. Time will always resurrect great art and great music, as long as we have eyes, ears, and the ability to feel each other's presence.
Great article -- great work, RFE!
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HannibalBarca5 months, 4 weeks ago
Can you think of any bands that had quite the political influence of the Plastic People?
Obviously the Beatles; when first coming to America many politicians warned us of the dangers of Rock & Roll and especially the Beatles; Tricky Dick and John were not real close to each other (go figure)They were also the reason for the first world wide TV broadcast.
Slightly off topic, John,s death had an immense impact on the world with more people giving a moment of silence than most Nov 11 receive
Yes the Beatles very much had an impact on politics
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david_nwpa6 months ago
"One's essence is inherently complete." - (The Zen Teachings of Mazu.)
Inherently complete? I am not sure about that. As humans age and grow, their essence matures and broadens. Our outreach with other humans expands the nature of the person who exists within us and makes us new people. We are not born revolutionaries; our surroundings prompt us to take matters in our own hands and change the course of the history of those who surround us. Can we not argue that the inner essence of our being changes as we expand our identities change? Alternatively, are we merely exploring our essence, and as a result of discovery, our perception of that essence changes?
The East Germans, like the Czechs, knew this story all too well. They knew the essence of freedom, but were denied it until the 1990s. Awesome article, RFE.
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Radiofreeeuropa6 months ago
I'm not sure if our inner essence actually changes, perhaps we become more and more aware of different aspects of it through experience. That our growth is a realization of a deeper sphere of reality. Very good point about the East Germans though, I hadn't thought of that.
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gamahuche6 months ago
Well you knew I'd get here some time, I'm sure!!
Its a great, great piece and I find it astoundingly accurate in its insights from someone who didn't actually live through it. I should add that I didn't live through so much if it either in terms of BEING there but I never ever stopped watching and waiting and my first return as an adult was in 1973 which was the height of what was, in a sickeningly paradoxical way, called "normalisation". Perhaps I can make the dynamics just a tad clearer. The "Prague Spring", under Dubcek, created such an amazing surge of optimism and the whiff of freedom was SO potent and it happened to be the time when psychedelia ruled. So the fusion was perfect and to this day there is considerable tolerance for people who still reprise that period. Marihuana laws exist but are by-and-large ignored but the upwardly-mobile cell-phone society has to some extent managed to displace some of those passions.
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Radiofreeeuropa6 months ago
Well, I thought you might have some deeper insight on this one! Glad to hear I hadn't missed the mark by much. I did hear the (reunited) band at the Lucas show in NYC. I'm sure they are not exactly in their prime yet there was indeed something still quite incendiary in their performance. Truly an amazing story.
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gamahuche5 months, 4 weeks ago
There are also some young Turks to look out for!
Iva Bittova, for example is a very interesting and individualist musician, plays violin and sings. She's from a gypsy/Jewish background and has synthesised those traditions into a very modern mode. She's played the Knitting Factory in NY as part of her US exposure.
You can find her here:http:...">http://www.musica.cz/bittova/">here:http:...
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gamahuche6 months ago
MAJOR shifts - goodness, I had to go back to put the "f" in..
Havel fitted his time perfectly!
Towards the end of his presidency he lost some popularity, partly because of his rather swift re-marriage after the death of his very popular first wife. There is a published book of his "Letters to Olga" from prison.
His second wife is a young actress who caused a stir early in her "First-Ladyhood" by wolf-whistling at some debate on the senate.
Klaus is grey, a global-warming denier, has a rather "complicated" marriage/mistress situation - none of the above being capital crimes here, but he has also has little spark or anything of the common touch and his best attempt at a smile is a smirk. His New Year message this year was dismally boring.
He's also very much a party man - the right-wing business party. Havel was never directly associated with a party.
I
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gamahuche6 months ago
One extremely noticeable difference is how much less TIME people have and what long gaps ocurr between visiting even with best-loved friends!
But being a bohemian is still quite a comfortable position in Bohemia and while some of those radicals put on suits and ties and a few even became bloated plutocrats the majority still hang out together and many of them will meet with the same guys on the same pub on a Friday night and continue the dialogue..
As for the Plastic themselves they recently had a long gig playing much of their old stuff before, during and after each performance of Tom Stoppard's "Rock 'N Roll", reviewed and discussed in English here: http://www.radio.cz/en/article/89003
Unfortunatetely the production, at the National Theatre tended to play for cheap laughs..
I'll pause here but for now confer upon you the virtual title of "Honorary Bohemian" until such time as you are able to receive it in person in situ!
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Searchbeam6 months ago
A song is really a synthesis of music and word/lyric. Individually, they exist on different planes, and can soothe the soul, as well as arouse strong emotions and upheavals. Every revolution starts with a thought and blossoms into an expression that can move mountains and create tsunamis of human emotions- things that can change the world. Vaclav Havel conclusively proved that.
When these two come together, they have the power to change an individual, a society, a nation or even the world. If the artist can overcome the urge of instant gratification of gimmickry and reach the depths of emotions and the eternal quest of sublime, he/she has created a masterpiece that takes a life of its own and lives into eternity.
Such is the power of this art we call word and music!
Thanks for this thought-provoking post, Radio.
My thoughts are purely the expression of my experiences as a writer and poet. If they have any bearing on yours, the joy of discovery can multiply!
Peace and Blessings!
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doggammit6 months ago
way out in canopus i heard this thread calling
Good night Austin wherever you are...
http://globalia.net/donlope/fz/lyrics/Bongo_Fur...
Oh Debra Algebra Ebneezra Kadabra!
Witch Goddess, Witch Goddess of Lankershim Boulevard!
Cover my entire body with Avon Cologna
And drive me to some relative's house in East L.A. (Wooden dog!)
(Just till my skin clears up)
Turn it to Channel 13
And make me watch the rubber tongue
When it comes out
From the puffed & flabulent Mexican rubber-goods mask
Next time they show The Brnokka
Make me buy The Flosser
Make me grow Braniac Fingers
(But with more hair)
Make me kiss your turquoise jewelry!
Emboss me!
Rub the hot front part of my head
With rented unguents!
Give me bas-relief!
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Radiofreeeuropa6 months ago
Oh Dee-bra! Don't you want any of these?
Music from the other side of the fence....
on a little conglomeration table of pressed black felt...
Who would have dreamed?
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Radiofreeeuropa
All progress comes from unreasonable people.
Greetings fellow travelers! Thanks for stopping in. I'm a musician, educator, and writer. I am the music editor ...
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