Music Writing by Carson Arnold
(by Brenda Iijima; overdrawing of a Jack Smith photo using staples, tape and ink)
TELESCOPE
I started Telescope during the fall of 2003. Basically it's a tiny column that H(ear) readers will see when they open each week's article in the email format. It's devoted to writing about something topical and with less words as possible. They're actually a favorite of mine. Sometimes reviews, sometimes shouts,but usually just talking. I later got the idea to post them all in their own seperate webpage for you to leaf through. Enjoy!
TELESCOPE 1: Whoa, where were you when you first heard Tarnation's Gentle Creatures? This L.A group is an indie call to the cattle, and rarely have I heard a band who sounds as though Hank Williams and post-rock's most desolate echo-wall had transfigured within some dark well of the 90's. The group swings by desolate after desolate trails of aching tunes; guitars lingering; with female vocalists surrendering between one another's Nancy Griffith-esque vocals into a dream-like tumbleweed. For some reason, every time I listen to this album I feel like the other half of me stays with it when finishing. Strange days have found us. -- November 6th, 2003
TELESCOPE 2: "Yeah, but all he writes about is rock 'n roll," someone said. Which isn't true, I write about more-- calypso, for one. But if I were to write exclusively on rock, I won't complain. It is simple, it is fun, and it is everything you didn't say. When you read about Debussy here, I'll be killing myself writing a piece about Leonard Cohen's Ten New Songs. The album is a ruby and the man is a phantom. How can that be? It is. To unravel the ghosts...nah, there's better things to do, and decoding his lyrics would overall disenchant them...Not that I can hear anything in this room anyway, there's rock 'n roll on. -- November 15th, 2003
TELESCOPE 3 :Before we roll into Brett, don't forget Beethoven. What do I mean? I'm in a record store last month and find a book of his letters (Beethoven's Letters) for four bucks, and think: now, this is good. I don't even look at, feeling the seventh symphony rattling under my boots, and leave to meet a friend who stares at it and says: now, that is good. And guess what? It's great! The man was a fabulous letter-writer, practically gonzo, and whipped words into amazing small detail that would come across as both diaries and narration of surrounding music. They journey from early childhood symphonic genius to the moonlight sonata and other Herocia climax. You bet. -- November 23th, 2003
TELESCOPE 4: Well, I'm back, spent the last week sorting through this rocket of an email list, upgrading it before winter wonderland sets in (which it's on the verge of doing). A terrific thanks to all those who got to me recently. We're alive! Also, before I forget, be sure to check out my website which I revamped a bit. And while the Telescope is pointed at the sky (or is it my foot?), also immerse yourself in this fun magazine called Ugly Things (http://www.ugly-things.com). Maybe some of you cool kids already about 'em, but for the rest of us, it's articles after articles on resurrecting forgotten first-rate psychedelic bands...private-eye style. I just got done reading through their reverie of The Misunderstood, and it's a rainfall. The editor, the writers, the color, you can trust. Stay warm. --December 7th, 2003
TELESCOPE 5: Hey, everyone. One editorial correction concerning my last H(ear) that mentioned a video with Root Cellar playing at CBGB's. I was wrong, they were actually playing at a joint called Little Bros. in Columbus, Ohio. Just wanted to clear that up for all you gold-diggers. Don't know why I got confused, though, maybe it was due to my fascination with this up-and-coming record label, Dolichocephalic Productions. Look out for them, according to these ladies and gents, they wanna stem out of the broodings of Massachusetts. I found their free song-sampler in a record store, and listening to their material that night, I can tell you, they're a frosty smile. Covering local, young bands who can play under a wink of just about anything, groups are fused by trip-hop melodia and soundscapes that will, guarantee, sweep you away with a signature. See ya down the river. (http://www.dolicho.cjb.net) -- December 15th, 2003
TELESCOPE 6: Hope everybody had an excellent holiday! I'm writing this on New Year's Day, ten in the morning, and am listening to a Denver band called Spiv, who originates from Chris Barber's interesting voice. Everybody on this list would probably dig them, they got this peculiar knack. They arrived in the mail a few weeks ago and have found their one disc, Don'tcha Know?, a rare breed divided between messy garage-band rock and George Harrison-like acoustic songs. They aren't afraid to make cringing mistakes with styles as they push their way to a musical rum, which to me, shows when they drop the pop-alternative hoolahoop, leaving Barber to strum his guitar beneath a virtual soundscape in "Because I'm In Love". The spirit of true song is here, they just need someone to tell 'em: (http://www.popsweatshop.com). Onward... --January 2nd, 2004
TELESCOPE 7: Hey everyone, sorry this piece didn't get to you a little sooner, due to all the cold (and not a lot of heat), the computers will probably crack if they're turned on! While waiting for the sun this morning, I was listening to a nice local Massachusetts songwriter, Danielle Miraglia, and her six-song EP, Just Wrong Enough. Originally I was gonna write a review for a separate magazine, but it turned out they already had written about her Shelby Lynne-like voice and folky rhapsody. Danielle's songs are pretty, and trail through an alt-country wedding of mighty vocals, guitar and harmonica-- almost like Dusty Springfield without Memphis. As much as the lyrics are of finding her man, at times it all can be a bit poppy, but at least shows signs of sensual thunder road in cuts like "Human After All". Hear for yourself: http://www.daniellem.com . Brrrr, now to the Dandy's! -January 12th, 2004
TELESCOPE 8: Oh man, do I have a fanzine for you: Twenty-eight Pages Lovingly Bound with Twine by Christoph Meyer. This sings out of Danville, Ohio, home of, well, who knows, but whatever it is, it'll surely be covered in Christoph's personal, flower-anarchistic writings. I first heard about him when he mailed a few issues (in twine indeed) to my father, where I instantly (which is rare) found myself re-reading his tales of street-sweep wanderings with his wife and children a dozen times. Whether talking about getting his hot-water fixed or his son jumping around to The Beastie Boys, it's flavored in such a free and primitive way that the essays are the true-grit of what music is-- happiness. So don't let me down, send two bucks for your issue today! Christoph Meyer, PO Box 106, Danville, Ohio, 43014-0106...On to the Bill Heine story... -January 20th, 2004
TELESCOPE 9: Hope everyone's doing good out there. This recent net-worm has made it a little difficult to send things out, but more is on the way! Forthcoming articles include reviews on Bob Dylan bootlegs and a piece on Neil Young's current Greendale tour. Thought I'd take this Telescope to propose a new idea to y'all. I'll be beginning a new music column soon-- not to worry, H(ear) will continue on as usual. I haven't decided on a title as of yet but it's to be directed within a more unique "review" format and will NOT be distributed online, but rather through snail-mail. I'll post an official notice in the future explaining what it is, but thought I'd break the ice here first. What'cha think? Would love to hear from all of you about this. In the meantime, here's two pieces for the days to come. Enjoy! --February 3rd, 2004
TELESCOPE 10: Wow, already H(ear) number 50? Hard to believe that some of you have been on this list since my Track days in 2001...Not much to talk about in this Telescope space. We're all staying warm. I've been busy reviewing local music for the magazine Northeast Performer as well as interviewing producer David Axelrod for an upcoming H(ear). There will also be a new column distributed through snail-mail, mostly likely called Listen, but I'll keep y'all posted on its details at a later time. Anyway, this interview with Kurt Cobain is a real favorite and hope you enjoy our conversation. See you in another two weeks or so... --February 15th, 2004
TELESCOPE 11: Hi everybody, here's a good read on a few Dylan bootlegs for the end of February. Forthcoming writings in the weeks ahead: A review of Al Green's I Can't Stop, a letter to Neil Young, more Plays (and a few other secrets). As of late I've been receiving some hot things in the mail so I'll be sure to share 'em with y'all. Here's one: an interesting Santa Cruz trio called The Devil Makes Three (http://www.monkeywrenchproductions.com). They sound like the whiskey-jug of Mike Ness in a medieval garden of anti-folk damnation (like Peter, Paul & Mary practiced witchcraft). Their signature of grim acoustic sagas is warm & creepy, and am listening to them right, frightened & smiling. I'd say more but I've run out of space for this column. Enjoy the rest... -- February 28th, 2004
TELESCOPE 12: How's everyone doing? Write back and tell me what sorts of music people are grooving to today, I'd like to hear. Forthcoming writings in the weeks ahead: Reviews of Al Green, John Frusciante, Jonny Greenwood, and various pieces on Glenn Gould and Marc Bolan. Figured I'd swing in midweek and share this interview that I had the pleasure to do a month ago. Now that I think of it, I think it was actually a month ago today, and is probably one of my favorite conversations I've done so far (though I'm fond of them all). Well, I'll let you read it... -- March 10th, 2004
TELESCOPE 13: I assure you, many things have been happening
lately, but it's hard to fit it all into a hundred words. My friend just
came back from three Dylan shows in Detroit and I'm anxious to read his
reviews about 'em. So that's what I'll be doing after I send out this little
review out to y'all. Needless to say, a four star album...In the meantime,
Neil Young is playing tomorrow night in my local area, and I'm attempting
to squeeze my way down to it. SO, if any of you are heading down to this
concert (Mullins Center/Amherst, MA) from Vermont, be sure to drop me a
line! You'll be included in my review. Note to Billy: I ended up walking
home after all! Enjoy, everyone... -- March 20th, 2004
TELESCOPE 14: Why hello again. Exactly two weeks later to the date. Some of you may have noticed that this column is being posted every other week. Not to worry, this is not because material is low, I simply have obligations for other magazines and want to make sure H(ear) gets heard in the right way. In fact, lemme think...upcoming things to look forward to: a review of Patti Smith's 'trampin' and various things on Marc Bolan and Glenn Gould...Ah, yes, someone of you were wondering if I made it to that Neil Young concert I spoke of last time. Well, no, unfortunately, so I stayed up late that night writing a big piece about what I think about the whole "thing" (whatever that might be). And hey, since there's a great number of you on this list, if any of you did catch his show at the Mullins Center, please fill me in on the experience. Please! Oh, and one other thing...Ah, never mind, I'll share it with you in the next one... -- April 3rd, 2004
TELESCOPE 15: Hope everyone had a chance to send along their snail address for the debut copy of Listen! (a new postcard-column of profile/interviews). Be sure to do so if not. Also, a new feature was added to the H(ear) website: ALBUM OF THE WEEK (http://www.longhousepoetry.com/albumoftheweek.html). Short reviews on albums/promos that come through the mail and should be heard about, that's right, q-u-i-c-k-l-y. A different one will be posted each week, so if there's something you're keen on letting me hear of your own, feel free to pass it on, and perhaps it'll pop up for a week (or two)...Enough said, hands down, this Marc Bolan story has taken a year to fully uncover. Rest assured, it's finally here, and my, with pictures of the man himself? You bet... -- April 13th, 2004
TELESCOPE 16: NOTE-- You might consider reading this Patti Smith review on the H(ear) web version (link at bottom). I'm especially excited because it includes a photo of Patti in '76 taken by legendary rock photographer Mel Zimmer. Some of you may remember Mel's cover photo of Jim Morrison on the twelfth issue of Paul Williams' Crawdaddy magazine in '67. Since then, Mel's undergone quite an interesting life, continuing to land his photos in such publications as High Times. In the last few months I've had the pleasure of corresponding with the man, allowing me to use this photo among his vast archive. Check it out. And as always, the Album Of The Week column...Stay cool... -- April 24th, 2004
TELESCOPE 17: Just came in from the outdoors and am about to head out again. Figured everyone could use a little Dead Prez. Upcoming reviews: Prince, David Byrne, a Clear Channel/Neil Young expose, and a bunch of June releases including new things by PJ Harvey & Sonic Youth. Listen! 2 will also be coming out shortly, for those of you who are subscribers. Oh, and be sure to check out the current Album Of The Week (link for Hear at bottom). Anybody see any good shows last weekend? My friend and I covered this seven-band event last Friday, underwent by some nice bands. Will share more later but I guess my hundred words for Telescope are up! Be in touch... --May 5th, 2004
copyright 2004 Carson Arnold