Boards of Canada Why is Squarepusher so popular?

Sarcacid Part 2

What do you think of this track.

  On 5/7/2012 at 11:03 PM, Suffocate Peon said:

Well, if you were to ask me of sad/bittersweet/emotional/melancholic/deep and personal Aphex Twin/Autechre tracks I'd be able to name dozens. Tbh the same applies to Venetian Snares.

 

But with Squarepusher, I'd struggle to think of many. I don't find the lambic poetry's moving, or 'my sound'. I feel like there's this barrier between him and his music, it's not as instinctive, it's not as personal, those aforementioned artists have this consistent knack of getting under my skin. It feels like their music comes from this deeper place, that it wasn't consciously created. With Squarepusher, I feel like he's thought 'i want to make something bittersweet now', or ' I want to make something moody and angry now'. They don't strike me as precious moments. I think maybe it's because he plays an instrument and considering how much he waffles on and on about his music, it doesn't surprise me that it lacks a a raw impulsiveness. He doesn't need to say 'yeah recently i've been thinking about pure electronic music that's aggressive', it ought to be that the music doesn't come from such a considered place and just IS. I don't find Ufabulum pure or aggressive.

 

I do really love Welcome to Europe and Rotate Electrolyte though. That all sounds so unappreciative and unfair, I'm comparing him to my favourite artists.

I keep seeing these responses regarding a lack of emotion, or too much "noodling" and "wankery". I was brought up on listening to the fusion jazz, technical metal, and electronic music. I've always felt that Squarepusher combines all the elements that I love about those things into a unique form of music. I understand not everyone feels the same way... but some of these arguments are simply baffling. Why do people seem to find technical skill to be devoid of emotion or pretentious? Also, how can people know from where the music is coming from? To say it is impersonal, not instinctive, or insincere is pure speculation. What some perceive as wankery, I perceive as the artist trying to break through his personal barriers or limits. I love that, because as a visual artist, it is something I am constantly trying to do. It's about achieving a transcendant state, a singular moment in time where you can feel proud of yourself and your achievements.

Anyway... I am extremely biased, but I'd love for people to understand that perspective before jumping to the concusion that an artist is just showing off. He's a well established musician, and really doesn't need to prove himself to anyone... If he is a true artist, and I'm sure most will agree he is, then it is more of a personal battle.

That's basically why he's atop Deus Mons, in my personal musician's pantheon.

  On 5/7/2012 at 11:03 PM, Suffocate Peon said:

They don't strike me as precious moments. I think maybe it's because he plays an instrument

wait, what? How would someone's music be less personal/emotional simply because their instrument of choice is a guitar or other traditional instrument, rather than purely electronic devices?

lol

tom is like zappa

by the time he is dead he will have a catalogue 60-70 deep all of which will be different yet still distinctly tom

some releases will be better than others

some releases will really "speak" to you some won't

he's at the half way point and his stuff can and will go in any direction.