Wes’s Music Soapbox: Massive Attack’s Heligoland and Entertainment vs Inspiration

As the year starts, I debate new music with my peers as I’ve done many years before:

• “HOW ON EARTH IS THERE GOING TO BE A NEW SOUND THIS YEAR?” one voice says.
• “I WONDER WHAT IT’LL LOOK LIKE?” another voice replies.
• “AND PLEASE GOD DON’T LET IT START WITH GA GA ANYTHING.”

I laugh and agree, but never fear… There is something special coming. Not a new band but a new SOUND… and at the end of the day that’s what we are really looking for. Think 3 piece, think England, and think DARK!!!

The latest album Heligoland by the one and only MASSIVE ATTACK take me deep in the tundra that is ‘the dramatic’…. SO dark, so subtle, and what’s that I hear… orchestral? Like fashion, to move forward we must first take one small step back… and I have no doubt it’s landed them right smack dab on the moon!!! This album actually gives me chills – not “ooo, that’s a scary movie” chills or “OMG she’s sitting on my lap” chills. I’m talking about the type of chills that get you standing up, calling your friends and grabbing your guitar all at the same time – with elements of Mezzanine but so much more patient. And the clarity of this album leaves me speechless, I can almost see through these songs, and just when you think you have a track wrapped up in your mind, they drop a little sequence patter that will make you melt. Beats in 4/4 but start the pattern on the third phrase just to make your curious for the next section.

It’s these little subtle movements that make these songs flow in and around you. I now remember why these guys are the god fathers of trip-hop.

With so much music coming out I am easily influenced – by young bands trying to come out with the latest sounds, coolest looks, and most outstanding band logo fonts (I suggest starting your search in France). And I hate to say it but sometimes I just like a track ‘cos its new and different, not necessarily good. The Led Zeppelin double album days are gone and I feed off the new like a leech. I need the new – it show me the way forward, keeps me young, and I love the arrogance you get from young blood – like flying blind without a care in the world. I fall in love with it.

But do you buy a ticket to see this precious new born baby, only to watch the lead or whoever walk over to his computer or sequencer, put one tattooed hand up in the air and with the other had press play!? Up starts Ableton, programmed drums, guitars, synth, back up vocals. This instantly leaves me with the question: besides pressing play, what are all these guys and girls on stage actually doing? DAMN IT, do you see what’s happened? I’ve been entertained, entertained not inspired! They slipped another one past me! This is not education, this is entertainment, very similar to that thing in my parents living room playing propaganda all day. Oh no, I’ve been entertained and now feel a bit cheap, dirty and slightly used. How could this new born baby be so sneaky – how could you!?

Example:
I saw a band called Yatch a few months back, an indie band from Oregon. Think 2011 Eurythmics meets NIN. Wicked wild stuff that only someone growing up in Portland Oregon could come up with. I arrive at Oxford Arts Factory:

• OK they go on in 5… Very excited to see this explosion on stage!!!
• Umm, they are 15 min late. It’s cool, This is going to be wild.
• The curtain opens!!!
• WTF?? Empty stage? These guys must be from the future!!!!
• OK, be cool. I am sure they will do something here…
• Out they come, looking good, but holding nothing….
• Just then, the lead singer walks over to a synth on the side of the stage….

OH NO (I think to myself). He’s going for that Play Button. NOOOOO, noo noo I’m being entertained again. How did I not see this coming!? I’m smarter then this! Perhaps not…

Does anyone remember Milli Vanilli? I thought we had an agreement on this issue in the 90’s: you’re not allowed to fake it anymore… well, unless you’re Britney Spears but that’s a little different then an underground band on a small stage in Australia. I’m sure they have their reasons and its so hard to be different these days. They were fun to watch for a bit but I sill leave sad… disappointed… and slightly horny (but that a story for another time).

Massive Attack’’s Australian Tour:
Now yes, Massive Attack use samples and synths and all kinds of fun toys but the difference is THEY ACTUALLY PLAY THEM LIVE!!! Not only that, they have one of the most seductive and emotive live performances going around these days. Their light show is up there with Trent Reznor’s and guess what? They are coming to Australia!!!! To enjoy our good food of course and the beaches… but also to promote their new album Heligoland. And when these guys come to town, similar to Radiohead or Bjork… YOU GET YOUR FUCKING TICKETS EARLY or you miss out!!! So join me if you will and witness professionalism with a capital P.

Added bonus:

Check it:

posted by The In Sound From Way Out