Faves for 2002: In Order:
1. The Fire this Time (2CD) Hidden Art—Absolutely essential document to
have in these pre-Iraq war times. Grant Wakefield puts together the
narrative collage that accounts for the destruction in Iraq over the
past 12 years by coalition forces and sanctions. Musical textures
provided by Bola, Amba, The Higher Intelligence Agency, Soma, Pan Sonic,
and Aphex Twin, among others. The second CD is a bit uneven but it does
include a recording of prayer calls in Baghdad. The first CD is simply
the best and most important thing IÂ’ve heard all year. If aesthetics is
not simply the worship of art objects but the capacity to affect an
audience, this CD wins hands down.
2. MIMEO/John Tilbury, The Hands of Caravaggio, Erstwhile—The best
improv recording of the year and sure to be a musical classic for a long
time. The liner notes by Tilbury on the website put to shame those who
would say that theory doesnÂ’t belong with art, that music should be
heard without reference to ideas. He cites Marcuse and Murdoch while
also noting an essay by Cardew, dated sources to be certain, but also
useful ones. Rowe’s references are completely postmodern here—the
recently discovered painting, the return to the concerto, all within the
context of an electronic “orchestra” flirting with overwhelming
TilburyÂ’s piano. That and Tilbury must contend with Cor Fuhler playing
inside the instrument, posing yet another obstacle. ItÂ’s often said that
MIMEO doesnÂ’t sound as good recorded as live. This was an occasion where
things were reversed: The recording was apparently much better than the
live performance. Does this confirm Borges dictum about Pierre Menard?
3. Improvised Music from Japan (10 CDs), Improvised Music from
Japan—This is a crucial document of mostly electroacoustic improv from
Japan. Music for 50 Imacs by Yasuhiro Otani is one of my faves. This box
is one that IÂ’ll return to again and again in the next several years.
4. Otomo Yoshihide, Ensemble Cathode, Improvised Music from
Japan—continues the cathode project with three new compositions. Spare
beautiful pieces with large ensembles. Nishi YokoÂ’s koto playing is
gorgeous, as is Ishikawa Ko on sho, and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro on waterphone.
5. Phil Niblock, G2,44+/x2, Moikoi—Bought this recently and haven’t
stopped playing it. Two extended guitar drones, headed by Rafael Toral
and including Robert Poss, Susan Stenger, David Frist and Kevin Drumm,
Lee Ranaldo, Thurston Moore, and Alan Licht on the “massed version.”
Brilliant.
6. Kim Cascone & Scanner, The Chrystalline Address, Sub Rosa—Two
extended electroacoustic works: Behavioral Sink and Atavistic Endeavor.
Gorgeous microsound pieces.
7. Rafael Toral, The Violence of Discovery and Calm of Acceptance,
Touch—officially released in 2001. Got my copy in the spring and it
usually accompanies me to bed. “Mixed States Uncoded” includes the
recording of silence during a space shuttle mission.
8. Kevin Drumm, Sheer Hellish Miasma, Mego—An electronic ode to gothic
metal. Dense, rich textures. Gothic “KD” written on black cardboard.
Title is poorly applied. Really beautiful noise screes on this one.
