I spent some time last night checking through my favourites on Internet Explorer, looking to see what has happened to some of the many sites I have flagged over the last few years. It was a process that really showed me how ephemeral the internet can be. About 75% of all the links either didn't work at all, or were to temporary pages redirecting to another site. It's incredible to see how quickly things disappear on the net.
This makes it only too clear that publishing on the net doesn't necessarily mean that something is always out there. So many great sites have bitten the dust for one reason or another.
There are services set up to archive the internet - so I guess that archive pages of some of these sites will be sitting on some server somewhere - out in the deeper internet. But they are as good as lost to the casual browser.
All those billions of pages appearing and then disappearing - all that effort being wiped away in the blink of a computer screen.
Tuesday, 4 October 2005
Monday, 3 October 2005
E F Schumacher - Small is beautiful
I am a few pages from the end of "Small is beautiful" by EF Schumacher. This is the first time I have read a book about Economics since I was at school. Although it is actually about a lot more than just Economics.
It was written over 30 years ago, and yet its preoccupations with ecology, the distinction between consumables and resources that we can't replace (fossil fuels!), issues of scale in the workplace, and the impact of technology on people's work - are as relevant today as they were when he was writing.
Schumacher talks about Third World aid, stressing that simply giving money doesn't help. We need to work with bankrupt economies to ensure that they build in capacity - ensure that through the use 'Intermediate Technologies' we are bridging the widening gap between our economies and theirs.
The main thing that has changed since Schumacher was writing, is that the gap has widened, probably to a greater extent than he could have imagined. The use of Aid is still a cynical and exploitative process by Western governments. Live 8 has come and gone, and the media has moved on to the next issue. The euphoria around that event has been replaced with the realisation that this is a long haul, not an issue that can be resolved in a few weeks of media frenzy.
Schumacher's book is an interesting read, because it helps with understanding the origins of the ecological movement. It gives a key historical perspective to the changes that we are seeing in the world. It is unnerving to realise that the issue of global warming and the limit to the world's resources was being raised as an issue 30 years ago, and being largely ignored then.
I also found it really interesting to read Schumacher's views on nationalised industry and issues of ownership - views that are very much out of fashion at the moment. It is refreshing to read them and realise that the arguments are robust and could be argued into the political debate to give some freshness to a world where there always seems to be only one right way to look at things.
All-in-all it is a book well worth ploughing through to open your mind to some of the big issues that stretch beyond the latest fad of our media-driven society.
It was written over 30 years ago, and yet its preoccupations with ecology, the distinction between consumables and resources that we can't replace (fossil fuels!), issues of scale in the workplace, and the impact of technology on people's work - are as relevant today as they were when he was writing.
Schumacher talks about Third World aid, stressing that simply giving money doesn't help. We need to work with bankrupt economies to ensure that they build in capacity - ensure that through the use 'Intermediate Technologies' we are bridging the widening gap between our economies and theirs.
The main thing that has changed since Schumacher was writing, is that the gap has widened, probably to a greater extent than he could have imagined. The use of Aid is still a cynical and exploitative process by Western governments. Live 8 has come and gone, and the media has moved on to the next issue. The euphoria around that event has been replaced with the realisation that this is a long haul, not an issue that can be resolved in a few weeks of media frenzy.
Schumacher's book is an interesting read, because it helps with understanding the origins of the ecological movement. It gives a key historical perspective to the changes that we are seeing in the world. It is unnerving to realise that the issue of global warming and the limit to the world's resources was being raised as an issue 30 years ago, and being largely ignored then.
I also found it really interesting to read Schumacher's views on nationalised industry and issues of ownership - views that are very much out of fashion at the moment. It is refreshing to read them and realise that the arguments are robust and could be argued into the political debate to give some freshness to a world where there always seems to be only one right way to look at things.
All-in-all it is a book well worth ploughing through to open your mind to some of the big issues that stretch beyond the latest fad of our media-driven society.
Sunday, 2 October 2005
David Hykes on WNYC - overtone singing
WNYC - Soundcheck: Harmonic Universe (March 31, 2005)
Some weeks ago, someone posted a comment on this blog, in response to my comments about the overtone singing of Okna Tsahan Zam. The link above was posted by that person. It points to a US radio website with a link to a radio broadcast that you can hear with an interview with David Hykes who uses overtone singing. To quote from the site:
"Composer and educator David Hykes David and his ensemble The Harmonic Choir are celebrating their 30th year of creating enlightenment-dedicated music. Hykes has mastered overtone singing known as Harmonic Chant, the skill developed by Tibetan monk and Mongolian nomads that allows them to sing low and high notes simultaneously. Hykes and his Harmonic Choir explore the normally untapped resonances of the human voice."
It's worth a listen - the sound is more like the Hilliard Ensemble than throat singing to my ears. But I really like the ambience it creates. David Hykes actually demonstrates overtone singing to the interviewer which is fascinating to hear. David has his own website here.
Some weeks ago, someone posted a comment on this blog, in response to my comments about the overtone singing of Okna Tsahan Zam. The link above was posted by that person. It points to a US radio website with a link to a radio broadcast that you can hear with an interview with David Hykes who uses overtone singing. To quote from the site:
"Composer and educator David Hykes David and his ensemble The Harmonic Choir are celebrating their 30th year of creating enlightenment-dedicated music. Hykes has mastered overtone singing known as Harmonic Chant, the skill developed by Tibetan monk and Mongolian nomads that allows them to sing low and high notes simultaneously. Hykes and his Harmonic Choir explore the normally untapped resonances of the human voice."
It's worth a listen - the sound is more like the Hilliard Ensemble than throat singing to my ears. But I really like the ambience it creates. David Hykes actually demonstrates overtone singing to the interviewer which is fascinating to hear. David has his own website here.
Saturday, 1 October 2005
BBC - collective - sigur ros 'takk' - listening post
BBC - collective - sigur ros 'takk' - listening post
I haven't bought the new album by Sigur Ros yet. I plan to buy it in the next few days. In the meantime, there is a complete stream of it in Real Audio format, hosted by the BBC at the link above. Enjoy!
If you want to immerse yourself in a complete online experience before buying, go to the Sigur Ros site and look at lyrics, a documentary and a pile of other stuff. I really like the way that Sigur Ros have figured out that using the internet through downloading and streaming it is possible to build a fan-base. I first heard their music through the enormous stack of downloads on their website - that prompted me to go out and buy their albums.
Hearing the new album also helps me to decide to go and buy, in spite of the somewhat negative review in the latest issue of 'The Wire' magazine.
I haven't bought the new album by Sigur Ros yet. I plan to buy it in the next few days. In the meantime, there is a complete stream of it in Real Audio format, hosted by the BBC at the link above. Enjoy!
If you want to immerse yourself in a complete online experience before buying, go to the Sigur Ros site and look at lyrics, a documentary and a pile of other stuff. I really like the way that Sigur Ros have figured out that using the internet through downloading and streaming it is possible to build a fan-base. I first heard their music through the enormous stack of downloads on their website - that prompted me to go out and buy their albums.
Hearing the new album also helps me to decide to go and buy, in spite of the somewhat negative review in the latest issue of 'The Wire' magazine.
Friday, 30 September 2005
Playlist September 05
Been listening to these CDs over last couple of weeks:
1. David Sylvian - The Good Son vs The Only Daughter
Remixes of the 'blemish' album - remarkably coherent, total retakes on some tracks, warmth brought to some of the more stark pieces from the original album.
2. Porcupine Tree - Stars Die
A 2-CD retrospective.
3. Harold Budd - Avalon Sutra
Double album - been on my playlist for a while now. Keeps haunting me.
4. Harold Budd - The Pavilion of Dreams
The first album I heard by Budd - still love it after all these years.
5. Brian Eno - Another Day on Earth
Eno does voices after so long - great depth that keeps coming through on each listen.
6. Fripp & Eno - The Equatorial Stars
Great for easing those tensions...
7. Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland
I just love listening to someone push the boundaries, and those melodies, hooks, riffs!
8. Iarla O'Lionnaird - Invisible Fields
The singer from Afro Celts. Third solo album - a work of great late night beauty.
9. Jonny Greenwood - Bodysong
I love the jazz blasts on this - and the classical pieces - incredibly diverse.
10. Tom Waits - Alice: the complete demos
Great to hear this alongside the original album - the 'interlude' pieces are intriguing, and the singing is fantastic, often very funny.
1. David Sylvian - The Good Son vs The Only Daughter
Remixes of the 'blemish' album - remarkably coherent, total retakes on some tracks, warmth brought to some of the more stark pieces from the original album.
2. Porcupine Tree - Stars Die
A 2-CD retrospective.
3. Harold Budd - Avalon Sutra
Double album - been on my playlist for a while now. Keeps haunting me.
4. Harold Budd - The Pavilion of Dreams
The first album I heard by Budd - still love it after all these years.
5. Brian Eno - Another Day on Earth
Eno does voices after so long - great depth that keeps coming through on each listen.
6. Fripp & Eno - The Equatorial Stars
Great for easing those tensions...
7. Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland
I just love listening to someone push the boundaries, and those melodies, hooks, riffs!
8. Iarla O'Lionnaird - Invisible Fields
The singer from Afro Celts. Third solo album - a work of great late night beauty.
9. Jonny Greenwood - Bodysong
I love the jazz blasts on this - and the classical pieces - incredibly diverse.
10. Tom Waits - Alice: the complete demos
Great to hear this alongside the original album - the 'interlude' pieces are intriguing, and the singing is fantastic, often very funny.
Thursday, 29 September 2005
Stasisfield mp3 releases : New Release : Preview EP : Fessenden
Stasisfield.com : Stasisfield mp3 releases : Current Releases : Preview EP : Fessenden
I can't remember whether I have mentioned Stasisfield before. John Kannenberg runs this web-based music and images site from Chicago. All mp3s on the site are available for free download. You can also buy mp3 CDs of the back-catalogue if downloading masses of music is difficult through your internet connection. The music is ambient, minimalist soundscapes. I really like the very distinctive sound and look that is created for Stasisfield. John is a sound and image artist who produces all the artwork for the label, which I really like.
The latest release, an EP by Fessenden, called 'Preview' came out recently. I gave it a quick listen last night and was really impressed. This is one that I'll be working with over the next few weeks.
A recent innovation from John's site is an RSS feed, so it is now possible to sign up and get new releases as they become available in podcast form. This is a great idea, and makes the whole process so much easier.
I can't remember whether I have mentioned Stasisfield before. John Kannenberg runs this web-based music and images site from Chicago. All mp3s on the site are available for free download. You can also buy mp3 CDs of the back-catalogue if downloading masses of music is difficult through your internet connection. The music is ambient, minimalist soundscapes. I really like the very distinctive sound and look that is created for Stasisfield. John is a sound and image artist who produces all the artwork for the label, which I really like.
The latest release, an EP by Fessenden, called 'Preview' came out recently. I gave it a quick listen last night and was really impressed. This is one that I'll be working with over the next few weeks.
A recent innovation from John's site is an RSS feed, so it is now possible to sign up and get new releases as they become available in podcast form. This is a great idea, and makes the whole process so much easier.
Wednesday, 28 September 2005
Nine Horses
If you have read more than a handful of posts here, you will know that I am a big fan of the work of David Sylvian. I have been listening to his music since his band Japan produced the album 'Quiet Life' back in 1980. It is more than a passing interest - I have some 35 albums of his work - ranging from stuff with Japan, to solo and collaborative projects and unofficial live albums.
His work over the last 6 years, after a long break, has been really fascinating. From the uneven album 'Dead Bees on a Cake' in 1999 to the stunning experimental work of 'blemish' which featured Christian Fennesz and Derek Bailey - his work has charted new areas, and pulled in the broadest range of influences. The highlight of this album was the closing track 'Fire in the Forest' with Fennesz which is a truly beautiful piece of music, bringing an album about pain to a stunning resolution.
There's a new album due out on 17th October. It's a collaboration with his brother Steve Jansen and the electronic artist Burnt Friedman under the name Nine Horses. The album is called 'Snow Borne Sorrow' and the clips I have heard sound really intriguing. Can't wait to hear the whole thing when it comes out. On the Sylvian
His work over the last 6 years, after a long break, has been really fascinating. From the uneven album 'Dead Bees on a Cake' in 1999 to the stunning experimental work of 'blemish' which featured Christian Fennesz and Derek Bailey - his work has charted new areas, and pulled in the broadest range of influences. The highlight of this album was the closing track 'Fire in the Forest' with Fennesz which is a truly beautiful piece of music, bringing an album about pain to a stunning resolution.
There's a new album due out on 17th October. It's a collaboration with his brother Steve Jansen and the electronic artist Burnt Friedman under the name Nine Horses. The album is called 'Snow Borne Sorrow' and the clips I have heard sound really intriguing. Can't wait to hear the whole thing when it comes out. On the Sylvian
Tuesday, 27 September 2005
When the brain starts to work again
Over the last couple of days, it has felt as though my brain has come back from an extended period of holiday. I'm beginning to understand patterns again. Things are pulling together into a bigger coherent picture.
It feels like the clearing of a heavy fog. As a result the state of stasis is easing. Writing has begun again, and the creative energies are flowing. You will see more here too.....
It feels like the clearing of a heavy fog. As a result the state of stasis is easing. Writing has begun again, and the creative energies are flowing. You will see more here too.....
Sunday, 25 September 2005
bright by echo of bright recall
bright by echo of bright recall
there is nothing more
only the neatness brought about when we tidy as we go along
turning everything into some sort of song
then there is the won mind-set
no idea why!
then there was the loss of a consonant in a clever
smug sort of whatever
and finally we let it all go
pretend that nothing has happened
seal the secrets in a small envelope,
light a candle,
hold the secret over it
until it ignites, then let go and
watch the paper turn to blackened feather
light, and fragment, into the air
gone forever, burnt out of existence.
there is nothing more
only the neatness brought about when we tidy as we go along
turning everything into some sort of song
then there is the won mind-set
no idea why!
then there was the loss of a consonant in a clever
smug sort of whatever
and finally we let it all go
pretend that nothing has happened
seal the secrets in a small envelope,
light a candle,
hold the secret over it
until it ignites, then let go and
watch the paper turn to blackened feather
light, and fragment, into the air
gone forever, burnt out of existence.
Saturday, 24 September 2005
The words begin
The words begin
Like something that slips down the page - not sure
And an image
that is all that poetry is
something that we can picture in our mind
like the arrival of god
at a party when he hasn't been invited
and the host is busy pouring drinks
nobody knows the way to speak
so the first person to open the door, says
"sorry, I know we must have met, at some point that is,
but I have no idea who you are, and you’re not coming in here!"
The door slammed shut…and then silence
nothing to say
the music dies away as the guests wonder whether
they have missed something really important
of consequence.
for it is all of consequences
outcomes
within the chaos of complex adaptive systems
we all try to make some sense.
seek out a god
and then when we find one,
we shut the door, refuse to recognise
ignore the voice in our head
and strike him off the guest list
safe in the company of those we know.
Like something that slips down the page - not sure
And an image
that is all that poetry is
something that we can picture in our mind
like the arrival of god
at a party when he hasn't been invited
and the host is busy pouring drinks
nobody knows the way to speak
so the first person to open the door, says
"sorry, I know we must have met, at some point that is,
but I have no idea who you are, and you’re not coming in here!"
The door slammed shut…and then silence
nothing to say
the music dies away as the guests wonder whether
they have missed something really important
of consequence.
for it is all of consequences
outcomes
within the chaos of complex adaptive systems
we all try to make some sense.
seek out a god
and then when we find one,
we shut the door, refuse to recognise
ignore the voice in our head
and strike him off the guest list
safe in the company of those we know.
Friday, 23 September 2005
train fragment
…travelling through the country from London to the North West of England on a train. Looking out of the window, there are huge formations of clouds hanging in an otherwise blue sky. It is the end of an exhausting working week…
Thursday, 22 September 2005
Blogger suggestions
Another day, another dollar. Blogging with Microsoft Word does make this whole process easier. The new facility, here, is a really good development. But what about Categories for Blogger? When are we going to see that development appear?
Blogger did a user survey recently – when are we going to get feedback, and what are they doing with the suggestions that were made in the survey?
Another thing that Blogger could provide, would be the facility to post a number of drafts and then have them automatically post to the site so that there is always a post from the backlog when there is nothing new. Other blogging tools can do this – why not Blogger? Is it just me, or do Google seem to be resting the whole development of Blogger since they bought it?
OK, whinge over!
I’m very blog-light at the moment as I rush about with the day job, and try to realign my life after a stack of changes. Things should pick up soon – promises, promises…
Blogger did a user survey recently – when are we going to get feedback, and what are they doing with the suggestions that were made in the survey?
Another thing that Blogger could provide, would be the facility to post a number of drafts and then have them automatically post to the site so that there is always a post from the backlog when there is nothing new. Other blogging tools can do this – why not Blogger? Is it just me, or do Google seem to be resting the whole development of Blogger since they bought it?
OK, whinge over!
I’m very blog-light at the moment as I rush about with the day job, and try to realign my life after a stack of changes. Things should pick up soon – promises, promises…
Wednesday, 14 September 2005
Escaping writer's block
New words
New creations
New intimations of creativity
Old spaces
Seen before spoken
Somewhere we have been before
Law taken over
Wondering whether there is more in the dust
Specks that have recovered
Speeches that have been replayed
Once the lines have opened
There is not much left to the sands of timeliness
Such as the scan of a mission best replayed
New creations
New intimations of creativity
Old spaces
Seen before spoken
Somewhere we have been before
Law taken over
Wondering whether there is more in the dust
Specks that have recovered
Speeches that have been replayed
Once the lines have opened
There is not much left to the sands of timeliness
Such as the scan of a mission best replayed
Tuesday, 13 September 2005
U B U W E B :: Glenn Gould
I've been a big fan of Ubuweb for a while now. The site hosts all manner of avant garde and dadaist media, including texts, mp3's and videos / films. There has been a feast of fascinating material on the site for some time now.
After a summer overhaul, there is now a lot of new material on the site. Follow the link to find three sound files of radio programmes created by Glenn Gould back in the 60s and 70s. I first heard these on UK's BBC Radio 3 which hosted a tribute evening to the pianist a few years ago, and broadcast the programmes which were originally heard on Canadian radio. They are bold adventures in radio, Gould literally using the studio as a composing instrument. Well worth a listen.
U B U W E B :: Glenn Gould
After a summer overhaul, there is now a lot of new material on the site. Follow the link to find three sound files of radio programmes created by Glenn Gould back in the 60s and 70s. I first heard these on UK's BBC Radio 3 which hosted a tribute evening to the pianist a few years ago, and broadcast the programmes which were originally heard on Canadian radio. They are bold adventures in radio, Gould literally using the studio as a composing instrument. Well worth a listen.
U B U W E B :: Glenn Gould
Thursday, 1 September 2005
taking words apart
Taking
Opening all out
Splitting a cloud like candy floss
Breaking air apart
An atom-smasher
Blaster.
Other words
Pretend
But do not understand the flow
Through all connections
No rejections
No sorry.
Not part
Not apart
Not even one strong sense of innocence
Would be enough
To split sides
Make asides
Not see.
Even when
The words are spent
The spoken sounds are louder than the heard
The things I say
Are not the same
As yours.
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