Merce Cunningham & Radiohead

[Marcthor97@aol.com]

I agree with the other 'reviewers.' I was quite disappointed in the music for 
Split Sides. I like both bands but I think they were in over their heads. 
Yes, the music was rambling, cliched, and just downright embarrassing, which is 
too bad since both bands are capable of more. Chris is right about the bands 
not being able to structure 20 minutes, but why did they feel they had to make a 
continuous 20-minute piece? I yearned for just one second of silence. I think 
they were somewhat cowed by the project and tried to come up with something 
that was 'art' rather than be true to themselves. I would like to be able to 
give them all points for experimenting with something new but the musicians' 
approach was tepid and off the mark. There were sophomoric attempts to do 
something that reflected an (undigested?) acquaintance with Cage. Radiohead's 
'xylophone' made of pointe shoes for instance. Pointe shoes? Just what do they think 
they are referencing and did they really think that was an interesting idea or 
sound? Sigur Ros had the more interesting idea of recording the dancers' bare 
feet (hello) during rehearsals and using the sounds as part of their mix but 
if you didn't already know what it was you would be wondering why there was a 
recurring fart. It's not that everything has to sound like Cartridge Music but 
I think the results show that these bands and their audience don't really get 
it. "Separation vs. synchronization" may not be a matter of concern to the 
young'uns (thanks to Cage/Cunningham), just as sound collage and even the 
concept of chance techniques have filtered down over the years. But I think 
Cunningham is right. The lack of understanding and historical awareness has diluted 
the radicalism of the work of C & C. Reminds me of The Beatles, Revolution #9. 

Marc