My greatest concert regret after 23 years+ in radio might be pasing on the Talking Heads "Remain in Light" tour. Doing overnights and living a big city (Chicago) lifestyle, combined with a 45 minute drive out to the dreaded SUBURBS and I just had to pass. I napped that night instead and gave my comp tickets away. Now that I have totally shot my credibility, I'll go on with my review.
As a poet fascinated by the unorthodox process of folks like Michael McClure, Charles Olson and the like, I have become a lot more interested in process since, what was it, 1984? To get an IN into David Byrne's process, and hear the clips of what he was up to, was well-worth the PRX click I had to do to listen. Carrying around the micro-casette and humming melodies is not unlike my practice of writing down little 17 syllable poems (American Setences) I do at least once a day. A serious artist finds a way to keep her hand (or ear) in the creative process.
In his own words indeed. The title lives up to its billing and I'd stay in the car to her the rest of this if I got home before it ended.
Since I joined AIR Media within the last year, I've seen the emails and heard about the reputation of Dmae Roberts. As I get a little deeper into what one might call the PRX community, I saw this piece and decided to listen.
Two things stood out immediately. The first was Dmae's voice. Unaffected and clear, I found it very easy to listen to and authentic. The second was the overall production. The writing was concise and the way the degenerating voice of her mother told the story through voice mail messages was extremely effective. Dmae has achieved a level of mastery that we may be in danger of losing given the state of commercial radio and the tendency of NPR to emulate it.
It must have been hard to create this piece, but it is one I will not forget soon. I hope I can create something as moving when my Mother dies. Dmae's reputation is well-deserved.
As a Sandburg fan, I would be interested in hearing this piece and would be concerned if it was not done with the appropriate respect. It succeeds on all counts.
It is clear this is a contemporary production, but the accompanying music is totally appropriate and tasteful. It's clear the producer has an affinity for the subject, and the warmth of Sandburg sails through.
I am not sure if the question posed by the title of the piece is answered. Nor am I sure that is important.
Comments by Paul Nelson
Comment for "David Byrne: In his own words ... on 'Grown Backwards'"
Paul Nelson
Posted on June 02, 2004 at 04:52 PM | Permalink
Review of David Byrne: In his own words ... on 'Grown Backwards'
My greatest concert regret after 23 years+ in radio might be pasing on the Talking Heads "Remain in Light" tour. Doing overnights and living a big city (Chicago) lifestyle, combined with a 45 minute drive out to the dreaded SUBURBS and I just had to pass. I napped that night instead and gave my comp tickets away. Now that I have totally shot my credibility, I'll go on with my review.
As a poet fascinated by the unorthodox process of folks like Michael McClure, Charles Olson and the like, I have become a lot more interested in process since, what was it, 1984? To get an IN into David Byrne's process, and hear the clips of what he was up to, was well-worth the PRX click I had to do to listen. Carrying around the micro-casette and humming melodies is not unlike my practice of writing down little 17 syllable poems (American Setences) I do at least once a day. A serious artist finds a way to keep her hand (or ear) in the creative process.
In his own words indeed. The title lives up to its billing and I'd stay in the car to her the rest of this if I got home before it ended.
Comment for "Memorial"
Paul Nelson
Posted on June 02, 2004 at 04:40 PM | Permalink
Review of Memorial
Since I joined AIR Media within the last year, I've seen the emails and heard about the reputation of Dmae Roberts. As I get a little deeper into what one might call the PRX community, I saw this piece and decided to listen.
Two things stood out immediately. The first was Dmae's voice. Unaffected and clear, I found it very easy to listen to and authentic. The second was the overall production. The writing was concise and the way the degenerating voice of her mother told the story through voice mail messages was extremely effective. Dmae has achieved a level of mastery that we may be in danger of losing given the state of commercial radio and the tendency of NPR to emulate it.
It must have been hard to create this piece, but it is one I will not forget soon. I hope I can create something as moving when my Mother dies. Dmae's reputation is well-deserved.
Comment for "What is Poetry?"
Paul Nelson
Posted on May 05, 2004 at 12:20 PM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
As a Sandburg fan, I would be interested in hearing this piece and would be concerned if it was not done with the appropriate respect. It succeeds on all counts.
It is clear this is a contemporary production, but the accompanying music is totally appropriate and tasteful. It's clear the producer has an affinity for the subject, and the warmth of Sandburg sails through.
I am not sure if the question posed by the title of the piece is answered. Nor am I sure that is important.
We need more work like this on the radio.