scott wrote:it's r-tarded
In English class, maybe 8th or 9th grade, my teacher was adamant that in all our book reports or discussions about the books we'd read that we always use present tense. "The story is alive as you experience it, etc." I feel the same way about music, old or new, but this reunion wave gives me the creeps.
These bands made the music they made in the environment it was made in. If I listen to that recording, it's still alive the same is it was the day it was recorded. If I pay lawyer-dollar to go see these bands play the same tracks 15 years later--out of context and as strangers--then that music is dead. That music becomes a tired, lifeless cliche.
I read the Slint reviews, I have friends who saw the Pixies, and it seems to be the trend. Music should exist to create more life. When bands play without that aim, why bother?
I own the new Dinosaur Jr. record and I really enjoyed it. They reunited and decided to create some more. Rather than reunite TJL, Yow chose to sing for a new band in Qui. I saw and enjoyed them recently, and they gave me a new and different experience.
The two reunions up for discussion--no thank you. Sure, MBV went out "on top" but if you want to laugh about Chinese Democracy, then Kevin Shields is your man. As for Polvo, Shapes was a turd colossus. Some bands are meant to die--let them.
Save hollow nostalgia for the nursing home.