smokin' recommendation: Evan Parker's "TIME LAPSE"

Several years ago a composer friend of mine made fun of me for being an audiophile. His premise was that people who continually think about their equipment while they listen take their attention from the inner life of the music, and thus process music superficially. Focusing on the aspect of reproduction does lend to the danger of missing the whole point. Of course, being an audiophile myself, I think one can do both, each in its proper place.

However it is astounding that so many audiophiles have such conventional sensibilities and mainstream tastes. Just look at the 50 post on the beatles! It is horrifying that people who obviously love music so much stay within such narrow confines.

It makes me wonder whether my friend had a point.

Oh I know. You will all think I am a pompous ass for holding my tastes above those of the mainstream, and (god forbid) for insulting the glorious beatles. Well, before you all chime in, all I can say is that I honestly wanted to see if anyone was willing to put in the effort it takes to appreciate such a difficult and beautiful work as "Time Lapse".

If you don't like it, fine. But have the sechel to say something intelligent. Simply calling it 'awful' is primitive and retrograde schoolyard commentary. Why bother even posting at all?

Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you or go against your vast opinion based knowledge of music. But by posting "one of the most shockingly brilliant albums of solo sax I have ever heard", you are opening up quite a juggernaut.

"If you don't like it, fine."

I don't like it. How would you have me state that, since you apparentely didn't like my choice of the word awful?

Okay, it's not my cup of tea either. Does that make you feel better?

Mofi: There are a lot of different types of awful out there, but I bet this album isn't your garden variety. It would be interesting to hear a more in depth critique from a music lover such as yourself. If the sax comment got you then maybe you love jazz. If you love jazz then you probably love improvisation. Evan Parker is regarded as a master, whether you like it or not. I'm not recommending an unknown obscure jerk here. This is worth thinking about...if you want to. If not, don't!

Eslaudio: no one has to justify anything to me, of course. I thought it would spark an interesting discussion, that's all. No harm done.