'Biophilia'----- too ambitious for its own good. ..........
And what I mean by that is......... it's trying too much to be (two)- things.
It's, (one) first and foremost- an (app). An incredible, (ambitious) app, that I think, I do feel n believe, is taking music to the 'next level'.
I'm writing this, b/c I don't think I've written extensively (at all)- on Bjork's, Biophilia. But basically, the album sucks, and there's one good song. ('Mutual Core'). I think it's too clever for its own good. (Her problem a lot of the time)---- where... the concept- gets in the way of the (songs).
I don't know that the concepts are in 'the way'--- or just that, she's lost her edge. Not sure which, but these huge, sort of over-arching concept albums are too big for their britches, I'd venture to guess. Where the focus is too much on the concept (itself)--- (a la.... the 'app')..... n less on..... the music.
I think it's a great concept at that. Fully embracing n taking charge of this 'app' culture- seeing it, n coming at it through the prism of music.... n thats all great. But, when the music get sacrificed (so to speak)---- that, I see as a problem. And with or without the app, you could say/ argue the music would be the same. But I don't know..... it's a great shot at that. I think something, many artists will pioneer/ n continue pioneering for ages to come, it's a great start in other words, but music wise....... it's lost. It's gotten 'lost' in the concept of it all...... same with St. Vincent, her's got lost in the experimentation...... same with Theresa Andersson..... I could go on n on here...... a lot of the music I hear is (getting 'lost'). N it's almost like, I hear it in there....... but it needs to be pulled out. Yanked out. But it's there (I think). I fear, music will continue 'getting lost' , sent in the 'wayside' in the name of technology/ 'concepts'. I know this is a little bit of a ridiculous fear, but it's one at that.
Anyhow- that is how I feel towards Bjork's Biophilia. I think it's an amazing concept (as an app)- n nothing else. The music is, shite. Absolute abstract nonsense. Atonal, just shit. N I'm not afraid to say that (n I hate saying it, b/c I have fierce admiration for Bjork- she's a musical hero for sure.. but over the years, her music has gone (straight) down hill. ) Leaving me wondering...... what exactly happens/ is happening here. Is music being sent to the 'wayside' in the name of apps n technology? Where are the songs amidst the (heavily instrumented)- like, this bouquet of sounds/ concepts but no actual songs.
The one good thing out of all of this is that she (keeps) experimenting........... N that, in and of itself, is worthy and of note. But as for the music......... I'm not so sure she's a musician anymore..... as much as she's....... a scientist? ....... (of music)........ N that's okay too, just......... unfortunate, and I hope she keeps experimenting, bad music or good...... that's all I can hope at this point. Her golden age/ hey day is gone for sure....... but she is making other discoveries/ breaking new ground, in other ways....... in the way of technology- n that is where I see her career going (n staying). No more 'Posts' or hits like that, but other new paths being paved. N that's okay. I always try to look at the bright side.
(It can be tough).
Labels: apps, biophilia, Bjork, St.Vincent, Theresa Andersson
