12 SONGS: MINIMALISM
“The less I needed the better I felt.” —Bukowski
There’s no denying that these are strange days we’re living in. In a world plagued by 24/7 newsreel terror, vapid twitter feuds, and Kanye, it’s difficult to imagine anyone of sound mind looking back five years from now and reminiscing on “simpler times.” Will early ‘20s nostalgia even be a thing?
Doubtful.
Pessimism aside, in times like these it becomes necessary to practice incorporating minimalism into our day-to-day lifestyle. Our ritual de lo habitual. Trust me, I’m the first to admit this is easier said than done, given the chaos and unpredictability of everyday life… but this week’s playlist should be of some help. Including but not limited to songs from:
The Cure’s more abrasive alter ego Cult Hero, with Robert Smith’s mailman on vocals (no, we aren’t kidding).
Dougie Poole, who can only be described as what I imagine Merle Haggard would’ve sounded like if he had at some point had access to a Moog synthesizer.
The Amps, Kim Deal’s stripped down yet more intellectual post-Breeders project.
And the Turing Machine. Not exactly minimalist in the truest sense of the word, but drummer Jerry Fuch’s (RIP) machine-like equilibrium between raw power and rhythmic simplicity ties it in well.
Minimalism is this week’s theme, featuring 12 artists whose refined and collected nature lend a hand in reminding us that 99% of life’s unwanted “noise” is just that, noise.
PS: This will be the last Fugazi inclusion for a while. Maybe I’ll shut up about them after this.
Maybe. —Jackson Todd
[Artwork above: Sol Lewitt, Loopy Doopy Blue/Red, 2000, Color Woodcut]
