Soundscape #76: You Can See The Trees Better When You’re Not In The Forest
February 29th, 2008I think one of the few things that separate man from apes is that sense of history we have in relation to not only our past but also our place in the world. We are also the only ones to record our own history, whether orally or in writing or other mediums and formats. This sense of history no doubt gives us a sense of belonging and stability since we can always check to see where we stand in the “grand scheme of things.”
Paul Signac. Le Palais des Papes, Avignon, 1900.
Besides this “scheme” of thing—this “big picture”—we also have to mind the small details in our everyday life. While being mindful of the details doesn’t necessarily mean you lose sight of the big picture, it’s easy to get caught up in the small everyday banalities that probably won’t may not mean shit in the end. I often get caught in this bind, I have to admit. I’m either meticulous as hell (I am an editor) or I’m totally blind to something completely obvious to everyone else. I’d like to think that I “get” the picture, but am sometimes so anal about stupid things that it’s just ridiculous. In the “grand scheme of things,” it’s really probably not worth it.
But how do we know for sure, if we don’t give it a go??
Playlist:
1. (o:00) Lloyd Cole - What’s Wrong With This Picture? (The Negatives)
2. (5:30) Mojave 3 - Big Star Baby (Puzzles Like You)
3. (9:50) The Cure - Pictures Of You
4. (14:35) Manic Street Pictures - A Design For Life (Everything Must Go)
5. (18:54) Malajube -La Monogamie (Trompe-L’oeil)
6. (23:50) The Mountain Goats - Balance (All Hail West Texas)
7. (26:00) Okkervil River - Get Big (Black Sheep Boy)
8. (29:52) Yo La Tengo - The Whole Of The Law (Painful)
9. (32:13) Múm - There Is A Number Of Small Things (Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Is Ok)
10. (38:52) Mogwai - Take Me Somewhere Nice (Rock Action)
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