Icons

Rickenbacker · 07-17-2009, 12:28 AM

Talk about iconic!

Zarko · 07-17-2009, 11:29 AM

Bill Laswell

There are few musicians who I know of for whom I can say, without a doubt, have tried almost everything, and Bill Laswell is one of them. Born from the cauldrons of the underground New York Scene, Laswell has swept nearly every genre. Yet in all this, he remains relatively unknown in comparison to his output, which is so ridiculously large, I may as well just link it instead.

As a musician, Laswell is a bassist, his style primarily created from funk and jazz. Although he began as a small time bar musician in Detroit, his move to New York signaled drastic steps forward in his development, as bassist in bands such as avant-jazz-rock band Curlew and his own personal project/band (HIs most famous as well probably) in Material. From these stepping stones he has led a life in music that all musicians SHOULD be jealous of. He got to do what he wanted on his terms.

Along with John Zorn he was also a key factor in the development of Buckethead in terms of constructing his music. The pair have been good friends, with Buckethead being a lynchpin in yet another project of Laswell's, Praxis, as well as the short lived Arcana. Buckethead also regularly performs in Laswell's projects, whether they be Dub, DnB, Funk, Jazz or Rock. Some other well known projects include Massacre and Last Exit.

Personally, I was introduced to Laswell via Arcana, and I never looked back. I kept on finding projects and bands I loved in similar genres only to find Laswell was again a key player. Sometimes the people YOU think deserve recognition don't get it. I know his stuff isn't the most well known, nor popular, nor will it ever be, but IMO it deserves to be recognised, even if not hailed. Laswell is probably one of the few musical icons I have for his experimentation and diversity, rather than simply be a musician/band I like deeply. In my opinion, the idea of 'respect' in music in general is a fallacy. Music is there to be enjoyed, not respected or idealised (Sorry Beatles fans

). However, I can say without a doubt that I respect Bill Laswell. Chances are he won't get through to any special 'gallery' or win a poll, but that really doesn't matter.

Even if he does always wear a ridiculously dodgy looking hat/beanie/beret.

I generally have avoided reviewing his albums after doing three in a row in my journal, but will link you to those anyway.
Last Exit (87)
Arcana (Buckethead fan's should check this out)
Method Of Defiance

jackhammer · 07-17-2009, 02:05 PM

^^^

Bloody great post there. I have Murder,Inc, a Praxis album and Radio:Axiom A Dub Transmission which are damn good. I really need to dip my toes a lot more into his huge discography.

Engine · 07-17-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucifer_sam

yeah but you didn't buy it directly from the label (like most people who bought punk albums in the '80s), did you?

I think they eventually got as high as $12/CD.
The original Dischord releases had labels or stickers on them that said something like "Do not pay more than $5 for this cassette" and I think it was $8 for CDs and LPs. And this was in record stores. At first the price tag always reflected that but over the years a lot of places stopped giving a shit. It was always sadly hilarious to see a Dischord CD in a store with "Do not pay more than $8" on the cover and the store's price tag showing $10.99.
I just took a look at my '95 CD, Inzombia by Slant 6 and even that late there is small print that reads "$8 post paid in USA from 3819 Beecher Street NW". I also have some re-issue CDs from the early 00s. The Minor Threat Discography says "This compact disc is only $12" in the notes. Others say "$11 post paid..."

crash_override · 07-18-2009, 02:35 AM

Geddy Lee

How would you go about standing out in the most technically proficient band of the 1970's? Well if your name is Geddy Lee then you simply cement yourself as one of the most talented and unique multi-instrumentalists in rock history, Using god-like bass playing, incredibly catchy and ground-breaking moog parts in rock, the most unique and instantly recognizable rock voice in history, and a stage presence that seems out of place for a guy that reminds you of your high school librarian. This is exactly how Geddy Lee accomplished such a feat. Widely regarded as one of the most influencial bassists, unique vocalists, and versatile multi-instrumentalists, Geddy Lee has gained acclaim from just about every angle. Most widely renowned for his bass playing, Geddy Lee has spent 35 years playing amazing bass riffs under one of the most underrated guitarists of all time, Alex Lifeson, and over one of the greatest drummers of all time. His basslines under Lifeson's solo's can often be mistaken as his own bass solos, but never take away and always adds an unspeakable amount of dynamics to any song. His mind blowing basslines fill all of Rush's classics beautifully and never fail to impress. While his studio performances remain the most recognized and well documented, Geddy's live work was always top-notch and his stage presence was/is a force to be reckoned with, and while he never hesitated to give up the stage to his counterparts solo's he maintained his presence even whilst in the background. Cheers to one of the greatest. A true Icon.

gunnels · 07-18-2009, 02:45 AM

Yes.

crash_override · 07-18-2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnels

Yes.

Just when I thought there was no one cool around here.

Zarko · 07-18-2009, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zarko

Bill Laswell

There are few musicians who I know of for whom I can say, without a doubt, have tried almost everything, and Bill Laswell is one of them. Born from the cauldrons of the underground New York Scene, Laswell has swept nearly every genre. Yet in all this, he remains relatively unknown in comparison to his output, which is so ridiculously large, I may as well just link it instead.

That link ain't working btw, because its now just an advertisement for the new Method of Defiance album coming out in Sept. Take it from me though, its huge

Thx JH.

Son of JayJamJah · 07-18-2009, 11:06 AM

This has turned into a top notch thread

Hoping after all is said and done we can edit out all the non Icon posts and just have a really cool read of a thread.

Antonio · 07-18-2009, 11:45 AM

i can't believe nobody's done Frank Zappa yet!!

i'd do it myself, but i have no where near the amount of his work to really justify me doing it.

07-17-2009, 12:28 AM	#41 (permalink)
Rickenbacker / Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Conn Posts: 1,338	Talk about iconic! __________________ last.fm rym Talk About the Passion - R.E.M.'s Discography Reviewed

07-17-2009, 11:29 AM	#42 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	Bill Laswell There are few musicians who I know of for whom I can say, without a doubt, have tried almost everything, and Bill Laswell is one of them. Born from the cauldrons of the underground New York Scene, Laswell has swept nearly every genre. Yet in all this, he remains relatively unknown in comparison to his output, which is so ridiculously large, I may as well just link it instead. As a musician, Laswell is a bassist, his style primarily created from funk and jazz. Although he began as a small time bar musician in Detroit, his move to New York signaled drastic steps forward in his development, as bassist in bands such as avant-jazz-rock band Curlew and his own personal project/band (HIs most famous as well probably) in Material. From these stepping stones he has led a life in music that all musicians SHOULD be jealous of. He got to do what he wanted on his terms. Along with John Zorn he was also a key factor in the development of Buckethead in terms of constructing his music. The pair have been good friends, with Buckethead being a lynchpin in yet another project of Laswell's, Praxis, as well as the short lived Arcana. Buckethead also regularly performs in Laswell's projects, whether they be Dub, DnB, Funk, Jazz or Rock. Some other well known projects include Massacre and Last Exit. Personally, I was introduced to Laswell via Arcana, and I never looked back. I kept on finding projects and bands I loved in similar genres only to find Laswell was again a key player. Sometimes the people YOU think deserve recognition don't get it. I know his stuff isn't the most well known, nor popular, nor will it ever be, but IMO it deserves to be recognised, even if not hailed. Laswell is probably one of the few musical icons I have for his experimentation and diversity, rather than simply be a musician/band I like deeply. In my opinion, the idea of 'respect' in music in general is a fallacy. Music is there to be enjoyed, not respected or idealised (Sorry Beatles fans ). However, I can say without a doubt that I respect Bill Laswell. Chances are he won't get through to any special 'gallery' or win a poll, but that really doesn't matter. Even if he does always wear a ridiculously dodgy looking hat/beanie/beret. I generally have avoided reviewing his albums after doing three in a row in my journal, but will link you to those anyway. Last Exit (87) Arcana (Buckethead fan's should check this out) Method Of Defiance Last edited by Zarko; 10-19-2009 at 08:36 AM.

07-17-2009, 02:05 PM	#43 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	^^^ Bloody great post there. I have Murder,Inc, a Praxis album and Radio:Axiom A Dub Transmission which are damn good. I really need to dip my toes a lot more into his huge discography. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”