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Byron B. Carrier's avatar

You're right, David, art conveys.

I liked Jimi Hendrix's anguished national anthem at Woodstock. It fit the times.

Shook me to see "Last Exit to Brooklyn" on your list. I thought it was unknown. It shook me more when I saw the movie decades ago. No tenderness. Only alienated loneliness. It fit the times. The movie "Monster" had a similar tone.

Another little-known but telling book of stupidity and cruelty: Jerzy Kosinski's "Painted Bird."

Finally, the warning novel that became, unfortunately, a how-to: "1984."

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David Cycleback's avatar

Yes, the film version of Last Exit to Brooklyn is very depressing

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Tim Miller's avatar

Thanks! Very thought-provoking.

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David Levine's avatar

i agree wholeheartedly David. i just wrote about this actually as well, the concept of including some familiarity to subtly convince our audience to stick around, and once they have "bought in", perhaps they will savor that new piece of music I am presenting them. very thought-provoking - thank you & happy to see I am not alone in this belief

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David Cycleback's avatar

I mentioned to a Russian immigrant that Prokofiev was "dischordant," and she said, "It doesn't sound dischordant to me."

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David Levine's avatar

hehe! all subjective and an act of trust to listen, to those who are unfamiliar, especially with these composers which step outside the norms. those familiar with Prokofiev, appreciate the magic in his works, which often take patience for our heart and mind to translate

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Robin Edgar's avatar

Art can definitely be 'Ugly', just ask The Stranglers. . . ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaqlCkqdAXo

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