While We Wait: Writer's Block & Other Lame Excuses

[Nylan]

Interesting. I shall investigate.

Related question:
Any NESers out there listen in symphonic rock?

 

[North King]

Didn't know that minimalism was under the atonality umbrella.

It's not, really. I meant to say that given the dominance of atonality in the modern era (in "serious" music, anyway), it offers a nice alternative.

 

[Starlife]

This is a shallow way of looking at it, but to me minimalism is nice because it often sounds pleasant and/or interesting (and is usually technically sound), though still has an overarching concept or purpose. I am not a fan of music I need to know the conceptual background for before listening, just as I can't stand (most) conceptual / avant-garde visual arts. However, music with a purpose or intent that comes across in its content is a beautiful mixture. I like to see the hand, personality, and mind of the artist in a work, so conceptual pieces that are fabricated by a company (i.e. Donald Judd) or a team of volunteers is far too cold and cerebral for my tastes. But on the other hand, I hate most contemporary realists, because their work is typically shallow and not worth looking at for extended periods of time (or repeatedly). Of course, the situation is different with music, because ensembles play Steve Reich's pieces all over the world, and they sound no less beautiful.

I can tolerate and even enjoy some minimalist visual artists, though that definition has been stretched taut by the 21st century.

 

[Birdjaguar]

I didn't get BJ's post concretely. Did he tell us to stop talking about this?

I don't have a problem with this conversation until/unless it gets mean and personal. Disagreements are to be expected, but there is no reason to be mean, spiteful or to engage in name calling. If you don't like another member of our community, join a game they are playing an stomp them there.

 

[Crezth]

If you don't like another member of our community, join a game they are playing an stomp them there.

But what if we suck?

 

[Angst]

Personally, I've listened to minimalism inspired musicians for a while - people like Olafur Arnalds, post-rock in general, Efterklang. True minimalism is something I don't touch upon often. I like it because it has an athmospheric texture but feel the lack of melodies can be tiring from time to time. That said, it's the way I often compose myself actually, (The parts you haven't heard, NK) so I should probably not be that against it, in the end. Also, much post-rock is texture.

Interesting. I shall investigate.

Related question:
Any NESers out there listen in symphonic rock?

What do you classify as symphonic rock`? I have a hunch of what it might be and if it is, I don't like it in particular. If it isn't and is the other thing, then I like it, very much.

 

[Lord_Iggy]

Any NESers out there listen in symphonic rock?

I like Apocalyptica, Nightwish and a Within Temptation.

And does this count as minimalism?

 

[Birdjaguar]

But what if we suck?

I guess you are then SOL.

 

[Masada]

Well, thanks for your opinions on this matter Masada. It is good to know that we aren't worth a few hours to you because you aren't being paid and that you feel that one shouldn't be expected to spend hours of his or her time in helping the community.

Contact time for Eco 101 is ~60 hours.

Given Masada's comments, it's questionable that he's even capable of teaching the subject in any memorable, meaningful, or useful way.

You've seen me teach?

 

[Terrance888]

Contact time for Eco 101 is ~60 hours.

Thanks for the information.

The argument is/should be dead already and I won't revive it, but I personally feel that both sides made good points; that no one is obligated to educate the community at a drop of a hat, that contributive posts are generally appreciated more than observational ones and others besides.

I should look up some of your NESIng economics articles and read them up as well. I can say they were pretty interesting, although I wasn't mature enough the last time I read them to make them pretty useful.

 

[TheLizardKing]

Thanks for the information.

The argument is/should be dead already and I won't revive it

......

but I personally feel that both sides made good points; that no one is obligated to educate the community at a drop of a hat, that contributive posts are generally appreciated more than observational ones and others besides.

In other news, the only real Symphonic Rock band I've listened to, (if it can actually be called it) is King Crimson and Camel. I very much like progressive rock as a whole, but they're probably the only ones I can really describe as being "Symphonic".. save for Atom Heart Mother.

 

[Nylan]

King Crimson is great. My personal favorites are Van der Graaf Generator, Yes, and Marillion. Some Dream Theater is nice from time to time as well, though that's not quite the same. Close To The Edge is one of my favorite compositions of any genre.

Hoping and praying for another prog revolution.

 

[Birdjaguar]

Besides, having vast knowledge on a subject does not necessarily make you good at illuminating others. Given Masada's comments, it's questionable that he's even capable of teaching the subject in any memorable, meaningful, or useful way. So lj, others: instead of pressing him or blaming him or keeping this going, just be thankful you aren't the undergrads who have to put up with him every week.

Moderator Action: This is exactly the kind of comment that turns a thread nasty. It is mean spirited and personal and most likely rooted in ignorance. I would urge you to keep such inappropriate remarks to yourself in the future.
Please read the forum rules: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=422889

 

[Eltain]

Not Symphonic, but any Yes or Jethro Tull fans?

Tarja Turunen (Nightwish lead singer for a while) is rather good. I am not a huge fan of Nightwish (not really for any reason, just aren't) but TT has a great voice.

 

[Nylan]

I like some jazz flute from time to time. Steve Howe is also a treat hear play.

 

[Starlife]

Moderator Action: This is exactly the kind of comment that turns a thread nasty. It is mean spirited and personal and most likely rooted in ignorance. I would urge you to keep such inappropriate remarks to yourself in the future.
Please read the forum rules: http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=422889

...and a willingness to deal with certifiable idiots... expect to be laughed at.

So I guess labeling several members of the community as "certifiable idiots" who should "expect to be laughed at" is perfectly acceptable?

Note that I said "questionable" and "based on his comments", and was not stating a fact. I was actually attempting to be conciliatory, and trying to steer the conversation away (like, "Hey guys, maybe he isn't even a good teacher, so stop worrying about it.") While I respectfully apologize for offending you, Birdjaguar, I hope it is known that what I said is no more mean-spirited than Masada labeling forum members as stupid. He has a degree in economics, which gives him a license to deride; I have a degree in education, so were I to adopt similar conduct, I would likewise have a license to deride (based on such comments as this, which displays a lack of knowledge of appropriate and effective teaching methods and basic pedagogy). That's not my style, though, so I was more making a point.

 

[Starlife]

Not Symphonic, but any Yes or Jethro Tull fans?

I was obsessed with Yes when I was in high school. When I hear it now it fills me with nostalgia.

BTW Nylan, aren't a lot of those bands you mentioned still doing live shows?

 

[Nylan]

A few of them, yes, although there have of course been lineup changes. I actually quite enjoy Marillion's newest album. Yes will always be great, but the Yes Album ---> Close To The Edge was by far their best period, IMHO. So much infighting afterwards...

 

[Masada]

So I guess labeling several members of the community as "certifiable idiots" who should "expect to be laughed at" is perfectly acceptable?

Classy quote mine.

I likened it to Iggy teaching YECs about biology. One can do it, but one has to have the patience of a (secular) Saint and a willingness to deal with certifiable idiots.

 

[Lord_Iggy]

I know Yes entirely for doing the credits song for Homeworld.

And Jethro Tull is great.