Henry Cow - Western Culture (1979): Thoughts, PA? - Progressive Rock Music Forum

It is probably their most consistent album. Perhaps the only reproach I have is that some improvisations do not develop very well.

F for whoever reads this.

It’s a classic for a very good reason.

“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams

SteveG wrote:

Frenetic Zetetic wrote:

SteveG wrote:

^ That's because you did it wrong. It's done by throwing drums down a flight of stairs.

You know, we knew something wasn't sounding right when we were trying to throw the drum UP the stairs...I'll try your method on our next session! Wink

I have a 2005 remaster CD edition on its way for the shelf.

I'm sure I don't have to tell that you have to be gargling when you toss the bass drum and Hi hat.

I had to make a gurgle sample because everything was one take, but you're correct. That sorted the mix right out! What a difference!

progaardvark wrote:

I usually find a clothes hamper full of spare car parts and empty cans works best. When the lid opens up in mid-flight down the stairs, the stuff starts coming out and produces a scattering of noises in various time signatures. Further, when the hamper hits the bottom, what didn't fall out of it comes out at the bottom and extends your song for at least another minute of sounds.

What's nice about this method is that if you have ten hampers, all filled up at the top of the steps, you can record each song one after the other and have your album done in under an hour.

Noted! I'll try using aluminum bins as well. Extra dissonance/resonance against concrete steps. The less you mic up, the better. One overhang from an adjacent rooftop should provide the perfect level of natural reverb against passing cars and neighborhood animals/kids, etc.

Henry Cow rules Wink

.

"I am so prog, I listen to concept albums on shuffle." -KMac2021

HenryCowgirl wrote:

Maybe it's just because I'm kind of obsessed with HC right now, but I've been listening to this album a lot lately! I never have any idea what a composition on this album is going to do next but i'm always pleasantly surprised because it always sounds cool.

I think my favorite track off the album - and maybe my favorite Henry Cow track - is Gretel's Tale. The crazy piano is cool but what really does it for me is the woodwinds around :30-1:00 in, the rhythm, tone, and way the different instrument's lines move around each other is so interesting and enjoyable to me.

Welcome to the forum. Nice first post!

Reviewer for The Progressive Aspect

Grumpyprogfan wrote:

^I dig a lot of RIO/Avant. Zappa, Mirthkon, Mike Keneally, French TV, Miriodor, Mr. Bungle, ni, Piniol.

You sure copious amounts of alcohol will change my mind?

It usually changes or at least screws up my mind on just about everything.... LOL

I'm a fan of French tv but the last thing I bought was This Is What....how are the last 4??

One does nothing yet nothing is left undone.
Haquin

^Definitely not drinking enough..... LOL

I like Legend better ....but RIO/avant is not everyone's cup of tea.

One does nothing yet nothing is left undone.
Haquin

Henry Cow, is not for me. I like some dissonance (Thelonious Monk, was masterful at it) but this sounds to me like they purposely compose music that is annoying. "On the Raft" is almost tolerable. The rest is more of a mess than free jazz.

I usually find a clothes hamper full of spare car parts and empty cans works best. When the lid opens up in mid-flight down the stairs, the stuff starts coming out and produces a scattering of noises in various time signatures. Further, when the hamper hits the bottom, what didn't fall out of it comes out at the bottom and extends your song for at least another minute of sounds.

What's nice about this method is that if you have ten hampers, all filled up at the top of the steps, you can record each song one after the other and have your album done in under an hour.

----------
i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag
that's a happy bag of lettuce
this car smells like cartilage
nothing beats a good video about fractions

I've only "gotten it" on one of my three or four listens; now I can't remember for sure why...

guess I need to listen again.

Z

It stands proud close to the very top of the RIO heap. I think the only RIO album I like better is Frith’s Speechless album.
Ironically, Frith didn’t compose anything on WC, so those 2 make a nice pair.

My other avatar is a Porsche

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.

-Kehlog Albran

Post Reply	Page 12 >