Next Steps

[gumkojima]

I've appreciated that Mike and Adam H. have been more sincere and forthright in recent interviews. I think Adam H. has even referred to it as "talking like adults". Thank you.

However, when it comes to questions regarding their place in music or cultural history, they return to deflection. What I wish for them is to be able to approach this topic realistically. There are so many things that would be constructive to explore here. Perhaps Adam Y's return will be helpful.

[JoLovesMCA]

Perhaps Adam Y's return will be helpful.

:D

[Kid Presentable]

.

However, when it comes to questions regarding their place in music or cultural history, they return to deflection. What I wish for them is to be able to approach this topic realistically.

This would require them to talk like assholes about their own brilliance.

[gumkojima]

This would require them to talk like assholes about their own brilliance.

I don't agree. That's another extreme. There are many great examples of artists both musical and ohterwise who sucessfully asess their own position within their field without arrogance. I've been watching a lot of interviews with Neil Peart of RUSH lately, a great example of someone who realistically does so. In fact, for the bulk of the Beastie's career when they spent more time as cut-ups in their interviews, their avoidance of the topic came off sometimes as false humility, sometimes as fear to me. I think it would be growth, and it would definitely be constructive to the understanding of their work.

[Guy Incognito]

but they have made a near 30 year career out of taking the piss out of themselves, why change any of that. I dont think its for them to work out their own place in history. If you over analyse something, there is a danger of losing it, its not their style. I imagine they might talk about that sort of thing with themselves and close friends. Not brag to the general public

[Kid Presentable]

I don't agree. That's another extreme. There are many great examples of artists both musical and ohterwise who sucessfully asess their own position within their field without arrogance. I've been watching a lot of interviews with Neil Peart of RUSH lately, a great example of someone who realistically does so. In fact, for the bulk of the Beastie's career when they spent more time as cut-ups in their interviews, their avoidance of the topic came off sometimes as false humility, sometimes as fear to me. I think it would be growth, and it would definitely be constructive to the understanding of their work.

Plenty of time for that when the band's finished. Not really a feasible expectation for this band, in my opinion.

[gumkojima]

Again, I'm not suggesting bragging, Guy. There's room for public self-evaluation without resorting to arrogance. In fact, their apparent temperament is such that I think they could safely broach the issue without fear of crossing the line. I'm also not saying it's their job per se, but interviewers have attempted the question many times. At this point there's not much more to glean unless they go there. It could certainly make for more interesting interviews for everyone involved. I think we've already seen some movement in this area in Adam H's interview on Soft Focus and with MoMA. Or perhaps you're right, Kid P. I hope not.

[dave790]

i don't see the point in them talking about that. the press will always write what they want (in terms of the beasties legacy, it is nearly always sincerely positive and appreciative). but that's just me.

[dust monkey]

Plenty of time for that when the band's finished. Not really a feasible expectation for this band, in my opinion.

But don't get discombobulated and upset
Because trust me, we ain't even begun yet

[JoLovesMCA]

Actually I think the Beasties do mention this, but it's through their lyrics that they express that confidence about what they do.

[Brother McDuff]

yeah, addressing such would probly just spoil their legacy to a minor degree anyway. Them not saying anything about it really says it all. They're saying the music speaks for itself. They are artists, and they're in the business of making their own music, not talking about it.

it's not like we need them to confirm their legacy by acknowledging it. you know they're wicked legendary, I know they're wicked legendary, shit, even FLOMASTER knows they're wicked legendary. point proven. ;)

[Guy Incognito]

Again, I'm not suggesting bragging, Guy. There's room for public self-evaluation without resorting to arrogance. In fact, their apparent temperament is such that I think they could safely broach the issue without fear of crossing the line. I'm also not saying it's their job per se, but interviewers have attempted the question many times. At this point there's not much more to glean unless they go there. It could certainly make for more interesting interviews for everyone involved. I think we've already seen some movement in this area in Adam H's interview on Soft Focus and with MoMA. Or perhaps you're right, Kid P. I hope not.

now you put it like that, some of the stuff on those reason videos is ad rock being relatively humble about all the early stuff but still sort of stating that it was history and important

but i still think wanting things like you have mentioned is all part of being a fan. They dont have to, let them have something of their own. They've done it their own way so far.

[gumkojima]

shit, even FLOMASTER knows they're wicked legendary. :)

[gumkojima]

now you put it like that, some of the stuff on those reason videos is ad rock being relatively humble about all the early stuff but still sort of stating that it was history and important.

That's another great example, Guy. Que sera, sera.

[WesleyOHSnaps!]

Actually I think the Beasties do mention this, but it's through their lyrics that they express that confidence about what they do.

agreed

[gumkojima]

Ian Rogers posted this in the press section:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umO-vb1OBfk&feature=sh_e_top&list=SL

This is exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread. Specifically the discussion about the early use of the Internet, marketing, future music models, consumption channels and access to culture. Thanks Ian and Mike. Keep it up !