On Kid A

“Art seems more relevant than ever, especially in an age of “content.” Content is so easy: it accommodates to your lifestyle, fits seamlessly into the negative space while waiting for the bus or while in the waiting room of the doctor or to fill the extra cognitive space as we mull away at the mundane task of satisfying the demands of our inboxes. Art is being transformed to content to squeeze itself into the cracks of our splintered attention.”

— Frank Chimero

As usual, Mr. Chimero brings his powers of insight to bear on two topics that are close to my heart:

1. Radiohead’s “Kid A”
2. Art vs. Information

Kid A stands strong as my favorite Radiohead album of all time. Yes, I know it doesn’t have the silky-sweet melodies and raucous anthem-quality of their first two efforts (let’s just forget Pablo Honey for now), but so what? It was my introduction to the more experimental potential of rock ‘n roll, as well has to how electronic and conventional instrumentation could be melded into one delicious package. I distinctly remember the first time I sat in my room and listened to National Anthem, and how I was at once both fascinated and repulsed by the cacophony of horns, guitars, and voices that screamed at me through the speakers by the end of the experience. Then my mom burst into the room (I say burst, I mean “knocked and asked to come in, in her usual understated manner”) wondering what all the racket was.

I was a convert.

Art vs. information. I guess not necessarily “vs.” information, but what are the relationship of art and information, and where does “graphic design” fit in? I briefly touched on this in my information as a commodity post, though I know that was really more of an introduction than a full-fledged exploration of the topic. Needless to say, I find it interesting and what Frank has to say on the topic is great, as are his various sources.

Also, I redesigned this blog over the weekend and am working on implementation now. Look for that in a week or so.

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