Musical Integrity

[sifi]

Following on from the discussions about Motorhead and their 1664 advert, and a discussion about Metallica on the Glasto board, I used the phrase "Musical Integrity". I've been reflecting on that, and wondering exactly what it is and why is it important.

My favourite artist, Bob Dylan, was famous for basically reinventing himself from being a poet folk musician into a rock and roller, resulting in vitroil being poured on him by his fans. That doesn't bother me, because in my mind he recorded much better music when he plugged in. But then equally Metallica changed their musical style, and I disliked them for doing so - and then I sling the phrase "Musical integrity" about.

What is it, and is it important? Any Bill Hicks video clips are of course welcome, as always.

[ampersand]

why does metallica changing from thrash to more melodic stuff like 'no leaf clover' mean they lose integrity though? money grabbing whores maybe makes them that, but not cos they change their style a bit.

people who go on about musical intergrity just remind me of the smug south park episode. i bet you savour the smell of your own farts.

[sifi]

people who go on about musical intergrity just remind me of the smug south park episode. i bet you savour the smell of your own farts.

[ampersand]

And given your taste in music, I'd suggest that you savour the sound of your own farts ....

[jump]

whats wrong with metallica like?

you do realise that my music taste on here is vastly exaggerated. i only really listen to simply red when i'm pished. and haven't done so for months.

[ampersand]

And Lilly Allen, anything on X-factor etc.

[rexclark]

I think it depends on the act. If you're a small band and Apple come in and offer you a wad of cash to stick your music in an advert and put your music to a wide audience then fine, you need to earn a living. But when a band who is already massive and definately not short of a few bob does it it doesn't sit to well with me. Alot of it I suppose would be to do with what they're advertising and how they do it. For instance, I don't particularly mind the Motorhead advert for 1664 because I think it's well done and doesn't make the band out to look like a bunch of knobs wereas this advert makes me cringe.

Robots in double denim FFS.

[ampersand]

Robots in double denim FFS.

[rexclark]

are they not in an adidas ad too? star wars style? bloody sellouts

[worm]

It's just integrity applied to the music industry in particular. As industry is driven by the desire to exploit then anything within it can be said to be devoid of integrity.

However, integrity refers to the individual's actions reflecting their beliefs. So as long as they don't contradict themselves then the artist can be said to have integrity.

But then musical integrity refers specifically to the music itself. Therefore, the music as a medium has to reflect the integrity of the individual artist. This means that apparent selling out may be an ironic device used by the artist, thereby maintaining integrity.

[jump]

I like Frank Turners way, does the whole punk influenced singy-singwritery routine but doesn't hide the fact he wants to be massive and be the radio blah, blah.

[ampersand]

It's just integrity applied to the music industry in particular. As industry is driven by the desire to exploit then anything within it can be said to be devoid of integrity.

However, integrity refers to the individual's actions reflecting their beliefs. So as long as they don't contradict themselves then the artist can be said to have integrity.

But then musical integrity refers specifically to the music itself. Therefore, the music as a medium has to reflect the integrity of the individual artist. This means that apparent selling out may be an ironic device used by the artist, thereby maintaining integrity.

[jump]

does this guy know how to party or what?

[worm]

does this guy know how to party or what?

[rabid]

does this guy know how to party or what?

[t8yman]

I dont think Metallica ever lost their musical integrity. They went shit for a long time, but I wouldn't call their integrity into question. I'm willing to be convinced otherwise - because I have fallen out of love with them a few years ago.

I also dont mind lemmy doing the advert TBH, the man is a legend, and has never really gotten the recognition he deserves. Id be prepared to leave him on the artistic roll call.

Edited November 8, 2010 by t8yman

[worm]

I dont think Metallica ever lost their musical integrity. They went shit for a long time, but I wouldn't call their integrity into question. I'm willing to be convinced otherwis

[metallimuse]

I dont think Metallica ever lost their musical integrity. They went shit for a long time, but I wouldn't call their integrity into question. I'm willing to be convinced otherwise - because I have fallen out of love with them a few years ago.

[rabid]

To me musical integrity is about the reason behind making the music. A band could completely change their style and become utterly shite but still maintain that integrity as long as they're doing it for their love of music.

[t8yman]

why is Lemmy such a supposed legend?

He hasn't really done that much apart from be the archetypal slightly dumb rock star

[t8yman]

What?Why?I'm shocked.

[The Nal]

read "White Line Fever", and check out the doc about him thats being released later this year. Motorhead were hugely important, and are largely ignored in recent years. Album sales are pretty crap apparently, but live they are amazing.

[jump]

Loudest band I’ve ever seen, by an absolute country mile. Saw them in Germany though where they don’t seem to have any laws about how loudly you can rock out.

[ampersand]

Loudest band I’ve ever seen, by an absolute country mile. Saw them in Germany though where they don’t seem to have any laws about how loudly you can rock out.

[The Nal]

Don't they hold the record for loudest live band in the world? Did a google search and all I find is loudest for albums.

Edited November 8, 2010 by The Nal