DARK DARK DARK – Wild Go (Part 4)

In her final correspondence, Julia pulls out Stravinsky, Radiolab, musically-incited riots, and our overwhelming agreement that Dark Dark Dark only needs one singer – and it’s not the dude. Part 4 after the jump.

From: Julia Barry
To: Chris Mollica

Haha, that’s the first time I’ve ever been called downright schizophrenic. Yes, head vs. heart battles get old.  Perhaps that’s just where I’m at these days. But in the case of listening to music, I don’t think it’s as simple as head vs. heart, or as you said, science vs. art. (Yikes, what horrible stereotypes that juxtaposition just made.) What music I like changes over time and with familiarity. For me, there’s more to absorbing and loving music than my initial gut reaction. I’m really fascinated by music in the context of sound, how it falls on the spectrum of our myriad noisy world.

Have you heard the Radiolab episode about how Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” caused an actual *riot* upon debut? The MCs talk to scientists about the body’s negative physical response to sounds we haven’t heard before.  People just didn’t know how to hear “Rite of Spring” and biologically went bananas.  Later, everyone rushed to hear this new-fangled, amazing piece of music that had caused a riot just years (years? don’t quote me on my dates) before. (Why Stravinsky felt that Rite of Spring sounded awesome is a whole other fascinating podcast on creativity and people ahead of the curve!)

I’m not likening Dark Dark Dark to Stravinsky. But I do know that I’m often repelled by what later turns into a favorite album, and as I learn to hear it, then I feel deeply along with it. Also, my tastes change over time. What used to be innovative now sounds hackneyed, meaningful now cheesy, schmaltzy now classic. And thank god for change!  I don’t want to listen to the same four albums my whole life.

Julia

p.s. Yeah, I’d enjoy if Chandler took his singing to a side jug band project.  Invie’s voice is surely one that stands miles above the campfire singalong vibe Dark Dark Dark sometimes attempts. (We can stick with Devendra Banhart, Bowerbirds, Ed Sharpe ‘n Crew, etc. for enjoying that.)

p.p.s. For more on the body and emotional response to sound, check out Eyebeam NY’s “Biorhythm” exhibit now on through August.

Download Dark Dark Dark – Celebrate (MP3)