The Eternals: Approaching the Energy Field (Addenda, 2/15/11)
The Eternals: “War’s Blazing Disciples”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/01-Wars-Blazing-Disciples.mp3|titles=The Eternals: “War’s Blazing Disciples”]Damon Locks — frontman for experimental dub-punk band The Eternals, former member of Trenchmouth, and part-time member of Exploding Star Orchestra — is an accomplished visual artist in addition to being an accomplished musician. For ALARM’s newest book, Chromatic, Locks curated a section of handmade mix-tape art. In addition, his sociopolitical mixed-media art is featured alongside a story that details his upbringing, influences, and guiding principles. Here, Locks compiles a playlist of tunes that he repeatedly turns to for inspiration.
The Uncompromising Art
by Damon Locks
I side with the ones that follow their hearts,
Not the ones making due rather than making art
These 10 tracks are tunes that inspire me to make work both visual and musical and to trust in the creative process. Upon every listen, these pieces always feel so kinetic and vital. The music business is now so savvy and marketing is so embedded into the processes of music-making that the impetus to make most music generally feels (and sounds) suspect. I wanted to put a list of tunes together whose intentions felt truthful and without an eye for its profitability.
1. Eddie Gale: “Song of Will”
A spiritual and uplifting female vocal chorus crescendos to reveal a cacophonous horn melody that punctuates and empowers.
2. Elis Regina & Zimbo Trio: “Zambi”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/01-Zambi.mp3|titles=Elis Regina & Zimbio Trio: “Zambi”]The amazing Elis Regina doing the Edu Lobo tune sends shivers with its intensity and beauty.
3. Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou: ” Ballad of the Spirits”
A piano piece by an Ethiopian nun whose music is forlorn and magical, feeling at once familiar and fantastic.
4. Missing Brazilians: “Missing Brazilians”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/08-Missing-Brazilians.mp3|titles=Missing Brazilians: “Missing Brazilians”]A mystery. A constant question. A connection and a revelation.
5. Archie Shepp: “Attica Blues”
I just discovered this song last year. It seems so unbelievable that this tune has eluded me for all of these years. Inspirational and charged.
6. Sun Ra: “Love In Outer Space”
My favorite version is the instrumental from Out There a Minute. It is haunting and lovely…so lyrical and melancholy.
7. Voices of East Harlem: “Run Shaker Life”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/The-Voices-Of-East-Harlem-Right-On-Be-Free-Shaker-Life.mp3|titles=The Voices Of East Harlem – Right On Be Free – Shaker Life]An incredible, amped-up version of the tune originally by Richie Havens.
8. The Specials: “Ghost Town”
The Specials’ finest hour. Dark and hopeless.
9. Mix Master Mike: “Cummm Get Summm”
Mix Master Mike’s Anti-Theft Device and Return of the Cyklops are criminally overlooked masterpieces. This tune is a great example of his brilliance.
10. Philip Cohran And The Artistic Heritage Ensemble: “The Spanish Suite”
With a run time of around 40 minutes, this is a major piece of work by Phil Cohran. The recording quality lacks initially, but the work as a whole is an incredible experience.