Nick Hornby's High Fidelity is a snapshot of Generation X in the early 1990s. The characters filter the world through media choices -- a person's worth can be determined by their preferences in music/film/TV/etc. Simply put, affiliation = identity. We are not our actions, our morality, or any other ineffable quality. We simply are what we like.
Recently I read the Popless series at the AV Club. A reviewer decided to forgo new music for a year, while only listening to his existing music collection. Then he discussed his reaction to the music that he already owned. I was struck by the insight that this game into the identity of the writer. Over time his likes, dislikes, memories, etc... formed a picture of the writer.
With this in mind, I decided to start my own exploration of my musical past. I will be randomly listening to music that I have accumulated, & evaluating it. Hopefully over time, it will become an interesting insight into my own world. This project can be followed at Dr Burgoo's Cabinet of Curiosities.
No comments:
Post a Comment