Considerable Sounds: Music That Matters »
Posted By Radiofreeeuropa 1 year, 8 months ago in Arts & EntertainmentMolecular Mysticism and The Music of the Spheres The musician integrates into the social fabric, but is not of it. Art simply does not exist unassailed by social forces and the material world. One must turn inward in a process that is both personal and universal, emerging in the end outwardly via art. Music requires that it's performer be com
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Radiofreeeuropa
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Radiofreeeuropa1 year, 8 months ago
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Taoism, Zen, Jazz, Rock, and revolution. Without the inner journey would there have been Beefheart or Zappa music? Without Beefheart and Zappa would there have been a "Plastic People of the Universe"?
Without The PPU, would Havel have penned Article 77? Rock and revolution.
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Radiofreeeuropa1 year, 8 months ago
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david_nwpa1 year, 8 months ago
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I am not sure about musical groups; however, I know that authors such as Heinrich Böhl and Hermann Hesse had much to do with the fall of East Germany. Their writings inspired a people to resist at opportune moments. Böhl wrote passionately about the collapse of Germany after World War II and how much the people needed to reclaim their country and return it from the brink of extinction. He was mortified at the changes that transpired over the years that followed the war, in that sooo many people were caught up in commercialism.
As for Hesse, he explored the deeper workings of the human condition and soul. He showed a nation that the Buddha and his ideas had appeal and tangible benefit for the Germans. Put these two authors together, and one could argue that they encouraged East Germans to escape East Berlin, or sneak across the border.
No one of whom I am aware had the influence you described, RFE.
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Beau78901 year, 8 months ago
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I don't know if any one band had the influence of the Plastic People, but many of the bands of the '60s contributed greatly to the spirit of the times in the U.S., the sweeping changes in mores and attitudes about so many issues during that time.
The music was an integral part of the movement, from early Dylan through the later Beatles. It served not only to unite and inspire people on a grassroots level, but also came to embody and sometimes crystallize the ideals of a new generation.
'60s music in didn't overthrow the U.S. government, but it sure helped to radically change national policies.
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Spadecaller1 year, 8 months ago
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You're right, RFE; it is amazing.
Upon the shoulders of each other we step up and each and every piece of universal art and song is a serendipitous testament of integrity; it is this unabashed self-less expression that touches us and transforms.
Without the lullabies of Brahms or Chopin, the masterpieces of Beethoven, the jazz, blues, and spirituals of unknown black minstrels, the entertainers like Al Jolson, the folk and social protest songs of Woody Guthrie, country's story of a people, the poetry of Dylan, or classical rock's social and political commentary, would there have ever been "plastic people of the Universe"? (I think not.)
Along the way we may applaud the artist and his/her art, but an unabashed message graced by a universal spirit will always remain free from trend, pomp, or circumstance. Time will always resurrect great art and great music, as long as we have eyes, ears, and the ability to feel each other's presence.
Great article -- great work, RFE!
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HannibalBarca1 year, 8 months ago
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Can you think of any bands that had quite the political influence of the Plastic People?
Obviously the Beatles; when first coming to America many politicians warned us of the dangers of Rock & Roll and especially the Beatles; Tricky Dick and John were not real close to each other (go figure)They were also the reason for the first world wide TV broadcast.
Slightly off topic, John,s death had an immense impact on the world with more people giving a moment of silence than most Nov 11 receive
Yes the Beatles very much had an impact on politics
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david_nwpa1 year, 8 months ago
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"One's essence is inherently complete." - (The Zen Teachings of Mazu.)
Inherently complete? I am not sure about that. As humans age and grow, their essence matures and broadens. Our outreach with other humans expands the nature of the person who exists within us and makes us new people. We are not born revolutionaries; our surroundings prompt us to take matters in our own hands and change the course of the history of those who surround us. Can we not argue that the inner essence of our being changes as we expand our identities change? Alternatively, are we merely exploring our essence, and as a result of discovery, our perception of that essence changes?
The East Germans, like the Czechs, knew this story all too well. They knew the essence of freedom, but were denied it until the 1990s. Awesome article, RFE.
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Radiofreeeuropa1 year, 8 months ago
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I'm not sure if our inner essence actually changes, perhaps we become more and more aware of different aspects of it through experience. That our growth is a realization of a deeper sphere of reality. Very good point about the East Germans though, I hadn't thought of that.
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gamahuche1 year, 8 months ago
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Well you knew I'd get here some time, I'm sure!!
Its a great, great piece and I find it astoundingly accurate in its insights from someone who didn't actually live through it. I should add that I didn't live through so much if it either in terms of BEING there but I never ever stopped watching and waiting and my first return as an adult was in 1973 which was the height of what was, in a sickeningly paradoxical way, called "normalisation". Perhaps I can make the dynamics just a tad clearer. The "Prague Spring", under Dubcek, created such an amazing surge of optimism and the whiff of freedom was SO potent and it happened to be the time when psychedelia ruled. So the fusion was perfect and to this day there is considerable tolerance for people who still reprise that period. Marihuana laws exist but are by-and-large ignored but the upwardly-mobile cell-phone society has to some extent managed to displace some of those passions.
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Radiofreeeuropa1 year, 8 months ago
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Well, I thought you might have some deeper insight on this one! Glad to hear I hadn't missed the mark by much. I did hear the (reunited) band at the Lucas show in NYC. I'm sure they are not exactly in their prime yet there was indeed something still quite incendiary in their performance. Truly an amazing story.
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gamahuche1 year, 8 months ago
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One extremely noticeable difference is how much less TIME people have and what long gaps ocurr between visiting even with best-loved friends!
But being a bohemian is still quite a comfortable position in Bohemia and while some of those radicals put on suits and ties and a few even became bloated plutocrats the majority still hang out together and many of them will meet with the same guys on the same pub on a Friday night and continue the dialogue..
As for the Plastic themselves they recently had a long gig playing much of their old stuff before, during and after each performance of Tom Stoppard's "Rock 'N Roll", reviewed and discussed in English here: http://www.radio.cz/en/article/89003
Unfortunatetely the production, at the National Theatre tended to play for cheap laughs..
I'll pause here but for now confer upon you the virtual title of "Honorary Bohemian" until such time as you are able to receive it in person in situ!
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Searchbeam1 year, 8 months ago
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A song is really a synthesis of music and word/lyric. Individually, they exist on different planes, and can soothe the soul, as well as arouse strong emotions and upheavals. Every revolution starts with a thought and blossoms into an expression that can move mountains and create tsunamis of human emotions- things that can change the world. Vaclav Havel conclusively proved that.
When these two come together, they have the power to change an individual, a society, a nation or even the world. If the artist can overcome the urge of instant gratification of gimmickry and reach the depths of emotions and the eternal quest of sublime, he/she has created a masterpiece that takes a life of its own and lives into eternity.
Such is the power of this art we call word and music!
Thanks for this thought-provoking post, Radio.
My thoughts are purely the expression of my experiences as a writer and poet. If they have any bearing on yours, the joy of discovery can multiply!
Peace and Blessings!
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