Feb 042007
Townsman Christian writes:
Hey,
This is Christian, at Fritz’s place watching the Super Bowl, joining Fritz in some scotch tasting and posting as him.
I am trying to convince Fritz to join me to go see Jandek in Richmond next month. He’d never heard of Jandek. If the rest of you haven’t, click here.
Give us your opinions here! The curiosity factor alone should be worth the trip.
Thanks for posting this. Previously I had been vaguely intrigued by the idea of Jandek. Is he really just fretting the guitar at random, as it appears? I really felt for the sidemen.
What’s the hook with this guy, mental problems, strong backing from a Sugar Daddy, or just plain Hero to the Talentless Who Are Too Scared to Try Getting Onstage Themselves?
I like that Jandek’s doing the occasional live gig now, if only because it’s kind of a huge blow to the mystique built up by the more fervent members of his cult. It actually must be terribly disappointing to many of them that he’s no longer Mr. Invisible.
Christian and Fritz,
Are you feeling like you’re getting enough input here? I’m sure you appreciate the input you’ve gotten from a few of us, but someone’s got to have more to say abou this fellow. He’s a legendary cult artist, no? Who amon you has paid beaucoup bucks for a Jandek album?
Let’s see, I own…11 albums out of the 50 or so Jandek has released over the years. Total expenditure on same, probably about $60. No one has ever paid beaucoup bucks for a Jandek record, because his wholesale price is next to nothing. Twisted Village has his entire catalogue on CD for about $6 a pop, and for years back in the 80s, you could get a box of a couple dozen LPs for like $20.
What can I tell you? There are songs I like and songs I don’t. There are periods I prefer and periods I can’t stand. Musically, he appeals to pretty much exactly the same part of me that likes Harry Partch. None of this is likely to make Mr. Mod change his mind on the subject.
the great 48 wrote:
I’m sure Fritz and Christian will appreciate this response. Don’t worry about my mind. I’m just reaching out on behalf of two Townsmen.