cryptique

You'll have to define "fundamental knowledge of theory." To me, this is something that a musician can acquire simply by playing and listening to music. Are you talking about training and study? I don't think a grounding in theory inherently hinders one's compositional ability, but I do think that many who have that grounding find themselves far too tempted to show off their knowledge of theory in their compositions, and rely more on their technical background than on their own creativity. And that results in music I don't particularly care to listen to.

I believe the original thesis was that Tweedy would be a better songwriter if he would just "abide by some of the simple compositional rules," the implication being that he should learn some theory. I say he's been doing just fine without it. Anyone who plays music picks up a smattering of theory by osmosis (though they may not be able to explain the theory they've picked up), but my point is that formal training in theory isn't a prerequisite to creating great music, or great art in general.

Vinokourov tests positive for banned transfusion, Team Astana pulls out of the Tour. link

I disagree. John Lennon was an average guitar player at best and knew little, if any, musical theory. But he had inspiration, creativity, and passion. Sometimes that's all you need.

Theory is great stuff to know. So is drafting, woodcarving, clay throwing... ...but without inspiration, creativity, and passion, theory is almost useless. A musician can be technically brilliant, but if there's no passion in his playing, it's empty. A composer can know theory backwards and forwards, but if there's no inspiration in her compositions, they're lifeless. You can create great art without formal training. You cannot create great art with formal training and nothing else.

Yup.

All the time. No, I don't agree. Theory is fine for some people, but not for others. In the end, it's inspiration and talent that matters, theory be damned.

I mentioned classical pieces because it's an obvious comparison for making a point. I understand that music theory is not exclusive to such works. And I couldn't disagree more. You're confusing training with talent. Music is not a secret, imparted only to those who undergo training. In that sense it is a wonderfully democratic art form, because even the most untrained songwriter can produce works of staggering beauty. Knowledge of theory can grease the rails a bit for some people, but it is not a guarantee of inspiration.

Fixed it for you.

I think the question itself is pointless. Music is a creative medium, and while it's possible to determine certain "rules," or at least habits, regarding its "proper" construction, in the end it's just a bunch of songs, and either you like them or you don't. Knowledge of music theory can help you compose symphonies or perform difficult pieces, but it doesn't take training to recognize a pleasing chord progression or a killer hook. Maybe training helps you understand why, on some intellectual level, that chord progression or hook works, but it doesn't necessarily help you write better ones.

Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog

Dobby was the Jar Jar Binks of the series. I didn't miss him. I still laugh about this on a daily basis.

What a fucking joke. Dinosaur Jr. kills every band on that list without even trying ... with the possible exception of Wilco.

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As I believe I said in another thread, bring back Australian Rules Football. "Who's Now" is possibly the worst pile of shit ESPN has ever produced.

"If I am elected ... free booze and hookers for everyone!"

Once was OK, but was it really necessary to post this in two separate forums?

Somewhat off-topic, but I found this amusing.

Whoever came up with that list doesn't understand what "protest song" means. What, no "Signs" by Tesl-- er, the Five Man Electrical Band?

I kind of like the commercial where the guy steals a VW and brings it back, but I guess I'm the only one.

Lead pack 1. Murmur 2. Reckoning 3. Fables of the Reconstruction 4. Lifes Rich Pageant Chase #1 (a few minutes behind) 5. Automatic for the People 6. Document Chase #2 (several minutes behind) 7. New Adventures in Hi-Fi 8. Monster The Peloton (so far back that they're irrelevant, i.e., albums that don't interest me at all) 9. - ?. (everything else) Note: If we're including Chronic Town, it'd be in the lead pack.

Wikipedia suggests that it's multi-level marketing. I'd stay the fuck away.

Sweet. I am so buying this.