Another go-to/favorite band this morning – Throwing Muses recorded at Melkweg in Amsterdam on April 14, 1988 and preserved by VPRO in Hilversum.
Whether is was via Throwing Muses or her solo career, Kristin Hersh has always been someone whose work has been anticipated and never disappointed by. A lot of engaging imagery – compelling and memorable, she’s been (along with Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave) one of the high points in music coming out of the 80s and heading into the 90s.
Fortunately, she’s going strong, still has a lot to say and I would urge anyone who is just coming to her work now to dive into her catalog and go exploring – not to mention supporting her efforts because she is doing something that ups her integrity and work ethic several points and that’s getting crowdfunding to support new projects.
Sadly, we’re running into a situation in our current state of culture where artists whose work is honest, well-crafted and whose vision is clear and concise are getting shoved in the back, sidelined and overlooked by those with bigger budgets, noisier marketing and limited vision.
Wish I could say that’s not always been the case but, for at least the past 40 years it has. That’s why support on the individual level is crucial – and, like voting, if you don’t think your musical choices make any difference – supporting who you can how you can makes all the difference in the world.
Enough of my grandstanding – what I’m trying to say is; Kristin Hersh, whether its in the context of Throwing Muses or as solo artist is someone whose work you need to investigate (if you haven’t already) and involve yourself in. It’s good music – it’s honest music – it’s wonderfully crafted music and examples of this go back to the 1980s when we were just starting to hear that “different things were happening on this side of the ocean”.
Here’s a reminder of Throwing Muses and what we were listening to in 1988 – and a reminder to head over to Kristin Hersh’s site and go digging.
Game changer – I promise.
