Song of the day – 338: 2001 A Space Odyssey

Damn straight. This qualifies as a song, right?

Our first experience of 2001: A Space Odyssey (a film I’ve been meaning to see since around 1975) was marvellous: the entire final Surrealist/oils sequence had its sense of mystery and magnificence only increased by the spectacle of Daniel (aged almost two) hurling his socks at us nonstop. Plus, the constant vocal ejaculation from our toddler terror: “Whass that? WHASS THAT?” (Isaac has just heard the music for the first time: and is currently quaking and wailing down a two-foot-long cardboard tube in imitation.)

What fantastic opening music. Every blockbuster since has tried, and failed, to match its omnipotence.

And those Gyorgy Ligeti swarm-upon-swarm-of-ferocious-bees-buzzing numbers … ! OMG! OMG! Isaac wailing over them, with a rampaging thunderstorm going on right outside, is only increasing the sense of strangeness and claustrophobia. Isaac is now attacking the furniture, and squealing off the scale. Who’s going to crack … first …….. ??

by Everett True

My name is Everett True. I am a music critic. This is what I do. I criticise music. The clue is in my job description – music critic. I do not consider myself a journalist, as I do not research or report hard news. I do not consider myself a commentator as I believe that everyone should be a participant. I criticise people and in return I am not surprised if other people criticise me. It is part of the whole deal of being in the public arena. I am Everett True. Believe in me and I have power like a God. Quit believing in me and I no longer exist.