Art of Noise — The Holy Egoism of Genius
Album: The Seduction of Claude DebussyAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 556
Length: 7:53
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This entire album is pure genius.
I like the music of Debussy but I regret having been informed of these opinions of his.
Annie Lennox says "Never mind, dear; don't make fuss. I'll have your Beethoven - I love it! I'm having Beethoven, Beethoven, Beethoven, baked beans, Spam, and Beethoven."
fredriley wrote:
A shame. He made such a good bad guy, when given the chance.
Too bad he'd already been cast as Ollivander in the Harry Potter movies, because he'd have made a superior Dumbledore to Michael Gambon, after Richard Harris "moved on".
Sadly, John Hurt, whose unmistakable voice does the narration, died recently. Another great voice, and great talent, taken away from us :(
A shame. He made such a good bad guy, when given the chance.
Too bad he'd already been cast as Ollivander in the Harry Potter movies, because he'd have made a superior Dumbledore to Michael Gambon, after Richard Harris "moved on".
Oh wait that was not Busey never mind.
Perfect segue from Debussy's Jardin Sous La Pluie...
This fits into the “never thought I would hear this broadcast” category. A category Radio Paradise excels at making.
Unimpressive in the extreme. Debussy would have hated it. Like me.
Sadly, John Hurt, whose unmistakable voice does the narration, died recently. Another great voice, and great talent, taken away from us :(
I must say hearing the intro, Debussy and I have a lot in common. Fancy that! 
Debussy didn't believe in god. He didn't believe in the Establishment. He
Didn't believe in bourgeois convention. (Neither do I)!
He didn't believe in Beethoven or
Wagner. He believed in... Debussy.
Debussy understood that a work of art, or an effort to create beauty, was
Always regarded by some people as a personal attack.
He hated to appear in public. Hated to conduct. Hated to play the piano at
Concerts.
He preferred cats to people. (SmartMan!)
No one was ever sure whether the spites with which Debussy armed his
Volatile sensibilities were activated by a savage insensitivity, or by the
Holy egoism of genius.
This is a concept album so to extract cuts off of it seems unhelpful. I enjoy listening to random cuts now that I have the whole album in my head - but I doubt it would have blown me away if I hadn't listened to the whole thing first.
And you've got to appreciate the experimentation?
I guess RP caught the vibe here and dropped it out of rotation. (I was just checking to see if it was on the playlist)
And you've got to appreciate the experimentation?
I guess RP caught the vibe here and dropped it out of rotation. (I was just checking to see if it was on the playlist)
As a huge Debussy fan, I find most of this album lacking. The exceptions are this song, and "il pleure," which are both based on Debussy's incredible Sarabande.
I like Art of Noise but this is just plain tedious
I always have liked the AoN, and The The as well.......great stuff
Outstanding triple segue! You're the greatest RP! 
Great triple play:
7:41 am - Art of Noise - The Holy Egoism of Genius
7:38 am - Claude Debussy - Estampes- III Jardins sous la pluie
7:33 am - Gotan Project - L Biguela
Govi wrote:
I thought it was Claude Rains and as a result, I wondered. This is a wonderful, imaginative, and beautiful song. Sorry you don't like Hurt's performance. Do you like any of the music?
Hard for me to get past the ponderous diatribe I'm afraid - it's not Hurt's fault I guess - this kind of mish-mash of music and ummm... dramatic speech is always doomed in my humble opinion.
rocteur wrote:
HEAR HEAR!
Sucko-Barfo at its best!
I wonder if War of the Worlds will be next on the playlist ?
Unfortunately not.. it is more shiite Over the Rhine Jesus In New Orleans, at least it is consistent!
MrSpaz wrote:
Go get a CD collection of Debussy's works; listen to that and try to forget this ever happened. 
Spare me - Debussy's classical piano is not eclectic rock. Loathe "classical" music in 80% of cases.
Gimme rock, even this!
gazza wrote:
Excruciatingly awful - John Hurt was the fee so high for you to ditch your artistic pride?
I thought it was Claude Rains and as a result, I wondered. This is a wonderful, imaginative, and beautiful song. Sorry you don't like Hurt's performance. Do you like any of the music?
Excruciatingly awful - John Hurt was the fee so high for you to ditch your artistic pride?
MrSpaz wrote:
Go get a CD collection of Debussy's works; listen to that and try to forget this ever happened.
HEAR HEAR!
Sucko-Barfo at its best!
I wonder if War of the Worlds will be next on the playlist ?
Love It. Love It. Love It.
"Wanna go for a RIDE??"
Actually own this CD, but haven't listened to it in ages. Thanks for the reminder!
Go get a CD collection of Debussy's works; listen to that and try to forget this ever happened.
lester wrote:
You would freely give the life's work of a hundred other persons? Generous indeed.
Funny Indeed
argh! the mute button!
What an odd notion: "believing" in one composer or another. Lovely concept and execution.
"Holy egoism of genius, Batman!"
"That sure is a strange religion you've got there, Robin, but the First Amendment protects it just the same."
interesting commentary and interesting music, but it comes together a bit clunkily, doesn't it.
Mot wrote: 
I just can't help but wonder at what point this song is going to get ripped apart and white milky blood start spuring all over the place. 
I just can't help but wonder at what point this song is going to get ripped apart and white milky blood start spuring all over the place.
JJAB wrote:
I come to RP to escape mainstream pop; what brings me back to RP are the eclectic choices such as this. Thank you. Some of those who don't see the beauty of this piece may very well fit into the anti-intellectual group that beat up on Debussy... :iamwith:
Yet another listener who bases intellect on whether a person likes or dislikes a song. Take a hike.
Love the jungle beats with a melodic tune, but the result isn't quite there. Pretty sweet nonetheless.
I was ok with this for awhile today, but then it just seemed to go on forever. Still don't like it.
I come to RP to escape mainstream pop; what brings me back to RP are the eclectic choices such as this. Thank you. Some of those who don't see the beauty of this piece may very well fit into the anti-intellectual group that beat up on Debussy... :iamwith:
Bill, you're killing me this morning. First Philip Glass now Art of Noise. WAKE ME UP PLEASE! #-o
K wrote:
Strange comment on a man who left such a musical legacy. "Work performed" isn't measured only in hours; I would give the lifetime works of a hundred average workers, no matter how hard they worked or how good people they were, for an hour of Debussy's music.
You would freely give the life's work of a hundred other persons? Generous indeed.
Thanks for this great obscure Art of Noise cut.
BORING BORING & EVENTUALLY ANNOYING
The 1st time i ever hear something i don't like on RP
dctrpunda wrote:
Man that was bad! To lose the other half of your listening audience, follow up with some Tomita does Holst's "The Planets". Again, so bad it leaves a taste in your mouth.
Indeedy, I am gone now - listening to the Counting Crows...
Man that was bad! To lose the other half of your listening audience, follow up with some Tomita does Holst's "The Planets". Again, so bad it leaves a taste in your mouth.
I just can't help but wonder at what point this song is going to get ripped apart and white milky blood start spuring all over the place.
What is JOHN HURT doing on this shash!
Total rubbish - like EVERYTHING this bunch of muppets do.
lester wrote:
Debussy hated:
"to appear in public . . . to conduct . . . to play the piano in concerts"
Sounds like he was against putting in a day's work.
Strange comment on a man who left such a musical legacy. "Work performed" isn't measured only in hours; I would give the lifetime works of a hundred average workers, no matter who hard they worked or how good people they were, for an hour of Debussy's music.
Oh, and my rating goes up from 9 to 10. The words may be pretentious but they ring true.
I am dying here. Strings? Please!!!!Lurker wrote:
I love the War of Worlds album -- I still have the album. Not just Richard Burton's voice, but also the music, including Forever Autumn, makes it a spectactular recording.
...Except it isn't Richard Burton...
Gotta give RP credit for playing stuff that NEVER gets onto the mainstream airwaves...but then, that's why we listen isn't it? Right on!
This is hysterical. A parody of serious music?
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I like Art of Noise but after the elegant Philip Glass we just heard, this sounds like 2 cars at a stoplight with different songs blaring.
I must agree.
I love the War of Worlds album -- I still have the album. Not just Richard Burton's voice, but also the music, including Forever Autumn, makes it a spectactular recording.
I like Art of Noise but after the elegant Philip Glass we just heard, this sounds like 2 cars at a stoplight with different songs blaring.
WonderLizard wrote:
Everybody needs something to believe, and I believe I'll have another drink...
Wow at 7AM?!
I like Art of Noise. this isn't one of my faves, but they sure broke the mold back in their day.
Everybody needs something to believe, and I believe I'll have another drink... :propeller.gif:
kerouvian wrote:
Does anybody else hear 'Lemon Jelly' here?
no - this doesn't approach LJ imo. pretentious spoken word + drum machine + cheap midi = 3
Does anybody else hear 'Lemon Jelly' here?
"Gotta fire my fecking agent for this...."
I suddenly feel itchy
Hey is that guy talking the same guy from the Moody Blues - the guy that says something stupid about "Cold-Hearted Orb that rules the night" or something dumb. Sure sounds like him.
It's good work if you can get it I guess.
Debussy hated:
"to appear in public . . . to conduct . . . to play the piano in concerts"
Sounds like he was against putting in a day's work.
mojoman wrote:
The whole "artist as prophet" schtick is soooo old and so pretentious. It's just sooo 19th century!
I'm not sure I prefer the modern "'artist' as a cash cow" model.
Makes me want to listen to lots more Debussy. Oh, and Art of Noise, too.
Very nice...
:meditate.gif:
"He hated people. He actually preferred cats."
time_101 wrote:
Uh ... hehehehe This Sucks. Change It.
Huhuhuhuhu Shut up Beavis *Smack*
So you look to Beavis and Butthead as icons of cultural taste?
I've heard this song before, and didn't like it at first, took a while to get into it.
Uh ... hehehehe This Sucks. Change It.
Huhuhuhuhu Shut up Beavis *Smack*
Pyro wrote:
Perhaps you should find your mute button.
already did.
daveesh wrote:
i don't believe i'm actually listening to this crap.
Perhaps you should find your mute button.
Great bass solo. AON that I haven't heard before. That's good.
i don't believe i'm actually listening to this crap.
can we just hear some debussy instead?
where do i begin?
Noise? Certainly. Art? Debatable.
I like the narration. It adds to the atmosphere of the song.
you people take the 'art of noise' too seriously.
try not to understand it, just enjoy it.
I generally like Art of Noise. This entire album would have been much better had they not decided to have an actor read a Music 101 essay about DeBussy over its length (not merely this track).
nigeltufnel wrote:
this is the kind of stuff beavis and butthead would make fun of. why are you playing it?
So you look to Beavis and Butthead as icons of cultural taste?
I've heard this song before, and didn't like it at first, took a while to get into it.
timandjuliet wrote:
Potentially great song ruined by talking. Talking during a song just bugs the hell outa me.
Seems like it would have been better with much less talking
The whole "artist as prophet" schtick is soooo old and so pretentious. It's just sooo 19th century!
So, it's official then?
It's not ego t ism??
Debussey had issues...
A 6.
Uhh. That noise at the beginning - the one like a CD failing to spin. I got sooo panicked at that one.
Potentially great song ruined by talking. Talking during a song just bugs the hell outa me.
I can see why this song bugs people, but I really dig it.
8) Dreadful pretensions of mediocrity drooling all over itself
rgj13 wrote:
Nice...
And good catch, too.
casablues wrote:
PRETENTIOUS
TRUE
8)
Great 'concept' album
what would follow this: Enigma; Rick Wakeman; something from War of the Worlds; the end of Days of Future Passed; or a selection from Nat'l Lampoon's Radio Dinner (like the interview with the bass player, perhaps)?
surfing the edge of excess, but not dismissable.
Gee, I like a lot of Art of Noise's stuff, and I like a lot of electronica...unfortunately this is not one of those songs.
It's not horrible, just very mediocre.
I have to give this a "Most Excellent" for John Hurt alone!
Johray63 wrote:
Now I understand why Robbie Robertson might as well be an actor. He's just as impressive when he speaks (like in Somewhere Down The Crazy River) as John Hurt. Maybe even more. By the way, he did do some acting I believe. He's got the looks too.
yup
Dakota Exile (1996) .... (Narrator)
Crossing Guard, The (1995) .... Roger
Carny (1980) .... Patch
Cool..........
rgj13 wrote:
go ahead. watch yer shoes.
this is good, avante garde,
early art of noise was groundbreaking . . . .
home_star wrote:
i wanna barf... 
go ahead. watch yer shoes.
Yeap. I like this. Please, more of this, and Yello too
Originally Posted by nigeltufnel:
this is the kind of stuff beavis and butthead would make fun of. why are you playing it?
Um... how is that an argument against playing something on RP? --d
WOW!!
what a treat.....A of N one of my all time favourites. good stuff!!
Time to haul out my old copy of "Journey to the Center of the Earth," by Rick Wakeman. Talk of pretentious....
Ha! Different. I kinda like it -- just not too often.
CRIPES! What is this? Repetitious sounds day?
Oops! My bad! 
I didn't listen long enough before commenting to hear the 'spoken word' portion.
Jhees - repetitious and pretentious.....Make it stop...
This sounds 
PRETENTIOUS
So, how long does this go on?
I\'m sorry, but Hurt just sounds too much like Boris Karloff narrating \"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas\" for me. I\'m just laughing here waiting for him to say that Debussy\'s heart \"grew three times that day....\"
Good Stuff. I\'d like to hear more.
This one really makes a ton more sense in the context of the album. Mainly because the album\'s all a lot like this, except it\'s got more ups and downs, and it works better in a long form. And it\'s got some really wonderful sonic textures - Debussy\'s piano work fits better with sharply tuned beats than you\'d ever expect.
For some reason
I have this image of the church lady grooving.
hay it\'s really funny in my head.
I think I have been coding to long
Originally Posted by AJWood:
:D
what a trip!
Quite.
I enjoyed the bio
Smooth, possibly too smooth. :(
Now I understand why Robbie Robertson might as well be an actor. He\'s just as impressive when he speaks (like in Somewhere Down The Crazy River) as John Hurt. Maybe even more. By the way, he did do some acting I believe. He\'s got the looks too.
Originally Posted by tawanda:
The spoken parts sound like John Hurt ....
It is.. check out amazon...com for the cd. The editorial review makes mention of other actors & actresses that are also on the album...
I'm gonna get this one... Art of Noise.. always something about coming back to it after a period of time and re-listening to their music.. quite often you find rememberance in the evils of our world .. ie south africa on.. was it "In No Sence? Nonsense!" ?.. I think it was "nothing was going to stop them then, anyway" I could be wrong.. seems I need to drag that out again.. been a while. :D
The spoken parts sound like John Hurt ....
Ummmm, on FIRST listen, this comes off as pretentious. Although it makes a great backdrop to a chat about existentialism.
He preferred cats to people.
I think I have to hear it again when i am in a different mood/mode, and see how I like it then.Mixing in some new tracks, Good stuff....
LLRP!!
Debussy didn't believe in godHe didn't believe in the establishment
He didn't believe in bourgeois convention
He didn't believe in beethoven or
Wagner he believed in debussyDebussy understood that a work of art
Or an effort to create beauty, was
Always regarded by some people as a personal attackHe hated to appear in public
Hated to conduct
Hated to play the piano at concerts
He preferred cats to people
No one was ever sure whether the spites
With which debussy armed his
Volatile senibilities were activated by
A savage insensitivity, or by the
Holy egoism of genius
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Anne Dudley / Lol Creme / Paul Morley / Trevor Horn
The Holy Egoism of Genius lyrics © BMG Rights Management US, LLC