ScottR wrote:I guess its the general tone of the discussion. He doesn't seem to be enthusiastic about anything these days. Some of this could be attributed to the questions that were asked.
Yeah, I think it was the choice of journalist this time around. I agree he didn't come off as well as other interviews. What he had to say, content wise, was obviously interesting but the tone and pace didn't read well.
I do think the Swedish interview is a lot more genuine. Those questions are more along the lines of what a long time fan would ask. I particularly like the question about Bowie & Roxy although I think some of it was lost in translation. Its a lot more fun to read thats for sure.
I agree this was very much a more engaging read. Shame about the same references always popping up from the past, but I guess that's part and parcel of dealing with the nature of the beast
. One of which he accepts as a trade off despite preferring not to go over old ground. Besides, he is the one that chooses each interviewer so he has a large degree of control over this.
In regards to his present direction, I think it was probably always a foregone conclusion that Sylvian was bound to plumb the depths of full on avant garde at some point. He's always followed his nose to whatever interests him (or what is going on in his life) at any given point and explored that. He's got himself in an enviable place where he can afford to do what he likes outwith pressures of financial/record company/etc. As an artist pursuing a creative outlet, this is no bad thing and necessary to grow and learn new things. I'm certain, as has happened with every musical direction he has took, that it will take further twists and turns and he will continue to go on to the next thing. In the future this is possibly with a more accessible listening experience that will appeal to a greater number of people. For the moment, he is (indulgently) pleasing himself.
Manafon is a serious piece of work, it's certainly worthy of the acclaim it's received. It's a stark contrast to the largely embellished, beautiful and carefully laid compositions of the last decade of which what he has created a career out of. It's a fair point that many fans still love this work, and there is nothing wrong with that. It doesn't render it obsolete though just because his attention is now currently drawn to other styles. It is obvious though that he is largely influenced by his state of mind & recent experiences in his introspection in which to draw from. I can see why this is perceived in a sombre light although I'm certain this isn't a perpetual state.
He's never been a crowd pleaser, and I think he rather enjoys that fact.