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44 Great Things America Has Given Me
Posted by: Keech on 20th Jan 2009 in Opinion
Musical geniuses, epic films, iconic design, unique art movements, great novels; Barack Obama's inauguration reminded me of America's vast creative legacy and how I have feasted upon it over the years. So, by way of personal celebration, here are the first 44 highlights that came to my mind. In alphabetical order for reasons of equality...
1. A Midnight Clear by William Wharton
As profound as it is unassuming, this is THE alternative classic war novel.
2. Andy Warhol
"In the future 15 people will be famous", or "In 15 minutes everybody will be famous." And Campbell's soup is now immortal.
3. Apocalypse Now directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Empire magazine chose the helicopter attack to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries as the most memorable film scene ever.
4. Apollo Lunar Module
This superb piece of sculpture was first exhibited on the Moon in 1969.
5. Arshile Gorky
Leading Abstract Expressionist and painter of "The Liver Is The Cock's Comb", which Andre Breton declared to be "one of the most important paintings made in America".
6. Birdy
More literary genius from the pen of William Wharton, and a respectable film starring Matthew Modine and Nicholas Cage to boot.
7. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
Hard to sum up the exploits of Doc and Mack in a single sentence, but this, as with much of Steinbeck's work should satisfy your desire to find the meaning of life.
8. Charles And Ray Eames
The king and queen of American design in perpetuum.
9. Charlie Parker
Of him poet and playwright Adrian Mitchell once said;
He breathed in air
He breathed out light
Charlie Parker was my delight.
10. David Smith
Industrial steel with poise, delicacy and musicality from the heavyweight of American sculpture.
11. Deadeye Dick by Kurt Vonnegut
You know you're in for the Vonnegut treatment when this novel kicks off with an accidental double homicide at the hands of a nonchalantly gun-toting 12 year old.
12. Dodge Charger
The perfect antidote (should you need one) for compact, economical motoring from the immortal (thanks to Bullitt) American grunt-mobile.
13. Doo-wop
Somewhere between gospel fervour and teen angst as the sounds of close harmony drift up from a street corner somewhere in Philly...
14. Frank Lloyd Wright
Recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time" - need I say more?
15. Funk
An explanation with stuffy old words would be ridiculous. Just get on the Good Foot.
16. Goodfellas
Martin Scorsese's superb film containing Joe Pesci's brilliant "funny guy" soliloquy, and a lesson to all TV chefs (sorry Gordon, Nigella and Jamie) in the real meaning of food preparation, (prison, garlic, razor blade in case you forgot).
17. High Noon directed by Fred Zinnemann
The Western to end them all, with Gary Cooper's lofty portrayal of all that is noble and brave in the human condition.
18. Jackie Wilson
The voice of an angel and a pair of boxer's dancing feet to go with it.
19. Jackson Pollock
The American dream gone wrong with booze, a car crash and an untimely end leaving us to contemplate some of the most significant expressive paintings the world has known.
20. James Brown
The American dream a bit better; Godfather of soul and colossal influence on the modern music industry, all from a beginning of abject poverty.
21. Jazz
One of the most significant expressive art forms of the 20th (and 21st) century, and 100% made in America.
22. Jazz On A Summer's Day directed by Bert Stern
America in its halcyon days and the precursor to the music video.
23. Jeff Koons
The doyen of kitsch in the arena of high art.
24. John Coltrane
When you can play his Giant Steps you know you've made it as a musician.
25. Levi's
"They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." Yves Saint-Laurent
26. Louis Armstrong
Now employed as God's lead trumpet player, when he died a headline ran, "Move over Gabriel".
27. Mark Rothko
Colour, canvas and intellectual muscle. I believe he said "Certain people always say we should go back to nature. I notice they never say we should go forward to nature."
28. Miles Davis
This is getting difficult, too many geniuses, too few words. I would boldly suggest that if "So What" is not one of your Desert Island Discs, you may have missed something.
29. Moby Dick
I'm thinking of the 1956 film version with the tortured Gregory Peck in pursuit of the malevolent leviathan.
30. Motown
From the industrial heartland of Detroit came forth sweetness.
31. Once Upon A Time In America directed by Sergio Leone
A very beautiful film indeed, not least because of the lovely soundtrack.
32. P-51 Mustang
America's equivalent of our gorgeous Spitfire and an assured winner in the Top Trumps of my youth.
33. Rock 'n' roll
Uncertain of its origins? Check Wynonie Harris's "All She Want's To Do Is Rock" for a good place to start.
34. Sam Cooke
His pop music helped Levi Strauss sell an awful lot of jeans, but his gospel is sublime.
35. Soul
Can't get enough of it. May well appeal to those of you of an emotional disposition.
36. The 20th Century Limited
In particular the one fitted with the streamlined casing designed by Henry Drefuss.
37. The Baseball Boot
Perennial resident of my wardrobe since the age of eight.
38. The Big country directed by William Wyler
The opening panorama and soundtrack say it all.
39. The Blues
Birthplace: United States Of America
Current Residence: In just about every form of contemporary western pop music.
40. The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald's third novel so evocative of its era and country. The plot ain't bad neither!
41. The Wanderers directed by Philip Kaufman
Underrated cult classic with ace soundrack and a lesson in how to eat pizza in the opening sequence.
42. Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck
Careful when reading this novel; it will make you want to give up your career and spend your days drinking wine from a flagon while philosophizing with your paisanos.
43. Travels With Charlie
By the same author; the discovery of America with a customized camper van and a poodle.
44. Barack Obama
For giving us a bit of hope in these dark days.
Posted by: Keech on 20th Jan 2009 in Opinion
Musical geniuses, epic films, iconic design, unique art movements, great novels; Barack Obama's inauguration reminded me of America's vast creative legacy and how I have feasted upon it over the years. So, by way of personal celebration, here are the first 44 highlights that came to my mind. In alphabetical order for reasons of equality...
1. A Midnight Clear by William Wharton
As profound as it is unassuming, this is THE alternative classic war novel.
2. Andy Warhol
"In the future 15 people will be famous", or "In 15 minutes everybody will be famous." And Campbell's soup is now immortal.
3. Apocalypse Now directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Empire magazine chose the helicopter attack to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries as the most memorable film scene ever.
4. Apollo Lunar Module
This superb piece of sculpture was first exhibited on the Moon in 1969.
5. Arshile Gorky
Leading Abstract Expressionist and painter of "The Liver Is The Cock's Comb", which Andre Breton declared to be "one of the most important paintings made in America".
6. Birdy
More literary genius from the pen of William Wharton, and a respectable film starring Matthew Modine and Nicholas Cage to boot.
7. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
Hard to sum up the exploits of Doc and Mack in a single sentence, but this, as with much of Steinbeck's work should satisfy your desire to find the meaning of life.
8. Charles And Ray Eames
The king and queen of American design in perpetuum.
9. Charlie Parker
Of him poet and playwright Adrian Mitchell once said;
He breathed in air
He breathed out light
Charlie Parker was my delight.
10. David Smith
Industrial steel with poise, delicacy and musicality from the heavyweight of American sculpture.
11. Deadeye Dick by Kurt Vonnegut
You know you're in for the Vonnegut treatment when this novel kicks off with an accidental double homicide at the hands of a nonchalantly gun-toting 12 year old.
12. Dodge Charger
The perfect antidote (should you need one) for compact, economical motoring from the immortal (thanks to Bullitt) American grunt-mobile.
13. Doo-wop
Somewhere between gospel fervour and teen angst as the sounds of close harmony drift up from a street corner somewhere in Philly...
14. Frank Lloyd Wright
Recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time" - need I say more?
15. Funk
An explanation with stuffy old words would be ridiculous. Just get on the Good Foot.
16. Goodfellas
Martin Scorsese's superb film containing Joe Pesci's brilliant "funny guy" soliloquy, and a lesson to all TV chefs (sorry Gordon, Nigella and Jamie) in the real meaning of food preparation, (prison, garlic, razor blade in case you forgot).
17. High Noon directed by Fred Zinnemann
The Western to end them all, with Gary Cooper's lofty portrayal of all that is noble and brave in the human condition.
18. Jackie Wilson
The voice of an angel and a pair of boxer's dancing feet to go with it.
19. Jackson Pollock
The American dream gone wrong with booze, a car crash and an untimely end leaving us to contemplate some of the most significant expressive paintings the world has known.
20. James Brown
The American dream a bit better; Godfather of soul and colossal influence on the modern music industry, all from a beginning of abject poverty.
21. Jazz
One of the most significant expressive art forms of the 20th (and 21st) century, and 100% made in America.
22. Jazz On A Summer's Day directed by Bert Stern
America in its halcyon days and the precursor to the music video.
23. Jeff Koons
The doyen of kitsch in the arena of high art.
24. John Coltrane
When you can play his Giant Steps you know you've made it as a musician.
25. Levi's
"They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." Yves Saint-Laurent
26. Louis Armstrong
Now employed as God's lead trumpet player, when he died a headline ran, "Move over Gabriel".
27. Mark Rothko
Colour, canvas and intellectual muscle. I believe he said "Certain people always say we should go back to nature. I notice they never say we should go forward to nature."
28. Miles Davis
This is getting difficult, too many geniuses, too few words. I would boldly suggest that if "So What" is not one of your Desert Island Discs, you may have missed something.
29. Moby Dick
I'm thinking of the 1956 film version with the tortured Gregory Peck in pursuit of the malevolent leviathan.
30. Motown
From the industrial heartland of Detroit came forth sweetness.
31. Once Upon A Time In America directed by Sergio Leone
A very beautiful film indeed, not least because of the lovely soundtrack.
32. P-51 Mustang
America's equivalent of our gorgeous Spitfire and an assured winner in the Top Trumps of my youth.
33. Rock 'n' roll
Uncertain of its origins? Check Wynonie Harris's "All She Want's To Do Is Rock" for a good place to start.
34. Sam Cooke
His pop music helped Levi Strauss sell an awful lot of jeans, but his gospel is sublime.
35. Soul
Can't get enough of it. May well appeal to those of you of an emotional disposition.
36. The 20th Century Limited
In particular the one fitted with the streamlined casing designed by Henry Drefuss.
37. The Baseball Boot
Perennial resident of my wardrobe since the age of eight.
38. The Big country directed by William Wyler
The opening panorama and soundtrack say it all.
39. The Blues
Birthplace: United States Of America
Current Residence: In just about every form of contemporary western pop music.
40. The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald's third novel so evocative of its era and country. The plot ain't bad neither!
41. The Wanderers directed by Philip Kaufman
Underrated cult classic with ace soundrack and a lesson in how to eat pizza in the opening sequence.
42. Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck
Careful when reading this novel; it will make you want to give up your career and spend your days drinking wine from a flagon while philosophizing with your paisanos.
43. Travels With Charlie
By the same author; the discovery of America with a customized camper van and a poodle.
44. Barack Obama
For giving us a bit of hope in these dark days.
Comments
Posted by klute on 23rd Jan 2009 02:24 PM
.
My addition to the list would have to be bass-player Jaco Pastorius. He was the most fantastically inventive and musical musician I have ever heard (given my predisposition towards bass-players). If you set aside his precocious moments and listen to him playing with a big band, he plays all the arrangements, conducts, acts as musical director, and improvises around everyone else's parts, all through what he plays on the bass, and he has the most exhuberant spirit. Listen to any of his recordings, and every time you listen, you hear something new you hadn't heard before - the mark of a true genius.
.
My addition to the list would have to be bass-player Jaco Pastorius. He was the most fantastically inventive and musical musician I have ever heard (given my predisposition towards bass-players). If you set aside his precocious moments and listen to him playing with a big band, he plays all the arrangements, conducts, acts as musical director, and improvises around everyone else's parts, all through what he plays on the bass, and he has the most exhuberant spirit. Listen to any of his recordings, and every time you listen, you hear something new you hadn't heard before - the mark of a true genius.
Posted by Chris Arning on 23rd Jan 2009 04:54 PM
.
1. Hip-Hop Culture
2. The Chrysler Building
3. The F-15 fighter jet
4. Barack Obama
5. The Wire
6. Raymond Carver
7. Pecan Pie
8. American Football
9. The word ‘discombobulated’ (perhaps not by coinage but by usage)
10. Duke Ellington, The Gershwins, Thelonious Monk
.
1. Hip-Hop Culture
2. The Chrysler Building
3. The F-15 fighter jet
4. Barack Obama
5. The Wire
6. Raymond Carver
7. Pecan Pie
8. American Football
9. The word ‘discombobulated’ (perhaps not by coinage but by usage)
10. Duke Ellington, The Gershwins, Thelonious Monk
Posted by Anon. on 23rd Jan 2009 06:10 PM
.
My list might include:
Las Vegas
Mt Rushmore
AMC Gremlin
The GM Aztec
Michael Jackson
Peewee Herman
Wrestlers, footballers actors and comedians in politics
Television
Silicon breast implants
.
My list might include:
Las Vegas
Mt Rushmore
AMC Gremlin
The GM Aztec
Michael Jackson
Peewee Herman
Wrestlers, footballers actors and comedians in politics
Television
Silicon breast implants
Posted by Brad on 24th Jan 2009 09:16 AM
.
The skateboard.
Jay Adams and Christian Hosoi.
Discovering a different use for an empty swimming pool or handrail on some stairs never dreamed of by it's designer.
.
The skateboard.
Jay Adams and Christian Hosoi.
Discovering a different use for an empty swimming pool or handrail on some stairs never dreamed of by it's designer.
Posted by Keech on 26th Jan 2009 10:18 AM
.
There is good info on Jay Adams here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Adams
And as a non-skater myself I would say that "Dogtown And Z-Boys" is essential viewing for anyone remotely interested in design, popular culture and sub-culture.
.
There is good info on Jay Adams here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Adams
And as a non-skater myself I would say that "Dogtown And Z-Boys" is essential viewing for anyone remotely interested in design, popular culture and sub-culture.
Posted by Andrew Collins on 27th Jan 2009 10:45 AM
.
I love this list. I've been as knee-jerk anti-American as many otherwise liberals since May 2003 (actually, since September 12, 2001, although you can trace it back earlier), but you can never really mean it wholeheartedly. I might add Edward Hopper, Stephen King, the Wu Tang Clan, ee cummings and The New Yorker magazine, which continues to provide illumination, intelligence, wit and sheer, hard knowledge about things I didn't know I was interested in, in weekly installments.
.
I love this list. I've been as knee-jerk anti-American as many otherwise liberals since May 2003 (actually, since September 12, 2001, although you can trace it back earlier), but you can never really mean it wholeheartedly. I might add Edward Hopper, Stephen King, the Wu Tang Clan, ee cummings and The New Yorker magazine, which continues to provide illumination, intelligence, wit and sheer, hard knowledge about things I didn't know I was interested in, in weekly installments.
