Response to Monks Post

Yes, this is a great video. I think it is very near in spirit to what Low Basic performs at the end of 'False Media.'

Typically, one considers a television performance to be a big break, that will bring lots of exposure. The wise, collected band will likely put their best foot forward in such a situation and play a safe number (usually a well rehearsed, familiar single). What's cool about this Monks performance is this: what the fuck are they doing? Is that a song? Sort of. It's really just crazy noises and screeches with a beat. Their energy is epileptic and dangerous. And they're on (German?) television in the media modest mid-1960s. Certainly not a performance meant to advance their career or broaden their appeal/fan base. But they really don't give a shit.

And that's what makes a performance such as this one startling and fucking fulfilling. I like the idea of a band who powers through something with the holy spirit spurtin' outta them. Sustaining that fragile, volatile energy appears to be an incredible tight-rope walk. It's dangerous because the performance can spin out into chaos at any moment, but that's what makes the music exciting. Especially when it's on living room safe live-t.v. You can't fake that shit. It's real.

Josh, you make some interesting points about audience participation fueling a band's performance. All good things to consider for Low Basic.

p.s. A public service announcement from the Low basic Ministry of Information. The band name Low Basic shall from now on and henceforth appear written as: Low basic. Thank you.