Some song ideas absolutely require a kind of rigid discipline, and others require absolute chaotic abandon. The form is only valid if you know how to un-form it. I don't mean to sound like an intellectual here!
John LydonRead
Records were vitally important to the development of music and of all music cultures. With that being pushed by the wayside, I can't see an iPod uniting us. In fact it separates us, the streets are full of people bumping into lamp posts, listening to their own little universe, and there's no sharing in that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of shared musical experiences over personal, individualized listening.
In this quote, John Lydon discusses how the evolution of music consumption, particularly through devices like the iPod, has led to a disconnect among people. He emphasizes that while records historically brought people together through shared experiences, modern technology encourages isolation by allowing individuals to engage with their own personal music selections, rather than creating communal connections through music.
Themes
MusicTechnologyConnectionIsolationCulture
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about the impact of technology on culture, this quote could emphasize the need for community over isolation.
More from John Lydon
All quotes →Listen, you know this: If there's not a rebellious youth culture, there's no culture at all. It's absolutely essential. It is the future. This is what we're supposed to do as a species, is advance ideas.
John LydonRead
You need the past as a guideline. The history of music is a good basis, but to escape that stuff, that tortuous rulebook, you have to learn it first. It's kind of like religion - once you've written the Bible, that's it, move on.
John LydonRead
I've always said, I thought the Sex Pistols was more Music Hall than anything else - because I think that really, more truths are said in humour than any other form.
John LydonRead
Music can describe emotions far more accurately than words ever can. As soon as I realised that, I knew music was where I wanted to be.
John LydonRead
Similar quotes
Ninety-eight percent of the singing I did was private singing - it was in the shower, at the dishwasher, driving my car, singing with the radio, whatever. I can't do any of that now. I wish I could. I don't miss performing, particularly, but I miss singing.
Linda RonstadtRead
The guitar for me is a translation device. It's not a goal. And in some ways, jazz isn't a destination for me. For me, jazz is a vehicle that takes you to the true destination - a musical one that describes all kinds of stuff about the human condition and the way music works.
Pat MethenyRead
The '60s was one of the first times the power of music was used by a generation to bind them together.
Neil YoungRead
Rap will never be the same as before
EminemRead
My introduction of Whitney was that if there's going to be one performer for the next generation who combined the beauty and lyric phrasing of a Lena Horne with those Gospel fiery roots of an Aretha Franklin, it would be Whitney Houston.
Clive DavisRead
How much can you do with two voices? You can sing thirds or you can sing fifths or you can do a background harmony.
Paul SimonRead