Making Muzak

Tonight we were watching It Might Get Loud, a documentary about The Edge, Jack White and Jimmy Paige and their love affair with the guitar.  It was a tremendous film, and our kids really enjoyed it for the most part. There was a spot in the film where Jimmy Paige is talking about his early days in England playing guitar.  He was at the time a very good studio musician and was making a good living playing for commercials, TV shows, and whatever else came his way.  He recalled one day where he walked into the studio, and there was a huge stack of music in front of him and an orchestra all set.  He looked down and saw he was getting ready to record Muzak.  It was at that point that he decided his life had to change, that he had to set off on a path of making his own sound rather than recording someone else’s.  He talked about how the sound for Whole Lotta Love came not that long after, and the rest as they say is history.

It’s hearing things like this anecdote that really get me fired up about what’s next in my life.  I could not think of a better analogy for the last few years than making Muzak.  I have gotten really good at playing someone else’s music.

Jack White had a really interesting quote in the beginning of the movie about technology.  You can see it in the video below.  I am curious to know if anyone agrees with his position of technology as the destroyer of truth?  I loved the quote where he says “its the disease you have to fight in any field.  Ease of use.”  It’s certain ideologically pure, I just wonder if it’s accurate.  Gives me something to chew on tonight…

Enjoy the clip.