Motherfking Hell!
 

1930 - Merzbow

ALL MUSIC GUIDE Review by Joslyn Layne

There's a wider variety of unexpected sounds than those normally heard in a Merzbow listening session in this sonic inundation. Unguessed-at dimensions are accessed through 1930 via sensory overload of oscillations, infinitely layered static, frequencies from pitch to buzz — an explosion could get lost in this, and many do. It is the sounds of tuning in the radio, only to catch the low-end frequencies of an earthquake. Music has long explored — and exploited — its ties to emotions; the genre of noise, it seems, has moved on to exploring sound's physical effects. Merzbow, the leader of Japanese noise, has learned how to use sound to operate on your brain; he utilizes indiscernible frequencies to poke pinholes in your eardrums and bleed out your preconceived notions of sound, music, and how they can affect you. This listening experience is not simply a result of sheer volume (Merzbow is generally listened to very loudly): Even while turned down low, the sounds all combine into an irresistible force that messes with your physical being. It will scramble your brain, until consciousness barely registers anything but sound. [Note: This is, however, a somewhat temporary effect.]



This critic's reveiw has totally scared the crap out of me. I don't know if I want to hear this.

I love 1930.

masami akita is for lovers

Hahaha. Make a noise cover of Ohio Is For Lovers and call it that.

dumbasses. fuck you.

er..why are they dumbasses?

this was for someone else.

ASSBLASTER, where have you been?


That isn't Norma J.

The allmusic review of the Merzbox is classic.

It is common for critics to resort to hyperbole when outlining the salient traits of mid-level artists. By overstating their noteworthy characteristics, one can draw attention to even minor or tepid figures, and make them seem far larger than they actually are. In the case of Merzbow's release, the Merzbox, this could not happen. No matter how overblown, no matter how shameless or self-indulgent the criticism, it is not enough. No matter how rabid or scathing the review, it pales in comparison to the art itself. The Merzbox defies simple description, and so it defies traditional notions of criticism. One cannot exaggerate the ridiculous, the obscene, and the mindblowingly abrasive nature of the Merzbox. With 50 CDs and over 40 hours of unapologetic sound experimentation, Masami Akita demands a response that goes above and beyond the normal protocol. No number of stars could summarize the emotions that well up when listening to the incessant yelps, interminable screeches, and directionless feedback of the Merzbox for days on end. Fundamental descriptors such as "good" and "bad" don't capture the spirit of the endeavor any more than a slide rule could be used to measure the size of the universe.
Akita's audacity is unparalleled, and the existence of this most brazen of box sets raises many questions. Does Akita honestly believe that these two full days of unedited noodling are worth a serious listen? Is he toying with gullible listeners? Is the ultimate conclusion he wants us to reach that, in the end, after enough time, all music sounds like the same old processed crap? It will never be possible to understand his intentions. When all is said and done, though, the Merzbox belongs in Ripley's Believe It or Not, and not in your record collection.

I Held The Merzbox A Couple Of Weeks Ago. Ludicriuosly Expensive So I Didnt Buy It But God Was I Tempted...

I Need To Hear 1930 Right Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PUT THAT RECORD OOOOOOOONNNNNNN!

Yeah.

Fuck You Hayden Asche. Stop Acting Like Such A Gee Dee Know It All

GEE DEE?

Do you need a hug, baby?

I've missed you so much.

Gee Dee Is Short For God Damned.

Idiot.

Jeez. Atari?

where the hell is my boyfriend?

Who? Atari?

He's changed his name to intellivision and has gone nutz.

hahahaha fuck. that makes me so happy, i can't even put it into words.

He's been insane for at least a month.

Wow. I've missed alot. What brought it on? Did someone ask if Sonic Youth were satanists? Or did they call Steve Shelley a pussy?