John Coltrane and Video Games
by Bob Boilen
I think musicians make music for one of two reasons: to entertain, or because they have no choice; it's bursting out of them.
There's a new game for the iPod called "Phase." Basically, it's Guitar Hero for the jog wheel set. The music that comes with the game is just a hoot -- totally entertainment music.
Who writes this stuff? Do they know how funny it is? My son and I laughed so hard, it hurt.
When you play Phase, you have to click your iPod while these little "notes" come at you on the screen; they come at you to the beat of the music. The songs written for the game have great titles like "The Theme of the Awesome." This music is the epitome of music as entertainment. And I love the way this music can make me laugh.
One feature of the game Phase is that you can put any song on your iPod and play to its rhythm.
I wonder what would happen if I picked John Coltrane as my soundtrack to Phase. Total entertainment meets absolute soul.
If the sky turns blood red and tiny frogs fall from the clouds, you may know why.
5:07 PM ET | 11- 8-2007 | permalink
comments |
Add a Comment
Please note that all comments must adhere to the NPR.org discussion rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login | Register
More information needed to participate in the NPR online community.. Add this information