Hirshhorn Diaries--5

"Torso of a Young Man" by Constantin Brancusi, 1924

If by "young man" you mean large, smooth, thick, bronze penis--then, yes...

Best of: Music

The top five albums I bought in 2007:


1. Boxer by The National: A late edition to my music collection, but something that has dominated my headphones more than any other record all year. The first two-thirds are as perfect as anything I’ve heard in a long time. And while the last quarter of the album begins to fray around the edges, it still recalls Nick Cave-esque musings circa The Boatman’s Call—not necessarily a bad thing. And, although comparisons to Cave and Cohen are apt, when they’re really rocking, lead vocalist Matt Berninger sounds more like an older, grimmer, Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs), only without the all the psychedelic. Two songs to hear: Seriously, the first seven are required…but if I had to pick two: “Mistaken for Strangers” and “Brainy”



2. Because of the Times by Kings of Leon: This Nashville Band of preacher boys are the closest contemporary thing to Lynyrd Skynyrd—you know, if Lynyrd Skynyrd didn’t, like, you know… suck. There’s music out there that takes me back to a time (Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Huey Lewis, etc.), but it’s not often an album takes me to a place: Knoxville, Northshore Drive and Kingston Pike, my mom’s 300Z—good times. Two songs to hear: “Black Thumbnail” and “Arizona”


3. Datarock by Datarock: See my review here. The exact opposite of The National’s Boxer, which pretty much makes it the awesomnest party disk of the year. Two songs to hear: “See What I Care” and “Laurie”

4. Neon Bible by Arcade Fire: From the collapsed ashes: More band members! Even better music! The album Bruce Springsteen would have made if he were younger and hipper. Two songs to hear: “Antichrist Television Blues” and “No Cars Go”

5. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter by Josh Ritter: See my review here. One of the few white male singer-songwriters who values metaphors rooted in concrete imagery without neglecting a good hook, as opposed to the usual solipsistic wank-offs. Why some of these songs haven’t blown up on the radio, I have no idea. Two songs to hear: “Open Doors” and “To the Dogs or Whoever”


Honorable Mention (in no particular order): Arular by M.I.A., Because of You by Ne-Yo, Boys and Girls in America by The Hold Steady, Magic by Bruce Springsteen, Beauty & Crime by Suzanne Vega, Shock Value by Timbaland, The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance, Epiphany by T-Pain

The Hirshhorn Diaries--4

"Sick Boy" by Medardo Rosso 1922

The lost art of figure sculpture. Some starved child finally warm in death and the ill omen of a century of war.

The Hirshhorn Diaries -- 3

"Crouching Woman" by Auguste Rodin, 1881

I am always stunned when reminded the year Rodin died: 1917 (77 years old). His method of expression, as well as the importance of proportionality in his work (even given its slight exaggerations), always has me thinking he were the grandchild of Michaelangelo, and not an artist born more than 300 years later. The fact that there are actual photographs of him blows my mind. I definitely see something 19th century about his subject matter, yet the sinewy action and naked eroticism in much of his work is distinctly modern. For example, in this piece the woman's body is in such a primal position, yet there is that head-turn of a tortured abashment. Her legs spread implying a sexuality that could only exist so explicitly (and, largely, less artistically) in the 21st century.

Tennessee: 14, LSU: 21

I remember saying to people, "I'd rather get blown out than have a chance to win it and lose". Well, I lied. I'd rather win. You would have thought holding LSU to one (that's right) offensive touchdown would have lead to a victory. Well, it didn't. And since it didn't, I feel nothing but resentment and anger at the two people responsible. Eric Ainge, for playing like a douche. And God, for making life like this (douche being already taken). Here's to setting up P.J. Hill's Heisman campaign for next year at the Outback bowl! On the plus side: The official name of my first born son will be Robert "Eric Berry" McConnell--that is assuming Berry doesn't blow out his knee in the pre-season next year. If that happens, it's back to my original idea: Robert "Mega Millions" McConnell.

Tennesse: 34, Arkansas: 13

As far as I'm concerned, a miracle. I'd like to take this oppourtunity to thank two people instrumental in this victory. First off: A shout-out to Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, who seemed unwilling to give the ball to Darren McFadden, despite his 22 carries for 126 yards and a porous Tennessee defense, resulting in, for the first time all year, the press not immediately anointing someone who has played against Tennessee for the Heisman (see: DeSean Jackson, DJ Hall, Tim Tebow, that quarterback from Southern Miss, etc.). Second: Major props to Casey Dick for playing like one, getting himself benched for an even worse back-up, and them promptly returning to the game and tossing up a gimmie interception to star freshman DB Eric Berry (one of my newest man-crushes)--we will not forget your contributions.

Why not praise John Chavis and the Vol coaching staff after such a dominating win? Because I'm a realist. I haven't been one of these people openly advocating for Fulmer to resign, but I've been painfully made aware over the last several weeks (who am I kidding--years) how he has been outcoached in big games. Still, this is a young team--our only senior leadership coming from the quarterback position--and I have been, despite the heart palpitations, gradually imagining how good this defense will be next year (and the year after). I'd be willing to forgive all if we made it to Atlanta and didn't get completely steamrolled by LSU. And wouldn't it be fitting if an underdog Tennessee team went in and upset the favorite LSU, thus costing them a shot at the national championship game, ala 2001? A man can dream... A man can dream...

The Hirshhorn Diaries: October 25, 2007-3

"Mountains and Sea" Helen Frankenthaler, 1952

The halos (resulting from the oil stains), as well as the largely abstract landscape, make it an ideal painting for some UCLA earth sorority (a compliment).

Best Band Name Ever!

Stigmatalingis


Props to my boy Landry. Those of you who have watched Friday Night Lights (the show) know exactly how hilarious this is.

The Hirshhorn Diaries: October 25, 2007-2

"Round Rainbow" Olafur Eliasson, 2005

Click here to see a grainy video of Eliasson's sculpture.

Like some Lynchian experiment, only through light. Simple and compellingly intricate: a crystal(?) ring spins in front of a framed spotlight, slowly bending unified streaks of refracted light and rainbow eclipses that never break or blink. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album cover if it could dance.

The Hirshhorn Diaries: October 25, 2007-1

"Untitled" by Robert Irwin, 1960's

An acrylic disc, painted an opaque white, cast in surrounding overlapping shadows by two spotlights that negate the circle at the center--an effect that can only truly be appreciated in person, resulting in a negated 3-dimensional clover. Irwin's use of light and shape to influence color results in a powerful effect: a disappearing silver bar that bisects the disc across the middle as if cinching its center. Haunting, especially when listening to Death Cab for Cutie.