This is a first for me. Today’s Single of the Day is actually available right now for free from iTunes. I haven’t done that before and chances are if you wait until tomorrow, well you’ll be shit out of luck and then have to plunk down the $0.99 that’s needed to snag the song. However, I think you’ll find them interesting enough to want to buy the whole thing in it’s limited pressed glory.
The name of the band kinda goes against the concept of keeping it simple. So I have the feeling as they’re out playing shows it’s a good bet that Journalists, and Promoters alike are going to end up misspelling the name a whole lot. I realize that any cultured person is going to know what the Guggenheim is, but I dare you to stop 10 people on the street and ask them 1. If they know how to spell it and 2. If they even know what it’s houses. Chances are only 1 of those 10 will have any clue. So, to that end it’s a strange choice for a band name, especially to tie it in with a Grotto.
The song title is a second wave of head scratching for the mass audience. Philosophia is a technical name for a Journal about the Philosophy of Math. Not exactly the audience of Audioslave, Foo Fighters or Britney Spears. The music on the other hand is quite pleasing. It’s an odd juxtaposition. Though the lyrics are sneaking message about what is showcased at the Geggenheim. In fact now that I think about it, it’s bizarre that the title of the song is what it is because the refrain you remember is “to be a work of art”.
My guess is they’re niche is going to be the College/University student that hangs out in the student union sipping on burnt coffee or esspresso while chatting it up about the musings of life. If such is the case then there is absolutely no worry about needed to bow to the masses. Target niche marketing is actually smart. Though I’m still not sure that’s what’s going on.
Anyway, the limited pressing of this CD is leather-bound, full of photos, lyrics and other stuff that would make it a valuable collectors item. Make sure you get a copy, provided you can get your head around the material, or don’t care and just love the music.
(** Disclaimer: The song came free, but was only free the day I posted it – if Guggenheim Grotto’s label is unhappy about the extra push, then I’ll have extra my freedom from their work. The post will remain as a marker for me trying something new. **)