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ShapeSphere · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 386

After reading the depressing and fallacious babble of British Bulldog & The Weakest Link, I desperately seek something worthwhile to talk about.

I would like to know and discuss what inspires you. It could be a person, a book, a film, anything you want. But please - (I am on bended knee at this point) - make it drivel-free.

If a person posts something patently offensive or false, then just ignore them; don't drop down to their level.

Let me start by providing examples, so you can understand the aim of this thread.

1. Joy Division.
As you will see from my avatar, I am a fan of their dark and energetic music. They were the antidote to superficiality and in this day and age of manufactured shallow pop; they still provide something of substance. They reigned from 1977-1980, but their music still has resonance now. But I don't listen to them too often, as the sheer intensity would be too much.

2. Raymond Chandler
The creator of Philip Marlowe - the hard-boiled private detective of LA in the 40's & 50's. Chandler published his first novel "The Big Sleep" in 1939 at the age of 51. So there is hope for any aspiring writer. The novels are obviously dated, but so full of charm, style and wit, they are rereadable many times. I will send out some quotes at a later date to prove my words have truth to them. He inspired me, because he wrote from the heart and soul, he just wrote & wrote and improved - that's the best way.

I believe literature is far more important than music, as it informs and educates. And I believe that music is far worthier than art as it provides more enjoyment. Art is useful as it shows creativity, but it is simply too elitist.

Anyway, I won't waffle more, as want to hear your views and hopefully generate some different opinions and maybe even a debate conducted in an incisive & healthy manner.

Maybe.

Captain Yossarian · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 385 Location: Dongbei

Hi Shapesphere,

I'd like to ask you if you are also a New Order fan and if you've seen '24 Hour Party People'?

Just in case you haven't...

Steve Coogan (better known as Alan Partridge) does an amazing turn as Tony Wilson (who makes a cameo). Interestingly, they are friends in real life. As a history of Manchester (up to the Stone Roses/Happy Mondays fuelled days of the Hacienda and 'Madchester') is it highly enjoyable. The actor who played Ian Curtis of Joy Division was particuarly good I thought.

There are a huge number of musicians who have been important to me over the years but if I had to choose two albums that I could never get bored of they would be The White Album and Highway 61 Revisited (Beatles and Bob Dylan).

In terms of literature....

That's an incredibly difficult question but I would have to go for PG Wodehouse - simply because he makes English an absolute joy. I almost feel refreshed after reading any Jeeves and Wooster. Sure, in terms of ideas he wasn't a heavyweight, but I really don't think anyone has ever written purer English!

Alitas · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 187 Location: Maine

Wilkie Collin's "The Woman in White" inspired me to eat at every sitting. I am not sure why.

Whenever I read a good book I am usually inspired to write something. Ditto with a good movie. Banana Yoshimoto's work is particularly inspiring to me, as is Hemingway. For films, for some reason "Blade Runner" really makes me think.

Usually my garden inspires me to concoct delectable edibles!! Or something as simple as buying a nice bottle of wine, and suddenly a magical dinner unfolds.

Reading Vogue inspires me to develop a personal style with the accessories I've got....

Photo.net inspires me to take better pictures.

Coelho inspires me to slow down and learn from the moment.

Uhm....

Falwty Towers inspires me to eat loads of popcorn, drink beer and laugh on Saturday nights.

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Nice topic. And though I'm not a huge Joy Division guy, I love New Order.
One Hundred Years of Solitude inspired me.
My family has inspired me.
Randall Thompson inspires me, as do the Pixies.
New countries and cultures inspire me.

ShapeSphere · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 386

Captain - Yes I am a huge New Order fan as well. They have a vast back catalogue, and not a bad song in sight. The film 24 Hour Party People I found in China and loved it. It's a great story of Factory Records and the Manchester scene, but for some of my friends who didn't know the background, they found it confusing.