Ramakant's Bells - My Artified Version

Ramakant's Bells (Astral Distortion Edit)

Here is my artified version of Ramakant's Bells photo.  You can view the original at Tryst with the Shutter Bug. 

Are many of the most talented musicians and artists autistic?

I am discussing this topic with the utmost of respect for the musicians and artists that I mention.  I am in no way attempting to defame or insult them.  This is merely an observation that I have been formulating over many years now.  Furthermore, I feel that I am qualified to discuss this topic as I am a high functioning autistic.  I was officially diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2008.  Late in life, yes, but you know what they say.  Better late than never.

Over the years, I've noticed some musicians having what I'll loosely term "mental breakdowns".  I've also observed cases where one band member has difficulty getting along with the others.  Yes, I know that this is merely people being people in many cases.  However, I believe that there are some cases where autism could be causing the social conflicts.  People who are high functioning autistics are often extremely smart and creative.  However, their emotions are a bit out of sync with their intellect.  Sometimes quite divergent.  It is this attribute that makes people like us more susceptible to social conflicts.

Throughout the ages, I think some of the most prolific artists and musicians likely had some form of autism.  Mussorgsky, Van Gogh, Mozart, and Da Vinci just to name a few.  I think it's quite arguable that even Einstein was autistic.  Honestly, to a degree, I think high intelligence and autism go hand in hand.  Thus, there's no shame in it.  Quite the opposite.  Despite our social shortcomings, we are some of the most productive and creative people in the world.  We chip away at the mysteries of the universe because we are highly analytical and persistent.  We make great artists and musicians because we are extremely creative and have profound imaginations.

I was going to name some well known people who are alive and well today that I think have some degree of autism.  However, I think it would be even better if musicians and artists, well known or not, would step forward and be proud of who they are by announcing it themselves.  I welcome comments on this post.  In fact, I'll be more than a little disappointed if I don't see any over the coming weeks.  Whether autistic or not, I'd definitely like to 'hear' from artists and musicians.  Let's spread the word that we should be highly regarded for our intellect and creativity rather than looked down upon for our social shortcomings.

Sintel - A Movie Short Created with Blender

I originally found this movie short about a year ago.  This is a great example of what 100% free open-source software can do.  The folks at the Durian Open Movie Project have some serious talent!

And Now . . . A Little Bit of Humor

Yes, I'd like my snow cone with the topping of the day please. U's can has the cheezburger.

Groun' kintrol, do ya copee? Groun' kintrol, dis be co co co . . . waz dat agin? nermine. Dis be John Billy Joe Bob Cyrus Paul Smith. Can ya her me? Cappin! Y dat lite jus . . .
 

Benisyoga - A Japanese Band Covers King Crimson's Cat Food

This is an awesome cover of King Crimson's Cat Food! Can't understand the vocals? Don't blame it on the Japanese vocalist! The studio version as sung by Greg Lake and subsequent live versions sung by John Wetton are almost as unintelligable.

Heavy Metal Workshop Tokyo Plays Larks' Tongues in Aspic Part 2

This is a cool rendition of the classic King Crimson tune. HMWT has other videos where there are just the 2 people playing piano that are quite good as well.

Basslines - Was Asia Inspired by Simple Minds?

I tried to get David Gallant (former webmaster of the Official Asia site before the reunion) to hear a similarity in the bass lines between Asia's Cutting It Fine and Simple Minds' Changeling 8 years ago and failed. Gallant also wrote and published a biography of Asia.

Well, let's see if you're more perceptive than Gallant in hearing the similarity between these 2 songs. Listen to Cutting It Fine at 1:22. Then, listen to Changeling at 0:17. As for who might have copied who . . . Changeling appeared on Simple Minds' album Reel to Real Cacophony released in 1979. Cutting It Fine appears on Asia's debut album released in 1982.

Black Moon - An ELP Fan's Video Montage

The stills provide excellent imagery for this song. I just wish she hadn't slowed the song down a touch. To me, it's not annoying, but it just wasn't necessary.