Cheap Philosophy Of The World (Music) (The Shaggs) Price

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Customer Reviews of Philosophy Of The World

This is quite possibly the worst album ever made; it definitely ranks right up there with Attila (1970), the eponymous album by Billy Joel's heavy metal band. But Attila were just boring, loud, and mind numbing; the Shaggs are genuinely trying to be good, not just goofing around. That's what sets this bad album apart from other bad albums. Would you rather listen to a bad album that's performed well and slickly produced, or listen to a bad album that features bad -- no, atrocious -- playing and singing? At least this is ENTERTAINING.

There's not many albums out there that are so bad that they're incredibly awful; this is one of them, and I'd rather listen to this than a boring, lazy, slickly produced rock album. I had to buy this after reading the reviews. If you're a fan of really, really, really, REALLY awful music, get this.

Here is the TRUTH
If the Shaggs had simply made an awful, talentless album, no one would care. A few novelty collectors and snotty uber-hipsters would cling to it out of reflex, but that would be about it. Things happen for a reason, and the reason people are so interested in the Shaggs is because they made a great album. Not great, as some reviewers believe, because it is so awful -- rather, this album is great in spite of the fact that it is awful. It is as if the vitality of music was removed from all the elements with which it is normally associated (able accompianment, understandable rhythms...), and placed in what would seem to be a musical disaster. It is no wonder that musicians can readily recognize this strange juxtaposition of talentless yet powerful music.

It is understandable if you do not like the Shaggs. They are not as easy to listen to as Britney Spears or your favorite corporate punk group. But unlike pop's sickeningly calculated perfection, the Shaggs unpolished expression of self is beautiful and real. And I am glad that I had a chance to hear it.

"You can never please anybody in this world."
--The Shaggs, Philosophy of the World

God save the Shaggs.

For those with a distinguishing ear...
I admit I was drawn to the Shaggs as I would have been to a train wreck. I heard so much about the group and read so many reviews, that I had to see (hear) for myself. The verdict:

Anyone who gives this more than 30 seconds of their time can see that there's a lot more to the Shaggs than meets the eye (ear).

But most people can't give it any at all, because this falls squarely outside their listening comfort zone. It took about half a song for my ear to adjust to it, then I was in thrall. It's hard to describe, but in all the seeming chaos there truly is a solidly discernable style that defies typical musical convention and truly rings with its own, very unique toll. It's innocent and simple, but it's spellbinding in its own right. When it's at its best it's almost eerie. I love those moments.

If this style takes part of its charm from the lack of exceptional musical talents of its creators, who cares? I don't think anyone will argue that Green Day (or most other punk bands) were innovative and talented musicians. For what it's worth, what the Shaggs do with guitars is more inventive and captivating than 95% of what your average garage band rips off from Led Zeppelin.

In closing, I'm an audiophile, and a musician. This is music for those capable of appreciating something more than Blink 182. My friend (a Blink fan) listened to it and said it sounded like people who didn't know how to play their instruments. Well, they do know how. Now listen again.