R.I.P. - J. G. Ballard (1930 - 2009)

 

Hearing news a few weeks back that author J. G. Ballard died, I instantly recalled an interview I saw with Jawbox on MTV during their post-Dischord days and brief time on Atlantic Records (1994?). The band was set to perform one of it's two in-studio songs on the show 120 Minutes. When asked about the inspiration for the next song performed, "Motorist", vocalist/guitarist J. Robbins and bassist Kim Coletta spoke about two books they both loved and shared by J.G. Ballard called The Concrete Island and Crash  (the latter was arguably his most famous work, inspiring a early 90's film starring James Spader). 

A sample of the lyrics are as follows.

This is my wreck, so let it be.
Cracked gauges carry messages for me.
Calls and responses you can't see,
calls and responses you can't see.
I know you'd never grasp the possibilities.
What would you risk to rescue me?

So turn your back,
just drive on past
'cause nothing is better than getting out fast.

Taking Division down to where I shouldn't be,
five blocks down in the middle of the green.
No messages wash ashore with me.
Glass shards reflecting light so I can see.
I know you'd never grasp the possibilities.
What would you risk to rescue me

A audio sample of "Motorist" can be found on iLike (see links below) or can be downloaded from eMusic.

More Jawbox music on iLike





  
    
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