Glenn Branca: Where My Ears Want To Go 

Having played that same Theoretical Girls tele (long since disappeared), along with Jeff Lohn's early 80's post TG ensembles, and also performing at the "new music" festival in Chicago with Lohn's guitar orchestra, where Cage reacted so forcefully, singling out Branca among others...I just have to say that (1) Cage was talking about an intention that was not evident in any meaningful way except for the militaristic timbre of the guitar orchestra, which became so influential to many (cf., Swans, Rhys Chatham, and others of similar compositional orientation); and (2) Branca hit a nerve with his brilliant performance of the "mind". My point is that they were speaking over and past each other. And while Cage represented the "establishment" composer-guru of the time, Branca clearly disrupted the indeterminacy concept and was therefore prime for "crucifixion". In fact, that crucifixion enabled Branca's subsequent freedom (and success). I would argue that Cage's "evaluation" helped Branca elevate his project, allowing him to ride it into present day relevance. In any case, both have been inspirational in their own ways.

Branca is an American hero.

God, I connect with this guy...I think like he does (did)...wow!

It's interesting that Cage felt and understood the 'industrial' nature of Branca's music, but... wasn't able to appreciate the art of that, he just took it as some kind of threat. There is a overwhelming and driving menace to Branca's music, for Cage to want him stopped essentially is just a testament to how powerful his music really is. Cage's reasoning makes him sound like a rambling madman.

Well now you have proof that Cage didn't like ALL sounds or ALL music, he was way more selective than people let on, lol

glenn, keep listening to the voices! everything else sucks...get it!

In 1982 I heard Branca for the first time and I felt very inspired! But in Hamburg at that time there were maybe 10 fucks like me who liked it. (Maybe we were prepared for this kind of music by the LouReed-album MetalMachineMusic) I like Brancas sound more and more from decade to decade. Must be great to bring him today here to Germany for a concert! Who could pay it?

Here is more of Cage's opinion on Branca: Glenn Branca: So That Each Person Is In Charge of Himself (Part I)

oh! yea nice suit!

Genius

Glenn shouldn't take Cages critique of him so badly. It is obvious,even to penguins living in Tahiti, that John was an OLD attention whare trying to be relevant to his audience in a very old childish way. I would look into the probability that Cage was suffering dementia at the time and write it off to experience. Ask 100 young people who John Cage is and maybe, MAYBE you'll get one. Branca, at least two if not five, depends on the crowd I suppose. Keep bringing it Glenn!

Zaddy

Cage didn't understand shit to Branca's music.

he looks like someone who needs some snuggles and kisses and so on !!!! :)

Love him, but god he does talk slow!

Wow, his crappy music got way too much attention.

I love this man