Erotica
The jukebox makes listening to music a highly enjoyable visual, acoustic and tactile experience. The listening is, however, very complicated and time-intensive. As my jukebox is not in constant use, it first has to be plugged in. It takes some time for the valves to warm up. After inserting the coins, I carefully press the buttons, and with a loud rattle the whole mechanism comes to life. With a buzzing noise, the record changer begins to move; its arm grabs a record and, with great precision, it puts it on the turntable. Before the needle drops, a tiny brush clears the record of dust. The whole procedure resembles a magic process, a thing magic that astounds me every time.
The jukebox is a proper counterpart.
It is a counter-body, like a large grand piano.
When I stand in front of the jukebox or play the grand piano,
I think to myself: for happiness we need a rising counterpart, a presence towering above us.
…because we lack counterparts, we constantly fall back on our own ego, and this makes us worldless, that is, depressive.
-excerpt Non-things, Excursus on the Jukebox, by Byung-chul Han p. 87
The above is among the most sensual passages of prose that I have ever read. The sensuality is palpable. redeeming, renewing, a rebirth of the spirit.
What tune is apt for this Thursday? This one will be strong enough to see us across the river, crossing to the other side of this day. Sundown by Gordon Lightfoot, 1974.
2 thoughts on “Erotica”
I presume it was no coincidence you posted this on the day Gordon Lightfoot turned 84.
It was coincidence. I did not know. I am a fan of his music.