One of the best things about having an older sibling is that they can (if you stay on their good side) act as a human security blanket.
I was a timid child in lots of situations, but especially where thrill rides were concerned. The problem was that I really wanted to like them. They were big and loud and exciting to look at, but I couldn’t bring myself to go on them.
Thankfully, I had my older brother to lean on. Or grab on to.
There was one particular ride I remember – a ride-through haunted house – that terrified and intrigued me in equal measure. I can say with confidence that I never would have ridden on it had it not been for my brother. I’m not sure what the thought process was: did I figure that if I died on the ride, at least he would die too? Did I imagine that my brother was strong enough to beat up any monsters that tried to get me?
Whatever it was, his older-sibling magic made scary things less scary. I may have even opened my eyes once or twice.
That’s kind of what jazz trumpeter Taylor Haskins does with the music of Aphex Twin.
Don’t misunderstand me: Aphex Twin’s music can be beautiful in its own right, and was featured here back in week 361…but it’s definitely a creepy kind of beautiful. And at other times, his music (and videos) can be horrifying.
But “Alberto Balsalm” is among the prettier of Aphex Twin’s songs, and Taylor Haskins’ cover version filters out all the creepy, allowing the listener to open their eyes and enjoy the ride.
What makes this a beautiful song:
1. The clean, crisp percussion. You could pop a balloon on those ride cymbal hits. (Creepy side note: on the original, one of the percussive elements is the sound of Aphex Twin cutting his own hair.)
2. The warm, welcoming double bass. Much more human than the bass on the original.
3. The smooth, soothing trumpet. Replacing the haunting keyboard that handles the melody on the original, this is Haskins’ way of turning the lights on so the haunted house doesn’t feel so scary.
Recommended listening activity:
Ordering a night light.