Negativland's Absolute Values

ConWorks has been bringing some interesting acts into their renovated lobby/stage space. The diversity in the inaugural lineup is nothing short of impressive, ranging from jazz to electronic music, from those with followings to the more obscure. The primary issue thus far has seemed to stem from a strong lack of promotion. Perhaps the art crowd is in the know, but knowledge of this set of events has yet to really percolate into the public. ConWorks, if you're listening, get to work on that.

This weekend's performance features sound-designers Negativland. Despite having released their first album in 1980, the group became (in)famous for their 1991 U2 recording, in which they used U2 and various samples (including a ranting Casey Kasem) to parody the then-ubiquitous "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." The text "U2" featured prominently on the cover, with "Negativland" in smaller typeface. They were sued and the song can no longer be sold in the US, although it can still be downloaded. The controversy is no doubt part of the reason that Negativland have worked with Creative Commons, which deals with various copyright issues.

Taking on more serious topics than pop songs, Negativland will be presenting "It's All In Your Head FM," a two-hour audio examination of monotheism. Focusing on Christianity and Islam, the performance will combine various sound bites, music, and speech snippets into a "theatre for the mind." Despite the pretension in that statement, the performance (a rarity in itself), should be both thought-provoking and engaging, befitting of the ConWorks space.

(Rumor has it there's going to be some sort of afterparty action for the Saturday show involving the Degenerate Art Ensemble, who may drop by after their Saturday performance at the Moore.)

An audio preview (may contain spoilers)

Negativland
Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Avenue North
Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, 10PM
$15 advance/$18 door/$12 members/$9 premium members