What is
weird and what is not is highly subjective. The same could be said about normality. Musical artists often get labeled as weird by non-fans, but some cultivate an
aura of shock and weirdness to cultivate an image, satisfy fans, and sell more records. Some, however, don't try to subvert normality. It just comes naturally. These have been labeled
Outsiders artists. They may create music or art, but they do so strictly for themselves, not trying to satisfy a market or demographic. At times, they may be sufferers of mental or emotional illnesses. They exist outside the culture of the art and music world, but at times they are accepted and influence other artists. Truly authentic, but you may not enjoy their work.
Songs in the Key of Z by
Irwin Chusid attempts to reconcile disparate musical artists that
fall within this category. When I got this book from the library it was supposed to come with a cd, but it did not. Thanks to the power of the internet I can now hear what I only read of before. Included as well are tracks by Syd Barrett, Harry Partch, and Wild Man Fisher, who are discussed in the book but not included on the complication.
