Direct mp4 download or play: Sniveling – Part 1
Part 1
Direct mp4 download or play: Sniveling – Part 2
Part 2
This is something really dumb and I’ve probably said it before, but this performance may convince you that I must be out of my mind. There is a more sane explanation, however. As you may know I rarely perform with Negativland, and other members of the group were always trying to figure out how to have my “presence” on stage, even though I wasn’t actually there. Since a lot of what Negativland is about, (TV, radio, movies, mass media in general) what better way than to have my face appear on TV screens. After some thought, I came up with the idea of video taping myself and giving the tape to the group to use as they please during live performances. In this video, I was to appear to have some sort of a problem on camera, but not making it clear what could be wrong.
I decided on the name “sniveling” for a couple of reasons. First of all, I like the sound of the word “sniveling.” Secondly, I think some of things I do on the video may fit the definition of sniveling. In order to attract the attention of the audience I tried to keep continuously moving my head. One thing that seems odd is that I appear to be smiling or enjoying myself, when in fact maybe I should have been grimacing more or in general look more angry and distressed. To be honest, since I am considered to be a recluse or curmudgeon, I don’t even recall if the band actually used this video in a performance. Maybe someone could clear that up. Enjoy, have a laugh!
SILLY ANGRY WEATHERMAN SEPTEMBER 9, 1989
7 users commented on " Sniveling "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackWhat is really freaky is playing both videos (Part 1 and 2) at the same time. Made me laugh.
And yes, I believe one of these might have been used on tour, or another video very similar. Maybe Don or Mark would like to comment on that….
The second one was played at the end of “Christianity is Stupid” on the “Music for Lawyers Tour” on the night I attended.
The captured frame above looks like Dick Cheney doing his best Sammy Davis Jr. impersonation.
Oh the humanity!
Pt.1:
“101 reasons why MDMA suppositories should not be deployed en masse.”
Pt.2:
(I’m still working on a title for that one)
Pt.2 appears to be a horrible case of advanced simplot exposure, which can result from inhaling smoldering sex chemicals.
Are those the same glasses you wear nowadays?
Yep, this was used as part of the climax of our live show in the late 80’s as we performed “Christianity Is Stupid” live. As we played the song (one of the few tracks we ever played live from on of our records), we had hidden lit up crosses flashing, dual toasters set to burn the bread we had placed in them earlier and spewing tons of smoke into the venue (in reaction to a Mr. Noisy children’s record that Don played that screamed out “I want a loaf of Breaaaaaaad”) , and this video behind us, which came across as David reacting to all the burning toast smoke. In smaller places you couldn’t see us by the end due to all the smoke, and the toasters sometimes caught on fire!
The glasses are similar and I think I have those in a case in my bathroom.