Soft Focus TV - Ian Svenonius

A series of interviews between Ian Svenonius (Nation of Ulysees, The Make Up and others) and various Alternative hipsters generally staged at the shortly defunct All Tomorrow's Parties Festivals. Sometimes precious, but also revealing. Here's my choice of the ones I've watched so far...

1. Suicide

The most upfront and illuminating discussion

 

2. Mark.E.Smith

 

No holds barred. They chat about star signs. Mark doesn't like Talking Heads. Then Svenonius asks a question he shouldn't.

 

3. Stephen Malkmus

 

Despite the slightly mannered, frayed look Malkmus comes across as honest and self-depreciating. Interesting discussion on how The Velvets got better after Cale left.

 

4. Sonic Youth

 

Ok. This crosses the acceptable line of self-love, but hey it's Sonic Youth. If you don't enjoy it Mark E. Smith makes fun of them in the clip above.

 

5. Jello Biafra

 

Svenonius struggles to get a word in with someone not attempting to be hip.