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In the Suburbs, the third studio album by Arcade Fire, turned 15 last week.
And the novel A Little Life written by Hanya Yanagihara was celebrated in last Sundays edition of The Observer, as it approaches its tenth year of publication.
Other upcoming, and apparently noteworthy dates, include the 30th anniversary of Garbage by Garbage on August 15th and the 70th birthday of the Disney film, Lady and the Tramp.
And so, the list goes on; on the radio we are treated to celebrations of decade specific coverage or shows dedicated to the music played as we celebrated the release of iconic albums. On Grimmy’s breakfast show last week Rhianna was celebrating the television show Jonathon Creek which was quickly followed by a commentary on other 90s shows which have recently been added to iPlayer. (I am a sucker for these , the pace , the gags the SCENERY. What is it about the camera angles of 90s TV that somehow take you back. Perhaps it’s the ultra -grainy images which hark of something familiar and comfortable. In reality that wasn’t the case, but when I look back at it now it was bloody marvellous).
I digress.
As for me well I have lived here for six weeks this weekend. That’s my anniversary.
And now almost 30 minutes since this post idea emerged, I am struck by how they are just everywhere. These celebrations of what was in the present. These deluxe editions of CD’s or boxsets or book re-releases.
People who 50 years ago would have been popular artists are now Icons. Shows are placed on pedestal as something to be revered. Books are literary masterpieces.
Don’t misunderstand my exasperation as lack of appreciation – I do regard the significance of much of this work. I sometimes agree with the critics. But. Currently it just feels as if , everything is celebrated or labelled as Iconic and like Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie, the increasing use of the word has led me to wonder whether everything can be iconic . Does it not start to dilute what should be a commendation if we apply it to everyone of a certain era. I guess I am thinking specifically of the Brit Pop era.
And as I turn on the radio I hear an advert for a podcast dedicated to just that – celebrating Iconic Artists. I want to scream at the radio
Just celebrate them. Don’t label them.
Besides that honestly it just makes me feel old
Like eldest does.
As he approached his 25th birthday. Now THAT’S an anniversary.
With his excellent musical taste, his kind nature and his resilience (and his various collections of merchandise), that’s something to celebrate.
As I finish this he buzzes the door and I let him up. He’s grasping his bag containing a copy of a Talking Heads album.
See this Mum , see this he holds it up this is …….
I cut him off – just don’t say it ,
please.
Mum’s the word 