The Weezer 'Blue' Album is a classic. I think My Morning

"The Weezer 'Blue' Album is a classic. I think My Morning Jacket's 'Circuital' is a great album to have. Any Led Zeppelin album. Pink Floyd 'The Dark Side Of The Moon' or 'Animals.' I always catch myself at concerts being like, 'Oh, I just stared at the drummer for 15 straight minutes.' I study them." In these words, Christopher Mintz-Plasse reveals a deep reverence for the art of music and the performers who bring it to life. He speaks not just as a listener, but as a student of music, a person who, much like the great scholars of the ancient world, observes and learns from those who have mastered their craft. Mintz-Plasse’s admiration for these classic albums—such as Weezer's "Blue" Album, Pink Floyd's iconic works, and Led Zeppelin's timeless records—reflects a deeper understanding of the cultural and emotional impact music has on our lives.

In the ancient world, music was seen as a sacred art, one that held the power to shape the soul. The Greeks believed that music had the ability to influence the mind, emotion, and even physical health. Plato, in his Republic, spoke of the importance of music in shaping the character of an individual, noting that the right kind of music could encourage virtue and wisdom, while the wrong kind could lead to moral decay. Mintz-Plasse’s deep engagement with music is not just an appreciation for sound but a reflection of this ancient truth—that music has the power to shape us. By studying the performers, particularly the drummers who provide the rhythmic heartbeat of a band, Mintz-Plasse is following in the ancient tradition of learning through observation and appreciating the transformative power of music.

Consider the great musicians of the ancient world, such as the Lyre players and flutists who performed before kings and philosophers. The Greeks would often hold musical competitions to honor the gods, and these musicians were held in the highest regard. Music, for them, was more than entertainment; it was a bridge to the divine, an art that required immense skill and dedication. Mintz-Plasse’s admiration for drummers is a reflection of this ancient respect for the performer, particularly those who keep the pulse of a performance alive. In the same way the ancient musicians were revered, the modern-day drummer, who holds the beat of a song and shapes the flow of the entire performance, becomes a focal point for anyone who wishes to understand the craft and discipline of music.

The albums Mintz-Plasse mentions—Weezer's "Blue" Album, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon", and Led Zeppelin's iconic works—are not just musical creations, but cultural landmarks that have shaped generations. These albums represent the pinnacle of creativity in music, blending emotion, technical skill, and innovation. Just as the great epics of the ancient world, such as the Iliad and Odyssey, served as pillars of cultural identity, these albums have similarly influenced the identity and soul of modern music. The sacred act of listening—in the way Mintz-Plasse listens and observes—is a form of contemplation. It’s not merely about hearing the music, but about understanding its essence, observing how each part contributes to the whole, much as ancient thinkers studied nature to understand the world around them.

Mintz-Plasse’s habit of watching the drummer for extended periods at concerts speaks to a deeper level of engagement with the performance. He does not simply consume music; he studies it, acknowledging the technical prowess and soulful expression that goes into creating something transcendent. This is no different from the way the ancient scholars would spend their lives studying the works of great philosophers or artists, dissecting their methods, and striving to understand the depth of their genius. The drummer, as Mintz-Plasse observes, is the foundation—the one who sets the rhythm, and by extension, the mood of the entire performance. In his study of the drummer, Mintz-Plasse not only appreciates the artistry of the performance but seeks to understand how balance, precision, and timing come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

The lesson here is clear: appreciation for art is not just about passive enjoyment but about active engagement and study. Just as the great philosophers and artists of the ancient world sought to understand the mechanics of the world, we too should seek to understand the depth of the art around us. Whether it’s music, literature, or performance, true appreciation comes from studying the craft, observing the subtle details, and recognizing the mastery that goes into creation. Like Mintz-Plasse, we must be willing to observe, to reflect, and to learn from the masters of any craft, for it is in this dedicated study that we grow in wisdom and understanding.

In our own lives, let us take this wisdom and apply it to our own passions, whatever they may be. Whether we are musicians, writers, or artists, we should strive to understand the intricacies of our craft and dedicate ourselves to mastery. But beyond that, we must also be open to learning from the masters in any field—whether it's through study, observation, or simply by recognizing the dedication that goes into the work of others. Just as Mintz-Plasse studies the drummer at concerts, let us also become students of life, appreciating the art and craft around us with the same intensity and commitment to understanding that the great thinkers and artists of the past embodied.