In his famous essay, “The Painter of Modern Life,” Baudelaire writes, among other things, that “the distinguishing characteristic of the dandy’s beauty consists above all in an air of coldness which comes from an unshakeable determination not to be moved; you might call it a latent fire which hints at itself, and which could, but chooses not to burst into flame.” Luckily, our dear friend, Sebastian, author of Dandy in the Underworld (forthcoming from Harper Perennial in March 2008), has shed some of that 19th-century reticence and shares his resolutions for the New Year: (For full disclosure go here.)
What was the best book of the year?
Dandy in the Underworld. I express in prose of incomparable grandeur thoughts of an unparalleled brilliance. Am I the best author of my time? I’d say I was in the top one.
What was the best movie?
The Libertine. One of the greatest movies ever made. I am now called a libertine in the press all the time which is nice. I like the word “Libertine.” It makes my squalor seem classy.
What was the best song/album?
Dandy in the Underworld by Current 93 with Sebastian Horsley.
Baby Dee : harp and accordion.
Sebastian Horsley : Vocals
Andrew Liles : screams and themes and mix mix mix
David Tibet :vocals, guitar.
It is brilliant. Perfect and poisonous. Like a snake its poison is part of its perfection.
Avant-Garde is French for off-Broadway garbage. But ours is on-Broadway diamonds let me tell you. Marc would have loved it. We took it and wrung the life into it.
David Tibet is one of my oldest friends. I have known him since I was 16. He is touched with genius of that I am absolutely sure. That he has created what he has without any real musical ability makes his achievements even greater. It is always the artists who know the least about an art who come up with the best ideas. They don’t know the restrictions. David Tibet has reached the limit of genius available to people who can’t do anything. Let it here be said : I love him.
Favorite Blog?
Hate em all – including mine. The internet is for those who lack the flair for conversation. Loser Central. Every improvement in communication makes the bore more terrible. The trouble with the internet is that it is replacing masturbation as a leisure activity. What the fuck. I guess the best that can be said it is that it is a good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink. Fancy a fuck?
Who was the person of the year?
My foul weather friend : David Tibet.
What is your New Year’s resolution?
To prove physically in front of an audience that male sheep cannot get pregnant.
Any predictions for 2008?
All you need to be a successful prophet is to be a profound pessimist. Everything will get worse.
