Faev snogs: The Shaggs, “It’s Halloween” (with some musings on the New Sincerity and faux-naive art in general)

Because it is.

Some cover versions, after the jump.

These are particularly interesting; it’s the rehearsal (two run-throughs), then the performance. What I find interesting here is how these musicians, who are presumably more technically competent than the Shaggs were, are working to replicate their level and style of play.

As I’ve said repeatedly over at HG, sincerity and naivity in art are strategic effects. The Shaggs really couldn’t play their instruments—they were doing the best they could—but the same effect can be produced by even a very skilled musician. What matters is the appearance of naivity. It doesn’t “really matter” whether you can or can’t play the song “correctly.”

In other words, you can get there two ways. You can lack the technical skill. Or, technical skill, with effort, can be used to create the impression of the very lack of that skill. But the same effect can be produced both ways.

OK, here’s another cover:

It’s Halloween! May it be a happy one.