William Basinski - Disintegration Loop 1.1

Fifteen years on, and the events of September 11th, 2001 still weigh heavy over this country, and inevitably the world, the twin towers crumbling and creating a definitive and visceral momentary division line between what was and what is.  Like everyone else, i remember the events of that day, both consequential and inconsequential, national and personal, with an almost uncanny vividness, a kind of generational loss of innocence not seen in this nation since the JFK assassination or the Vietnam War.  It's easy to draw a line from that morning to the current events and atmosphere in the US and around the world, a jagged stone rolling down a hillside, building speed and mass until it ultimately smashes into the valley below.  And it makes me sad.  And it makes me feel old.  And it makes me pine for some kind of "good old days," a return to innocence.

But of course that's not going to happen.  So instead, i'm just going to love my family, and love my friends, and salute anyone and everyone who tries to make things better, even if it's hard, or it pisses people off, or it seems like it's not going to make any kind of difference anyway.  And i'm going to try and just see the good in everyone.  It's there.

In August of 2001, classical and experimental composer William Basinski recorded "Disintegration Loop 1.1," one of many decaying pastoral tape loops he was experimenting with at the time.  On September 11th, he filmed the billowing smoke coming from lower Manhattan from the roof of his home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn during the last hour of daylight, and then paired the loop with the images he captured.  It's touching, and haunting, and strangely calming in its own way.

Watch below, and find someone to hug today, even if it's just yourself.