schoolhouse rock
By Todd Stadler · Tuesday, May 29, 2001 6:59pm
Of course, everybody knows that music has a very close relationship to math. Even the crustiest, drunkest punk drummer has to count to four every once in a while.
But sometimes, the relationship is even more crazy than that! Consider an explanation of the largest number ever used in a mathematical proof.
Then consider the lyrics to Built to Spill's "Randy Describes Eternity". They're not all that similar, are they? And yet they both make you think about very large numbers. Veeery large numbers. Wow.
Not convinced? Then consider the eery, other-worldly sounds produced when mapping graph eigenvalues to musical notes. Doesn't it remind you of something off of Radiohead's "Idioteque"?
Or, more precisely, doesn't it remind you of Paul Lansky's "mild und liese", which Radiohead sampled for that song? Ah, those wacky electronic music pioneers.
But I think you see my point about music and math. Their interconnectedness isn't just a coincidence. Wheels within wheels, my friends.