The Shaggs

Philosophy of The World
by Lex Marburger

Despite the Wiggin sisters lack of Official Technical Experience on their instruments, their album, Philosophy Of The World, released in 1969 (compiled with their second release, Shaggs Own Thing, on The Shaggs [Rounder/Red Rooster] in 1988), gathered commentary from Famous Musicians like flies on shit. Frank Zappa said “The Shaggs. Better than the Beatles – even today.” Renowned jazz pianist Carla Bley said, “They bring my mind to a complete halt,” and Bonnie Raitt probably put it most accurately when she said, “The Shaggs are like castaways on their own musical island.” When looked at this way, The Shaggs are one of the greatest pioneers of pop music, creating an identity through determination and ideas, rather than derivation or imitation.

At first listen, Philosophy Of The World shocks listeners into either laughter or outright panic. It seems each instrument was recorded separately, not listening to the other tracks; like they’re playing two (or more) songs simultaneously. The drums stay at a solid tempo, as the guitar, bass, and vocals wander around in no apparent key, stutteringly in sync, without any sense of coherence or, it initially appears, talent. But listen further.