Jamie West

Writer/Performer/Musician.

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

Great night on Friday. Here's the opening track from my set . . . I SAID "RUN"!!! https://t.co/XYSYoZzSXr

[The Cultural Tutor @culturaltutor]

Everybody has strong opinions about modern architecture, but here are 6 things people get wrong:

1) The problem isn't that modern architecture as a whole is bad. Much of it is wonderful. The problem is that we don't build anything at all in historical and traditional styles — and, crucially, that the public overwhelmingly prefer those older styles.

2) This should be a unifying issue. There's an idea that to promote traditional architecture is a fundamentally conservative position, and that modern architecture is fundamentally socialist.

Both ideas are nonsense. The biggest advocates of Gothic Revival Architecture in the 19th century were socialists, meanwhile modern architecture's success has been about its short-term profit margins above all else.

And, besides, this split isn't reflected by the millions of people around the world who (not thinking about politics!) enjoy both modern and traditional architecture every day.

3) Critics of modern architecture forget that concrete and steel and glass towers didn't only replace Baroque palaces or quaint cottages. What modern architecture mostly replaced was abject squalor and total misery.

Postwar highrises might not look good compared to the very best of historical architecture, but compared to the majority of past living conditions they look incredible... along with being much safer, warmer, and cleaner.

When trying to understand why the design of the world changed so much, it's vital to remember this fact.

4) But, related to the point above, is the core of our troubles in the 21st century: that we don't build *anything at all* in historical or traditional styles.

Modern architecture has been an unqualified success for basic quality of life, but (as polls show, and shown by asking anybody their opinions) the public think it has been an aesthetic failure.

We can and should do both. That's what people are crying out for. And this matters with architecture because, unlike other forms of art, it imposes itself.

You don't have to read the books I read or listen to the music I like, but we all have to live and work in or around buildings designed by other people.

What the public need and want, then, should guide the design of our cities.

5) "Survivorship bias" is also badly misunderstood on this issue. To praise old, beautiful buildings (or objects) isn't about saying that the past was better than the present.

The survival of beautiful old things, instead of ugly old things, is perfect proof of what kinds of design people like. Time is the ultimate filter for quality.

So, in a way, survivorship bias is the whole point! Let's make more of what people around the world and from across the ages have most loved.

6) This is about human health and happiness. Boring environments are bad for us; there's a reason prisons are designed to be bland, and with harsh lighting, and no charm or detail.

To invest in more beautiful (more interesting, charming, meaningful) architecture is to invest in the long-term happiness and flourishing of humanity.

And, in the long run, it's a good economic investment too. Think of how many places around the world thrive on the tourists who come to see their lovely lanes and quaint old buildings.

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

Here's a 4K upgrade to our short film The Vote. One of the positive uses of AI! https://t.co/hBGir9ic43

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

Yesterday I released my first new studio music in . . . over a decade. New chapter! https://t.co/7YKJtILrA6

[Double Fine Productions @DoubleFine]

The BBC Philharmonic will perform "Lady Luctopus" from Psychonauts 2 this Saturday online. Tune in and listen to @PeterNMcConnell's wonderful casino-caper composition as well as other great video game music!

HERE on Saturday: https://t.co/9ZWjxNaBdA

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

Best Bruce Spingsteen gig I've ever seen tonight at Wembley!!! Just mind-blowing! #springsteen

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

@_DeepPurple's new album =1 =VERY GOOD! One of those you get to the end of and just go right back to the beginning.

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

@michaelamaloney Looks great! I'm currently listening to your reading of Sentimental Education - you are staggeringly good (equalling your performance of Captain Corelli's Mandolin)! I'm astounded by the wonderful nuance and emotion you bring to it. Very well done!

[Geoff Lloyd @GeoffLloyd]

All I'm saying is that if *I* was trying to pull off the biggest jailbreak in history, I'd establish myself as the world's most beloved keycutter, and then get appointed Prisons Minister.

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

I've just finished remixing the last ever show of the original Jamie West Band. Here is the opening of the show! https://t.co/56yrsLJx5J

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

My 2008 record Beautiful Monster is now available for the first time online! Plenty of great rocking tracks and pretty ballads. Whoop! https://t.co/Fom4vteH2c

[Have I Got News For You @haveigotnews]

A new study has shown that the best way to cope with feeling angry is to write everything down then throw it away. Apparently it works particularly well with WhatsApps

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

@guardian There's surprisingly little educational material out there for aspiring lyricists. I created a short video series to help writers who are keen to learn but not sure how to improve. Here's a video on Bob Dylan (who's mentioned in the article): https://t.co/qKqnEX1BhK

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

Delighted to announce a co-headlining show featuring myself and Aliyah Keshani in Morden, South London - just a minute's walk from the tube station. We'd love to see you there! #metronome Tickets here: https://t.co/DlfvHoAtbh

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

@scottlava Haha thanks Scott - love your work, so inspiring!

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

Quick lunchtime watercolour inspired by @scottlava in The Art Of Psychonauts 2 (and all the other great artists in there!)

[Jamie West @Jamiepwest]

@iam8bit @DoubleFine @AshleyEsqueda Holy Macaroni!! The Art Of Psychonauts 2 just arrived! I have a lot of beautiful art books but this one might be THE most beautiful. Wow. Great work! (Guitar pick included for scale)

[Hugh Laurie @hughlaurie]

I never understood the Guitar God business - it was always the piano, since I can remember - but hearing Jeff Beck do this live, supported by the the ineffable Jools Holland, was the most thrilling thing ever. I've listened to/watched this clip a hundred times, and I think you should do it once. A prayer to Henry Glover.