Albums Conceived in Institutions (Episode 83)

There is an unproductive trope of there being a fine line between
genius and madman. Constantly, we are encouraged to believe that
the works of “artists in asylums” are somehow this perpetual motion
machine where mental illness fuels creativity which, in turn,
fractures the creator even more creating a cycle toward an
inevitable dark end, where we are only left with the work to
scrutinize or admire. The truth is a lot less dramatic, but no less
sad. Social circumstances, interpersonal relationships, biology,
substances, and societal expectations each play relevant roles in
determining the well-being of every person: artist, genius, or just
the poor soul sleeping on the street. Art and artist are separate.
Just as a mental condition and person are separate. Influenced and
interlaced, certainly, but we so often forget that works do not
define the person, rather the person defines the work. Many of us
are captivated by albums that were created while the artists were
in mental hospitals. They are rare artifacts that unfortunately end
up defining the artist for their careers while giving an undue
amount of weight to the condition of their mind rather than the
beauty within it. The artistry that comes from the pain and
confusion of confinement . . . in a hospital and in one’s mind. The
records are snapshots of musicians on the brink that utilized songs
to communicate their struggle or alleviate suffering. Today, we are
exploring Institutional Albums by Roky Erickson, Skip Spence, and
Danial Johnston. Sources used for this episode include: 13th Floor
Elevators: A Visual History by Paul Drummond Eye Mind: The Saga of
Roky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators, The Pioneers of
Psychedelic Sound by Paul Drummond Highway Hi-Fi is a proud member
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