The Sayings of Chairman Martín

Why? because when you listen to Martín riff and rap, soon you realize that whatever logic is at work is far above you - transcendent, in fact. So abstract and profound that it actually means nothing. Zero.

I was jotting down some notes at a show and this tall rawboned young fellow came up to me, joke on his face already. He leaned in close to speak over the general din and asked me, "are you saving the collected sayings of Chairman Marteen?" No, I replied, but I should be. Maybe I will, starting now. We invite fellow obsessives to listen closely to between-song banter on your tapes or memorize what is uttered at live shows and then pass them along to us here. Maybe we'll rig up an automatic fill-out form, if interest warrants it. --GATEFOLD SLEEVE

And it is therefore uniquely emblematic of what aficionados call zero consciousness; and it is to the sage of that state of effortless awareness that we dedicate this modest undertaking: The Sayings of Chairman Martín.

Martín follows a long line of Zen prophets and exponents, and his expressions are best viewed as perfect koans, though only practiced adepts should attempt to meditate upon them. (Warning: don't try this at home, kids. Only at shows.) But we hope to spark greater interest and insight into this portal to Zero consciousness with this space. Contributions of more of Martín's transcribed gems will be posted in the future - and offerings are gratefully accepted.

Please send transcribed "sayings" and show dates (and venues, when possible), as well as corrections and clarifications to ngm@batnet.com