Meaning: The quote "I'm really schizophrenic about that, because on the one hand I would say, yes there is, there's something inherently, even violent about it, it's wild and raw and all this" by Lester Bangs, a renowned music critic, reflects his conflicted feelings about the nature of music. Bangs was known for his passionate and often contradictory views on various aspects of music, and this quote is a prime example of his complex and multifaceted approach to the subject.

At first glance, the quote may seem cryptic and enigmatic, but upon closer examination, it reveals Bangs' inner turmoil and ambivalence regarding the emotional and visceral impact of music. When he mentions being "schizophrenic about that," he is alluding to the conflicting emotions and thoughts that arise when contemplating the essence of music. The use of the term "schizophrenic" is not meant to trivialize or stigmatize the mental health condition but rather to convey the intense and conflicting nature of his feelings.

Bangs then expresses his internal struggle by stating, "on the one hand I would say, yes there is, there's something inherently, even violent about it, it's wild and raw and all this." Here, he seems to acknowledge the primal, untamed, and almost aggressive quality of music. He perceives it as something that possesses an inherent, unbridled energy that can be both exhilarating and unsettling. Bangs' use of the words "violent," "wild," and "raw" suggests that he sees music as a force that can evoke intense and unfiltered emotions, transcending the boundaries of conventional expression.

The phrase "even violent about it" may also allude to the disruptive and confrontational nature of certain musical genres or performances. Bangs, known for his affinity for punk and rock music, often celebrated the rebellious and nonconformist aspects of these genres, which could be interpreted as having a "violent" or disruptive quality in their rejection of societal norms.

However, Bangs' internal conflict becomes apparent when he juxtaposes these intense descriptors with his hesitation and uncertainty, indicated by the phrase "and all this." It suggests that while he acknowledges the visceral and potentially unsettling nature of music, he is also grappling with the deeper implications of its impact.

In essence, Bangs' quote encapsulates the duality of his perspective on music - the simultaneous embrace and wariness of its primal power. His conflicted feelings reflect the multifaceted nature of music itself, which has the capacity to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from euphoria to unease, and everything in between.

Lester Bangs was known for his provocative and impassioned writing style, and this quote exemplifies his willingness to engage with the complexities of music, even when it meant confronting his own conflicting emotions. His words continue to resonate with music enthusiasts and critics, serving as a reminder of the profound and often paradoxical impact of music on the human experience.

In conclusion, Lester Bangs' quote delves into the intricate and contradictory nature of music, conveying his internal struggle with the intense, raw, and potentially disruptive qualities of the art form. It serves as a poignant reflection of the multifaceted emotional and visceral impact of music, as well as Bangs' willingness to grapple with its complexities in his role as a critic and commentator.