Quotable quotes

Some thoughts from the OED and its files on

Avant-garde music...
1665 R. Boyle Occasional Reflections, He commanded the Fidlers to be thrust out of his Seraglio, upon a mis-apprehension that they were playing, when they were but tuning.

...and the voice of experience...
1824 Blackwood's Mag. June 635 Never boozify a second time with the man whom you have seen misbehave himself in his cups.