Brownsound Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 To me, I could give a shit less what a bunch of individuals with questionable personal habits think about the political environment today. I listen to music and enjoy it more on a gut level than intellectual so when I hear some of the crap that is coming out of otherwise decent bands and what I consider their un-deducated views of the world politic I get immediately turned off....What say ye?
MCChris Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 I pretty much tune out the actual lyrics whenever I want to and just focus on the melody. For example, Green Day's "American Idiot" is a damn good rocker. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't agree with the sentiment if I knew what the words were.
sojourner Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 Players of music are no less qualified than any other citizen to say what they want about current conditions. Nobody would say that musicians should keep their views about love and heartache to themselves, would they? What I appreciate are players that, while they have strong views, keep their art at the level of metaphor. A person singing about injustice in a general way doesn't bother me, there is plenty of injustice in all of our lives. And we are all struggling to overcome it.Its when the guy has to specify the exact "injustice" that I might reach for the dial.
Stike Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 To me, I could give a shit less what a bunch of individuals with questionable personal habits think about the political environment today. Ya know you could say the same thing about alot of the Rush Frankens and politicians themselves.
edgar_allan_poe Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 Ya know you could say the same thing about alot of the Rush Frankens and politicians themselves.True..but that is what those guys do for a living. If I tune into a Rush or Franken show, I know what I am getting into. I think what irritates people is when they buy an album from a particular artist expecting one thing, and get a political speech instead. I felt the exact same way a few years ago when I went to see Santana. It got to the point where I wanted to yell "SHUT THE F UP AND PLAY SOME MUSIC FOR CHRISTS SAKE!!"Musicians absolutely have the right to express themselves in any way they see fit. But, what pisses me off, is this... If they do express themselves, and wind up pissing someone off, they can't turn around and expect their fans to not show their displeasure. Some of these guys believe that they have the right to say whatever they want, and it shouldn't have any negative effects on their career. Think again...
Scottcrud Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 I started listening to The Melvins( the Houdini CD is great and a couple of the songs just have made up words!) in protest of bands like Rage against the machine. I hate political bands, what do a bunch of million-airs like Zak delaRocka know about suffering or making $20,000 a year? Not that that's what I make mind you, but dude your living the American dream, your a rock star which is about as easy to become as a NFL football player or Astronaut. If you think America sucks the get the fuck out!
MCChris Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 What I don't dig are the ones who sound off against poverty, disease and/or the oppression of the little guy by the power elite, then you see 'em on MTV Cribs or elsewhere showing off their wealth. If they really gave a damn, they'd live in a small home, drive a practical car and donate the rest to the poor. But, of course, they DON'T give a damn, they just want to appear like they do. So it's the hypocrisy that's a pisser.
Guest galejt Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 I am of the firm belief that nothing new has been said politically since MC5."Kick out the jams you soft bellied woodsapper!"
Guest Buck Dharma Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 I won't go see U2 or Ted Nugent for the same reason. Even though they are on the opposite ends of extremism. Just because you can sing or play guitar doesn't mean people care what you think politically. Then you have Bob Geldoff who tries to help out but then we have to hear that awful "I don't like Monday" song again and again. He was great as "Pink" but the Boomtown Rats SUCK and always have.
atquinn Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 Some thoughts: 1) Is what most bands have to say about politics any stupider than what they have to say about anything else? Personally, I find nu-metaller whining far more offensive than just about any political song I've ever heard . 2) Rock is supposed to be about rebellion. I think that can encompass the political realm as well. 3) Is political hypocrisy from "rich" musicians worse than hypocrisy from rich politicians, businesses, or individuals (like, say Oprah)? Are we holding them to a higher standard? 4) Breaking the Law, Killing in the Name Of, Biko; all of 'em are political songs that I like -Austin
pesocaster Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 The last thing I want mixed with my Rock & Roll is politics .... IMO it should be all about Sex, Drugs, cars, breaking stuff and general debauchery..... In fact I will purposely NOT buy someone’s album for that exact reason..... Entertainment should be just that.... I didn't buy (insert CD Here) to hear your views on the "gay republican spotted owls"..... wanna make a political statement.... study the issues and Vote!Edited for spelling
Guest hectorp2 Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 Great Band Name Generator:Condition/Political Reference/Protected Species: Gay Republican Spotted OwlsDifferently Abled Blue State Baby Harp SealsAngry High Ethnicity Snail Darters
pesocaster Posted July 21, 2005 Posted July 21, 2005 Band name generator... ha ha ha ha I like itMan that would sure take the guess work out of which cd's not to buy... If you are going to talk politics / issues on your album... you should be tagged like game /wildlife / dinner whatever... with a name from the Cause-o-Namer... So I will not mistakenly purchase a PETA driven album and accidently start playing it whilst I am grilling up some "engdangered" kill.... that would just ruin the mood.... hahahahaha
Brownsound Posted July 21, 2005 Author Posted July 21, 2005 "Players of music are no less qualified than any other citizen to say what they want about current conditions. Nobody would say that musicians should keep their views about love and heartache to themselves, would they? Its when the guy has to specify the exact "injustice" that I might reach for the dial"What I appreciate are players that, while they have strong views, keep their art at the level of metaphor. A person singing about injustice in a general way doesn't bother me, there is plenty of injustice in all of our lives. And we are all struggling to overcome it.."Actually if you have at your disposal a forum that would give you an unfair distribution of your particular views then I would say no, they should not use that "bully pulpit" to force their views on people. Also, the weak minded tend to take information that is distributed in such a manner as being somewhat "more valid" than if the average citizen were simply conversing about the subjectYou know MuseCafeChris, I used to love Greenday too. Then that American Idiot thing hit and I wont even buy it. If they really think that the US sucks then why not move to less offensive locales....not wait...there arent any.....The Ted Nugent thing bothers me too, I dont need to hear his politics either at a concert. However I have gotten his latest album and its not political. Its just nice and Nugenty.....sex and rock.....lol!
kenjones Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 Then you have Bob Geldoff who tries to help out but then we have to hear that awful "I don't like Monday" song again and again. He was great as "Pink" but the Boomtown Rats SUCK and always have.You know, I can read these political discussions on here all day and not get irritated. I don't care if you are on the left or on the right. I just hope that a person considers both sides of an issue before they start spewing their point of view.But now when you start saying one of my favorite bands SUCKS - now that pisses me off. Granted, the Boomtown Rats music may not be for everyone, but all of their CDs were recently re-issued (including the never released on CD first album) and I have been getting a kick out of listening to them. Your post reminds me of when I was in high school (79-82) and I was constantly given shit because of the bands I listened to - such as The Police, Elvis Costello, The Clash, U2, Joe Jackson, XTC, The Sex Pistols, etc. - and all those paint-huffing, burnt-out at 15-years-old twerps wearing metal t-shirts would go out of their way to tell me that my favorite bands SUCKED.I could continue but I might start getting really rude...
Brownsound Posted July 22, 2005 Author Posted July 22, 2005 Then you have Bob Geldoff who tries to help out but then we have to hear that awful "I don't like Monday" song again and again. He was great as "Pink" but the Boomtown Rats SUCK and always have. You know, I can read these political discussions on here all day and not get irritated. I don't care if you are on the left or on the right. I just hope that a person considers both sides of an issue before they start spewing their point of view. But now when you start saying one of my favorite bands SUCKS - now that pisses me off. Granted, the Boomtown Rats music may not be for everyone, but all of their CDs were recently re-issued (including the never released on CD first album) and I have been getting a kick out of listening to them. Your post reminds me of when I was in high school (79-82) and I was constantly given shit because of the bands I listened to - such as The Police, Elvis Costello, The Clash, U2, Joe Jackson, XTC, The Sex Pistols, etc. - and all those paint-huffing, burnt-out at 15-years-old twerps wearing metal t-shirts would go out of their way to tell me that my favorite bands SUCKED. I could continue but I might start getting really rude... Wow...you went to high school at the same exact time I did. I was not a metal freak then but I liked the hair band stuff. You list of songs are somewhat fringe for being in high school though...lol. And I dont remember a day in high school that I wasnt given shit about something so whats so special about you?
JohnnyThunders Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 I am of the firm belief that nothing new has been said politically since MC5."Kick out the jams you soft bellied woodsapper!" Oh yeah MC5....Kick out the Jams Mother f############. Now there was a band who was definately taken down by the man for their politics or more accurately association with political groups.....but there have been others since that have pushed their political points mostly English Punk Bands....Stiff Little Fingers, Sham 69, Sex Pistols, etc.
darc Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 atquinn: " Is what most bands have to say about politics any stupider than what they have to say about anything else? Personally, I find nu-metaller whining far more offensive than just about any political song I've ever heard"A-fugging-men. And it comes around to sojourners previous point about METAPHOR which is apparently a word these nu-metal and emo kids have never learned. Understatement etc are clearly not part their arsenals either. It's a shame, some of these bands really don't sound all that bad, but as soon as the vocals kick in I have to hit the dial. It's like listening to a bad actor on amphetamines read this script:VOX (center stage): MY MOMMY/DADDY DIDN'T LOVE MEVOX (center stage): ALSO, YOU'RE A BAD GIRLFRIENDVOX (center stage): I DON'T FEEL TOO GOODVOX (center stage): THIS MEANS I'M COOL AND/OR DANGEROUSVOX (center stage): WAAAAHHHWhatever you have to say, for god's sake if you can't say it artfully then just go talk to your pals/ shrink/ neighborhood bartender. Or start a diary.
BCR Greg Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 DI just hear Hectorp's voice?He's STILL ALIVE!!!!Politics are not entertainment, music is. MY FUCKING OPINION, ACCEPT IT.
MCChris Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 3) Is political hypocrisy from "rich" musicians worse than hypocrisy from rich politicians, businesses, or individuals (like, say Oprah)? Are we holding them to a higher standard? I answer no to both. This thread just happenes to be about music and musicians.
Guest galejt Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 I am of the firm belief that nothing new has been said politically since MC5."Kick out the jams you soft bellied woodsapper!" Oh yeah MC5....Kick out the Jams Mother f############. Now there was a band who was definately taken down by the man for their politics or more accurately association with political groups.....but there have been others since that have pushed their political points mostly English Punk Bands....Stiff Little Fingers, Sham 69, Sex Pistols, etc. well yeah, but...nothing new."Kick out the Jams Mother f############" kinda says it all.
Cary Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 Players of music are no less qualified than any other citizen to say what they want about current conditions. Sorry, but I have to respectfully disagree with that. This current trend of claiming that all opinions have equal validity, or “it’s my opinion, and it’s just as important as yours”, is crap. Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day is a high school drop-out. What you are saying is that he is just as qualified to comment on current events as someone who has a BA in Political Science, or a Masters in International Relations. Does education automatically make the more educated person’s opinions right? Not hardly. But in many cases they do have a more informed background from which to reach their conclusions. All opinions DO NOT have equal validity, and some are just completely wrong.It’s a shame when an otherwise talented band decides to use their music and celebrity as a platform to push an agenda I disagree with. I generally don’t buy albums or go to movies when I know that my money is going to contribute to causes I disagree with. To me, it’s like writing a check to the enemy.
hardheartedbill Posted July 22, 2005 Posted July 22, 2005 expressing dissent is what got us here as a country, the love it or leave sentiment is tre' unAmerican in my view , love it, talk about it vote on it
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