Sunday, April 27, 2014

Angry Samoans Live L.A. Early 80's

OutKast - Hey Ya!




To hell with you if you don't agree, but I think that in time, Outkast will be viewed as one of the most influential bands of it's era.  time will tell.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

deviant behavior

There's a movement toward the idea that everyone should be honest and forthcoming at all times, that a politician should be an honorable man or woman in order to represent the people.  There's shock and horror when this truth comes out.  When the true deviance of an individual is brought into the light.  It's easy to sit at home and think "how dare they lie to us!"  We hold these people to a higher standard, and expect that they are looking out for our best interests at all times.  We forget that they are human and suffer from the same flaws and fallibilities as us.  And when it gets really vile and lewd, we think "what a monster!"  But really, what's the sense?  Is honesty really a character trait we want in our elected officials?  What would get done?  For what would the public say of any of us, if we were to have our lives scoured through, and that our every move and action should be part of public record?  I know that for one thing, I have made mistakes and have had lapses in judgement, but I'm not running for office, nor do I hold a position in public office.  What's the difference though? I want someone that I can relate to in office.  But, then again, maybe I don't.  I'm not naive enough to think that those who desire to hold office are saints, and are impervious to the pitfalls that normal citizens are subject to.  I have thoughts and feelings about what is right and just in society, as I'm sure most people do, however, how can we assume that politicians should not only acknowledge these things, but also be held to this higher standard, and actually live this life of morally superiority as opposed to moral turpitude?  Be a part of the solution by getting involved.  Know what you're talking about when you're complaining about your local elected official.  In essence, pull your head out of your ass!  We are but human, with all the good and bad that's associated with that.

Monday, April 7, 2014

pop music

I have gone many years having utter contempt for the term "pop music" because of my interpretation of what that actually means.  In my younger years, I took that to mean teeny bopper/bubble gum pop. Things that were around when I was a young man, like Tiffany, Madonna and Debbie Gibson.  Then later there were acts like New Kids On The Block.  There are some that are pop, and there is no debate.  they are pop stars and there is nothing more.  but, then there are artists that are really pop, but are categorized in a different way.  I read the novels of Nick Hornby and my views of pop music became skewed.  It made me think about what the term "pop music" really means.  In some circles the term has become a dirty word.  Certain types shun the idea, and want nothing to do with the idea of being pop.  But, if that were the case, what would the point be of creating music?  I understand that there are people out there who write music for themselves and don't give a damn if anyone listens to it, or likes it for that matter.  They have something inside that they feel that they have to get out, but realistically, 98% of people that are making music really want to make money and have fans.  And, isn't that in essence really what defines "pop" music?  The fact that its "popular"?  There is no set parameter with whom any particular music is popular with.  We classify pop music as being popular with a specific demographic, but this is absurd.  Considering that bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Beatles were all considered pop music, especially the Beatles who early on in their career were teeny bopper, bubble gum pop.  I mean, unfortunately this would put One Direction on the same playing field, which really isn't right, but only in the context of their larger body of work.  If you look at their early career, they were just as annoying as any boy band out there, but what differentiates them from the rest are the the raw facts of their progression.  That they wrote their own music, and their ability to transform and remain relevant in the face of radical change.  Not only in the music industry, but in the world.  They evolved, and embraced change.  Bob Dylan, Traffic and Pink Floyd.  All considered pop music, but all had a message.  whether it was antiestablishment or anti-war.  It was protest music that defined a generation.  Pop music needs to evolve and become relevant.