Category: Michael D
the Power of music
Watching the Grammy awards last night I had an “aha” moment: the show is an infomercial to sell music. The performances were a live jukebox in a bar. Popularity didn’t completely win the night. People that play musical instruments, write lyrics, and perform won awards over and against the Gaga, Hip-Hop, Disney processed or Usher created sausage, and otherwise known as forget you “music” that mostly fills the airwaves today. The best message that Eminem offers is that poor people, no matter their color or place (urban or rural), have more in common than they are willing to embrace. Apparently, I am no longer cool or know what cool is; and I am cool with that.
Has there always been music that’s sole design was to make the cash register sing? Yes. But, there has been music and musicians that I think would have played for food money. Where is the music that questions the systems that allowed the financial crisis, that questions the corporate marketing narrative, or inspires civic reform? I guess I’ve got to add Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers, Arcade Fire and Lady Antebellum to my playlist. The power of music to alter culture, Woodstock and LiveAid, exists when harnessed for something other than crotch grabbing dollar signs or enriching multi-national corporations.
P.S. — Lady Gaga’s interview on 60 Minutes was very informative about her music and performance art. Did you know she grew up “privileged”? She seems like a reinvented Madonna.
Questions Inspire
I’ve wanted to get back to writing for my blog, but have not made the time to do it. My companion and I write a weekly journal for persons preparing the children’s sermon (moment) that is based on the Lectionary. Doing that reading and writing takes the first two hours of my morning (6-8) Monday to Wednesday. A peer asked an interesting question on Facebook that is an easy way for me to get back to personal blogging. “Q: What are the 15 Albums that have just stuck with you? Take no more than 15 minutes to create your list.” That is the kind of thing that gets me thinking and writing so here is my list from my FB notes. The “*” indicates that I have been to at least one concert by that group or person. I also own most of the vinyl albums on this list as well as most of the CD’s. Nothings sounds as good as my vinyl.
1. Hi Infidelity – REO Speedwagon
2. Darkside of the Moon – Pink Floyd*
3. The Final Cut – Pink Floyd
4. Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf
5. Tormato – YES
6. The Joshua Tree – U2*
7. Urban Cowboy – Soundtrack
8. Division Bell – Pink Floyd
9. Point of Know Return – Kansas
10. Eliminator – ZZ Top*
11. Purple Rain – Prince
12. The Game – Queen (as well as Live Aid performance on DVD)
13. Bruce Springsteen Live 1975-1985*
14. Led Zeppelin IV
15. Dirty Deed Done Dirt Cheap – AC/DC