I think the “rampant cynicism” regarding Live Earth was three pronged – as a music obsessive, two of the prongs seemed right on the money while the third prong was almost unassailable.
The unassailable? How can you can criticize an event for trying to educate people to make subtle changes (eco-friendly light bulbs, less air conditioning, public transportation, etc.) in their consumer behavior that may have a great impact on a potential climate crisis. It’s simple… do something. If you do nothing, shut the hell up. So kudos to all involved for trying to get the message out.
But Al Gore using rock music to deliver his message? The same rock music that he tried valiantly to censor in 1984. And if you think the PMRC was just Tipper and her “ladies club”, Al Gore was an integral part of the committee querying folks like Frank Zappa, John Denver and Dee Snider, trying to make the ridiculous and sensational into some kind of universal boogeyman coming to take our children’s souls. I’m sure the record companies and accountants of W.A.S.P., Venom and Mercyful Fate are forever in debt to the PMRC, who raised awareness of their execrable music and propelled their records into many more homes than they could have ever dreamed.
Mr. Gore was recently quoted referring to Madonna as “incredibly nice” after meeting with her in her home in London. A far cry from when the PMRC compiled a “Filthy Fifteen” list of songs that represented the type of music they wanted to see banned. Included on the list – “Dress You Up” by the “incredibly nice” Madonna.
And the music itself? I’m sorry… except the Police, Beastie Boys, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Justin Timberlake, Crowded House, Kanye West and Keith Urban, there was very little to get excited about. KT Tunstall? Jack Johnson? James Blunt? Toni Collette? Snow Patrol? Give me a break. It’s probably just me and my myopic vision of popular music, but that lineup was the lamest roster for any large scale benefit.
But you know, I saw Lucero last night with 300 friends and we decided that maybe rock and roll can save our soul, so what do I know?
The unassailable? How can you can criticize an event for trying to educate people to make subtle changes (eco-friendly light bulbs, less air conditioning, public transportation, etc.) in their consumer behavior that may have a great impact on a potential climate crisis. It’s simple… do something. If you do nothing, shut the hell up. So kudos to all involved for trying to get the message out.
But Al Gore using rock music to deliver his message? The same rock music that he tried valiantly to censor in 1984. And if you think the PMRC was just Tipper and her “ladies club”, Al Gore was an integral part of the committee querying folks like Frank Zappa, John Denver and Dee Snider, trying to make the ridiculous and sensational into some kind of universal boogeyman coming to take our children’s souls. I’m sure the record companies and accountants of W.A.S.P., Venom and Mercyful Fate are forever in debt to the PMRC, who raised awareness of their execrable music and propelled their records into many more homes than they could have ever dreamed.
Mr. Gore was recently quoted referring to Madonna as “incredibly nice” after meeting with her in her home in London. A far cry from when the PMRC compiled a “Filthy Fifteen” list of songs that represented the type of music they wanted to see banned. Included on the list – “Dress You Up” by the “incredibly nice” Madonna.
And the music itself? I’m sorry… except the Police, Beastie Boys, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Justin Timberlake, Crowded House, Kanye West and Keith Urban, there was very little to get excited about. KT Tunstall? Jack Johnson? James Blunt? Toni Collette? Snow Patrol? Give me a break. It’s probably just me and my myopic vision of popular music, but that lineup was the lamest roster for any large scale benefit.
But you know, I saw Lucero last night with 300 friends and we decided that maybe rock and roll can save our soul, so what do I know?
2 comments:
Hey, what is this "Live Earth" thing you guys keep referring to ?
Did I miss something ?
I can honestly say that my favorite perfomer for this 24 hour schnoooooze fest was Eddie Izzard!!!
Cake Or Death!!!
Satch
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