Political Pop Culture

Music and Crisis: Thanks for the Collision

I love when crisis and music collide. I have seen it happen on a few occasions- the Live 8 concerts to urge the leaders at the G8 Summit to follow through with their commitments to the Millennium Development Goals, Live Aid (same organizer-Bob Geldof) back in 1985 a concert for Africa/Poverty, Thrice and their commitment to give 10 percent of each album and a booth on their tours to a cause, U2 and their continued efforts to fight global poverty thru the ONE campaign- to name a few.

This morning the US and UK lineups were announced for Live Earth- the concert for a climate in crisis. The concert is to take place on 7-7-07 on 7 continents, with the intention of raising awareness and money for the growing climate crisis. The concerts will be 24 hours long and broadcast on NBC- and probably online too.

Here are the artists playing at the US and UK shows...

Kanye West        Melissa Etheridge                    Beastie Boys               Red Hot Chili Peppers
AFI                    Dave Matthews Band               Bloc Party                   Madonna
Kelly Clarkson    Rhianna                                  Black Eyed Peas         Keane
Akon                 Fall Out Boy                            Corrinne Bailey Rae    John legend
KT Tunstall        Roger Waters                          James Blunt                Paolo Nutini
Alicia Keys        Smashing Pumpkins                  Damien Rice               Foo Fighters
Ludacris            John Mayer                            Genesis                      Snow Patrol
Bon Jovi            The Police                             Razorlight                 Duran Duran         David Gray

Sounds pretty good to me.

If you could pick 8 bands to play anywhere for any cause what would that evening look like?

PS. Kevo, what do you think- slumber party a la Woodstock '99 revisited?

Overly Audacious? Apparently Not.

It has taken me the better part of two and a half months to finish- but alas,  I have finally completed my reading of Barack Obama's "Audacity of Hope." Now the inevitable question emerges...is he my choice for president? My answer: Yessir (at least for the primary).

Unless you live in a cave, Obama is everywhere. The media is allover him- mostly good (unless you're fox news, who continues to "miscall" him Osama), the book is a bestseller (yeah, I know it was a strategic move for him), and he is surprisingly on fundraising par with front runner Hilary Clinton (although I detest the amounts of money one has to raise for a campaign).

Things do seem to going quite well for the man from Illinios. He handled the Geffen fundraising dispute well, just got an endorsement from Sheila Johnson (co-owner of BET- one of the few african american billionaires), and the new era of homemade "attack" ads (via the youtube generation) have primarily focused on Hilary- check out "Big Sister 1984 here."

Just a million behind Hilary in fundraising (Her 26 mil to his 25), has Barack turning heads after this first quarter because his approach to fundrasing was a lot different than hers. Whereas she went after the big dogs, Obama sought smaller donations from more people. He is also not taking any donations from lobbyists or Political Action Committees...hmmm sounds audacious.

So will Barack be the new politcal messiah as many are painting him to be? Will his "hope" be stong enough to win? Will the buzz be sustainable? The jury is still out- but, my vote has been cast. What are our thoughts as the first quarter wraps up today?

PS. A few of my friends have found good ways to support Barack's campaign- check out how you can donate financially online (kudos Neil), or join MyBarackObama- a Myspace-like site for all things Obama- inlcuding grassroots organizing (kudos Nole).

PSS. The picture above is from a senior student from the art institute of Chicago. It is currently on display.

Jagged Little Humps

I am a huge fan of Alanis Morissette's seminal album "Jagged Little Pill." You should be too. 12 years later...she is back on top- with a little help from Fergie.

Check it out here.

Masters of War

On our recent trip to Los Angeles, Erin and I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite artists play  the night before the Grammy awards. That band, the Roots- absolutely killed it that evening. Hailing from Philly, the Roots are an anomaly in the hip hop world- for they all play instruments and are an actual band. Their album, Game Theory was my favorite album of 2006.

A few months ago, they played (well a few members) at a Bob Dylan tribute/benefit concert. First of all, what a cool idea for a concert- inviting bands and singer/songwriters to cover Dylan songs to raise money- simply amazing. Second, I read a Billboard review of the concert- and (honestly) much to my surprise the Roots' rendition of "masters of war" was said to have been the best of the evening. Really? A hip hop band being more acclaimed than Patti Smith, Ryan Adams, Roseanne Cash, Cat Power, Sonic Youth's Lee Renaldo, Joan Osbourne, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, Natalie Merchant, and many others? I was skeptical about the review until I saw them cover it again at the Los Angeles concert I went to.

First off, Questlove (the drummer) introduced the song by giving the context behind Bob Dylan's original penning of the song (engaging the conflict that would eventually become the Vietnam war-years before).  Then, armed with only a drummer, a guitarist/singer Kirk Douglas, and a Tuba player the song commenced.

"The trio -- on guitar, drums and tuba -- initially presented the damning lyrics to the tune of the     "Star Spangled Banner," then segued into the original melody, taking several detours for fiery guitar solos and teases of other songs, including "Taps." The searing, politically charged performance brought the hall's entire sold-out crowd to its feet for a lengthy standing ovation."
                                                                                         -from the Billboard review

The song brought tears to my eyes- as the drums and tuba played taps, as the drums and guitar engaged beautiful musical dynamics of highs and lows, as Kirk's voice screamed the final words- "even Jesus could never forgive what you do."

Wow. This ten minute rendition left me speechless.

The words and musical selection spoke to my heart, spirit, and effort to fight the good fight of advocacy and activism. It was cool seeing this collision of Dylan and the Roots- I think what helped these hip hop heads pull it off was their willingness to engage other songs (star spangled banner, taps, Jimi Hendrix's "Machine Gun," Gap Band's "You Dropped A Bomb on Me," etc.), something that only those coming from a culture of REMIX could fully understand and grasp.

After months of trying, I finally tracked down a link to their version of the song. The quality doesn't quite give the song justice- but, gets the point across. Also, enjoy a link to the original Bob Dylan version with an updated video montage.

The Roots version of "Masters of War"

Bob Dylan's original version with video montage

Six Degrees of Table Conversation

I feel as though I have been on vacation from writing on my own Political Pop Culture blog. Where have I gone, you ask? I have still been very present in the digital community- just as a commentor on other's blogs. I have recently found myself enjoying the response and conversation that ensues from all of your writings!

What a cool thing this digital community is... what an amazing collective of six degrees of thought, creativity, celebration, and support (especially in light of the fact that many of you have never met in person)!

I love that through each other's blogs we can read a book together, that we can celebrate with Jim and Robin/Trevor and Amber the gift of coming life, we can support those in transition (job, school, lifewise), and support those persecuted and marginalized. Most of all, I love that we can all come to the table fully present in our own uniqueness.

I saw a commercial for the spiritual awareness community in Bend the other day- their tagline at the end said "Diverse Beliefs, One Fellowship." I love that- and feel that to some extent that slogan represents our digital community. We all bring a different voice to the table , bring unique perspectives/mindsets, and grace filled tolerance towards new ideas/passions/frustrations. One of my hopes for 2007 is that we continue to recruit new voices (especially voices that aren't already represented). My intial thought- more women, more celebrants of different faiths, more corporate Americans. Who do you think isn't represented at our table?

I have been thinking a lot lately about what holds us together as a community. Could the things that binds us together be the understanding that conversation will make a difference in our world?...what do you all think?

I am with you all in spirit- see some of you in Vegas..Know that I think of you all often- CREATE/IMAGINE/and LOVE more often in 2007!!!

Ribbons and Favourites

I love anticipation.

Yesterday, Erin and I opened presents- some of them were wrapped in boxes, some had ribbons, others placed in bags...I love when you begin to open a present and struggle arises (due to a well wrapped present- especially when you are out of scotch tape and only have packing tape left to wrap with), with this struggle to open a gift- anticipation arises once again.

Throughout this year I had high expectations for certain literary musings, listenings, and cinematic presentations. Anticipation was created as release dates grew closer- often ending in hope or disappointment.

I am about to present you all with my list of favourites for 2006. But, as you read on- know that each listen, read, and viewing were forced to have to outlast an anticpation, or build up to it. This waiting struggle led to many disappointments, but also made me appreciate and love certain favourites more.

In Order...

Best of Music:
5. Hell Hath No Fury: The Clipse
4. Brother, Sister: MewithoutYou
3. St. Elsewhere: Gnarls Barkley
2. Food and Liquor: Lupe Fiasco
1. Game Theory: The Roots

Musical Disappointments:
Kingdom Come: Jay Z
Hip Hop is Dead: Nas

Honourable Mention:
Living with War: Neil Young
Stadium Arcadium: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Best of Reading:
5. Geez Magazine/AdBusters Magazine
4. Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community: Wendell Berry
3. The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics: Ched Meyers
2. The Irresistible Revolution: Shane Claiborne
1. The Powers That Be: Walter Wink

Biggest Disappointment:
The Secret Message of Jesus: Brian D. McLaren

Best of Cinema:
5. The Constant Gardener
4. Syriana
3. Borat
2. Babel
1. Little Miss Sunshine

Biggest Disappointment:
Apocalypto
The Departed

Much Love to you all in this hoilday season- Know that this is only my opinion (I recognize that my taste is probably different than yours), if you would like an elaboration on a book, artist, or movie- just ask...and I'll let you know why!

Happy listening, viewing, and reading...

Consumer Season and The Audacity of 2007

Friends...

The crazy consumer season is upon us- know that I think of you all often in these commercially driven weeks. I pray that you all garner the idealistic strength needed to participate in sales resistance. I'll be praying the same for myself- but, alas c.d.'s are my achilles heal. Fuss.

On a paradoxical note...I would like to invite all of you to add "The Audacity of Hope" by Senator Obama to your Holiday wish list. Beginning in January, a few of us will be starting a reading blog group for the book. I have found that reading in community (even if it is digital) brings so many wonderful insights, thoughts, and conversations that ordinarily wouldn't arise if reading solo.

So...this gives you all almost a month to finish up your current literary musings, buy or borrow (get on a library wait list) the book, and get excited to venture into reading community.

We will begin reading January 2nd (after our hangovers clear- haha). I am relly looking forward to rockin' through this with you all!!!

Much LOVE and PEACE.

Fear and Opportunity: A Coffee Shop Reflection about Strangers and Friends

So I am reading and writing at one of my favorite local coffe shops (sans ear buds- haha), and I notice that I recognize the guy sitting a few tables over. I try to place the face behind the eyeglasses- and eventually realize that I think I recognize him from an article I had just read in Christian Century Magazine (kind of a mainline denominational Christianity Today). The man is Tim Keel, pastor of a progressive church in Kansas City, Missouri called Jacob's Well (or at least I think it's him).

I have never met this guy before, but am familiar with his work via Christian Century, Emergent (he is on the board of directors), and via Trev, Kevo, and Aisea (who chilled with him at the Gathering in New Mexico). So, before I approach him I begin to Google image search his name- to check and see if the phtos match up...and surely enough- they do!

So, I make my way over and risk awkward conversation- sure enough, it is him.

We spoke for a little while about our similar demographics, and the book he is working on (he was finishing up the last chapter at the coffee shop). Kind of random occurence- but, I thought it random enough to blog about.

The thing that I do want to touch on though, is that I almost didn't go up to him because I was afraid of awkwardness, rejection, or well, mistaken identity. It made me reflect briefly on my own fears, and missed opportunity when given in to the paralysis of fear. So may amazing conversations have been had in my life because I have risked awkwardness, rejection, and embarrassment- by leaning over or approaching a stranger and striking up a conversation. I almost missed this one too.

My friend Nole never misses opportunities. He is seemingly fearless in conversation, strong in his values, and quick to get to know someone. It used to be awkward for me in high school when he would do this (strike up, or join in existing conversation)- as I have matured, and as we have both moved to the same location (for the first time in 6 years), I admire Nole's personality, his committment to people, his commitment to being intentional, and his love of life.

I hope that I can be like him- risk more, fear less, and not miss opportunity when it arises.

   

Highways of Pilgrims and Egyptians

"We are a pilgrim people." I hear this line most Sundays as a part of our church liturgy- this past week I have rested in the roots of what it means to be a pilgrim, traveler, and freedom seeker.

A Snapshot...

Today our house (that we rent) officially went on the real estate market, this last week a beloved member of our staff (an older sister figure to me) told us she was moving, Erin and I don't know where we will live when we have to move, I am fresh off of an amazing time in Washington DC, I find myself excited about future possibilities of shared resources.community.activism, I find myself depressed for friends and students struggling to put one foot in front of the other, I just read another report of pastoral scandal, and I find myself physically sick over the current war and administration.

As I move through this transitional space, not knowing what the future holds- I try to rest in the unknown. I find myself moving forward and yet stuttered by looking back to times of stability and fixed outcomes. I am reminded once again of my pilgrim, traveler roots found in the Hebrew Scriptures- a people moving forward, yet stuttered by looking back to stability (even if it was an oppressive stability).

The Hebrew people were looking back to the slavery of Eqypt. In a way, I feel as though I have been  a mental slave of Eqypt (the dominant rule), a graduate of Egypt University as Ched Meyers puts it. I keep looking back to the false hope of empire, the exploitation of capitalism, and the individualistic consumerism that doesn't require investment, time, and thought- all products of power.

Life was easier and more stable, when I chose to live within the ideas of Egypt (or America for that matter). Now I must learn to embrace the moving forward, the unknown, the restlessness, and the hope that comes with this commitment to love, justice, and peace- also known as God's wonderful upside-down world that makes no sense to us graduates of Egypt University and the American dream.

Fellow pilgrims- may we fight the good fight against fundamentalism, captial built on the backs of social relationships, and our individualistic consumeristic nature...

May we be a pilgrim people indeed- unafraid to move forward in hope. 

Best in Show: Hope for Film and Music

It was a great week for the arts and for me. I had no idea that when I purchased a movie ticket for Little Miss Sunshine- I was about to see the best movie of the year (thus far). In the same week, I bought the brand new album from The Roots called Game Theory. I had no idea I was buying the best album of the year (thus far). Call these opinions, bold statements, recommendations, tips of the hat, or whatever- regardless...I call them hope.

Little Miss Sunshine was a beautiful film showing an American family struggling to survive within the confines of the American Dream. While humorous, it also struck a chord for me emotionally- an unexpected rare occurence for me and the film industry. I won't elaborate on the content of the film- so you all can go see it.   

The Roots new album (and I say album because it is meant to be listened to as a WHOLE, unlike most hip hop, pop, i-pod generation cd's) is phenomenal. In an age of radio singles and in an industry where marketing is more important than music- the roots are a breath of fresh air. Game Theory is a venture into the darkness of the human situation- with tracks seeking to expose the powers at work within Katrina, terrorism, the record industry, and love...hope can be found. A progression of frustration, anger, and impatience are welcome as minor chords take the listener on a journey down the rabbit hole of humanity. I encourage all to give it a listen- if you are not a hip hop fan, humor me- after all The Roots DO play their own instruments (one of hip hop's only live bands).

I hope that artists (musically and cinematically) begin to stay true to their craft. I hope that they begin to become unphased by the mass media, executives, and people with power. I know it is a pipedream in some sense- but every once in a while, an album or movie (or both in the same week) penetrate the powers that be, uplift the soul, and birth hope for the future of the arts.