Earlier this week, or perhaps it was last week, a story appeared in the newspaper about Sudan's president. It seems the guy has been summoned by the world court on charges of human rights abuses and whatever other crap he's accused of. Obviously, he isn't recognizing their authority, in spite of the fact that he's obviously a monster for whom human life and dignity are cheap, particularly if it's non-muslim non-arab life.
Obviously, the activists aren't saying anything about this. Why obvious? Because the enemies of Sudan's tyrannical regime aren't anti-American. If the victims of the Darfur massacres were vaguely socialistic revolutionaries with a straightforward opposition to core American ideals, then they would be the icons of activist victim worship. But because they are an unassuming bunch, revolutionary but not fiercely partisan on a global scale, they are almost completely ignored. And when the Darfur crisis does get mentioned in the media or by some self-righteous activist, it is referred to as if it were inevitable and unstoppable, like a natural disaster. "A shame it is, that those African people are dying; let's take a collection and make sure they have enough lima beans."
Contrast this with the conflict in the Middle East, a relatively benign situation (though obviously still quite serious), and you can see how full of garbage these activists are. Everyone in the world seems to have an opinion on this issue, and all of the activists are so quick to label Israel a horrible criminal state. I've got nothing wrong with criticism of Israel, but when it is as relentless as it is from certain corners from which you hear nothing about other seemingly more urgent crises, the onslaught starts to seem disingenuous. The fact that around the world, people are calling for boycotts of Israel while nobody is calling for a boycott of Sudan, or of Sri Lanka, or of China (where thousands of people die every year in coal mines) speaks volumes of the activist community: they are so dogmatically anti-American that they will go out of there way to attack an American ally while making excuses for American enemies (Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, etc.). If there are any other explanations of this phenomenon, I'd love to hear it. And in case you don't believe me, how many of you can name Israel's Prime Minister, and how many can name Sudan's President, off the top fo your head?
On another note, have you noticed how we seem to love listing and ranking things? I don't know why, but it occurs to me that this is an incredibly feminine phenomenon. I've got nothing to support that, but somehow it seems to make sense. And the fact that I have now jumped on the making lists/answering questionnaires bandwagon is a testament to my being in touch with my feminine side. I recently published the following note on Facebook, a questionnaire which I took a surprising amount of pleasure in answering; pretty girly, eh? This is about music. Enjoy.
1. Who is your favorite band/musician?
At times I have had different favourite bands: Metallica as a kid, Pink Floyd as a wide-eyed teenager, Radiohead as a morbidly cynical young adult, and The Beatles here and there throughout my life. Nowadays, my favourite band is whoever I happen to be listening to at the time.
2. What was your first concert?
Aerosmith when I was around ten years old. Saw them in Israel, of all places, while they were on their tour for that album that has livin' on the edge on it.
3. What was the first CD/album/8 track/tape you bought
I can't remember the first tape, though it could have been something by Bryan Adams. When my brother had his Bar Mitzvah, he got as a gift the first CD player that ever entered our house. The first CD we got was Iron Maiden, though I can't remember which album.
4. Who would be the musicians in your “ultimate super group?”
Tough question, and it really depends on the style of music I wanted them to be playing. Here's what I can come up with:
vocals: Nathan Willet (google it you morons), or Damon Albarn. it's a toss up.
guitar: Mike Bloomfield (ditto) with either Johnny Greenwood or Christopher Thorn on rhythm
Harmonica player, if it were called for: Paul Butterfield or Bob Dylan
Bass: I'm tempted to say Paul McCartney, but maybe I'd just bring him along to write some of the Bass lines. Instead, I'll go with Jack Bruce.
Drums: There aren't any drummers I really love, but Phil Selway springs to mind as being solid. Let's go with him.
Songwriter: Dylan, and if you wouldn't at least consider him for this position, you're plain retarded. Honourable mention goes to Lennon/McCartney (obviously) and Brian Wilson (only slightly less obvious)
Producer: Brian Wilson
Groupie: that Mexican chick from Desperado
5. If you could meet any music celebrity, who would it be?
Have to go with Dylan; there's simply nobody more intelligent or compelling out there, though there's no way I'm cool enough to even be in the same room as him without embarrassing myself. Honourable mention goes to Lou Reed.
6. If you could see any band/musician no longer playing, who would it be?
I would like to see Dylan on his tour when he first started playing with a band and half the audience was heckling him. That's probably the most interesting concert tour ever.
Also, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band circa 1966 would be amazing to see. Honourable mention goes to Pink Floyd from 1967-1972, before they got huge and their live shows became too theatrical.
7. What is your favorite music movie/documentary?
Favourite hollywood music movie is probably Sweet and Low Down. Favourite Documentary would be No Direction Home, which is about Dylan (who else?).
8. What band/musician/song is a guilty pleasure?
I love the Ronnettes song 'Be My Baby', though mostly for the wall of sound production. I think there were a few 'N Sync songs that I found tolerable.
9. Do you play an instrument?
I am an embarrassingly bad guitarist and pianist. I am ok at harmonica, though nowhere near as good as I'd like to be.
10. Have you ever named a child or a pet after a song, musician or musical reference? If yes, what was it? If no, would you?
No, in fact I'm not sure if I've ever named anything. I like the name Cecilia thanks to the Simon and Garfunkel song, so that's an option I guess. I also used to love the name Emily because of the wonderful song 'See Emily Play', but all in all, it's a pretty ordinary name.
11. What or who was an influence over your love of music?
Can't think of anyone in particular. I guess it started out with listening to The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and some classical music as a little kid.
12. What is the best concert you have ever seen?
Radiohead is up there, though I was too fucking far from the stage. Medeski Martin and Wood back about 8 years ago was surprisingly memorable. Also really loved The Good The Bad and The Queen.
13. Have you ever missed work/school because of music? (concert, ticket sale, CD release, ect…)
I've skipped school and then listened to music, but I don't think that counts. I smoked a joint for a lecture about Bob Dylan in my Rock and Roll history class, and that's gotta count for something.
14. Have you mistaken the lyrics of a song to be something other than what they actually were?
Sure, I guess. What a pointless fucking question.
15. If e-bay was the only place you could find a copy of your favorite song, how much would your maximum bid be?
Not my favourite song, but I did buy a very rare version of a Blur single for the B-Side, a song called Bone Bag that I defy you to find a version of anywhere else. Great song, but it was mostly for nostalgic purposes. I think I spent around 20 bucks.
16. Is the ring tone on your phone a music download? If yes, what is it?
No, and I don't get this trend. Why would anyone want to hear a short snippet of a beloved song over and over again? You'd think it'd just make you hate the song. Is it that important that people know what kind of music you like? (yes, I'm aware of the irony of my saying that in this note).
17. What song title best describes you?
Cold War Kids - Something Is Not Right With Me. Find me someone on this planet to whom that title doesn't apply.
18. What was the last song you listened to?
In My Room, by The Beach Boys.
19. What band/musician would you like to see be, “The next big thing?"
I don't need any band I like to be Huge, just successful enough that they keep on putting out albums. That's the Cold War Kids, right now.
20. If you could own any piece of music memorabilia, what would it be?
Drawing a blank on this one. One of Louis Armstrong's trumpets, maybe? I don't really give a shit about memorabilia.
21. Worst bands?
The Noam Sugarman Trio featuring Lavi and Steve. Damn fun though. Also, Big Mountain Fudgecake.
22. Most overrated band
Lots to choose from. Let's start with Green Day, and throw in Coldplay, U2, Led Zepplin (amazing live, but their albums are shit), Oasis, and after that I'm drawing a blank. I know there' s more though.
23. Most unappreciated
Lou Reed and Mike Bloomfield. If there were no Dylan, Lou Reed could have done his job admirably. Bloomfield is a phenomenal blues guitarist and without a doubt the best Jewish guitarist ever.
Email this
Share on Facebook
Whitney Houston was found dead in bathtub after 48 hours binge
Social Comments ()
Digital Journal Comments (7)
