Sound and the Fury: Music with a Message...

Redartz:  Nobody enjoys a fun, swinging song more than I. Be it Rock, Pop, Dance, or whatever, a bit of fluff music is always a welcome thing. Nevertheless, there are times when one might want more from a song than a good beat. Popular music history is filled with singers, songwriters and bands who have used the stage as a soapbox. From the folk of Woodie Guthrie to the punk of the Clash, many great tunes have filled the airwaves with thought-provoking, cautionary, introspective, or even sometimes angry lyrics. 

In High School, I listened to protest songs from the 60's alongside then-current acts like ABBA and Wings. In college I sat around late nights with other art students (man, those Bohemian days of yore) listening to, and discussing, the musical proclamations from the Police , Heaven 17 and U2. In more recent years I've discovered so much more meaningful musings from the worlds of blues, jazz, and soul. It continues to be a most rewarding exploration.

You're probably waiting with great anticipation for a few examples. Well, wait no more; here are three songs which have moved, inspired, and engaged me: one from before our Bronze age, one from the Bronze, and one from after the Bronze (just to cover all the bases, you know). 

Sam Cooke; "A Change is Gonna Come"

I'd known Sam Cooke only from his pop songs (which were great). Upon hearing this for the first time, I was mentally staggered. Which is more powerful, the lyrics or Cooke's heart wrenching performance? Impossible to tell, but this song still chills me to the very soul. 

 

 

Three Dog Night:  "Out in the Country"

This song got to me (and still does) on a very personal level. TDN seemed to be singing for me: "...Out where the rivers like to run, I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'." In my youth, when I was hurting or upset, I sought the refuge of the woods, away from people. Nature remains a source of healing, and this song evokes that well.

 

 

Michael Jackson:  "Earth Song"

MJ's greatest song, in my opinion. Rarely has this world's painful afflictions been so effectively skewered.  As the video shows, the suffering is borne by, and the hope rests upon, the ordinary people all over. I can never hear this, or watch this video, without being brought to tears. Agonizingly amazing.

 

 

All these songs, and these performances, hit me deeply. But it's a good hit, and it's an impact that is good for the soul. They make me think, make me feel, make me want to try to make the world a little better. It may be naive or corny, but our world sure needs a little prompting to it's better nature. 

And now,  it's time for your input. What songs, what performers, have truly moved you; pushed you, made you sit and think in the dark?  Let's hear about the music that hits close to home for  you...

Riding the Retro Metro: Destination Monday, March 17, 1980

Redartz:  Hello, Retro Riders! You're just in time for the latest trip 'Back in the Bronze Age', to the heady days of the very early 80's. The Seventies are now behind us, and the new decade holds a lot of promise. Disco is on the way out, New Wave is on the way in, and that's a good excuse to check out the top of the Pop charts:

Top hit on the US Billboard Chart: Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in the Wall pt. 2"

Rounding out the top five: 

2. Dan Fogelberg-  "Longer"
3. Queen- "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
4. Andy Gibb- "Desire"
5. The Spinners- "Working My Way Back to You/ Forgive Me, Girl"

I love that Pink Floyd song, and the album "The Wall" is on everyone's shelf at college this Spring. By the way, Micheal Jackson is showing some strength with two songs in the top forty: "Rock With You" and "Off the Wall". He's come a long way from "Ben"; I'd say the future looks bright for Mr. Jackson.

Tops in the UK:  The Jam- "Going Underground". A lot of exciting, intriguing sounds coming from across the Atlantic these days.

And now we turn from audio to video. Unless you're among the fortunate few with one of those new videocassette recorders, you'll be joining me tonight to catch the latest broadcast tv offerings. On tonight's agenda:

US TV Schedule: 

ABC:  That's Incredible, Family, Stone





 

CBS:  The White Shadow, M*A*S*H, House Calls, Lou Grant

 Lou Grant opening

NBC:  Little House on the  Prairie, NBC Monday Night at the Movies

Cast of "Little House on the Prairie"

BBC1:  Blake's Seven, Panorama: The Heart Changers, The Monday Film: Welcome Home, Johnny Bristol
BBC2:  James Burke's Connections, Marti Caine, Yes Minister, Horizon 

"That's Incredible" is something they call a 'reality show'. I've seen it a few times, but it's not exactly a must-see.  My parents and sister all watch "Little House" faithfully, but it's not on my viewing list. On the other hand, "Lou Grant" is one of the best shows on tv. Ed Asner was excellent in the role on the "Mary Tyler Moore Show", and it's a cool twist to see him in a dramatic role on his own. 

It wouldn't be a Retro Metro  without a check in at the local spinner racks, now would it? So let's pull the Bitba bus over and see what's out today...

I'm glad to see the Black Cat return in Amazing Spider-Man; a bit derivative of Catwoman but still a good addition to the web-slinger's cast. And speaking of Catwoman, there she is on that sharp Batman cover. I'm taking both. And X-Men, of course, That goes without saying; Claremont and Byrne are doing miracles with the book. Aaand, I'll also take Marvel Two-in-One: another sharp cover. And Stingray has such a distinctive costume, very well designed. 

Okay, my wallet's empty, and the gas tank's low. Time to call it a day and head back forward (somehow that doesn't sound right). Thanks everyone for coming along today, and hope to see you next time on the Retro Metro!

Follow The Leader: Episode 4 - Kirby's Art and Jackson's Voice

Martinex1:   It is Follow The Leader time!   We will take any topic suggested and throw it out to the masses for consideration and conversation.   Expect this approach on many Tuesdays throughout the year, so be ready.    The challenge is to keep the conversation rolling and going, so keep in mind that sidebars, tangents, and non sequiturs are welcome! 

So here are the general rules:

1) Whoever gets here first (or even second) post a topic starter in the comments that others can jump on and discuss for the day; supply as little or as much detail as necessary to get the ball rolling.

3) The range of possible subjects is broad - comics, movies, music, television, fiction, hobbies, queries, etc.  Try to have the topic touch some aspect of Bronze Age nostalgia if possible.

4) Keep it clean and family friendly.

5) All others...follow the Leader! Your job is to keep the conversation rolling.   (As I said - follow the topic wherever it takes you; a conversation started about comics may lead to comments on jazz for all we know)!

Note:  There is one caveat... if Redartz or I notice that the suggested topic is something we already have in the pipeline, we will let you know and inform you of the projected date for that subject for discussion.  That is just so we don't double up.   Hey - great minds think alike, right?

We will be back later with our own comments on the topic!