Santogold in Concert: not the same as MIA

I was invited to a Santogold concert recently and although I had not heard of "Santa Gold" before, I decided to check her out. The concert was a blast and left me wanting more. When I got home I searched for the artist on youtube. Unfortunately, I could not find any "Santa Gold" music videos. I consulted Google and found a posting on answers.yahoo.com that explained that there is no such thing as Santa (*tear*), but "Santogold" does exist.

The friend who invited me to the concert explained that Santogold has a sound similar to M.I.A.'s. Santogold explains how this is flattering and true to a certain extent, but how she and her peer fundamentally differ:




LES Artistes by Santogold:


Paper Planes by M.I.A. for comparison:


Hear the difference?

Random tidbit: according to a youtube comment, Santogold's LES Artistes video was inspired by Alejandro Jordowski's "El Topo" (The Mole), a mystical western movie. From what I have read about El Topo, I would describe it as funny, violent, satirical, sacreligious and likely worth watching with others - discussion will ensue. I wanted to watch the whole movie on youtube, but could not find it. I watched a 40 mintue program about Jordowski on youtube and clips from "El Topo" instead. I was not satisfied *sigh*, I still want to watch the movie. The interview managed to keep my attention, but it was not what I was looking for - nevertheless, I learned Jordowski is pretty crazy! (in a semi-good way).

I press the buzzer: What I learned from Dar Williams

Listening to NPR's Weekend Edition, I caught an interview of singer/songwriter Dar Williams. She is a genius. I make this conclusion based on the songs introduced during the interview and her sources of inspiration which include museums and academic research.

I found the song "Buzzer" to be particularly powerful. The song is about a participant in Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments. The buzzer in the song refers to an electric shock participants in the Milgram experiments were asked to give students who answered questions administered to them incorrectly. Participants continued to shock students even after they pleaded with them to stop.

Williams forces the listener to consider how people acquiesce in systems of power. The buzzer is a metaphor for complicity. If I don't agree with unfair working conditions, cruelty to animals, energy waste, etc. what does it mean if I continue to buy clothes manufactured in eastern lands under unknown conditions, consume dairy products produced by animals in filthy, cramped and otherwise unsavory environments, and drive my personal vehicle when I could use public transportation?

I think I have pressed the buzzer too. We all do.

The link to Dar's interview includes a written synopsis, three songs you can listen to including "Buzzer", and of course her full interview. The lyrics to buzzer can be found here.

Janelle Monae

I read about this girl recently in a local publication. She has a super-cool fashion style and was signed by Diddy. I thought I would like her music based on her appearance, but I do not. She is described as having a sound that is like a mix between Gnarles Barkley and Outkast. Neither of these vocalist are women, not that that matters. I just wanted to make this observation.

Bboy Music

imeem mix I found online has some classic break beats. however, the list also has some random songs. for example, idk how Japanese pop artist Utada Hikaru's Final Distance made the cut. The song is fun and upbeat, but its no break beat, ha ha.

I added the playlist to the blog. It should be on the bottom of the right hand side panel. I wanted to add it to this post, but I guess it's a page element. I will probably remove it eventually though, therefore I include a link.

Do we need to separate music from the images of the artists that produce it?

As a rule, proper breakdancers (bboys, poppers, and/or lockers) only perform to specific styles of music. Often funky rhythms and beats of the 1970s and '80s are heard at jams along with some other music styles. However, techno music is NOT acceptable. at all. When breakdancers listen to silly techno songs, there are consequences. This is clearly evident in this now classic video.

I blame the music, not the parents. (Does anyone know the name of the song in that Video btw?)

In any case, I searched for the song "Candy" by Cameo earlier today. This song has a danceable rhythm and is respectably old enough that I consider it a 'proper' song for popping and have used it in the past to perform. However, after watching the video on youtube, I became viscerally aware that I am not fond of seeing men in tight leather pants with even tighter red spandex crotch guards. The red crotch guard was was particularly disturbing. Everyone knows that green is the only acceptable color for this accessory.

Attempting to ignore the strong fashion identity of the band, the technology used to produce the video is most interesting. Green screens? 35. White women? Even more. Black women, .66. Red crotch guard, 1 - but it was on high power. What's up with the floaty women around 2:37? They look like fish, not like candy.

To make a long story shorter, this video was very strange and has forced me to consider a very important question: can I enjoy music even if I can't stand the image of the band? I would like to say yes, but unfortunately a bright red crotch guard flickers in my memory and smacks me in the face distracting me from the song I once enjoyed so much. Perhaps it is important for the image of the band to align with the expectations developed by the listener. Simultaneously, however, spandex crotch guards may add to the music and not detract from it. I will have to think carefully about this question. What do you think?

Finally, is the guy wearing that crotch thing gay? It's okay for me to ask this question - I just need to understand the use of women in the video. I should also mention that I have gay friend(s) and am familiar with the television series "What Not to Wear", thank you!