WillCharles: Obama makes headlines as President Elect

Obama makes headlines across the country. Yes, this is a little bit late - but old news can be good news. Click the link, you know you are curious :)

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.

Something to see in NYC

Much attention is being given to the recently installed 'Waterfalls' -- the work of Olafur Eliasson -- in New York City.