20 November 2008

So for years I’ve been reading in the newspapers and watching on TV and reading on the internet how race relations are great and it’s not as bad as it used to be. I have strongly disagreed every time I would see such a report knowing that I am a dark-skinned black man living in the New York City area, knowing that I am being judged solely on the color of my skin. Knowing that police officers routinely stop me in my vehicle based on how I look and not because I’ve committed any crime or traffic violation. I know that there are racist people preventing me from gaining things based on their own insecurities and prejudices.

I laugh when my white friends and acquaintances swear up and down that racism is barely existence nowadays (Though I am not accusing them of racism at all) because they are comfortable hanging with Blacks and other ‘minorities’. I even chuckle when they feel comfortable laughing at my peoples use of the N word that we, not I, but we, are comfortable saying in front of them and in videos and on record and on film (That’s another subject that I will write about in length some other time!). But, in case most of you think otherwise, racism is alive and well and kicking! It never left, it is still lingering and it is making a more blatant comeback right in front of our very eyes!

Want proof? It was reported yesterday that since Barack Obama has been elected, there has been a spike in hate crimes throughout the nation! And we have to remember that there are many crimes that are underreported in the mainstream media. Blacks have been labeled savages since I can remember and references are always made towards our Hip Hop videos and black on black crimes, yet, according to all the media reports, all of these hate crimes are being committed by whites against Blacks and other minorities. There have been reported death threats against Obama for almost 2 years now since he announced he was running for President of The United States.  I am 100% sure that there are groups out there plotting right now to try to eliminate the nation’s first Black President-Elect.

We must keep our eyes open and realize that much hasn’t changed when it comes to racism, it’s just disguised better. But as we approach the inauguration of President Barack Obama, I truly believe we will see an even higher rise in hate crimes committed by angry white, racists. I can hear them now, ‘How dare they let this nigger be leader of this here country?’

16 years after infamously making an ass of himself in front of millions on the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic has tackled the subject the worst bass guitar throw in rock history. Of course, Novoselic blamed the ill-fated toss on a number of factors — most notably Axl Rose. It was Axl who famously told Kurt Cobain “Get your bitch in line” after Courtney Love teased the G N’ R singer. The incident swelled until later when, as Novoselic says, “I was walking toward the stage and came across my now-friend and colleague, Duff McKagan. I think Duff was also under the influence. He must have heard something from Rose and had a terse word for me. I was already a little bent out of shape and instantly replied with the same sentiment. The production people grabbed me and we continued toward the stage.” Adding to the tensions was MTV’s prohibiting Nirvana from playing the song they actually wanted to perform; Cobain wanted to go with “Rape Me,” but the band was forced to play “Lithium” to appease the nervous network.

After the toss (which you can watch above), Novoselic rushed to his dressing room. Despite a bloody forehead, relief came in the form of Queen’s Brian May. “Paramedics came in and put a little bandage on, then handed me a long medical release form to sign,” Novoselic writes. “Standing behind them was Brian May, the guitarist of Queen, with a glass of chilled champagne. I signed the release just to get the medics away from me so I could take a sip of Mr. May’s wonderful medicine.” Novoselic says he still owns the bass, but the neck is a little damaged.

Related Stories:

• Classic Cover Story: Inside the Heart and Mind of Nirvana

• Madonna’s Bra, Kurt’s Sweaters and Rock’s Rarest Artifacts

• Writer Charles R. Cross Digs Deep in the Archives For Cobain Unseen

Lauren Harris, daughter of Iron Maiden founder member Steve Harris, will be releasing her new single, “Your Turn”, worldwide at one second past midnight as the first OFFICIAL release of 2009.

Lauren Harris on amazon.com

Lauren Harris on amazon.co.uk

This groundbreaking event, in conjunction with worldwide music distribution giants, The Orchard is the brainchild of Quite Great Communications’ marketing team, Redlands, and is the first of its type.

The single will be released at 00:00:01 in every major territory across the planet and it’s already creating considerable industry buzz worldwide.

Joe Arditti, Redlands chief marketing consultant, said of the venture:

“The recent global success of American female rock/pop artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Pink has opened up the rock genre to a far more mainstream market. More importantly, there is a gap in the British market for our very own Rock Goddess. We are proud to be working alongside Demolition Records and The Orchard with a British artist who can rival these American acts. What better way to bring in 2009, than with a new star born at midnight!”

Taken from her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Calm Before The Storm’, which features performances from her father, Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris on a number of tracks - the first time he has played on anything besides a Maiden track, ever!

An original rock chick, Lauren is no stranger to touring around the world. She has already performed in front of millions worldwide and will again be wowing audiences with her energetic stage presence on her upcoming world tour.

‘Calm Before The Storm’ is an eclectic mix of high-energy pop-rock tracks and has already received rave reviews in the alternative press. Lauren is now launching a full on assault on the British public.

Her catchy power-pop songs draw comparisons to American acts such as The Donnas and Paramore as well as more mainstream artists such as Avril Lavigne and Pink but with a distinctly British attitude and sound.

“She has the lungpower and poise to roam the heartland of American rock radio” - Kerrang!

“Watch out - there’s a new rock chick in town!” - Rock Sound Magazine

“Lauren’s star is on the rise… There’s definitely a storm brewing.” - Big Cheese Magazine

Lauren Harris 2008/2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

NOVEMBER 27th 2008 Zurich, Ohstoflager Switzerland
NOVEMBER 28th 2008 Zoe Club, Milan Italy
DECEMBER 2nd 2008 Barcelona, Mephisto Spain
DECEMBER 3rd 2008 Madrid, Heineken Spain
DECEMBER 5th 2008 Uden Nieuwe Pul Holland
DECEMBER 6th 2008 Kerkrade Rocktempel Holland
DECEMBER 8th 2008 London, The Underworld UK
DECEMBER 9th 2008 Leeds, Rios UK
DECEMBER 10th 2008 Glasgow, Cathouse UK
DECEMBER 11th 2008 Peterborough, The Park UK
JANUARY 19th 2009 Halsinki, Tavista Finland
JANUARY 21st 2009 Stockholm, Mosebacke Sweden
JANUARY 22nd 2009 Oslo, John Dee Norway
JANUARY 23rd 2009 Copenhagen, The Rock Denmark

Lauren Harris MySpace

So for years I’ve been reading in the newspapers and watching on TV and reading on the internet how race relations are great and it’s not as bad as it used to be. I have strongly disagreed every time I would see such a report knowing that I am a dark-skinned black man living in the New York City area, knowing that I am being judged solely on the color of my skin. Knowing that police officers routinely stop me in my vehicle based on how I look and not because I’ve committed any crime or traffic violation. I know that there are racist people preventing me from gaining things based on their own insecurities and prejudices.

I laugh when my white friends and acquaintances swear up and down that racism is barely existence nowadays (Though I am not accusing them of racism at all) because they are comfortable hanging with Blacks and other ‘minorities’. I even chuckle when they feel comfortable laughing at my peoples use of the N word that we, not I, but we, are comfortable saying in front of them and in videos and on record and on film (That’s another subject that I will write about in length some other time!). But, in case most of you think otherwise, racism is alive and well and kicking! It never left, it is still lingering and it is making a more blatant comeback right in front of our very eyes!

Want proof? It was reported yesterday that since Barack Obama has been elected, there has been a spike in hate crimes throughout the nation! And we have to remember that there are many crimes that are underreported in the mainstream media. Blacks have been labeled savages since I can remember and references are always made towards our Hip Hop videos and black on black crimes, yet, according to all the media reports, all of these hate crimes are being committed by whites against Blacks and other minorities. There have been reported death threats against Obama for almost 2 years now since he announced he was running for President of The United States.  I am 100% sure that there are groups out there plotting right now to try to eliminate the nation’s first Black President-Elect.

We must keep our eyes open and realize that much hasn’t changed when it comes to racism, it’s just disguised better. But as we approach the inauguration of President Barack Obama, I truly believe we will see an even higher rise in hate crimes committed by angry white, racists. I can hear them now, ‘How dare they let this nigger be leader of this here country?’

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Customer Review: The year of the 60’s
1964 for whatever reason was the year that seemed special to me defining thje 60’s and this compilation is very good. I think a lot of good albums also came out this year, and I have seen that 1964 year on them.
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Featuring 40 pop high-quality karaoke favorites from the last year or so, this is a great compilation for everyone as Disc 1 features all female songs and Disc 2 features all male songs. [DISC 1] 01. SMILE (Lily Allen) 02. HUNG UP (Madonna) 03. STICKWITU (The Pussycat Dolls) 04. I WISH I WAS A PUNK ROCKER (Sandi Thom) 05. CAN’T GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD (Kylie Minogue) 06. FROM PARIS TO BERLIN (Infernal) 07. RED DRESS (The Sugababes) 08. SWAY (The Pussycat Dolls) 09. BECAUSE OF YOU (Kelly Clarkson) 10. COOL (Gwen Stefani) 11. CRAZY CHICK (Charlotte Church) 12. SUDDENLY I SEE (KT Tunstall) 13. BEEP (The Pussycat Dolls) 14. PUT YOUR RECORDS ON (Corinne Bailey Rae) 15. SORRY (Madonna) 16. FAME (Irene Cara) 17. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN (Cyndi Lauper) 18. I THINK WE’RE ALONE NOW (Tiffany) 19. DANCING QUEEN (Abba) 20. I WILL SURVIVE (Gloria Gaynor) [DISC 2] 01. IS THIS THE WAY TO AMARILLO (Tony Christie) 02. BAD DAY (Daniel Powter) 03. VALERIE (The Zutons) 04. NO TOMORROW (Orson) 05. I DON’T FEEL LIKE DANCIN’ (The Scissor Sisters) 06. YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL (James Blunt) 07. FREE LOOP (Daniel Powter) 08. THAT’S MY GOAL (Shayne Ward) 09. YOU RAISE ME UP (Westlife) 10. CRAZY (Gnarls Barkley) 11. ROCK DJ (Robbie Williams) 12. OBVIOUSLY (McFly) 13. SPEED OF SOUND (Coldplay) 14. ALL TIME LOVE (Will Young) 15. BETTER TOGETHER (Jack Johnson) 16. STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU (Stealers Wheel) 17. DON’T STOP ME NOW (Queen) 18. DELILAH (Tom Jones) 19. HELP! (The Beatles) 20. BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP (The Foundations)
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Top of the Pops 1979

Settling the Pop Score: Pop Texts and Identity Politics (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series)
Customer Review: Review from a UK reader
Certainly pathbreaking, although at times difficult to grasp, Settling the Pop Score is truly interdisciplinary and at the cutting end of music research. Stan Hawkins addresses irony and humour in an entertaining way, and his chapters on Morrissey and the Pet Shop Boys gave me a new insight into these pop stars. This book also deals with Madonna’s music and argues convincingly for why we need to take her music as seriously as her looks.
If you are a music or cultural studies enthusiast, this book is informative, although you’ll probably have to muster up a good deal of concentration to read parts of it preferably on a quiet evening before you’ve had one too many drinks!

Customer Review: Scholarly but entertaining!
There is a shortage in books dealing with pop music that approach the subject in a scholarly way. Stan Hawkins’ Settling the Pop Score was one of the few books that was invaluable to me when taking my masters degree in popular music studies at a UK university. The book approaches the analysis of various artists, Madonna, Prince, Pet Shop Boys, Morrissey and Annie Lennox in a fascinating and intelligent manner. Building on a range of theoretical premises, which are clearly outlined in the first chapter, the author proceeds to apply them in his readings of these various mainstream pop artists. So, the question is, does Hawkins settle the pop score? Well, this is difficult to answer. But one thing is certain, he offered me a way of thinking about music and musicology in a way that goes far beyond the everyday writings of so many music journalists. As well as music students, this book should be of use to students and enthusiasts from other fields.