Angry American(s)
99X had a very entertaining segment this morning where they discussed how much country music singers love war. That is, how it always seems that country singers release overly cheesy and uber-jingoistic songs during a time of war. Toby Keith was the top example for this, and Toucher proceded to show how shallow the lyrics were by composing his own song within five minutes (that was quite funny).
Now I've got absolutely no problem with country stars penning songs like 'Angry American' because, at the end of the day, they're trying to make a buck. And their targeted audience typically eats up stuff like that, so more power to 'em. Personally, I agree with the vast majority of the 99X crew (only Wally 'liked' those kinds of songs) - the music sucks not because we hate America, but rather because the music simply sucks.
Quite to the contrary, I happen to love America. And there are plenty of patriotic songs out there I do truly enjoy such as classics like 'God Bless America', 'America the Beautiful' and 'Star Spangled Banner.' Some of the songs that emerged from the 1940s during World War II were quite catchy, and songs like 'Born in the USA' and 'R.O.C.K. in the USA' are good as well.
Nor am I a pacifist. I have backed the overwhelming majority of American military conflicts/wars in my time, including Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, the conversation quickly turned to 'protest' songs, and I think much of those suck as well. In fact, the ones that have popped up as a result of the War In Iraq are pretty hideous (though 'Mosh' by Eminem is excellent). But musical tastes are a matter of opinion, so while some folks may enjoy System of a Down, I do not.
The bottom line is folks want to make money, and folks target audiences so they can make money. I believe that people like Toby Keith or System of a Down really do hold on to the opinions they profess in their music, but they're also smart enough to create music that will sell.
And that's America baby.
Now I've got absolutely no problem with country stars penning songs like 'Angry American' because, at the end of the day, they're trying to make a buck. And their targeted audience typically eats up stuff like that, so more power to 'em. Personally, I agree with the vast majority of the 99X crew (only Wally 'liked' those kinds of songs) - the music sucks not because we hate America, but rather because the music simply sucks.
Quite to the contrary, I happen to love America. And there are plenty of patriotic songs out there I do truly enjoy such as classics like 'God Bless America', 'America the Beautiful' and 'Star Spangled Banner.' Some of the songs that emerged from the 1940s during World War II were quite catchy, and songs like 'Born in the USA' and 'R.O.C.K. in the USA' are good as well.
Nor am I a pacifist. I have backed the overwhelming majority of American military conflicts/wars in my time, including Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, the conversation quickly turned to 'protest' songs, and I think much of those suck as well. In fact, the ones that have popped up as a result of the War In Iraq are pretty hideous (though 'Mosh' by Eminem is excellent). But musical tastes are a matter of opinion, so while some folks may enjoy System of a Down, I do not.
The bottom line is folks want to make money, and folks target audiences so they can make money. I believe that people like Toby Keith or System of a Down really do hold on to the opinions they profess in their music, but they're also smart enough to create music that will sell.
And that's America baby.
posted by Jmac at 8:49 AM
3 Comments:
They make those songs because their audience supports the war and troops, and they do too, unlike most of the rockers lunch in London, party in Paris, and would rather move to Europe. The Dixie Chicks are exhibit A for country stars who don't support troops, etc.
And Born in the USA is definitely a protest song....
ATLs Finest
I believe that people like Toby Keith or System of a Down really do hold on to the opinions they profess in their music See, I think yes and no. It depends on the song and the band/person.
Cari: why do you hate America?
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