Something I Learned Today...

So, I was browsing the alternative rock forums on Amazon and I came across a thread that I thought was rather interesting.

It was a thread asking about the bands that people can't stand. Oh, the usual bands were mentioned: Fall Out Boy, Nickelback, even my beloved Green Day. While I try not to be an elitist myself--although, I'll admit it, I slip up--the fact that they were posting about it was somewhat annoying. I don't see the point. Music is subjective, and not everyone likes the same thing that you do. Heck, most of my friends don't really care. If it really bothers you, shut up and start your own band or turn off the god damn corporate radio. It's not that hard of a thing to do, and say what you want about the band, but Against Me! said it best: "We can control the medium." If you choose not to, then I don't think you can bitch about it...

... but that's a whole other post together.

What really struck me as irritating was this post, which was made in regards to Pearl Jam's censorship at the ATT Blue Room broadcast of some festival they did a while back:

"All this talk about Pearl Jam has gotten me listening to them again. I really love their music. Than being said, I find them, or maybe just Eddie, EXTREMELY annoying when they use the stage as an outlet for political criticism. In fact, I am irritated by any "celebrity" using thir spotlight for politickin'. Just shut up and play your music or act in your movies. Just because you are entertaining does not mean everyone values your opinions. Leave the political commentaries to the Hannity and Colmeses of the world and keep it out of your shows. Golfinger is another one. I used to really like their music (though I feel I have outgrown them since college). They are constantly raving about their being vegans and animal rights and God know what else. Shut up already. I don't care. Dance and play your guitar, monkey."

Does this strike anyone else as sad?

Now, I understand that music is mainly for entertainment value, but really Manu Chao said it best: the musicians have the microphone. They should say something. That's why they do. I don't think it's up to them to fix the world, but isn't it worth it to have some kid think about an issue and go to the polls and try to make this world somewhat better because of a song? Because of an album? Because of a musician? Or are we in such a state of apathy that we've become self-absorbed hedonists that will watch the world collapse first?How are you so god damned complacent?! How could you not be angry about the world the way it is now? I think that's what bothers me the most. I may not have the answers, but at least I want to try and find them.

Forget Los Angeles... Rome is burning once again. And apathy's fueling the fire.