http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005 by the authors Thu, 22 Jul 2004 07:47:22 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/21/173909.php#comment-75440 I totally agree, from the perspective of "effectiveness" - and isn't that ultimately what it's about unless the "artist" just likes to hear himself/herself talk - it makes much more sense to separate art and policy. If politics can be worked into a song, that's fine, but blathering on at a concert out of context shows little respect for the audience. 75440@blogcritics.org Thu, 22 Jul 2004 07:47:22 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/21/173909.php#comment-75415 Good call, if you go to the World Affairs Council of Oregon's "International Speakers Series," you've absolutely volunteered to listen. Plus, I doubt they're paying $100 for tickets, and $50 for t-shirts. 75415@blogcritics.org Thu, 22 Jul 2004 01:12:48 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/21/173909.php#comment-75404 I think Bono is being wise in speaking to a public affairs audience since he will talk at length. A little politics goes a long way at a rock concert. I think he knows that. 75404@blogcritics.org Wed, 21 Jul 2004 23:59:39 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/21/173909.php#comment-75309 i think its for the best if he keeps the politics and the music seperate. some folks can pull it off; billy bragg, dylan, 2pac to some extent on his first record (i know, im missing LOADS) but anyone who sat through Lennon's Sometime In New York City will know that political yacking is sometimes best done without musical acompniment. Also, Bono is much more articulate with regards his belifes than many other rock types. I wouldn't fancy listening to, say, Robert Plant yacking on the world trade deficit, but Bono has proved he can, indeed, yack. Would the ever-so-dour Rattle N Hum been worth watching for a damn second if not for his rants? The one about the IRA was especially blinding, considering he'd been accused of republican sympathies ever since Sunday Bloody Sunday. (republican as in irish sense, not as in george bush and friends) God, i've got all long with regards the windedness. 75309@blogcritics.org Wed, 21 Jul 2004 18:43:32 EDT