Pop Culture Politics
Being Against Stuff is Cool Now

Where once political protesting through music was relegated to angry punk rockers or pudgy folk artists, everyone is getting into the game now. Green Day, Eminem, A Perfect Circle, Bruce Springsteen. Thanks to George W. Bush, who is bringing back 80s style anti-Reagan level hysteria. If he wins tonight, expect four more years of concept albums, benefit concerts and supposed deep lyrics. Let's hope for at least a few throwaway "Thong Song(s)" to counter all the heaviness.

Here are three recent case studies:
1. Eminem - "Mosh" video
Last Thursday Eminem's "Shady National Convention" convened in New York to launch his new 24-hour hip hop station on Sirius Satellite Radio and reveal his new video "Mosh," which is very much anti-Bush. The video, with impressive animation, looks to motivate young voters to either vote or buy the soon-to-be released "Encore" (Nov. 16, Interscope).

2. Green Day - American Idiot
Green Day would like to become the musical Michael Moore this year. They may sweep the Grammies with the politically charged "American Idiot." Who knows what the lyrics are about and who cares because we all assume the title is about Bush, so that makes them cool, right?

3. A Perfect Circle - eMOTIVe
A Perfect Circle, the side project for Tool singer Maynard James Keenan breaks out with "eMOTIVe" a collection of political cover songs and originals. Marvin Gaye, Depeche Mode and John Lennon are covered in monotone fashion without much emotion despite the title.