Breaking News: Prop 8

By: Brandy Black

Today it has been announced that California’s proposition 8 has been ruled unconstitutional.  There will be a small gathering in West Hollywood to celebrate this great day!

Congratulations California!

 

 

The Next Sounds: Heartless Bastards

By: Sierra Drucker

Heartless Bastards epitomize good old rock and roll for the new age.  This foursome hails from Ohio, home to fellow rock brethren The Black Keys who actually passed the Bastards’ demo along to Fat Possum who quickly recognized the talent and signed them in 2004.  Four albums later, and with a slightly new lineup, they are about to release their debut full length for Partisan Records, undoubtedly their best work yet.

Take a listen to “Parted Ways” from the forthcoming album, Arrow, and then download the single for free HERE.

Although they take inspiration from old school rock staples like The Breeders, Guided By Voices, Otis Redding and Led Zeppelin, they deliver 10 leathery blues rockin tracks with a consciously modern twist.  A newly refined production courtesy of Jim Eno from Spoon breathes life into their music, taking them from garage rock to, well, garage rock if you went to the container store and organized all of the tools.

Arrow finds the band using subtler instrumentation to accentuate the firey and weathered vocals of their fearless front-woman, Erika Wennerstrom.  Her sound is timeless, reminiscent of Janis Joplin or Victoria Legrand, not only because she possesses that extraordinary tone, but also because of her unflinching delivery that can only come from writing the songs herself.

Click the image below to indulge your ears with another gorgeous new song, “Only For You,” courtesy of KCRW’s Liza Richardson, and prepare to melt under Wennerstrom’s mercilessly swooning vocals.

Lucky for us, Heartless Bastards are preparing for a nationwide tour, with a stop at Los Angeles’ Echoplex on April 3rd.  Until then, be sure to pre-order your copy and anxiously await the release date (February 14th) when you can strap on your best sunglasses, roll the window down, and blast the Heartless Bastards while the wind whips your hair – like a badass.

“God Bless America”

By: Tom Butts

I was listening today as Rick Perry dropped his nomination for President of the United States. As I listened I kept noticing that it sounded much more like a sermon than a leader bowing out of a campaign. Normally I would have turned off the “noise” but kept listening. His words were a combination of secular sentences and Bible quotes.

Now I’m writing this as a person who truly believes in God. Yes, I get it from both sides, my Christian friends that say, “How can you embrace the gay lifestyle?” and my gay friends that say, “How can you believe in a made up person?” But this is a different article on a different day.

Last summer, I was again, watching television with my friend Shane visiting from Australia. President Obama was speaking and at the end did the obligatory “God bless you and God bless America.” I didn’t really notice until Shane looked at me and said, “Hey, can you go back a few seconds?” So I did. It played again, I’m sure I was on Twitter on my phone. He said, “Did you f*cking hear that? The President just talked about God.” This started to make me think. Had I been desensitized by the right wing? Why is my President saying that after each and every speech? So, I did some research.

I found this:

On the evening of April 30, 1973, Richard Nixon addressed the nation live from the Oval Office in an attempt to manage the growing Watergate scandal. It was a difficult speech for Nixon; he announced the resignations of three Administration officials, including Attorney General Richard Kleindienst, but Nixon nonetheless tried to sound optimistic. As he approached the end of his speech, Nixon noted that he had “exactly 1,361 days remaining” in his term and wanted them “to be the best days in America’s history.” “Tonight,” he continued, “I ask for your prayers to help me in everything that I do throughout the days of my presidency.” Then came the magic words: “God bless America and God bless each and every one of you.”

Almost 39 years ago was when a sitting President first spoke those words. The context was hardly an auspicious beginning for the phrase in the presidency, and it didn’t immediately catch on. Gerald Ford eschewed it, as did Jimmy Carter. But not Ronald Reagan. Reagan made “God bless America” the omnipresent political slogan that it is today.

Again, I’m writing this as I honestly hadn’t known anything different. You see, I’m 46, so when I was 7 years old this started happening. It was like “pledging allegiance” (again, a different article on a different day), it was something we all did and really, for me at least, there was no significance.

In my opinion, really, there’s no place for this in a Presidency. I don’t care if my President is Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, or atheist; I just want them to be moral. Unfortunately I can’t imagine the backlash President Obama would receive if he decided to take it out of his speeches, some people still don’t think he’s American.

My point is, our secular nation is not being threatened by non-Christian values, it’s being threatened by Christianity itself. Let’s remember why we separated and fought to get away from England in the 1700s. We are a free nation, a secular nation, and this is something unique and wonderful. I’m hoping someone else takes the time to evaluate and has the nerve to talk about it with the Presidential Seal on the podium in front of him (or her).

Single-Issue Voter

By: Tom Butts (No “Ifs” “Ands” or “Butts”)

I was having a conversation with my father about politics; it’s never good or it’s so ambiguous that neither of us can make sense of it. I of course am Democrat, and my father is a “Texas Republican”. Ask me what that is…
Well, it’s quite easy to explain. My father votes Republican, plain and simple. He likes the image of the candidate; it has a lot of pull for him. In 1980/84 he voted for Ronald Reagan. He really had a bro-mance with that president. To this day, I’m sure there’s still a picture of him and “Aunt Nancy” in his house, framed in some black-patent frame from 1981. In 2000 he was very excited that GW Bush won the election, a mental landslide in my father’s head (although Gore captured the popular vote). What these men have in common is two things: Belt buckles and cowboy hats. Yes, it’s actually that simple. You can probably guess who my father supports this year (hint: another Texan, with poor debating skills).

So, back to my point, we were talking about the 2012 election and my father asked who I was going to support in the General Election. I quickly told him President Obama. He said to me, “you are a one-issue voter”. You know what? I think I am.

It bothers me when my gay friends say that they’re Republicans. I say “bother” because I do believe everyone should have the ability to vote for the person they think would best lead the nation. I hear a lot of my gay friends talk about how they are excited about Romney, or Paul. I still don’t understand.

I’m a white guy, my husband and I make a really good living (we’re DINKS – double income no kids). We own homes, we travel, if you were to look at us, we probably look like Republicans. But we’re Democrats. The main reason is that I don’t think you have anything without your freedom. Your freedom to marry, freedom to be respected, freedom to be loved, etc. I can’t think about money saved by voting for a conservative candidate when he or she is saying things like, “we can’t support big government unless it’s to overturn a state’s stance on marriage or abortion.” In addition to confusing me, it offends me to no end.

I tried to explain to my father that without the ability to be equal in the eyes of a secular government, I have nothing. He still didn’t get it. So, I said, “Dad, what if the Republican Party platform said people over the age of 75 should be banned from driving?” – - (Long pause) – - he then says, “that would never happen”, I challenged him again. He tells me that he couldn’t possibly vote for the party (he’s 81 years old). I said, “Wouldn’t that make you a one-issue voter”? – - (Another pause) – - “I get it”, he says.

I think what it boils down to is when you try to get people thinking about things that are important to them and that it could be taken away, they get the AH-HA! moment and it clicks.

So, when people ask me if I’m a one-issue voter, I proudly say yes. Until we get equal rights and the ability to focus on other topics that don’t take our rights away, I don’t mind if people think I’m being narrow minded…

I’m simply being me.

The Next Sounds: Best Music Videos of 2011

2011 has been an amazing year for the music video.  Artists continue to push the boundaries of the medium, using it to challenge social norms, experiment with new technology, express beauty, comedy, and tragedy, sometimes all at once.  There have been so many videos that caught my eye this year, but I’ve narrowed it down to the top 11 of 2011.

#11: “It’s Real” by Real Estate

On top of being one of my favorite breakout bands of the year, these fellows tug on my heartstrings, complimenting this sunny song with an entire video dedicated to our canine friends.  I want one!

#10: “You” by TV On The Radio

TV On The Radio take a look into a future that finds them broken up and exploring new and unique facets of life including Live Action Role Playing, the Bush Administration on Ice, Dojos, and, Jheri Curls. Let’s just hope they never break up, for Tunde’s sake.

#9:  “Bizness” by tUnE-yArDs

This colorful creation plays off of all the best parts of this song.  It’s playful, colorful, strange, and beautiful.

#8: “Our Deal” by Best Coast

Drew Barrymore directed this tragic and oh so stylish tale of two star-crossed lovers.  Great video, however I feel like the random break-dancer at 2:38 kind of takes away from the severity of the situation.  Just sayin’…

#7: “Tog” by Colourmusic

They say when it comes to horror films, the less you see, the more chilling  Colourmusic wisely leaves this one up to the imagination.  I think it was a pie-eating contest.  Call me an optimist.

#6: “My Machines” by Battles

It was tough deciding between this video, or the sensual overload video that is “Ice Cream.”  In the end, I went with this one I love the concept.  It might be a social statement attacking our materialistic nature, or maybe it’s just someone’s Black Friday nightmare brought to life.  I’ll let you decide.

#5: “Sprawl II” by Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire went with another interactive video for “Sprawl II.”  I can’t listen to this song without thinking of the Hood Internet’s Arcade Fire/Blondie mash-up.  Anyway, check out the video below, and then get interactive HERE.

#4: “Cruel” by St. Vincent

St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy is most definitely my favorite album this year.  That delicate voice floats along edgy distortion and dark subject matter, much like her video for “Cruel.”

#3: “Iron” by Woodkid

Prior to his music career Yoanne Lemoine (aka Woodkid) was a successful director working with artists like Yelle, Moby and Katy Perry.  Lucky for us, he decided to dedicate himself to music as well, creating the epic and gorgeous  “Iron.”  In a word – breathtaking.

#2: “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye featuring Kimbra

When you attach such a stunning and artful video to a song that is already so special, what you get is viral.  It’s no wonder this video has over 25 million views.   It simply never gets old.

#1: “Make Some Noise” by Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys are back with a vengeance this year, and this video says it all.  They’ve combined pretty much all of my favorite actors in an epic video of alcohol and drug infused mayhem that ends in a dance-off gone sour.  Check out the abbreviated video below, or enjoy the thirty-minute masterpiece HERE.

There were so many videos I wasn’t able to include.  Alas, that’s what happens when you are limited to a list.  Feel free to comment and share any other videos that caught your eye this year.

Happy New Year!  May 2012 bring you music, laughter, creativity and peace of mind.

Like what you heard?  Visit Sierra’s blog, Inland Sounds, for more musical offerings. 

The Next Sounds: Mayer Hawthorne

By: Sierra Drucker

Mayer Hawthorne is one smooth crooner for the modern age.  He made the move from indie label Stones Throw to Universal Republic for his sophomore release How Do You Do, released earlier this month.

This soul-loving hipster recalls influences such as Curtis Mayfield and Smokey Robinson.  And while his music is certainly a revival of these Motown greats, Hawthorne adds his own progressive spin with tight production and a modern hilarity.

Check out his latest video for “The Walk”, which is essentially an abbreviated version of the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  Why?  Because he can.

Hawthorne knows that trends in music like the throwback genre are short-lived, so he’s clearly having fun while it lasts.  Taking a tongue in cheek attitude to the lyrics, he keeps the themes light, even adding Snoop Dogg as a side artist on the decidedly silky and smirk-inducing R&B jam “Can’t Stop.”

One of my favorites, “A Long Time”, is a simple upbeat song about Hawthorne’s beloved Motor City, where much of his musical inspiration came from.

“A Long Time” – Mayer Hawthorne

 

“A Long Time (Chromeo Remix)” – Mayer Hawthorne

 

If you like what you hear, check out more goodies on Sierra’s blog, Inland Sounds.

The Next Sounds: Lisa Hannigan

By: Sierra Drucker

The remarkably talented Irish folkstress Lisa Hannigan has just released her sophomore full length Passenger (ATO).  The Mercury Prize nominee teamed up with famed producer Joe Henry (Ani DiFranco, Aimee Mann, Elvis Costello, Mavis Staples, and more) to create this masterful work. Enjoy a taste with the first single, “Knots.”

From start to finish, this album is pure delight – poetry plays out through pointed lyrics and warm compositions filled with weathered strings, ukelele, piano, and that undeniable voice.  The emotional draw of her music begs comparison to artists like Fiona Apple, Katie Herzig, and Feist.  She pushes the realm of folk music without even trying, or so it seems.

Her career began when she paired up with fellow Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice.  When things went sour, she decided to focus on a solo career, releasing her debut album Sea Sew in 2008.  Her talents were soon discovered and met with critical acclaim and chart success.  Though she isn’t quite a household name yet, I imagine her sophomore album will pick up even more heat, catapulting her further into the spotlight.

While I would recommend listening to the entire album (which you can actually stream for a short period via KCRW), if I had to recommend one more song, it would be “O, Sleep”.  Pair her up with the gut-wrenching vocals of the incomparable Ray LaMontagne, and you get a song that can make a grown man curl into fetal position with a blankie.

Hannigan is currently on a North American tour.  Be sure to catch her when she’s in your neck of the woods.  You can check the dates out HERE.

Foo Fighters Serenade Westboro Baptist Church

By: Shannon Ralph

On August 30, 2011, the homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, known for its chants of “God Hates Fags”, picketed a Foo Fighters concert in Kansas City. The church claims that the Foo Fighters’ song “Keep It Clean (Hot Buns)” encourages “fornication” and “fags”.

In response to the picketing, the band held a surprise impromptu gig outside the venue and serenaded the picketers with an ode to gay sex. Rolling up on a flat-bed truck, dressed in redneck beards, wigs, and trucker hats, the band performed the song. Lyrics included, “Driving all night, got a hankering for something. Think I’m in the mood for some hot man muffins. Mmmm, sounds so fine. Yes, indeed.”

During a break in the song, singer Dave Grohl told the crowd gathered in the street, “I don’t care if you’re black or white or purple of green, whether your Pennsylvanian or Transylvanian, Lady Gaga or Lady Antebellum, it takes all kinds!”

“Men loving women, and women loving men, and men loving men and women loving women…you all now we like to watch that. But what I’d like to say is, God Bless America, y’all!”

The band were jeered by the Westboro Baptists throughout the performance outside Kansas City’s Sprint Centre, but also cheered by a large number of fans watching. Foo Fighters are currently on tour with their seventh album ‘Wasting Light’.

Gay Soldier Booed at Republican Presidential Debate

By: Shannon Ralph

In a televised Republican presidential candidate debate on Thursday, a gay soldier was booed by the crowd after asking a question about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). In a response that is both incredibly sad and a telling testament to their character, not one candidate on the stage came to the soldier’s defense. Not a single candidate said a word to the crowd about booing this man. Not a single candidate took a stand to defend a man putting his life on the line in service to the country they hope to one day lead.

“In 2010, when I was deployed to Iraq, I had to lie about who I was, because I’m a gay soldier, and I didn’t want to lose my job,” said Stephen Hill, whose image was projected on a large TV screen in the debate hall. “My question is, under one of your presidencies, do you intend to circumvent the progress that’s been made for gay and lesbian soldiers in the military?”

Members of the crowd booed loudly at the question. Rather than first thanking Hill for his service or acknowledging his tour in Iraq in any way, Rick Santorum answered the soldier’s question by launching into an impassioned diatribe about reinstating DADT.

“I would say, any type of sexual activity has absolutely no place in the military,” he said. “And the fact that they’re making a point to include it as a provision within the military that we are going to recognize a group of people and give them a special privilege to — to — and removing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” I think tries to inject social policy into the military. And the military’s job is to do one thing, and that is to defend our country.”

The audience began to applaud as Santorum added, “We need to give the military, which is all-volunteer, the ability to do so in a way that is most efficient at protecting our men and women in uniform. And I believe this undermines that ability.”

Since the debate, a few candidates, John Huntsman and Gary Johnson, have gone on record saying that they thought the booing was inappropriate, though neither of them spoke up to defend the soldier. Others like Michelle Bachman and Mitt Romney have dodged questions about the controversy. Rick Santorum, in a brilliant display of absolute wussiness, stated that he simply did not hear the booing. Booing? What booing?

“I didn’t hear it. I didn’t hear the boos,” Santorum told ABC News. “I heard the question and answered the question, so I’ve heard subsequently that happened. I’ve heard varied reports about whether they were booing the soldier or the policy.”

“I don’t know what they were booing,” he said. “If you can, go out and find the people who were booing and find out if they were booing because a man was gay or because of a policy they don’t agree with.”

What a gutless invertebrate!

British Statistics Show Gay People Less Likely to Divorce

By: Shannon Ralph

Recent statistics out of Britain suggest that same-sex civil partners are less likely to divorce than straight married people. Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that after five years, 5.5 percent of marriages had ended in divorce and 2.5 percent of civil partnerships had been dissolved.

Since civil partnerships were legalized in Britain in 2005, 42,778 civil partnerships have taken place —four times the number initially expected. The ONS report states, “Early figures suggest that marriages are more likely to end in divorce than civil partnerships are to end in dissolution.”

There you have it. Hard statistics to counter the assertion that gay people will somehow ruin the “sanctity” of marriage. My partner and I have been together for thirteen years. Both our parents are divorced. My sweet little grandma has been divorced several times. Aunts, uncles, and cousins have been divorced. Friends are divorced. But my partner and I are together and have every intention of staying that way.

Straight people do not need LGBT people to screw up their marriages. Statistics show they are quite capable of doing that themselves.

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