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A podcast about music, and politics as told by musicians who sing about politics
Episodes
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
In a recent address at a Black journalist convention, Donald Trump launched a controversial attack on Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris by questioning her mixed-race heritage. He claimed ignorance about whether Harris, who has an Indian mother and a Black father, identifies as Black or Indian. This attack echoes his previous racial jabs, notably when he dubbed Senator Elizabeth Warren "Pocahontas," mocking her self-proclaimed Native American ancestry during the 2020 race. While Warren's response to Trump's provocation resulted in an embarrassing revelation of minimal Native ancestry, Harris's situation is distinct. Her heritage is well-documented; she has proudly embraced both aspects of her identity, from her involvement in one of the oldest Black sororities to her education at the historically Black Howard University.
Many within the GOP express unease with Trump's race-based attacks, fearing electoral repercussions not just in the presidential race but also in down-ballot contests. However, it is worth noting that Trump’s racially charged tactics have proven effective in the past. Yet, attacking Harris as a "racial imposter" is unlikely to yield the same results as with Warren.
Trump’s rhetoric on Harris resonates with certain factions, such as the ADOS (American Descendants of Slavery) movement, and even touches upon themes from Afro-pessimism. This academic perspective posits that the world's cultures are fundamentally anti-Black and that the prejudice one experiences correlates with one's skin tone. Under this framework, lighter-skinned, mixed-race individuals like Harris purportedly face fewer challenges than their darker-skinned counterparts, such as Congresswoman Cori Bush. But is this view valid? Historical figures like Thurgood Marshall, a light-skinned man who was the first Black Supreme Court Justice, undoubtedly faced immense challenges, arguably more so than Clarence Thomas, who is darker-skinned.
Afro-pessimism, with its focus on race as an ontological condition, often obscures the crucial role of class. The notion that light-skinned Black people enjoy privileges akin to those of white people due to their proximity to "whiteness" simplifies a complex reality. My good friend Bert Cooper, himself of mixed race and lighter skin, would likely contend that this narrow understanding of race, devoid of class analysis, fails to capture the nuanced "Black experience."
This discourse invites us to delve into the intersections of race, identity, and class, urging us to examine how these dynamics play out in the political arena and broader societal contexts.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Originally we were going to play "Are You A White Ally: Kamala Edition" with Doug, but he got out of it.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Welcome to the show! Today, we have a fascinating discussion lined up with Doug Lain, the founder of Sublation Magazine, who recently embarked on a unique journey to the Republican National Convention. Known for his incisive commentary and thought-provoking analysis, Doug offers a distinctive perspective that challenges conventional narratives.
Tonight, we'll delve into Doug's experiences at the convention, exploring the atmosphere, the conversations, and the ideological currents shaping the Republican Party today. As a critical observer, Doug provides an outsider's view into the heart of a political gathering that is seen by many in left spaces in enemy territory. What was it like for Doug behind enemy lines?
We'll explore what Doug witnessed at the convention, from the rhetoric on the main stage to the dynamics in the corridors. How is the GOP positioning itself for the upcoming elections? What are the key issues and messages resonating with its base? And how does the convention reflect broader trends in American politics? Is there a GOP candidate beyond Donald Trump that can take the party back to the party of Lincoln?
Join us as we dive into Doug's insights and reflections on the Republican National Convention, shedding light on the evolving landscape of American politics and the forces driving change within the GOP. Please welcome Doug Lain to the show!
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
We did the unthinkable and opened the phone lines to the public..
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
In this episode, Jason and Mac take a nostalgic dive into the outlandish world of 1980s sports movies. From the unforgettable "Gymkata," where gymnastics meets martial arts, to "American Anthem," the story of a gymnast from the wrong side of the tracks, the hosts break down the bizarre plots and memorable scenes that defined a generation.
They also explore the legendary skateboarding movie "Thrashin'" featuring a young Josh Brolin, and discuss the iconic yet ridiculous skateboard jousting scene. Along the way, they touch on the cultural impact of these films and their place in sports history.
Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughs, wild movie clips, and a deep dive into the sports films that could only come from the neon glow of the 80s.
Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the explosive year of 1986—a year many consider the greatest in the history of thrash metal. We'll explore the rise of "The Big 4 of Thrash," the decline of punk (as well as hardcore starting to morph into crossover) as the dominant subgenre for disaffected youth, and how metal, especially thrash metal, began to roar into the mainstream. This was a year when Metallica gained significant exposure by touring with Ozzy Osbourne, and just a year after Motley Crue catapulted into the record-selling stratosphere. The "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" had established itself, transitioning from the "new" phenomenon to a major force in the arena circuit in the U.S. and beyond.
### Was 1986 the Greatest Year of Thrash Metal?
#### The Rise of "The Big 4 of Thrash"
- **Metallica:**
- 1986 saw the release of Metallica's seminal album *Master of Puppets*, which is often hailed as one of the greatest metal albums of all time. The album's complex compositions, aggressive sound, and critical lyrics elevated thrash metal to new artistic heights. How did *Master of Puppets* influence the thrash metal genre and its acceptance in the mainstream?
- Metallica's tour with Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 was a pivotal moment for the band, exposing them to a broader audience. How did this tour help Metallica and thrash metal gain mainstream recognition?
- **Megadeth:**
- Megadeth released their influential album *Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?* in 1986. The album's politically charged lyrics and technical prowess set it apart. How did Megadeth contribute to the evolution of thrash metal with this release?
- Discuss the impact of Dave Mustaine's previous association with Metallica and how it shaped Megadeth's sound and rivalry with Metallica.
- **Slayer:**
- Slayer's *Reign in Blood* also debuted in 1986, known for its brutal speed, intensity, and dark themes. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album pushed the boundaries of thrash metal. What was the significance of *Reign in Blood* in establishing Slayer's reputation in the metal community?
- How did the album's controversial themes and aggressive style influence the thrash metal genre?
- **Anthrax:**
- Anthrax released *Spreading the Disease* in late 1985 and followed it up with *Among the Living* in early 1987. Although slightly outside of 1986, these albums were critical in shaping their influence in the thrash scene. What role did Anthrax play in the diversification and popularization of thrash metal?
#### The Decline of Punk as a Dominant Subgenre
- **Punk's Waning Influence:**
- By 1986, punk's initial wave had largely dissipated, giving way to more diverse subgenres and a shift in youth culture. How did the punk movement's decline create a space for thrash metal to rise?
- Discuss how the ethos of punk—its DIY spirit and rebellious attitude—continued to influence thrash metal bands, even as punk's mainstream presence waned.
- **Anarchy vs. Apathy:**
- Punk had often been associated with anarchy and a rejection of societal norms, but by the mid-1980s, some elements of the punk scene had turned towards apathy and malaise. How did this shift affect punk's relevance to youth culture?
- Compare and contrast how thrash metal's more structured rebellion and complex musicianship offered a new outlet for disaffected youth.
#### Thrash Metal's Mainstream Breakthrough
- **Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne Tour:**
- Metallica's tour with Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 was a significant boost for the band. How did Ozzy's endorsement and the exposure from the tour help solidify thrash metal's presence in the mainstream?
- Discuss the broader impact of established metal acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Iron Maiden embracing and supporting the thrash metal movement.
- **Motley Crue's Success:**
- Motley Crue's rise to fame after opening for Ozzy Osbourne in 1985 set a precedent for other metal bands. How did this success pave the way for thrash metal bands to achieve similar mainstream breakthroughs?
- In what ways did the success of glam metal acts like Motley Crue contrast with the rise of thrash metal, and how did these two subgenres coexist in the mid-1980s?
#### The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)
- **Cementing the Legacy:**
- By 1986, the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" (NWOBHM) had firmly established itself. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard were now major arena acts. How did NWOBHM influence the development of thrash metal?
- Discuss the transition of NWOBHM bands from new and emerging acts to established, influential forces in the global metal scene.
- **Cross-Pollination of Genres:**
- How did the NWOBHM's success in the early 1980s pave the way for the thrash metal bands of the mid-1980s?
- In what ways did NWOBHM and thrash metal bands influence each other musically and culturally?
### Conclusion
1986 was indeed a landmark year for thrash metal, marked by iconic releases from "The Big 4" and significant mainstream breakthroughs. This year saw the decline of punk's dominance, as thrash metal emerged as the new voice of disaffected youth, blending punk's rebellious spirit with metal's technical prowess. As the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" transitioned into established arena acts, thrash metal began to carve out its own place in the mainstream, setting the stage for its enduring influence on the music landscape.
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
We continue the conversation a bit from the 1st hour and then introduce Varn to the Penus (yep, that's spelled correctly, you'll see..)Dr. Alexxys Tylor. Then, things get a bit serious as we talk about what the real situation is on the ground for Americans beyond the sham spectacle that is this current election.