When describing hardcore punk music, Lester Bangs wrote that “hardcore is the womb.” The intense, focused sound of a structured three-chord, hardcore punk attack provided the listener with an immersion. In that immersion was a comfort and safety; a place where kids who felt alienated and bored could be distracted, connect with a community and […]
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“It’s that sky in the moonlight; Waves in the sunset; Strength in the fight; When we wait through the night; Have faith; it’s a sure bet.” — From “When We Love” by MexiCan (featuring Lydia Molise and Anthm) In the 45 years since Hip Hop was founded in the South Bronx of New York City, it has
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Malcolm X said that racism is a “cancer.” Decades later, research supports his assertion; not only does racism and discrimination result in tangible disparities for its victims, but also it destroys an individual’s very health and self-concept. At the core of the harmful practice of racism and discrimination is a simple message: some people don’t matter. If racism is a cancer, Hip Hop
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“I took a day or twoTo exile from the light,To unfold that prisonerThey call a mind.”– From “It’s Happening Again” by Agnes Obel Talking with Agnes Obel is more relaxing than talking with 99 percent of my therapist friends who aspire to help people cope with anxiety. This calming effect comes perhaps from years of developing a creative
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“Just two days after the first of June,A pine with arms brushing off the dew;Unlike a sky copious with death,Precipitation of heart and head.”— From “Monsoon” by Hippo Campus On one level, things are going great for Nathan Stocker and his indie rock band Hippo Campus. Hippo Campus has released only two extended-play recordings thus far,
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“Only the beginningof what I want to feel forever.”— from “Beginnings” by Chicago Tribute bands are bands that love the music of a specific—and usually well-known—band and play only songs from that band in their live shows. Mere mention of the term “tribute band” may induce eye rolls, sighs and other nonspecific condescension from musicians
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“Somebody once told me that hope is a power.” —From “Days Like These” by The Pop Group Mark Stewart of the band The Pop Group told me, “People for some reason say that my stuff is prescient.” No argument here. The Pop Group’s music was boundary breaking, and both predicted and influenced several generations of
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Wayne Kramer is changing the world again. As the guitarist of the MC5, Kramer helped pioneer the wild, unbridled jazz-infused rock sound that helped revolutionize hard rock music. But the MC5 was more than its music. Songs like “Kick out the Jams” were a rallying cry for an entire generation that no longer wanted to sit
Wayne Kramer’s Revolution Wants to Change Prisoners’ Lives Read More »
