Level 42 Digest for Wednesday, October 08, 2003

Level-Heads,

Michael Payne made a comparison of 80's music to today's garbage and I must say, Mike, I couldn't agree more with what you said. I think what we're witnessing today is the unfortunate evolution of pop-culture that was set in motion by Elvis. Now, I'm not knocking Elvis for all of you Presley lovers out there, but many of today's musical commentators will argue that he started the whole "sell sex" phenomenon in the music industry. Over the last 5 decades, it's become "cool" or "fashionable" to display acts of immorality or to promote controversy. Think about it, drug-use and moral relativism in the 60's (The Beatles, Puff the Magic Dragon, just to name a few), more drug-use and moral relativism in the 70's, heightened sexual stimuli in the 80's (Madonna's antics, George Michael, just to name a few), the rap revolution in the 90's, opening the doors to gangsta rap, lyrics about murder, rape, ho's and bitches, etc etc...and that leads us up to today's collection of imbeciles.

Now look, I'm not writing this to preach morality or give a sermon...if I wanted to do that, I'd join the seminary...what I am seeking to do is get my vent on! And oh yes, prepare yourselves, I am about to let off some steam.

Granted, we can all agree that every decade has had its share of bad apples....but the 2000's have, like Mike said, brought us to a new low. You see, although offensive artists were existent in the past, they were never so mainstream. Although Madonna (I am picking on her because she's the first to pop in my mind...I'm sure there are others) brought a bit of shock and awe to the family dinner table, there were so many other talented artists to counteract her. And don't get me wrong, her band and her music I happened to like a lot....great music...but there were people disapproving of her lifestyle and image. Anyway, today is different. Whereas in the past the ratio of "lewd" artists to "decent" was say, 1 to 6 (respectively)....it is now something like 4 to 2. Also, even if there were the same number of lewd artists in the past, they were never so worshiped and applauded as they are today. I am basing all of this on my humble opinion by the way, I'm not a statistician nor do I possess an arsenal of facts and figures. It just seems that these offensive, untalented, rude and in my opinion socially dangerous characters are so much more accepted...even cherished today...whereas in the past, their support would not be so widespread or deep. For example, consider Eminem. This is a guy who sings about murdering his mother, beating the shit out of his girlfriend/wife, and referring to women as bitches and whores....and yet....every time he throws a show there's a crowd of thousands of screaming fans, many of them women. Does that make ANY SENSE at all??? That would be like George W. Bush having a press conference, saying, "I'm implementing a policy of murdering all girls born this year named Katie" and having his poll number skyrocket winning him a reelection of 50 states!

It's a shame that artists like Genesis, Level 42, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Robert Palmer, Rick Astley and Jeffery Osborne are being replaced with the likes of Eminem, 50 Cent, Nelly, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Christina Aguilera, and Snoop Dog. The former artists matched talented, awesome music with, at the very least, "acceptable" lyrics and stage acts. The latter artists are just a disgrace....and yet, they're making millions. The main reason? Simple...because somehow, they are regarded as "cool." If you're a middle school student, and you chose to listen to Level 42 instead of Snoop Dog, you'd be called names and would be considered "gay." I know...cause it happened to me. (I'm happy to report that my musical tastes never wavered and I remained a dedicated and loyal fan of L42 and 80's music) Thus, it's very hard for members of our young society NOT to like or listen to these awful performers. Most of our youth does NOT have strong will power in the face of ridicule. (Again, this is all in my estimation, I am not a sociologist).

On both a talent and decency scale, today's artists don't match up to the 80's or 70's or even prior. I admit, some of the songs are fun to listen to, some have great beats, but to be honest, come on, they don't compare.

I hope I didn't tick anyone off. I realize that there are those out there that disagree. Anyway, I hope that one day things will shape up. As for now, I will be looking forward to Level 42's new album (which I hope is still in the works).

That is all,

-Tim W.

1. Acoustic/Robbie/Cosmos/AG
From:	mikethepom <mikethepom @ yahoo.com>
Date:	Tue, 7 Oct 2003 03:20:53 -0700 (PDT)	[top]
Hi people ... ... I'm in the middle of putting together an acoustic compilation CD to burn for my girly. Has L42 done anything with acoustic guitars that I can include, or am I limited to Leaving Me Now for its piano? I'm right into Robbie Williams at the moment - any fellow fans on the 'gest? I am at one with the cosmos and I love everyone - Christians, Heathens, even Prince fans. I truly admire your work, AG, and consider myself to be of above-average intelligence with a grown-up job and everything, but can you please translate this into human language: "Well, this one got pretty much the expected response, namely evidence that opinion and belief can be assumed as solipsistic 'knowledge' by either end of the spectrum. It's always been a fun pastime for those sat in the blissful middle of informed uncertainty to see the vitriolic ends practically join up." Cheers ~ Mike __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search http://shopping.yahoo.com

2. A is for Apple, B is for Bee, C is for...Cranium Incapactiy???
From:	jt <jtraci @ yahoo.com>
Date:	Tue, 7 Oct 2003 03:58:50 -0700 (PDT)	[top]
Guess Who >Can anyone make any sense at all of the ramblings of >jt.It's that I can't understand hardly a darn thing >he is on about. Pete, you certainly feel the need to disclose a whole lot about yourself of late. This (which you’ve "bravely" put forth before) really, says more about you than it ever could about my writing or ability to get forth my thoughts. >The bits I can make out, it seems he is stirring up >something to do with gays or drug users (interesting >example jt!!) Needless to say I applaud you for proving that I needed that little bracketed disclaimer, and, quite frankly I’m embarrassed for you that your still were unable to comprehend it. >I actually have... More biography. Can’t you just stick to the little 'fill in the answers' kinda thing people seem to need to share? >As for the not knowing how to debate, at least I post >in sentences that are readable and have a meaning >instead of the garbled nonsense you post. Maybe you do not comprehend my "garbled nonsense" because correct punctuation is involved? Define "readable". And I’ve frightened as to your definition of "meaning". >By the way, being a Christian doesn't mean I can't >express an opinion or tell someone if I think they >are talking nonsense. Oddly I don’t remember ever saying that it did. The object (granted, with a slight slant) of my post was to get Mike off your back. (and place forth the Mike Lindup news) I do look forward to your expansive (not too mention "readable" and 'meaningful') posts in the future and I sincerely hope you preface ever sentence that has little-to-nothing with religion with, "Being a christian..." >A Wimp I ain't and if you want to continue with your >abuse then you know my email address. Fire away buddy. What a "readable sentence"! Listen mate, I could hand you your ass, as I’ve done in the past, countless times. Unless I can make some money at it, I’m not really too interested. Besides, taking this to personal email would be just...uncomfortable for me, as when I converse via private email I tend to continually ask, "What are you wearing" and state that (over the course of writing the email), "I am gradually getting undressed". It’s kinda bizarre, but I’ve been scarred by a variety of sex chat rooms (I'm past it now, thank you). So, unlike most, I seek public forums of conversation to cloak my exhibitionistic tendencies (not too mention some of my, um, "sexual peculiarities" (so I've been told)). "As a human being" I kinda feel bad for someone that can’t read/comprehend, so, if it will help, I would be happy to stop by the baby store and pick up some of those nice soft books that feel like a pillow and have really simple, largely printed words. I’ll look for the special ones that you can also mark up with in colourful ink and that mommy can later wash to get the variety of stains out of. Well, I’d be "happy" to do it if I can write it off on my taxes... j(ay) __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search http://shopping.yahoo.com

3. 80's music vs. Today's
From:	Tim Wojton <tgwojton @ yahoo.com>
Date:	Tue, 7 Oct 2003 07:50:42 -0700 (PDT)	[top]
Level-Heads, Michael Payne made a comparison of 80's music to today's garbage and I must say, Mike, I couldn't agree more with what you said. I think what we're witnessing today is the unfortunate evolution of pop-culture that was set in motion by Elvis. Now, I'm not knocking Elvis for all of you Presley lovers out there, but many of today's musical commentators will argue that he started the whole "sell sex" phenomenon in the music industry. Over the last 5 decades, it's become "cool" or "fashionable" to display acts of immorality or to promote controversy. Think about it, drug-use and moral relativism in the 60's (The Beatles, Puff the Magic Dragon, just to name a few), more drug-use and moral relativism in the 70's, heightened sexual stimuli in the 80's (Madonna's antics, George Michael, just to name a few), the rap revolution in the 90's, opening the doors to gangsta rap, lyrics about murder, rape, ho's and bitches, etc etc...and that leads us up to today's collection of imbeciles. Now look, I'm not writing this to preach morality or give a sermon...if I wanted to do that, I'd join the seminary...what I am seeking to do is get my vent on! And oh yes, prepare yourselves, I am about to let off some steam. Granted, we can all agree that every decade has had its share of bad apples....but the 2000's have, like Mike said, brought us to a new low. You see, although offensive artists were existent in the past, they were never so mainstream. Although Madonna (I am picking on her because she's the first to pop in my mind...I'm sure there are others) brought a bit of shock and awe to the family dinner table, there were so many other talented artists to counteract her. And don't get me wrong, her band and her music I happened to like a lot....great music...but there were people disapproving of her lifestyle and image. Anyway, today is different. Whereas in the past the ratio of "lewd" artists to "decent" was say, 1 to 6 (respectively)....it is now something like 4 to 2. Also, even if there were the same number of lewd artists in the past, they were never so worshiped and applauded as they are today. I am basing all of this on my humble opinion by the way, I'm not a statistician nor do I possess an arsenal of facts and figures. It just seems that these offensive, untalented, rude and in my opinion socially dangerous characters are so much more accepted...even cherished today...whereas in the past, their support would not be so widespread or deep. For example, consider Eminem. This is a guy who sings about murdering his mother, beating the shit out of his girlfriend/wife, and referring to women as bitches and whores....and yet....every time he throws a show there's a crowd of thousands of screaming fans, many of them women. Does that make ANY SENSE at all??? That would be like George W. Bush having a press conference, saying, "I'm implementing a policy of murdering all girls born this year named Katie" and having his poll number skyrocket winning him a reelection of 50 states! It's a shame that artists like Genesis, Level 42, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Robert Palmer, Rick Astley and Jeffery Osborne are being replaced with the likes of Eminem, 50 Cent, Nelly, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Christina Aguilera, and Snoop Dog. The former artists matched talented, awesome music with, at the very least, "acceptable" lyrics and stage acts. The latter artists are just a disgrace....and yet, they're making millions. The main reason? Simple...because somehow, they are regarded as "cool." If you're a middle school student, and you chose to listen to Level 42 instead of Snoop Dog, you'd be called names and would be considered "gay." I know...cause it happened to me. (I'm happy to report that my musical tastes never wavered and I remained a dedicated and loyal fan of L42 and 80's music) Thus, it's very hard for members of our young society NOT to like or listen to these awful performers. Most of our youth does NOT have strong will power in the face of ridicule. (Again, this is all in my estimation, I am not a sociologist). On both a talent and decency scale, today's artists don't match up to the 80's or 70's or even prior. I admit, some of the songs are fun to listen to, some have great beats, but to be honest, come on, they don't compare. I hope I didn't tick anyone off. I realize that there are those out there that disagree. Anyway, I hope that one day things will shape up. As for now, I will be looking forward to Level 42's new album (which I hope is still in the works). That is all, -Tim W. Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search

4. TEARS FOR FEARS (NEW ALBUM & REUNION)
From:	Michael Payne <michael @ journeyhouse.com>
Date:	Tue, 7 Oct 2003 12:15:51 -0500	[top]
Tears For Fears 'plan new album' Eighties duo Tears For Fears have reportedly reunited to release their first album together since 1989. It comes after Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith performed live together for the first time in over a decade in Las Vegas on Saturday. The Arista record label have signed a deal with the duo, reports industry magazine Billboard. Tears For Fears had 12 Top 30 hits in the 1980s, including Mad World, Shout and Everybody Wants To Rule the World, before Smith left the band in 1991. The announcement of a possible new record - tentatively titled Everyone Loves a Happy Ending - came as they played tennis player's Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children Benefit. International hits Tears For Fears, who emerged as one of the most popular synth-pop groups of the 1980s, formed in 1981in Bath. Originally called Graduate, their first song was called Elvis Should Play Ska. Their 1985 second album, Songs From the Big Chair, became a huge international hit, including the songs Shout and Everybody Rules the World. Their final hit was Sowing The Seeds of Love, which went to number two in the US and number five in the UK charts. The album Seeds of Love went to number one in the UK. Orzabal continued to tour as Tears For Fears after Smith's departure, releasing the albums Elemental (1993) and Raoul and the Kings of Spain (1995). Smith also released music as a solo artist and with his new band Mayfield. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/music/3170654.stm Published: 2003/10/07 10:21:42 GMT © BBC MMIII

5. A Floating Life
From:	alex.friesen @ sickkids.ca <alex.friesen @ sickkids.ca>
Date:	Tue, 7 Oct 2003 16:56:50 -0400	[top]
Blood hell! I've tried to post this thing for days now, but it keeps bouncing back! It's way stale, but I'm so stubborn I'll send it again anyway! ************* >> From: Andrew Goodwin <nightfly83 @ hotmail.com> If there is a God why does he let so many terrible things happen? << Little-known factoid: Noah didn't have just the one arc; he had three. Unfortunately, the seas were pretty rough, possibly because God was no happy camper at that time, so all but one ship sank. The result? Beasts which were formerly plentiful are now considered fictitious. I give you unicorns and dragons as a start. >> Manufactured bands ? they're not so bad. << You're so right. If not for plastic singers, where would all those keyboard players with home studios find an outlet for their work? Somebody has to write, record, and produce those tossers; it's not like the so-called artists show much in the way of creative talent. >> The United States ? global liberator or burgeoning fascist state imposing its values on an unwilling world by force? << Shut the hell up and do what I say, AG, or me and my homeys will come over to your house and pummel you. >> Singing along at concerts is a great idea which really enhances other fans' enjoyment. << The average audience member doesn't actually hear the music in a live venue. No, what's actually happening is this: the studio version of the song, which the listener has likely heard dozens of times, is etched so deeply into her brain that it overrides the real-time aural input. I know this, 'cause I've played mediocre not-rehearsed-enough hit songs in bars, and the place goes wild for them. >> Avril Lavigne ? chirpy teenage poppet or spawn of Satan? << Hey! You're talking about a small-town Canadian here. She gets my support by default. And besides, those Matrix people have completely nailed the art of the hit single. "Complicated" is one of the greatest pop songs of all time. It's got enough hooks in it for three hits! (Oh yeah, and digital pitch correction is a wonderful tool.) >> Mobile phones are a symptom of a modern era of hedonistic instantaneous gratification which is causing a breakdown of values in youth today. << No, they're a tool for the insecure. With my on-board camera I can send pics of myself to my stylist every half hour and ask "is my hair okay?" >> Jennifer Lopez ? I would, wouldn't you? << Only if she'll let me practice my paradiddles. >> If boxing has weight divisions, why doesn't basketball have height divisions? << Perhaps meant as a joke, but I've often wondered the same thing. Or, if not divisions, then at least raise the net so nobody can actually reach it! >> Since language has no inherent meaning all communication is basically fraudulent, and as a result we are all destined to a life of worthless misunderstanding and will die alone and unfulfilled. << Yes, I'm with you on the bit about the arbitrary symbolism of language, but I don't believe that its lack of "inherent meaning" leads properly to your final statement. Do animals lacking language die other than alone and unfulfilled? No; we're all in the same boat in that way. Two of the three arcs went under. Maybe they took the secret with them. >> Dogs should all be exterminated. << Except Gromit. ...Alex...

6. Black Hawk Down
From:	Andrew Goodwin <nightfly83 @ hotmail.com>
Date:	Tue, 07 Oct 2003 23:22:26 +0100	[top]
>2. A good reason to be a Level fan, or an 80's fan! >From: Michael Payne < >michael @ journeyhouse.com> > >If I ever needed convincing that the music in the US Charts is total and >utter CRAP and why I cling to the 80-90's music, here is the top 10 list >for the US this week, who are some of these people? We have hit, I think, >the lowest point in the US music industry, I wish a music revolution would >happen and soon - all of this current music is full of curses, hate, >division Here is the lyric of the Black Eyed Peas 'Where Is The Love?', currently number 10 in America and number 1 in the UK: What's wrong with the world, mama? People livin like they ain't got no mamas I think the whole world's addicted to the drama Only attracted to the things that'll bring the trauma Overseas ya we tryin to stop terrorism But we still got terrorists here livin In the U.S.A, the big C.I.A The bloods & the crips, and the KKK But if you only got love for your own ways Then you only leave space to discriminate To discriminate only generates hate And when you hate, then you're bound to get irate Madness is what you demonstrate And that's exactly how anger works and operates Man ya gotta have love, this'll set us straight Take control of your mind and meditate Let your soul gravitate, to the love y'all Chorus People killin People dyin Children hurt and Women cryin Will you practice what you preach Or would you turn the other cheek Father father father, help us We need some guidance from above These people got me got me questionin Where is the love?(love) Where is the love?(the love) Where is the love?(the love) Where is the love, the love, my love It just ain't the same Old ways have changed New days are strange, is the world insane? If love and peace is so strong Why are there pieces of love that don't belong Nations droppin bombs Chemical gasses fillin lungs of little ones With ongoin sufferin, as the youth die young So ask yourself, is the lovin really gone So I can ask myself, really what is going wrong With this world that we livin in, people keep on givin in Makin wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends Not respectin eachother, deny thy brother A war is goin on but the reason's under cover The truth is kept secret, and swept under the rug If you never know truth, then you never know love Where's the love y'all? (I don't know) Where's the truth y'all? (I don't know) And where's the love y'all? Chorus I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder As I'm getting older, y'all people gets colder Most of us only care about money makin Selfishness got us followin the wrong direction Wrong information always shown by the media Negative images is the main criteria Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema Whatever happened to the values of humanity? Whatever happened to the fairness and equality Instead of spreading love we spreadin animosity Lack of understandin leading us away from unity That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin under That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin down It's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin under Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found Now ask yourself Chorus till end It's hardly the most profane, hate-filled and divisive of lyrics, is it? And somewhat more profound than, to pick a random eighties line, "You're about as easy as a nuclear war". I'm not saying that most modern chart music isn't rubbish, clearly it is, but most chart music has ALWAYS been rubbish. As for Beyonce Knowles, I'm not really bothered what the hell her records sound like so long as they have videos. >5. The Problem With Music -- an article by Steve Albini >From: Eric J. Hansen < >ehansen @ worldmachine.com> Nice article. Although I've always struggled with Albini since he named one of his bands after a notorious Japanese cartoon character with a particularly grotesque line in vengeance. Which I shan't name because I tend to get shot as the messenger for these things. And finally, I went to Amazon today to try and find a jpeg of the cover of The Nightfly. While there I stumbled across one of those 'My favourite album' lists and was somewhat surprised to find that there is someone in the world who has the same top two as me. And the rest of the list isn't bad: 1 Donald Fagen The Nightfly 2 Level 42 Level 42 3 Level 42 The Early Tapes 4 Air Moon Safari 5 Jamiroquai Emergency on Planet Earth 6 Level 42 A Physical Presence 7 Steely Dan Aja 8 Seal Human Being 9 Manhattan Transfer The Very Best Of... 10 Steely Dan Gaucho 11 Various Artists Carte Blanche Vol.1 12 George Duke Guardian of the Light 13 Level 42 Standing in the Light 14 Lee Ritenour Alive in La 15 Meshell Ndegeocello Peace Beyond Passion 16 Various Artists Carte Blanche Vol.3 17 Various Artists Saturday Night Fever 18 Daft Punk Discovery 19 Etienne De Crecy Tempovision 20 Level 42 The Pursuit of Accidents 21 TLC Crazysexycool 22 Royksopp Melody A.M. 23 Madonna Madonna 24 Brand New Heavies Brother Sister 25 Everything But The Girl Temperamental Not sure about some of the comments (Steely Dan's 'silly lyrics'? Temperamental EBTG's best album?) but it's nice to see someone recognise the hugely underrated Gaucho. So the question is, are you amongst us Marielouise42? And if so, how do you feel about mobile phones and dogs? AG _________________________________________________________________ Get Hotmail on your mobile phone http://www.msn.co.uk/msnmobile

7. + MARKETPLACE
From:	Level 42 Digest <level42-admin @ worldmachine.com>
Date:	Wed, 8 Oct 2003 03:00:02 -0400	[top]
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End of Level 42 Digest for Sunday, May 25, 2003	Help support the Level 42 Digest:
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