Pat's Thoughts Volume 54: The voice of my generation

As we are now under, what seems to be, one of the worst President's of all time, the youth has seemed to question many things about our nation's future. I am now beginning to understand how the baby boomers felt during the Vietnam War. The youth is looked upon as people with opinions who don't matter, but we're asked to fight in the war for oil when called upon.

We're deemed atheists and 'god-haters' when we question any form of religion or faith. We know that our parents had these same questions running through their minds when they were our age, but we may not be as afraid to speak our minds. We are spit upon when we let our voices be heard or question authority and we're told to be quiet. We will no longer be quiet.

And just for the assurance of the liberals who are growing of age, the liberals of my generation will always be here to fight for our civil rights and liberties if you're unable to. We will fight for women's rights and we will make sure that our nation will be just like our forefathers wanted it. We will follow our nation's guide, which isn't the Bible that some of you conservatives think it is. It is the US Constitution.

So where is our Bob Dylan? Where is our John Lennon? He has just arrived, my friends. As much as I wish it could be me, I'm afraid it is not. The man's name is Conor Oberst. He is the lead singer/writer/guitarist of a group called ' Bright Eyes .'

Here's an unreleased song that I happened to come across today:
And here are a few other songs that I can't help but recommend you check out.
Let\'s Not Shit Ourselves (To Love or Be Loved)
Make War
Method Acting
Waste of Paint
Road to Joy

I have only heard the song Lover I Don't Have To Love.

That song is great, although I'm not a fan. My two favorite lyricists now are Kurt Cobain [Nirvana] and Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell [Alice in Chains] (in my sig).

I really don't have any enthusiasm for any newer bands. I mean I'm not saying there aren't great ones, but I never really got into anything fairly new, although I've been listening to more of the Foo Fighters and some Velvet Revolver.

Pat, I can't help but be impressed by how much your music tastes have improved. :p

Well, at least it's not this guy.

Wow, he's playing with bullets. He has attitude.

Oh yeah. He's a gangsta.

Or whatever these kids are calling it these days.

You know, I don't believe he's getting his "life" story on film. :rolleyes:

F*ck 50 Cent and his fan legion of wanna-be "Gangsta" punk White Suburban kids...

Really Pat, THIS guy is the voice of our generation?

Then again, we all will only find out years from now...

I've got bad news my young friends. We have no muse! There is no salvation through song here!

We have a slight glimmer of hope. And that glimmer's name is Neil Young. His new album and previous few albums have been about the sorry state of our environment and the government. He's releasing a new album Sept. 27th and I'm very much loooking forward to it. It's using only recycled materials for the case and a special ink for the inlet packaging. The man is a great role model.

Neil is no stranger to anti-war and anti-bad president music though. He's been a favorite of mine for years. He's been around since 1968 with Buffalo Springfield and then CSNY. He went solo to huge success with his anti-war songs. The guy was just a high-voiced, more political Bob Dylan of the 1970's.

The other's of the time: John Lennon, Bob Dylan, CSN, CCR, and many others are dead, broken up, or just stopped caring. Music is dead. You can make the argument that nobody has ever really cared about being anti-war or anti-vietnam, and that it was stunts to sell records and I'd believe it for the most part. But back then, it was more genuine. It was real. These people were extremely creative and talented and meant what they said. Nowadays, it's not from the heart and it's obvious.

Neil Young is the last of a dying breed. Johnny Cash was fighting for it, then he died. (One of the greatest musicians ever) There are others from the Vietnam-era that are still out there doing their thing, but with kids not caring about the quality of music, they lose record contracts quickly. I wish Dylan would get back into songs like Masters of War and Blowin' in the Wind, but he claims that was him at a different time and it won't happen again. Too bad Paul McCartney never got into that whole scene.

Oh well, If you're looking for inspiration in these times, DON'T listen to new music....unless it's Neil Young.

The Doc

Neil Young?

Its sad how my generations needs people from an older generation to inspire us, and not among our own.

A rather depressing idea if you ask me...

It is sad. I wish I could listen and be inspired by new music. Luckly I've only listened to about 50-60% of the music from the Vietnam war era. I've got a lot more to listen to. But the best writers of the time are Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Warren Zevon and The Greatful Dead. Though the latter two didn't really do many anti-war songs.

The Doc

Nice article, Pat.

At one time I had this political website where people could debate freely. It practiced communication skills and instead of arguing their point, people listened in a debate and maybe they could learn something. My site got to be a big hit but I eventually got tired from updating it (daily). If I would still have it today, I'd probably ask you about doing some editorials for it. Of course, I'd have to get the ideas of other views on this BB.

Although I disagree with Ferro on having no voice today, I have been going through Dylan and Young songs for nearly two months now and I have to say both were excellent, and two of the best lyricists of all time (maybe not the best though).

If I had to pick one, I'd probably go for Neil Young. His My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue) is arguably one of the most important rock songs. I also love his diversity, sometimes soft in sound, and other times getting into distortion which was an inspiration to the Grunge movement. He also did a great score for the film Dead Man.

I'm looking forward to Scorsese's No DIrection Home about Bob Dylan. Ebert said it was great as well.

Nah. Lynyrd Skynyrd vocally kicked his ass.

Tom Paxton, a 60's folksinger had a great anti-war song, the name of which escapes me, and check out "I Feel Like I'm Fixing To Die Rag", by Country Joe & The Fish, which he performed at Woodstock.

The 60s and early 70s were a time when three major “causes” converged and became the subjects of much of the music of the time; the Viet Nam war (political), civil rights (social injustice) and the environment. Dylan can be called a voice of the times, but he was certainly not the only one. He may have been the most prolific.

DF55 cites Neil Young as a voice for today. Neil has been carrying on the cause longer and better than most. He has sustained his effort and interest when many have faded.

Many of the songs came out of the folk movement that evolved into a heavier folk-rock.
A partial list of artist and songs:

Barry McGuire – The Eve of Destruction
Bob Dylan – Blowin’ in the Wind, The Times Are a-Changin
Note: Blowin’ in the Wind was so profound that Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary had hits with the song.
Richie Havens – Handsome Johnny, Freedom
Simon and Garfunkel – 7 o’clock news/Silent Night,
Neil Young – Southern Man
Once I Was – Tim Buckley
Universal Soldier – Buffy Sainte-Marie, performed by Donovan
Wooden Ships – Jefferson Airplane, Crosby, Stills and Nash
And so many more.

The voice of your generation may not have the power of so many causes behind it as the voices of the 60s. The music was also part of bigger artistic expression in film, poetry, art and literature. Also, today’s generation is too much into itself. Not many are looking around and questioning. Life is too good.

While I'll be the first in line to advocate 60's and 70's music (specially in Rock and Folk) as the best music in history, I don't think the Y Generation should adopt such a defeatist attitude.

Yes, you must look up to and listen to the voices of the Baby Boomer and Flower Power generation, but you'll get your own Great Voice eventually.

But it is my opinion that you people shouldn't just stand there with your arms crossed. There is still msuic to be made, sounds to be explored, lyrics to be sung. If you have any musical abilities whatsoever, what are you waiting for? Whatever you do for music (even if it's a little thing) will help.

But don't be so pessimist.

Tom Paxton, a 60's folksinger had a great anti-war song, the name of which escapes me, and check out "I Feel Like I'm Fixing To Die Rag", by Country Joe & The Fish, which he performed at Woodstock. [/b][/quote]I like Country Joe and the Fish. I have the Woodstock movie, ever see it? It's got some really great performances on there. Interesting note, when CSN are on stage, Neil Young is with them but refused to be seen on the screen. He's like that.

The other song escapes me, but I believe I know which one you are talking about.


Also, Vercetti:
Did you mean you like Hey, Hey, My, My(Into the Black) or My, My, Hey, Hey (out of the Blue) more? You said it was a rock song and that threw me off. When people refer to that rock song, they generally refer to the heavy one. (Into the Black)

My favorite is the acoustic version. I bought a special Bb Harmonica just so I could play it with my new guitar. It sounds great. What stuff have you heard of Dylan?

The Doc

So I take it no one is interested in any new singers. :p

I mean Out of the Blue, the acoustic version. It's my favorite of his songs just because it's so true to rock. Rock carries on it's tradition, from Elvis to Johnny Rotten and through time. Rock's overall quality may fluctuate through time, especially in the last few years, but one thing is for sure, it will never die.

As for Dylan, here are several songs I love.

Just Like a Woman
All Along the Watchtower
Hurricane
Masters of War
Blowin' in the Wind
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Like a Rolling Stone
Mr. Tambourine Man
Shelter From the Storm
Tangled Up in Blue

Apparently not. I mean, there isn't much to choose from. There are some acts few and far between, such as the guy you mentioned, Green Day (who I respecet), etc. But otherwise, we have to look to the past for our legendary music and voices.

[/b][/quote]EGAH!(Plugging ears)

Your little violin player is definetly NOT the voice of our generation! :p

The Doc

But it is a Stradivarius...!

I don't know enough about your music Pat to really judge, but from what I do hear of today's music in general, I'm guessing most (not all) is lacking what most of my music had in my time, a message. Or if not a message a statement of some kind. Sometimes though, it isn't until the era you're in is over that your realize what an impact a certain song and/or artist had on your generation.

Back in the sixties and into the seventies it seemed many songs and movies made a "statement". It was part of our culture in that era. I found these songs, but I know there are so many more (and in some cases better) then even the ones listed.


Where Have All The Flowers Gone - Kingston Trio
Eve Of Destruction - Barry McGuire
With God On Our Side - Manfred Mann
Universal Soldier - Donovan
Laugh At Me - Sonny
Let Me Be - Turtles
It's Good News Week - Hedgehoppers Anonymous
I Ain't Marching Anymore (Electric) - Phil Ochs
The 'Fish' Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die-Rag - Country Joe & The Fish
People Got To Be Free - Rascals
Sky Pilot - Eric Burdon & The Animals
Society's Child (Baby I've Been Thinking) - Janis Ian
Abraham, Martin And John - Dion
Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - Temptations
War - Edwin Starr
Signs - Five Man Electrical Band

And here's a site I found that lists bands/artists from each era and causes they believed in. It goes up to today's artists as well. Have a look.

web page


TIS

TIS, if you like With God On Our Side - Manfred Mann, then listen to the original Bob Dylan version. It's FAR superior.

The Doc

R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, Bright Eyes and Public Enemy's Chuck D are among the artists slated to appear at "Bring 'Em Home Now," a March 20 concert to benefit the anti-war organizations Veterans for Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War. The concert — to be held on the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq — will take place at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom and also feature a speech by activist Cindy Sheehan. Other artists scheduled to perform include Rufus Wainwright, Fischerspooner and Peaches. Tickets for the "Bring 'Em Home" benefit range from $28-$150, but if you can't afford it, you'll still be able to at least hear the show: Janeane Garofalo will broadcast her Air America Radio program, "The Majority Report," live from the Hammerstein.

Source: MTV News

Nah. Lynyrd Skynyrd vocally kicked his ass. [/b][/quote]So what? Young >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Skynyrd

I hate my generation, BTW. Full of assholes and Paris Hilton wannabees. I truly believe I was born in the wrong time period.

Patrick, I know you are somewhere in 17-18 age group. However, what will be the approximate lower and upper bounds on the ages which you consider to fall in the category of "my generation".

Listen to Neil Young and read the (now) Haunting writings of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. One year dead and the man sounds clearer than ever.

Bob Dylan is in the studio again. I plan on seeing him April 28th at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Maybe he's got somthing to say.

Anyways, Where the hell wass this thread goin!? I've had too much to drink again. Im reading a Rum Diaryy, and I've got to go play piano and sober up Bye.

The Doc

P.S. Listen to Neil Young, Dylan is addicted to meaningless songs nowadays. Lets see what he does in the studio though.

Meaningless?

I don't know how I missed such a post. Maybe I was too busy waiting for Apple, or I was off doing some school-related thing. Nevertheless, I felt the need to address some of the whiny, entitled, "my generation" crap that has been eminating from this thread. I prefer to call it the ME Generation.

Please...please. Who ever spit on you? You want to talk about challenging authority and fighting for rights and such? Do some research about the civil rights movement. Cleveland Sellers.

Told to be quiet? Questioning authority? My goodness. You act as though you're trying to push some monumental movement when in reality, as you've already alluded to in your post, it is a rehash of the hippies of the Vietnam era, educated kids who feel that they are obligated to nothing and deserving and entitled to everything.

Funny, because, if you go to the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., you'd see that the Constitution (among other major American documents) were based in part upon religious texts (hence, the 10 Commandments being displayed on public sites).

And let's not get all high-and-mighty about the Constitution here...after all, on one hand, you'll hold it up and praise it when it suits you, and then on the other, you'll spit on it and wipe your ass with it. That is how the ME generation is operating to this point.

Please note, the following comments are directed towards Oberst, not any members here.

No, you blasphemous bastard. God asks us to love one another.

Unfortunately, shit happens. And then we have to fight to preserve our nation.

Here's a good one.

When Ted Kennedy talks to God
Does he take a drink or chew a wad?
Have another beer at the bar?
Maybe learn to drive his car?
Staying away from certain lakes
Poor Mary Jo, he couldn't "will" back that mistake

Because, Mr. Oberst, you know that the President is directly responsible for liquor stores and cocaine.

Oh, snap! You mean that the poor might be poor for a reason besides George W. Bush! Unthinkable! It's the governments fault!

Gee...why don't you write a song about Osama Bin Laden? I hear he talked to God too...and then killed 3,000+ Americans one fine day in September of 2001.

The only bullshit here is coming from this wanks yuppie arse.

I wish Bob Dylan was the voice of our generation...he knew how to write a song (beyond Oberst's "Mother Goose" rhyme time).

---

So, in the end, the ME Generation can continue to worship people like Oberst, cry that they can't get jobs despite their education, and claim that their rights are being infringed. Then again, you could always just listen to G-Unit and be a gansta', smoke some more pot, and then do the responsible thing and participate in underage drinking!

Certainly, a generation that respects the law like that should be treated with respect! :rolleyes:

Cheers,
Double-J

Go easy on Patrick, Double-J. He's a very angry young man, seems enjoy being caught up in the 'liberal flow' and is luckily young enough to have time to get some sense knocked into him.

While showing sparks of true intelligence and warmth every now and then on the BB, he's still confused and rebellous enough to be attracted to the useless anger of the liberal Democrats. It's a source of adventure and he knows it gets attention, both here and elsewhere.

I have genuine hope for Patrick. Time will tell.

Just the same, I'm grateful he's not my son...

Apple

But I do so enjoy the ritual bashing ineptitude, Apple! I can't contain myself! :p

And I pity your child.

DJ - Hope you realize that the post you replied to was made almost 6 months ago. You replied to it then.

I know. But my previous reply didn't address the topic at hand, I merely made a comment in response to Neil Young's name being mentioned.

Cheers,
Double-J

I hope it isn't Bright Eyes, a man that slated the late John Peel for basically no reason then blamed it all on alcohol.

Bright Eyes Completing Politics-Free Album At Nebraska Compound

With President Bush's approval rating hovering around 35 percent, the violence in Iraq going from bad to worse and the nation seemingly divided by issues like immigration reform and gay marriage, you'd think Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst would have songwriting material to spare.

Over the past year, he's fashioned himself into a modern-day Woody Guthrie, belting out songs like "When the President Talks to God" on The Tonight Show and appearing at anti-war concerts like the Bring 'Em Home Now show in New York (see "Bright Eyes Slam 'Off-The-Leash Administration'; Give Details On New Albums").

But if nothing else, Oberst is unpredictable. So when he told MTV News that his new album wouldn't feature a single political song, it wasn't really that surprising.

"I don't think there's going to be any more overtly political stuff," Oberst said. "I mean, obviously, we need to have some kind of change in the mid-term elections and in the next presidential election, but when I sing the songs now, it's like shooting fish in a barrel. It's too easy.

"Everyone knows we have an incompetent administration," he continued. "Back in 2003, 2004, it was different. The idea of going out now and hitting people over the head with it doesn't appeal to me [because] I feel that people are coming around."

Oberst has been working on the new Bright Eyes album in New York; Portland, Oregon; and his new home studio in Omaha, Nebraska, with a band that consists of Saddle Creek producer/multi-instrumentalist Mike Mogis and musician/arranger Nate Walcott. He said that he hopes to have all the recording finished by November, and that the album should be in stores by March or April.

"So far, the songs reflect all the things we're into: The folky, storytelling aspect of the music, the psychedelic studio vibe and the rock we all grew up doing," he said. "We have a lot of ideas. I write songs and Mike is great at setting up microphones to get specific sounds, and Nate is a great piano player and a great trumpet player, and he writes and arranges string parts, too. I bought a new house and we're building the studio there, to finish the record. Mike and I have connecting houses, with the studio in between. It's like a compound."

Unlike last year's double-barreled releases I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, the new Bright Eyes LP is shaping up to be a single-disc affair, which will be preceded by an EP featuring "at least" one song from the new album. There's also an all-star group of guest musicians lined up for the album, including Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, fellow folkie M. Ward and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James.

"That's the great thing about traveling around and playing music: You meet these incredible people that you have a connection with," Oberst said. "I meet a lot of people I like and I'm happy to be friends with, but then there's other people who — not to get super-hippied out or anything — but you feel like you have to do something with them, that you have to work with them.

"And our band, not having set members, we're free to always change players and try new things."

Whatever happen to great anti-war artists, like James Taylor? My generation sucks. :p

No goofy/tongue out face needed. Our generation really does suck.

I was right about this. I knew Neil would not let me down. His new Living With War album is the only thing that has gotten me through these depressing few months. I can't wait to see him sing the songs live on Aug. 31.

Listen to Neil Young.

Listen to Neil Young. Listen to Neil Young. Listen to Neil Young.

The Doc

P.S. As for Conor, he's just doing what Dylan did and is now distancing himself from being labeled as a "protest singer". Probably a smart move.