9.6.08 (if you would like to consult the doctor, click here)
Dear Dr. Rhythm,
I recently saw P-Diddy in a video talking about Sarah Palin as the VP nominee. I thought it was senseless and inappropriate. Have you seen this video and if so do think this harms his musical credit, so to speak?
JP
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Dear JP,
Yes I saw the video you are referring to. In fact if any of our readers have not seen it, or any of the other videos with P-diddy way to close to the camera, they are easily found on youtube. To P-diddy's credit he did change his tone in later "video blogs," saying to quote, "you shut me the f*** up" referring to Gov. Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention. He also mentions that he did not give Gov. Palin the "benefit of the doubt" which he himself also deserves in this situation.
Does this harm his musical credit? Not really. P-diddy and other musicians have been very outspoken about politics and other issues, which in the end no matter what they believe politically should not hurt their musical creditability simply because it is their right to speak freely about issues of politics, no matter what the venue.
To contextualize this discussion, when Gov. Palin was announced as Sen. McCain's VP nominee P-diddy came out with a video blog which was very negative, disrespectful and offensive to Alaskans, Gov. Palin and I think many people in general. P-diddy made statements like, "Alaska?...mother f****?...there's not even no crackheads in Alaska...there's not even no black people...." But later P-diddy did change his tune which was a bit more respectful.
The real issues is this -- Are the voters really going to let insipid comments from musicians and actors motivate their political opinions? Music is very powerful but do the musicians themselves merit a higher opinion than someone else? Hopefully you will say "No." Media of many kinds infiltrate our psyche at all levels, but what should really resonate at the end of the day is your overall moral values and political beliefs.
P-diddy will still sell records and will still perpetuate his "Vote or Die" campaign despite rather immature comments made public on youtube and elsewhere. In the end most people just do not care.
In good musical health,
Dr. Rhythm
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Dear Dr. Rhythm,
I am not a big fan of country music. In fact I can't stand it. But you keep putting country tunes on your top 10 list. Why? Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all-time does not have any country. Maybe you should have a look.
TR
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Dear TR,
Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, and Dolly Parton are the cadre of country artists on Rolling Stone's top 500 songs, in case you were wondering. However, if you listen to rock you are listening to country. Elvis came from country music and forged together the genre of rockabilly, essentially country rock. The Beatles were huge fans of UK Skiffle which is essentially UK country, which one can hear quite well in their first few albums. Country music is an essential style of music for the development of rock and roll in the US and abroad.
Our top 10,000 songs of all-time are quite different from RS. We here at Dr. Rhythm are providing an edutainment service for music lovers of all-kind. RS is more concerned with entertainment, which is fine. We do not discriminate against any style, genre, or musical practice. All of God's musical creations are welcome here. So do not give up on country so fast, you owe it some gratitude. Keep an open mind and keep consulting your doctor.
