Strummer's Pop Column

But it rarely is these days. Granted, I think the House of Blues is latching on to a popular trend (because Buddhism is considered hip and "new-age", which is ironic). But I'm saying that in general I can see a connection between the two. Now keep in mind also, I'm not talking about people born as Buddhists being into the blues in any way. I'm talking about how people who feel the strong emotions that are catalysts for the blues could benefit from adopting some of the ideas found in Eastern religion, but still accepting the fact that they're probably too deeply "of the world" to be a true Buddhist. I know most blues singers were Christian (although it's said that Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil) but Christian imagery would probably turn off tourists, and part of my point is that the House of Blues has traded integrity for "keeping with the times".
 
I've decided that you're right for the most part. The album get very diluted after 1000BPM, but up until then (and that's the 11th track) it pretty much rocks my socks off. I'm a big fan of this cooler-than-most white boy, but I think I'm also a fair judge of his music; not everything he did so far was brilliant, Sea Change being the low point, but The information rates right up there with Odelay and Guero as some of his best work. I love a good beat, I love his white boy rapping and I love that he's gone eclectic but still retained his characteristic style...Plus, this is probably the most original CD I ever bought, with the make-your-own-cover and the bonus DVD with the coolest videos ever that complement the music so perfectly.

So no, I wouldn't say it's for die hard fans only or completists. There's plenty to choose from in those 11 songs, some songs even better than "Girl".
 
i liked it. I had the same mixed feelings as you, i ended up skipping through tracks more then i had hoped for. I though "nausea" was the best single on the album,just because of how "beck-catchy" it is(dont know how to define that term yet, but beck fans know what i mean) and if you using itunes i really only reccomend that and a couple other tracks.

good thing for me i didn't pay for it, though i kind-off wish i did, i heard it came with stickers!
 
They could benefit from it as people, but not as musicians. And HOB (according to Wikipedia it's a chain of restaurants and hotels?) is supposed to be dedicated to mostly dead musicians so it strikes me as somewhat disrespectful to decorate it buddhist style. Like pissing on their graves.
 
That should teach you, never distract a teenager with shiny objects.

Oh and I totally disagree with the essay, I can't exactly imagine many budhists singing the blues. Most blues artists were Christians, and Christians like to bitch a lot. The ultimate peace and salvation can also be found in Christianity.
 
Yeah. That's what I mean. As people. And yes. It is durab that they decorate it with Buddhist imagery. As I said. It fails to be what it's trying for.
 
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