HOW DOES MUSIC FEEL TODAY? Like It Needs Punk Rock Back.
And not late 80’s bullshit that only consisted of angry white dudes jerking eachother off, the real passionate kind that made art to help us resist and weave community. The kind where everyone was actually invited. Poetry was allowed!! It was a small window, I know, but it was a sweet window. I am aware that most things get co opted in the end but I am always hopeful.
The best anthemic “Fuck No” song of the last 10 years is by the DC band Des Demonas. It’s called “The South Will Never Rise Again.” I could talk about it but it’s best for you to just hear it for the first time free of expectation. I cry every time I hear it. Theres a million reasons why but the 1st is “What a great fucking song!” It’s that simple. (Seattle, they will be playing in a day or two. Get over there!)
Tucker and I went to see them last night at the handsome Polaris Hall in Portland. It was fantastic. The Mistons did not disappoint with their enthusiasm and musicianship. Sean from Crackerbash is the frontman and it did my soul good to see him onstage lacking no less energy and positivity then he had in his 20’s. I was having a real Northwest moment…
Des Demonas came on and launched into a perfect set. Every person in the audience was rapt and floating along. Again, I could explain but this video below will do it for me. They are so true to the sound of their recordings and bring a little extra no nonsense electricity with them. Mark’s guitar playing is sublime. Those tones! The hypnotic bass/keys combo with the frenetic drumming are more than enough to make a great show, but then you have the authority and honesty of Jack’s poetry and sly wit take it to a level where you truly do believe you are witnessing something at once so familiar that feels so solid but in this moment is brand new and utterly important. You feel like you are in the magic place where you are witnessing a historic moment in the rise of a great band. Thank you everyone for that show last night, and without further ado… The Des Demonas and the anthem you need when you need to remember who you are and why you can’t quit or give up. XO
A couple days ago, I took my 7-year-old kid to a poetry event and had similar thoughts! We saw the poet Anne Waldman perform at the event honoring Refaat Alareer, a Palestinian poet killed by Israel about a year ago. Seeing her perform her own words was soul-stirring and mesmerizing. It was novel to hear someone really rise to the moment and speak with such anger and horror without being cryptic or oblique.
At the end, she actually sang an Allen Ginsburg poem and I've been reflecting on how much we need more music like this.
Instantly made me think of Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. I bet it was amazing to see them live!