Thoughts, Raves & Outright Beatings

I’m on a roll with the music commentary posts. Here’s another one.

A few days ago, a very nice man named Richard, who’s blogs about Indian music and related topics, came across my blog and had a few things to respond to r.e. my commentary on British/Sri Lankan rapper M.I.A. We briefly went back and forth on his blog and mine about her background and how certain journalists in the Western media perceive her. I’m going to leave that topic alone for right now, but what I am going to go on about is how much she must have loved, LOVED that song Rumpshaker back in the day.

For instance, check the chorus in the original song (sorry for the sexist video - it was the 90’s, what can I tell you - not that things have improved much image-wise in mainstream hip hop since then, except for, maybe, Common’s videos):

Now, check out the video for M.I.A.’s song “Paper Planes”: M.I.A. reprises the “Rumpshaker” chorus (using the Clash’s “Straight to Hell” intro as the sampled backdrop), but switches the “zoom zoom zoom” part with the boom boom - and replaces the “Boom Boom” with actual “BOOM BOOM” sound effects - which apparently got her song censored on David Letterman and on MTV.

You know, the U.S. is, admittedly, the most violent country in the Western world. I’m guessing the networks are trying to do us a favor in alleviating said violence by pretending it doesn’t exist for more sensitive ears. However, to deny the problem exists is not just damn lame, it’s pretty irresponsible.

And I’m also pretty sure I’m reading into this video more than was intended, but I really like the juxtaposition of the gold watches and other consumer goods with the gun shots. Brings out a pretty powerful message.

Oh, and she out and out rips the “Rumpshaker” chorus on this song (I’d put in the little WP Audio Widget, except EZArchive isn’t up right now; once it’s back I’ll do the thing…in the mean time, click on the “this song” link to understand what I’m talking about).

As I stated in my conversation with Richard, I slept on M.I.A. in 2007 because, while I loved Argular, I heard Bird Flu a few times, and decided that I wasn’t into it. I’m not all that thrilled with “Hit That” either, to be honest (though I think the routine video from the Oaktown kids shown below is pretty cool).

However, I have to admit, this next song is all over the place and I am really sold on it.

Once I get some money back in my till (it’s Christmas y’know), it’s next on my Amazon download list…

Damn, sometimes I miss stuff…