IN SPITE OF the rejuvenation of radicallyintentioned pop music in the past three years, I have yet to read a socialist perspective which gets past the 'well, far out' state.
propaganda force or a confirmation of change seems incapable of a political investigation into the true motivation and effects work.
The result of this has been to hand a critical carte-blanche to the pop wecklies.
Thus, when considering bands like Specials, Clash, UB40, Beat, Gang of Four, it is almost impossible not to see them within the traditional rock framework of "sound and 'visuals'. There is virtually no attempt to see these groups from an angle that should command — that of political CULLETS Searching around for a convenient peg DEPACE to hang this much needed' investigation, could be more CUPCICEL BREE inc Clasn and Gang of Four treading boards again after all these months?
These two bands represent an interesting contrast witnt radical The Clash personify the bad guys searching for truth, rock 'n' roll rebel LOULLIC. while Gang of Four think it necessary to undermine the conventions of pop itself.
By examining sections of the Gang's career with relerence to that Clash, I hope to stir up thoughts on radical pop can and can't hope to achieve.
of their Much has been made of the dynamic of Gang of Four on stage; their ability to galvanise an audience, to translate ideals into rock 'n' roll action first time I saw them, I was impressed by the way they recreated the - anger, humility, chaos, democracy, all fused with anti-sexist sentiments. Impressed, but somehow marginalised Hadn't I been through this sort of stuff on lash's white riot tour? Certainly there were significant advances.
Clash i ne SCOTCUT have an anti-sexist thought in their collective braincell. But wasn't the Four's appeal just as physical, Just as male? I wasn't sure.
The rest the audience were less undecided and, after the fourth or fifth encore, I was in little doubt that here was rescrvoir of revolutionary potential waiting unleash itself on London's unsuspecting streets.
So happened? The band released album that reassured their following but won few To me it soundCOLVETES. ed repetitive and smug. The cutting edge of their lyrics was mostly submerg ed in their own political put two unconnected and you get - ронаса enlightenment.
The music seemed tuneless and leaden. This was followed by a year's the UK. Reports broke through of their Stateside conquests, They were LUDUECE oe conster. ing settling in the more 'stimulating' atmosphere of New York. And they turned down requests to more prestigious enefits both in this counLy and supposedly a pet concern.
Their re-emergence Britain was heralded by their second album Solid Gold. A gross dis appointment fans know, it strikes me as just unlistenable. The discovery of irony as a lyrical device is SOTEWITEL undermined by the fact that large chunks of words are inaudible. The micature of the is Lin. music plodding 'Paralysed" stands out from the morass but even that's more depressing than galvanising. The whole thing reeks of jamming in the studio, ultimate malaise popsters with cash but no inspiration.
In spite of all this, the obligatory promotion tour Pire attraction then ever attraction then ever People went, not to be challenged, but to be confirmed. The gigs had become institutionalised and lnc band trotted out their own past The response was as total and. it became clear, as ritualistic The only act of rebellion one expects from a heavy metal cuitural implications. It would have been far less instructive to have focussed on the Clash because their and aspirations are so much more transparent.
I was part of the Clash white riot army. 1 went pack, tour after tour, THE Joint Stock Theatre Group is about to go on tour by Hanif Kureishi.
Amina borderline. borderline between looking to recapture the unself-conscious unity of 1977 And I felt the perSENSE betrayal when I realised that their impact was, in fact, based around i roll cliche in thie narcissistic book - which also applies to a good number of their songs. with a new production Borderline JENNY FLINTOFT went crush the Asian communiThe point is that Gang of Four have fashioned ar influential campaign Au Pairs,the Beat - Ou seen and breaking repressior divisive pop fantasies, only to resort to the same self-glorifying techniques themselves.
I would say that unless New Play or AMERICANS or LAST TANGO IN HUA -HUA TENANGO, based the current events in El Salvador.
The famous San Fran cisco Mime Troupe will be visiting England next month. From 8 to 20 December they will be appearing the Riverside Studio, Crisp Rd Hammersmith their new play.
the band can get the energy together to write a new riff and rethink their presentation they will be destined to remain an instructive irrelevance resting on the laurels of one ground breaking EP Hopefully this article will encourage debate on a crucial and neglected area.
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-Other- The left is quite willing to use bands as a
to see it in London recently where it can be seen in the West End's Royal Court Theatre.