2003-06 Vital Source Mag – June 2003
Jon Anne Willow gives “A Little Respect”
It was the late 80s, when black turtlenecks and mascara for all ruled the world. On one hot dance floor, two crazy kids find love and a little respect.
Jun 1st, 2003 by Jon Anne Willow
Evan Dando
By Jeremy Saperstein Me, I always thought the idea of Evan Dando was a great one — a pretty-boy pop singer with the right influences, impeccable taste in covers and a band that friends were always telling me I should check out. I did, and aside from some truly great moments (the ramshackle video for the Lemonheads’ cover of “Mrs. Robinson” where Evan is wearing a Gram Parsons t-shirt, or the heart-rending cover of “Frank Mills”), his career left me feeling like I had feasted on a mouthful of cotton candy. Now, after a long stretch in which he seemed bent on following the same self-destructive path so many other talents — lesser and greater — had blazed before him, he releases a full-on solo album (although I had never thought of the latter-day Lemonheads releases as anything but) which shows him to be all that and a bag of chips. The solo setting seems to give Dando room to be a little laid back and rough’n’ready, lightly experimenting with alternative instrumentation & sounds throughout, most notably on the syncopated “Waking Up”. Simple pop gems abound as well: “Hard Drive” (co-written with Australian pop wunderkind Ben Lee) and “In The Grass All Wine Colored,” which sounds lyrically as if it was a first line from Walt Whitman’s Leaves Of Grass. All in all, this CD has been in my car player for most of the first nice days this summer — and it’s been a perfect soundtrack for them.
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
The Slightly Crunchy Dad
By Lucky Tomaszek My husband loves our kids, and he loves being a dad. From the moment our first child was born, he was a changed man. He is as crunchy as I am, even if he doesn’t like to admit it. The funny thing is, he doesn’t look crunchy. Allen is a former Marine who never grew his hair out when his tour was over. He’s spent almost a decade working a corporate job and he fits the fashion mold; twill pants, polo shirts and dress shoes. He drives a late model car and has learned to golf. He certainly wasn’t raised crunchy. He was a fairly typical latchkey kid with parents who worked outside the home. In honor of Father’s Day, I spent some time talking to a couple of slightly crunchy dads, getting their perspective on parenting. Sometimes it seems like dads are just along for the ride. I must say there are times when I feel like Allen is just going along with my desires to keep the peace. But the time I spent talking to him and to Matt, dad to 3 year-old Maddie and new baby Ellie, made it clear that they support what we do. What kind of dad did you think you’d be? The first thing I ask Allen is something I’ve wanted to know for a long time: What kind of dad did he think he would be before he had kids? His answer: “I didn’t really think about it. I’m a typical guy, I thought about how I was going to support the family rather than the day to day raising of the kids.” Well, that’s not quite what I was looking for, but it seems to be the norm. Many apparently don’t spend hours reading, researching and fantasizing during pregnancy like women tend to do. I asked Matt the same question. He replied, “When we were expecting Maddie, I thought we’d be typical. We’d go to the hospital and have the baby. And then we’d come home and have months of getting up several times a night to feed the baby a bottle. You have to watch them and keep them safe all the time, and I expected that. But this is a lot easier than I expected parenting to be.” Co-sleeping keeps dads close. Matt goes on to share a little of his story with me. “We had a bad birth experience in the hospital and my wife was pretty upset by it. We started sleeping with Maddie as soon as we came home from the hospital, mostly because it made breastfeeding easier. The bottles went right out the window, because breastfeeding became so important to her after the disappointment of the birth. Anyway, we’ve been doing it so long, I wouldn’t want to do it any other way now. It’s adorable to wake up next to her.” Allen agrees with Matt’s last statement about waking up next to the kids. It makes the occasional tough co-sleeping night […]
Jun 1st, 2003 by Lucky Tomaszek
Molly Johnson
By Brian Barney Those familiar with Molly Johnson’s past remember her as the founder of the art-rock band Alta Moda from the early 80’s and as the lead singer for The Infidels in the early 90’s. Following the footsteps of fate has led her to what is most likely her true calling as one of the premier jazz singers of today. Her latest release, Another Day, is a collection of sultry, smoky jazz interpretations where her Billie Holiday-meets-Janis Joplin voice shines through with a captivating style that gives fresh meaning to vocalizing. Stand out tracks "Sleep in Late" and "He’s Got My Heart" display a sweet eroticism that could serve as ambience to any occasion; while the title track picks things up with enough punch to keep things more than interesting. While the record’s flow veers between lush and layered to almost jumpy, the continuity remains true where jazz, blues and soul enjoy a happy union. Johnson’s accomplishments extend beyond the world of music — her Kubaya Foundation’s efforts have raised over one million dollars to date for the care of people living with HIV and AIDS. Her move from alternative rock to jazz has been a successful one, and this latest release is proof positive of a career that should be long and prosperous.
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Why Should I Care About Clear Channel
By Jessamyn West “Clear Channel Radio is positioned to exploit the synergies of scale in a way no other company can duplicate. We reach over 110-million listeners every week, across all 50 states and through nearly every format.”– Clear Channel Annual Report I like to listen to the radio. My old car has an old radio. It has two knobs. I frequently listen while I drive. Until right after September 11th, I had never heard of Clear Channel. As I drove from California to Milwaukee in the third week of September of 2001, Clear Channel was doing a fundraising drive for the victims of the attack. I suddenly noticed just how many stations Clear Channel owned. In state after state I would hear the exact same fund drive on many different stations, different kinds of stations, even. I thought that was pretty cool. Then came the rumors of the “banned list” of songs that Clear Channel supposedly wouldn’t let their stations play in a post-9/11 world, including works by Bob Dylan and John Lennon. Controlling the media — one Chick at a time. Though the story wasn’t true, exactly (see Further Reading links), it made me, and many people, aware of the power of large monopolistic broadcasters, specifically ones that control news media outlets. More recently, there was the Dixie Chicks fiasco, in which the band’s singer was forced to apologize for saying that she was “ashamed” that our Commander in Chief comes from Texas. While Clear Channel claimed it did not order any of its 1200+ stations to stop playing the Dixie Chicks, many Clear Channel stations still did, declaring themselves nearly simultaneously “Chicks free” coast to coast. Second place station-owner Cumulus Media — who owns “only” 262 stations — directly ordered all its country stations to stop playing the band’s songs. At the same time, Clear Channel was also (ironically) madly promoting the Dixie Chicks’ US Tour; tickets went on sale a week before the controversy broke. Why? In 2000, Clear Channel purchased SFX, the largest and most powerful concert promoter in the country at the time. After these and several other purchases, Clear Channel became “the nation’s No. 1 radio chain, billboard owner, venue operator, and concert promoter” according to Business Week. Like the President, and the Dixie Chicks, Clear Channel also comes from Texas. Their vice chairman, Tom Hicks, bought the Texas Rangers in 1998 for $250 million from a group headed by then-Governor Bush. Clear Channel’s CEO, Lowry Mays, donated over $100,000 to the Republican party. Brave New Business Plan: own the news and make it, too. Clear Channel is the major (possibly only) funder behind “Rally for America,” the group organizing many of the larger pro-war rallies, supplying money for signs, advertising the events on their stations, and then doing “news” reporting on the rallies themselves. These actions smack of creating news, not just simply reporting it. Whether you love, hate, or are indifferent to the Dixie Chicks, or even the war, the consolidation […]
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Whirlwind Heat
By Brian Barney The first big thing to come from Jack White’s (of The White Stripes) new label is a hot little art-rock trio called Whirlwind Heat. At first glance, Do Rabbits Wonder? looks pretentious with mod Warholesque art work and songs entitled by color: "Black," "Tan," "White," etc. After a spin or two though, the infectious Devo-meets-Iggy Pop approach shows an irresistible flavor that takes raw intensity and style well into the area of accessibility. The beats have a straight-ahead, nearly house feel with vocals that, while sometimes brash and a little bit scary, are interesting and definitely in the pocket. The overall mood and motivating element, however, is David Swansons’ Moog synth. Undulating, innovative and overbearing, the highly recognizable sound of the 70s dinosaur of keyboards is brought back to life with a subtle aggression giving the disc a flowing theme from beginning to end. Although Jack White’s influence may not be that discernable musically, it is comforting to know that he seems intent on searching out talent that is truly alternative.
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Get Ready for Pax Americana
By John Hughes Is it far-fetched to believe there is a master blueprint for America’s future, a grand plan or design in the minds of our leaders? Conspiracy theories aside, there is, at least in international relations, the beginning of one, hailing from the (some would say “neo”) conservative end of the spectrum. Star wars, anyone? Or, how about cyber wars? Or, failing those futuristic calamities, how about three simultaneous, independent wars conducted by one country? It could happen. It’s part of the plan. And you can read all about it. It’s not a joke. It’s the Project for the New American Century. Any citizen interested in exploring at length the motives, mentality, and long-term international mission of the Bush Administration can get a thorough start at newamericancentury.org, the official website of the Project for the New American Century. This Project has been the subject of rampant speculation and rumor, and has been mentioned in numerous conspiracy theories. You may have heard about the “cabal” within our government, and their “plot to take over the world.” With this website, you’ll get beyond the rumors, and read for yourself the Statement of Principles, numerous papers on NATO and Europe, Iraq and the Middle East, East Asia, the Balkans and more, published by “neo-conservatives” who have the President’s ear. You may read a defining 76-page paper, in the “Defense and National Strategy” section, entitled “Rebuilding America’s Defenses: Strategy, Forces and Resources For a New Century.” This Defense Report was published in September of 2000, two months before the Presidential election. The Project for the New American Century was created in 1997 with a clear agenda for American involvement in the world. Signing off on this Project, as influential members, were future key members of the Bush Administration, like Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Assistant Secretary of State Paul Wolfowitz. These three men have had an enormous impact on the disposition of the current administration. Put simply, the PNAC can reliably be considered a topographical map for foreign policy within the current administration. A study in global aggression as servant of American might. The Project can be studied as an articulation of American international strategy for now and the near future. The strategy is one of spectacular military growth and development, at the service of global aggression. “At present,” the Defense Report states, “the United States faces no global rival. America’s grand strategy should aim to preserve and extend this advantageous position as far into the future as possible.” In the Statement of Principles, which calls for a revival of “the essential elements of the Reagan Administration’s success,” a pivotal question is asked: “Does the United States have the resolve to shape a new century favorable to American principles and interests?” Within the Statement, reference to the principles and interests of nations other than ours is limited to those that echo the principles and interests of the United States. The mission of this government should be, according to the […]
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Lucinda Williams
By John Hughes The brilliant Ms. Williams, 50 year old alt-country chanteuse, angst goddess, poet and daredevil, has added nine great new songs to her legacy as one of the most underrated songwriters in a generation. World Without Tears was recorded live, and the results are incandescent. Never before has Lucinda sounded so raw and exposed. Her singing is ringed with fire. Never before has her band sounded so hot and free. For nine songs, she rocks, rages, mourns the world’s pains, declares her love, flirts, yearns, and tells the hidden truth. It’s exhilarating, gorgeous music ‘n message. Of course, there are more than nine songs on this album. There are thirteen, and the four lesser ones are ballast, which weighs the ship down a little. Her anger at the preachers she was subjected to during her Nashville years, expressed in “Atonement,” and her grief over life here, emoted in “American Dream,” are not served by songs worthy of Lucinda Williams. But even in these, the musicianship behind her and the intelligent lyrics she’s written manage to limit the damage. Much is being made of the concept that with this record she’s leaving her Americana roots behind. It’s true, you can hear more of Keith Richards, Paul Westerberg and Patti Smith between the grooves than you can of Loretta Lynn. But Lucinda Williams has, for several years, been a musician beyond category, playing what moves her at the time, with all the greats imbedded in her soul. She’ll never not be alt-country. She’s just that and a whole lot more. This is a marvelous CD.
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Borrower Beware
By Bethany Sanchez PART TWO OF A TWO-PART SERIES In the first of this two-part series, last month’s installment on predatory lending described how Mrs. Green, a 72-year old Milwaukee widow got trapped into a high-cost loan offered to her by real estate “professionals” who were engaging in illegal activities. This month, we’ll talk about how to avoid predatory loans and the personal and financial devastation they almost invariably leave in their wake. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (MMFHC) provides an important community resource for people like Mrs. Green — homeowners or potential homeowners who suspect that they may be victims of predatory lenders. Organized and coordinated by MMFHC, Strategies to Prevent Predatory Practices (STOPP) utilizes a coalition of community-based organizations, housing industry representatives and government to identify and eliminate predatory lending practices throughout Milwaukee County. STOPP is working to identify predatory trends, educate consumers so that they can avoid predatory loans, enforce laws protecting borrowers, support new legislation that would provide additional needed protections and help victims of predatory loans with free advice and new loans that the borrower can afford. The free STOPP hotline (see below) provides coordinated help for the borrower. You can avoid the predatory lending trap. How can you avoid a predatory loan? How can you help your mother, friend or neighbor avoid a loan that charges too much and may strip him or her of their home equity and threaten them with foreclosure? Don’t trust door-to-door or telephone salesmen offering bargains on loans. Beware of promises of fast approvals. Shop around. Research companies with whom you’re considering working. A little extra time invested up front could save your home, and your credit. Watch out for high interest rates, high fees, and high closing costs. Compare fees and charges. With the help of a credit or homeowner counselor, find out your credit score, the kind of loan you should be able to qualify for and what payments you can really afford. Don’t be too quick to put your other bills and debts into a high-cost consolidation loan. It may put your house at risk. Beware of a lender that pressures you to apply for more than you actually need. Ask lots of questions if the lender’s appraiser says your house has a surprisingly high value. Find out what similar homes in your neighborhood have sold for in the last six to twelve months. If the loan amount offered exceeds the range, be wary. Be careful of large balloon payments that may not be right for you. Never gamble that you’ll be able to afford something “later” that’s not within your reach now. Ask lots of questions about terms and don’t sign any blank document the lender promises to fill out later. Read all disclosures carefully, making sure you under stand everything you are signing. Get someone to review the documents for you if you still have questions. Remember that you, the borrower, are in control. You have the power to turn down any loan […]
Jun 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
