Music to believe in

 Back then you could believe the things Peter Garrett said 

A recent post on the Hardcore Hampster music blog got me thinking about artists who really wear their heart on their sleeve and songs that you believe every word said.

It’s an interesting question, what actually makes a song sound believable?

Is it the truth in U2's  'I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For', the absolute fury in Zac De La Rocca’s voice as he shouts “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me” in 'Killing in the Name', or is it the sincerity in Ben Harper’s voice as he screams “I believe in a better way”? 

I hear it in 'Jesus Christ Pose' by Soundgarden (and throughout most of Badmotorfinger), but without a doubt it was the missing ingredient in Audioslave (incidentally, taste is the missing ingredient Chris Cornell’s recent solo efforts).

Some would say it’s all about how vulnerable the songwriter makes themselves through the lyrics.  But I get shivers every time I hear Van Morrison sing “I will drive my chariot down your street and cry” in 'Sweet Thing', even though I wouldn’t have a clue what he’s talking about.  Or try the Cold War Kids - Nathan Willet sings with so much passion that even on songs I don’t like I believe every word.  And then there are songs like 'Jeremy' by Pearl Jam, where Eddie Vedder reveals little if anything about himself, but you can’t tell me that’s not a believable song.  I would never deny that Jeremy spoke in class that day.  A good vocalist can pull sincerity off without having to delve too deep into their own demons.

You don’t even need a good voice.  Case in point: Peter Garrett.  Who sounds more passionate than our very own Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts?

Dave Grohl: "DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE GUM?"

The common theme throughout most of the music I find believable is yelling.  But there’s more to it than strained vocal chords.  If it was that simple, I’d be a much bigger fan of the Foo Fighters.  Dave Grohl, you can yell as much as you like – it doesn’t make your lyrics any more believable. 

At the end of the day,  believability is pretty subjective.  I hear it in songs like 'The ’59 Sound' by the Gaslight Anthem because I can identify with the themes of death and pain, but I find it noticeably absent in songs like 50 cent’s 'Fuck You', because I'm not a muthafukn gangsta who's been shot nine times in the hood. It’s all a matter of selective exposure.  You believe what you want to believe.  I’ll never find Nickelback believable simply because I’m just not that big a douche bag.  I hope.

Images:

• http://www.casafree.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/12392/foo_fighters_photo.jpg
• http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/peter-garrett.jpg

Mud Wrestling Is Better Than The Blues

Bluesfest is about more than just the headlining act. But when the headlining act stinks more than five days worth of churned up mud it’s still a big disappointment. Yes, that’s right, Ben Harper sucked.

Harper headlined the mojo (main) stage on Saturday and Monday night of this year’s festival. He opened both nights to a crowd so packed it was just as suffocating outside the tent as inside. It was a crowd that was happy to ignore the continuous downpour of rain and the knee-deep festering mud as they eagerly awaited the arrival of said superstar. Before the set was even half over the enthusiasm had waned. You could walk freely under the tent, and most people were more entertained by groups of people mud wrestling outside. Myself included.

Old Ben is not yet forty and has been on the music scene for over fifteen years now, so I don’t think I can attribute age or ability to the fact that he has totally lost touch with what makes a good live set. There was no 'Shimmer and Shine' to his performance. He looked like a man who didn’t want to be there, simply going through the motions.

What made it worse was he didn’t even play songs the crowd new. It was the same set both nights. There was no 'Diamonds on the Inside', no 'Brown Eyed Blues', no 'Better Way', no 'Both Sides of the Gun', and not even 'Fight Outta You' made a play. The focus was entirely on his upcoming album White Lies for Dark Times. Maybe it’s because he’s playing with Relentless7 now instead of The Innocent Criminals, but it’s news to me that there is a rule stating just because you’ve got a new band you can’t play your old stuff. Wake up and smell the mud Mr Harper, it’s all over your face. You’re at bluesfest, not a promo tour for your latest album that hasn’t even hit the shelves.

Perhaps it should have been expected. Ben Harper has always done things his way. He’s wrapped up in his own world of music, playing what he wants, when he wants, and is applauded for it. I think it’s selfish. Good music is about more than being a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist. Especially when you’re playing live. It’s about being able to share your music with your fans in a way that will resonate with them. Sure you can’t call him a sell-out, but I’m amazed he manages to sell out concerts when he drags himself on stage with no energy or charisma and then plays a full set of songs that nobody knows and nobody cares about.