Run the Jewels-‘Run the Jewels 3’

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In retrospect, it seems so clear now.  Run the Jewels wasn’t important when they collaborated with Zack de la Rocha.  They weren’t important, when they were receiving higher festival billing, nor were they when they performed on late night shows.  Their importance appeared as Killer Mike began turning up during the 2016 election cycle, campaigning behind Bernie Sanders.  Killer Mike was a regular staple in Bernie’s campaign, and Sanders returned the favor by introducing Run the Jewels at Coachella.  In a year that the nation still feels hungover from, Run The Jewels 3 is a much needed cup of coffee with a shot of whiskey-a little energy along with the hair of the dog that bit you. Continue reading

Artists Vow to Keep Shows Safe Following Trump’s Election

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Following Trump’s election, various artists are calling for help to make their shows safe spaces.  Kevin Devine has called to help anyone who may feel unsafe to contact the God Damn Band, Petal, Julien Baker, Pinegrove or himself.  Mitski posted a similar message on Instagram: Continue reading

Why America Was Always Great, Is Great, and Will Be Great

6360489455192162291563850737_trumpIn 1964, the U.S. presidential election was between Democratic candidate and incumbent Lyndon B. Johnson, and Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater representing the Republican Party. Senator Goldwater faced a lack of support from within his own party, attacked by both sides as a dangerous and radical extremist. Johnson won the election in a massive landslide, winning 44 states, and the largest gap ever in terms of popular vote.

In 1980, the U.S. presidential election was between Democratic candidate and incumbent Jimmy Carter, and California Governor Ronald Reagan representing the Republican Party. A third candidate, Republican Congressman John Anderson, ran as an independent as once again some within the Republican Party considered their candidate too extreme. John Anderson took 6.6% of the total vote. Carter tried to run his campaigning attacking Reagan as a dangerous, radical, warmongering candidate. Disappointed with the current administration under Carter, Reagan campaigned successfully off depicting a negative image of the country’s current state, and fed off the American people’s fear. Modern day Republicans look at Ronald Reagan as one of their top presidents alongside the likes of Abraham Lincoln, as he sparked the Reagan Revolution, which changed the course of the Republican Party to what it has become today (until Trump, at least). Continue reading

Artists on Election’s Eve

The polls will open in about eight hours.  Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are getting their last minute rallies in before the big day.  A number of artists have performed a wide variety of songs over the past weekend not only to promote their preferred candidate but also to promote voting.  Here are  some choice picks beginning with Win Butler of Arcade Fire performing Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” during the Preservation Jazz Hall Band’s “Jam the Vote” last night. Continue reading