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September 11, 2006
MS Pick - The Ballet
They say the ones with the loudest bullhorns on the highest hills get heard best. A basic truth that leads to the most ideologically extreme points of view to often dominate and be heard most clearly. Unfortunately for fans of civil discourse, including the vastly larger swaths of logic minded peoples with center views, these bigmouths pollute genial dialogue with such toxic vitriol that it effectively (dare I say purposefully?) alienates the casual political observer. Much worse is the spin that sticks and then gets repeated by both shepherd and flock. Piles of bullshit for the people to wade through.
Regardless of blue/red, right/left inclinations consensus remains on the nightmarish reality of war. War is bad, war is hell. Except for sadistic audiences this is still a universal truth. On this the 5th anniversary of the devastating events of September 11th, we are too familiar, sadly desensitized, and worst of all still mired in a war with fronts in Iraq, London, Madrid, Bali, Mumbai, Beirut, Afghanistan, New York, and every airport security checkpoint in the world. Seemingly no end in sight.
The Ballet sing a song that in dishonor to the title is not explicitly anti-war. At least not in the traditional sense. More of frustration and exasperation with the extended "last throes." The whimsical nah-nah-nahs inspire not to be the soundtrack to some theoretical peace rally. They are busy carrying the melody of disguised twee-pop with the very anti-cutesy deadpanned singing. The chunky keyboards lend a fun 80s vibe to the intro and the tasteful strings throughout distinguish The Ballet from that other seemingly endless parade: ho-hum indie rock bands.
Upcoming Shows:
9.14.06 - Knitting Factory - New York, NY (w/Hidden Cameras)
9.22.06 - Cakeshop - New York, NY (w/ Flin Flon)
11.06.06 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY (w/ Voxtrot)
//The Ballet - Mattachine! - Buy
//The Ballet - Site
//The Ballet - MySpace
Tags: The Ballet, I Hate the War, September 11
Posted by Merry Swankster at September 11, 2006 09:15 AM
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Comments
I love this band. This song choice is apropos for the date, but those who are wildly apolitical shouldn't be put off thinking that their album (Mattachine!) is super message conscious, as this is the only track that even leans in that direction. Just really good pop songs all around.
Posted by: Jeff at September 11, 2006 09:49 AM
