View Full Version : Music I'm torn.....The Decemberists = Communists?
Mods, I realize that this may end up having to be placed in D.C., but I thought this would be a better place initially for this thread. If you must move it, then go ahead.
I guess I had never paid that much attention, but I have recently discovered something that really bugs me.
About 3 years ago, I discovered the band The Decemberists. Yes, I realize that for a metal head like me, this is an odd trip off the beaten path. My family was shocked that I would like this. But I just really enjoyed the music (heh, I have listened to classical music on occasion since I was a teen so this musical change from the norm shouldn't be that huge a shock). The music is well pieced together and the lyrics are usually pretty interesting. The first album I heard (The Crane Wife) reeled me in and I couldn't get enough. Then I bought Picaresque and it was good, too. I was planning to buy their new one when it comes out in January/February. The new single they released sounds good. They played it on Conan last night, btw.
But the other day I was reading up on them and it seems as though the knock on them is that they may be communists. On that note unless I missed something, I don't recall ever noticing any pro communist messages. But it appears that their name is related to an uprising in Russia and they play the USSR's national anthem before shows. When I read this I was thinking WTF?
Now, if that is the case, I am torn on the fact that I really like their music but I am vehemently against the idea of communism. And I won't knowingly support that. Is this a gimmick? Is this a misunderstanding? Are they just naive? Or are they true, literal communists?
If its the latter, as much as I hate to have to do it, I will write off this band and not spend anymore dough on them.
Thoughts?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2020470/posts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Decemberists
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=65510
Jenson71
11-19-2010, 09:21 AM
While it may be true that the members of the band are communists (I have no idea), the historical Decemberist rebellion was not a communist revolt, but something more along the lines of a republican (like American) movement.
Frazod
11-19-2010, 09:26 AM
Listening to music by communists won't make you a communist.
Commy hating is sooo 80's....
I don't understand hating someone for their social views to begin with. So what that their views are different than yours? They obviously haven't hurt you in any way. And I doubt they're going to lead a global social uprising with their music. Just enjoy it for what it is.
Some Nickelback fans aren't even homosexual.
Listening to music by communists won't make you a communist.
Commy hating is sooo 80's....
I don't understand hating someone for their social views to begin with. So what that their views are different than yours? They obviously haven't hurt you in any way. And I doubt they're going to lead a global social uprising with their music. Just enjoy it for what it is.
Some Nickelback fans aren't even homosexual.
I agree with these takes. I still enjoy actors such as Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin and a lot of other lefties despite the fact that most of their political views are 180 degrees from mine. And as long as there isn't a ton of propaganda in the music (which I haven't noticed), I can still enjoy them. But when I read they play the USSR national anthem to open shows and have band photos in Russian communist uniforms, that was a little too much for me to take. I went over to their forums but didn't really gain much insight into this. It also occurred to me that they may be trying to be trying to be ironic (not sure if this is the right word) by doing this.
Jenson71
11-19-2010, 09:46 AM
The good news if they are really communists is that they would probably welcome your circumventing of the inherently morally corrupt capitalist market of music production for illegally downloading copies of their music without giving them a dime.
Frazod
11-19-2010, 09:50 AM
Hell, one of my favorite bands is Kansas. :eek:
Hell, one of my favorite bands is Kansas. :eek:
ROFL
Now that is irony.
That band is actually from my hometown, Topeka. I even met Kerry Livgren when my band was gigging around town a decade ago.
MOhillbilly
11-19-2010, 10:06 AM
I listen to RAC and MRR bands. Political views dont mean a whole lot when the hook is there.
I listen to RAC and MRR bands. Political views dont mean a whole lot when the hook is there.
What are RAC and MRR bands?
siberian khatru
11-19-2010, 10:16 AM
If they're commies, shouldn't they call themselves the Octoberists?
MOhillbilly
11-19-2010, 10:22 AM
What are RAC and MRR bands?
RAC= Rock Against Communism. National Front type bands, ultra right, white power, anti commie type stuff.
MRR= Maximum Rock n Roll. Ultra left wing type crust punk.
Anyway for me its about Hook and Lyrics.
If a song has a monster hook and decent lyrics ill listen.
DJ's left nut
11-19-2010, 10:27 AM
You'll never find a bigger pain in the ass commie than Zack de la Rochca.
And yet I still love me some Rage.
Sometimes you have to look past their politics to whatever extent you can tolerate it.
Jenson71
11-19-2010, 10:29 AM
Lzen, I think your initial hunch was right, though. If a band actively supports something you find ethically wrong then you are doing well to avoid promoting and supporting them.
Frazod
11-19-2010, 10:30 AM
ROFL
Now that is irony.
That band is actually from my hometown, Topeka. I even met Kerry Livgren when my band was gigging around town a decade ago.
I occasionally sing Dust in the Wind when karaokeing.
But I only do it if I'm wearing my Mizzou stuff. :p
QuikSsurfer
11-19-2010, 10:46 AM
Who gives a shit? They're a great band. Picaresque and Castaways and Cutouts are great albums.
I never stopped listening to Pedro the Lion because of his religious beliefs.
edit: and yes I'm aware that David Bazan is no longer a Christian.
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 10:55 AM
I fuckin stopped listening to The bear once they decided to go without the bear. Pissed me off. I remembered spitting up my 5 shot black forrest coffee all over my zune, I had to hurry over to weatherlands attitude to get me a new beanie in time for my band "fistful of dicks' to play
DJ's left nut
11-19-2010, 10:57 AM
Wait a minute, Lzen.
Have you ever actually listened to the lyrics of one of these songs?
Hell, watch this video:
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tK3Ce9md96g?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tK3Ce9md96g?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Uh - yeah. I'd say they're more than a little bit opposed to American policy.
You'll never find a bigger pain in the ass commie than Zack de la Rochca.
And yet I still love me some Rage.
Sometimes you have to look past their politics to whatever extent you can tolerate it.
True that. I know RATM was always very political but their music was so badass that I just overlooked it.
Wait a minute, Lzen.
Have you ever actually listened to the lyrics of one of these songs?
Hell, watch this video:
<object height="385" width="480">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tK3Ce9md96g?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></object>
Uh - yeah. I'd say they're more than a little bit opposed to American policy.
Yeah, I know that song. Not sure I get the meaning. I don't mind if a band sings about their opposition to war or something like that. However that can be quite a jump from that to communism, which was my main point.
DJ's left nut
11-19-2010, 11:12 AM
Yeah, I know that song. Not sure I get the meaning. I don't mind if a band sings about their opposition to war or something like that. However that can be quite a jump from that to communism, which was my main point.
Fair enough.
I wasn't sure if you were opposed to the Anti-American element of it or communism specifically.
big nasty kcnut
11-19-2010, 11:13 AM
Well i listen to rage against the machines and i'm not a commie slash anarchist. I'm a Kansas conservative
Jenson71
11-19-2010, 11:17 AM
Well i listen to rage against the machines and i'm not a commie slash anarchist. I'm a Kansas conservative
You typed out the "/". Above and beyond, bnk.
Fair enough.
I wasn't sure if you were opposed to the Anti-American element of it or communism specifically.
I kind of view that like I view most libs. Sometimes, they make good points, but mostly they are simply naive (jmo so you libs don't get your panties in a bunch). Let me quote Reagan on this. :)
The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so.
However, I'm not much of a supporter for wars, either. I understand at times war is unavoidable, but usually its not in our best interest, IMO. And yes, I have been ready for us to get out of Iraq for a long time now. So maybe that part doesn't bug me that much.
Eh, this is starting to get politcal so perhaps we should tread lightly here.
Also of note is that I don't listen to that album (Piquaresque) that often. When I listen, its usually The Crane Wife. Don't see really much if any anti American stuff on that album. Unless, of course, I am misinterpreting the lyrics. And I don't have any of their early stuff.
Reaper16
11-19-2010, 11:20 AM
I'm not a Satanist, but I listen to a dickton of Black Metal with Satanist lyrical content.
I'm not a Satanist, but I listen to a dickton of Black Metal with Satanist lyrical content.
Well, I used to listen to a lot of Slayer. But I suppose that was at a time in my late teens when I lost my Christian values. I can still listen to them occasionally, but in all honesty some of that does bother me.
Red Brooklyn
11-19-2010, 11:36 AM
With The Decemberists, it's mostly a gimmick/historical reference. They themselves as individual members may or may not be communist. I can't answer that. But there is nothing in their music that is inherently pro (or anti) communist.
The name of the band and the playing of the anthum before shows is an inside joke.
Reaper16
11-19-2010, 11:37 AM
You can look at it like I look at action movies or TV shows. There's a lot about 24 that bothered me. I'm not an advocate of violating privacy rights or killing people, but espionage and assassination make for some good entertainment.
Red Brooklyn
11-19-2010, 11:40 AM
You can look at it like I look at action movies or TV shows. There's a lot about 24 that bothered me. I'm not an advocate of violating privacy rights or killing people, but espionage and assassination make for some good entertainment.
Exactly. Well said.
Hell, the Decembersists even added an extra 'e' to their name. Just because.
You can't take it too seriously.
The name of the band and the playing of the anthum before shows is an inside joke.
See I wondered if that was the case. Where did you find this info?
Pitt Gorilla
11-19-2010, 12:13 PM
Some Nickelback fans aren't even homosexual.Bullsh!t.
Pitt Gorilla
11-19-2010, 12:17 PM
Well, I used to listen to a lot of Slayer. But I suppose that was at a time in my late teens when I lost my Christian values. I can still listen to them occasionally, but in all honesty some of that does bother me.Slayer now bothers you? Perhaps you're just getting f*cking old or are simply becoming a massive puss?
Red Brooklyn
11-19-2010, 12:23 PM
See I wondered if that was the case. Where did you find this info?
Colin's talked about it at shows. But I know ther was also an interview that I read where he kinda gets into it.
I'll see if I can find it and throw up a link for you.
chiefsnorth
11-19-2010, 12:26 PM
Generic emo act is generic
Red Brooklyn
11-19-2010, 12:27 PM
Here's one little snippet that I found... still looking for the article I was thinking of, though...
Let's get this out of the way, where did your band name originate? Is it the month, the Russian revolutionary group...?
COLIN: A little bit of both. 'Decembrist' is the accepted English translation of the Russian'Dekabristy.' We appropriated it by adding the extra E, which, in my opinion, made it a better band name. For whatever reason.
http://gothamist.com/2005/08/15/the_gothamist_band_interview_the_decemberists_colin_meloy.php
Slayer now bothers you? Perhaps you're just getting f*cking old or are simply becoming a massive puss?
Or perhaps I believe in something deeply and its hard to listen to something that is the opposite. Sheesh, don't be a jackass. As for their music, I love it. Used to like to play Slayer songs when I was first learning guitar back in the late 80s.
Reaper16
11-19-2010, 12:50 PM
Or perhaps I believe in something deeply and its hard to listen to something that is the opposite. Sheesh, don't be a jackass. As for their music, I love it. Used to like to play Slayer songs when I was first learning guitar back in the late 80s.
"It is the mark of the educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it" - Aristotle
MOhillbilly
11-19-2010, 12:54 PM
i like this tune but it makes me laugh. Hardcore NS sings a song written by two jews.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMwvpfX5BJU
"It is the mark of the educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it" - Aristotle
Agreed.
Although everyone has their limit. ;)
"It is the mark of the educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it" - Aristotle
I probably could have been clever and just asked when he was planning to read George W. Bush's new book. :D
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 01:21 PM
"It is the mark of the educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it" - Aristotle
you keep thinking about how you are you are going to get sick, you are going to get sick!
I appreciate all the discussion on this. I like to think I'm a fairly open minded person on most things so this was very welcome. You guys came through with some great comments and information.
:thumb:
Demonpenz,
I have no idea wtf you're talking about half the time, but you crack me up.
Not sure if the PM was meant for me or someone else.
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 01:54 PM
i don't remember can you post it to the thread?
i don't remember can you post it to the thread?
Sure. The PM was titled Torn.mp3
That was a hit song for that chick who I satisfied my 14 year old urges with back in the 1990's I also didn't have an mp3's back then. I am trying to sell my blue sansa mp3 player but infortunately I don't know how to delete some of the songs off of there. There is torn by the lady I previously mentioned. It is on thre 6 or 7 times because my mom borrowed it for her jazzersize class. My Mom is doing fine thanks for asking, her leg still itches from the diabetes.
I'm guessing you saw my thread title and just went off on a tangent from there.
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 02:23 PM
yeah.
patteeu
11-19-2010, 02:27 PM
If I stopped listening to every artist I disagree with politically, my mp3 player would be pretty empty. If supporting a communist bothers you, download their music instead of buying it and don't go to see their show. F*** those capitalism-exploiting hypocritical bastards.
BTW, I have a couple Decemberist albums and most of RATM's. I've also got some Kanye West and Dixie Chicks even though they embarrassed themselves with their kooky political views in very public ways.
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 02:47 PM
Originally Posted by Demonpenz
I am sorry about some of the txt's I have been sending you lately, I have been hanging out by the gas station off of 87th waiting for left over gas that the johnson county people leave. I ususally put it on my Rusty Wallace Bandana and huff it. I then ususally go to court for various shit like tampering and evading police, sometimes I get in trouble for normal shit too like Domestic awesomeness. ha ha just kidding there is no crime called Domestic Awesomeness. Or I would be in jail. Anyway sorry about the txts. later
merry xmas
Reaper16
11-19-2010, 03:03 PM
Demonpenz,
I have no idea wtf you're talking about half the time, but you crack me up.
Not sure if the PM was meant for me or someone else.
Sure. The PM was titled Torn.mp3
Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn?" LMAO
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 03:09 PM
mp3 player for sale
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I saw you posted about Phillip Rivers and I figured you were interested in buying my mp3 player it is a 512k sansa that is supposed to be black but it has some food on the buttons. I don't know how to delete the songs on there so there is some good hard songs by semisonic and "torn" by some chick. That chicks sounds like she needs a good dickin' anyway please message me back the lights are flickering over here in applebees.
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 03:11 PM
Mp3 player for sale
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I have an mp3 for sale just in time for the holidays. it is 523k so it can hold around 30 mp3's or whatever else you want to store. I got it at kmart a couple years ago when it fell into my Starter Jacket and I found it a couple hours later when I tried to sell it on craigslist in the "grab bag" section of craigslist. Some of songs won't delete for some reason, so i hope you like Semisonic!
Demonpenz
11-19-2010, 03:12 PM
mp3 player for sale
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I saw that you posted in this thread so you must be looking for an mp3 player. What is so special about this mp3 player? Well first off it comes preloaded with your favorite Semisonic songs and a song called "torn" by some chick who sounds like she needs a dick in her dickhole! The mp3 is a 1999 sansa that has 534 megs of space for all your needs. I am selling it for 63.53 dollars but I will be willing to talk it out of you can give me some email addresses from you and some of your friends. I promise to only send them shit they were already going to buy. I gave you rep inthe past so please consider this offer, I am not desperate, but the hostess is getting her manager. I ****ing hate this applebees!
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