A Question For Mr. Frankie.

[FAX]

I was going to PM this interrogatory to Mr. Frankie, then I decided that there might be some other Planeteers interested in the answer. Or, if Mr. Frankie doesn't know the answer, we can all make fun of him and stuff.

So, here's the question ... Mr. Frankie, you are familiar with the ways and doings of the Middle East and I was wondering if Arab peeps like Rock & Roll music? I assume that fundamentalist Islam would likely prohibit Rock & Roll and might saw the very tittaws off anyone who listened to it, but then again, maybe not. Plus, there are some countries that are more liberal and seem to enjoy some aspects of Western culture. So, do peeps there like Rock & Roll?

FAX

Disclaimers: Sorry if repost.

[ClevelandBronco]

I've heard some fantastic Iranian covers of rock classics on NPR. Totally different rhythmic sensibilities.

[Rain Man]

If you don't want to read the whole dissertation, I can offer my central premise, which was that the Revolution started when the Ayatollah was sitting in Paris at a sidewalk cafe. He heard a Creedence Clearwater Revival song on the radio and it inspired him to start the revolution.

According to my theory, the song was "Who'll Stop The Reign".

[FAX]

Originally Posted by ClevelandBronco

I've heard some fantastic Iranian covers of rock classics on NPR. Totally different rhythmic sensibilities.

Fascinating. One would think that the rhythms would be different. I think (although, not certain) that the Middle East cultures use quarter tones, as well. That's something that sounds very strange to our ears. Maybe that's why they wouldn't like the Stones.

Where is Mr. Frankie?

FAX

[FAX]

Awesome, Mr. Rain Man. Although, I thought you were going to say, "Sunni Q".

FAX

[ClevelandBronco]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

"Who'll Stop The Reign".

Originally Posted by FAX

"Sunni Q".

I joined this site years ago just to see this exchange.

[lazepoo]

In all seriousness, I remember seeing something hyping a documentary about the only metal band in Iraq a few years ago. They feared for their lives and whatnot due to the culture not being receptive to american style metal. That's about the extent of my knowledge on Middle Eastern musical preference, though.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by lazepoo

In all seriousness, I remember seeing something hyping a documentary about the only metal band in Iraq a few years ago. They feared for their lives and whatnot due to the culture not being receptive to american style metal. That's about the extent of my knowledge on Middle Eastern musical preference, though.

Thanks, Mr. lazepoo. Dissertation or no, that's a whole lot more than Mr. Rain Man knows. His theory that the rise in fundamentalist Islam during the Carter years was tied to the Ayatollah's misinterpretation of Credence's cover of Orbison's classic song, "Ooby Dubai" is questionable at best.

FAX

[SLAG]

It honestly depends where in the Middle east you are..

In Iraq - Saudi Arabia - Qutar - Oman... you will find the most restrictions and most distain for it.

I was in Amman Jordan for 3 weeks and Heard many Cab Drivers listen to Rap and Rock and roll - there were 2 English Radio Stations I Could even pick up a boot leg Slim Shady Tape/CD if I needed
Damascus was not quite as free but a much better town over all rather than Amman

[FAX]

Originally Posted by SLAG

It honestly depends where in the Middle east you are..

In Iraq - Saudi Arabia - Qutar - Oman... you will find the most restrictions and most distain for it.

I was in Amman Jordan for 3 weeks and Heard many Cab Drivers listen to Rap and Rock and roll - there were 2 English Radio Stations I Could even pick up a boot leg Slim Shady Tape/CD if I needed
Damascus was not quite as free but a much better town over all rather than Amman

So, am I correct in assuming Mr. SLAG, that it is your opinion the Arab peeps would probably like Rock & Roll, but in some countries it isn't available to them?

FAX

Kuwait is somewhat Westernized. While many of their young girls still cover their faces, blue jeans are not uncommon for the female persuasion on the streets. I presume Iran is somewhat different though. Honestly, Kuwait City was thrashed for obvious reasons while I was there in 91 but it wasn't all that unlike an ethnic portion of a major city in the States.

[SLAG]

Originally Posted by FAX

So, am I correct in assuming Mr. SLAG, that it is your opinion the Arab peeps would probably like Rock & Roll, but in some countries it isn't available to them?

FAX

You got it

[FAX]

Thanks, Mr. SLAG.

Where is Mr. Frankie? I hope I haven't offended him in some way with this thread.

FAX

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by FAX

I was going to PM this interrogatory to Mr. Frankie, then I decided that there might be some other Planeteers interested in the answer. Or, if Mr. Frankie doesn't know the answer, we can all make fun of him and stuff.

So, here's the question ... Mr. Frankie, you are familiar with the ways and doings of the Middle East and I was wondering if Arab peeps like Rock & Roll music? I assume that fundamentalist Islam would likely prohibit Rock & Roll and might saw the very tittaws off anyone who listened to it, but then again, maybe not. Plus, there are some countries that are more liberal and seem to enjoy some aspects of Western culture. So, do peeps there like Rock & Roll?

FAX

Disclaimers: Sorry if repost.

In public they hate it..

Move here or away from persecution they like it..

[Fritz88]

Originally Posted by FAX

I was going to PM this interrogatory to Mr. Frankie, then I decided that there might be some other Planeteers interested in the answer. Or, if Mr. Frankie doesn't know the answer, we can all make fun of him and stuff.

So, here's the question ... Mr. Frankie, you are familiar with the ways and doings of the Middle East and I was wondering if Arab peeps like Rock & Roll music? I assume that fundamentalist Islam would likely prohibit Rock & Roll and might saw the very tittaws off anyone who listened to it, but then again, maybe not. Plus, there are some countries that are more liberal and seem to enjoy some aspects of Western culture. So, do peeps there like Rock & Roll?

FAX

Disclaimers: Sorry if repost.

Interesting. What makes Mr. Frankie an authority in Middle East and Arab issues?

fundamentalist Islam would likely prohibit Rock & Roll

It's not exclusive to Rock and Roll, it's to all kinds of Music.

However...
In every Arab country, there are loads of Arab Rock and Roll bands. They may not play them in the Radio or TV because most of the share goes to Pop and Hip Hop. MTV Arabia was launched recently and it is only playing Pop and Hip Hop.

Arab countries that are embracing western cultures fall under the ones that express interest in Hip hop and Pop more than Rock and Roll. But if you find an Arab who likes Rock and Roll, then be sure that he's hard core at it .

[Fairplay]

I have a very good lady friend from that area, she likes Bryan Adams music.