Blog Smith is inspired by the myth of Hephaestus in the creation of blacksmith-like, forged materials: ideas. This blog analyzes topics that interest me: IT, politics, technology, history, education, music, and the history of religions.
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Iconic rock and roller Ian Hunter brings his perspective on our wild world with both outrage and hope on Defiance Part 2: Fiction on Sun Records on 4/19. Ten new original tracks written by Hunter feature fellow rock royalty like Brian May, Lucinda Williams, Cheap Trick, Benmont Tench plus members of Def Leppard, Stone Temple Pilots and more. Also included are some of the final recordings of Taylor Hawkins and Jeff Beck. Also, pressed on red vinyl, the album art is a portrait of Ian by Johnny Depp.
The release is Friday, April 19.
A limited-edition 2LP vinyl edition of "Defiance Part 2: Fiction" featuring three bonus tracks will be available exclusively on Record Store Day, set for Saturday, April 20.
There is a star-studded cast:
Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson (CHEAP TRICK),Brian May (QUEEN), Lucinda Williams, Dean DeLeo, Robert De Leo and Eric Kretz (STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (DEF LEPPARD), Johnny Depp, Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew (THE BOXMASTERS), Benmont Tench (TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, BOB DYLAN),Waddy Wachtel (STEVIE NICKS, JACKSON BROWNE), David Mansfield (BOB DYLAN, T BONE BURNETT), Tony Shanahan (PATTI SMITH), Steve Holley (WINGS), Morgan Fisher (MOTT THE HOOPLE), and — in what proved among their final studio recordings — the late, great Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS). Additionally, for the Record Store Day vinyl, the special guests on two tracks include Mike McCready and Matt Cameron (PEARL JAM),Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson (THE BLACK CROWES).
Defiance Part 2: Fiction is the follow-up to rock legend Ian Hunter’s successful 2023 album, Defiance. Featuring another stacked lineup of guest appearances, including Johnny Depp, Lucinda Williams, Brian May, to list a few, as well as Jeff Beck’s final recordings, this Deluxe Edition 2 LP set contains three exclusive bonus tracks and is pressed on translucent yellow vinyl for Record Store Day.
Having long used his voice to explore and examine contemporary issues, Hunter is once more pointing his passionate pen at a society seemingly more out of control with each passing day.
"I was trying to avoid all that on 'Part 1'," Hunter says, "but on 'Part 2', it caught up with me. Most of those were written two or three years back, so I wanted to get it all out before whatever takes hold in November. It would be dated after the fact."
Songs like the legalization anthem "Weed" — featuring STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' Dean DeLeo (guitar), Robert DeLeo (bass) and Eric Kretz (drums) — and the epic "Fiction", with keyboards from MOTT THE HOOPLE's Morgan Fisher and a stirring string arrangement from David Mansfield (BOB DYLAN, T BONE BURNETT), are full of righteous fury and vibrant spirit, Hunter's perspective and gift for protest music as clear-eyed and independent as ever.
"I'm neither left nor particularly right," Hunter adds. "I'm just straight down the middle. And so I tried to write from that point of view. An eagle has two wings and if one falls off it perishes. That's what I'm trying to get at. A bit of common sense, you know, Thomas Paine stuff."
Countless highlights abound through "Defiance Part 2: Fiction", from a pair of irresistibly crunchy rockers ("People" and "Kettle Of Fish") featuring three founding members of CHEAP TRICK to the raw, emotional "What Would I Do Without You", the latter of which sees Hunter sharing lead vocals with Lucinda Williams — the first duet in his extensive canon.
That point is not true. Ian has sung with Genya Ravan, his son Jesse, and on Mike Campbell's "Dirty Job."
Hunter is currently hard at work writing songs for a third installment in the "Defiance" project. Though born from expediency and quarantine, the communal nature of "Defiance" has proven a remarkably fruitful creative path for Ian Hunter, still another collaborative milestone in his indefatigable journey through rock 'n' roll.
1. People
Dane Clark: Drums
Tom Petersson: Bass
Robin Zander: Keyboard, Background Vocals
Robin-Sailor, RTZ: Background Vocals
Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano
2. Fiction
Dane Clark: Drums, China Cymbal
Steve Holley: Tambourine, Toms, Cymbal Swell
David Mansfield: Strings and String Arrangement
Morgan Fisher: Piano Solo and Organ
Andy York: Bass, 12-String, Baritone and Electric Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
3. The 3rd Rail
Dane Clark: Drums
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Jeff Beck - Lead Guitar
Johnny Depp: Acoustic and Electric Rhythm Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
(Dedicated to Jeff)
4. This Ain't Rock And Roll
Dane Clark: Drums
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Phil Collen: Background Vocals
Andy York: Slide and Electric Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
5. Precious
Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Brian May: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Bass
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
James Mastro: Sax Abuse
Ian Hunter: Piano
https://youtu.be/dnQ0DNCmLn0?si=nnbhIzXn1VCw6JNW
6. Weed
Eric Kretz: Drums
Robert De Leo: Bass
Dean DeLeo: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Slide Guitar
Andy Burton: Organ
Dennis DiBrizzi: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano
7. Kettle Of Fish
Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Dane Clark: Drums and Snare Section
Tom Petersson: Bass
Robin Zander: Background Vocal
Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Steve Holley: Tambourine
Tommy Mandel: Organ
Andy York: Baritone Guitar, Background Vocal
Ian Hunter: Electric Guitar
8. What Would I Do Without You
Dane Clark: Drums
Lucinda Williams: Lead and Background Vocals
Benmont Tench: Organ
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Andy Burton: Electric Piano
Andy York: Baritone Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
9. Everybody's Crazy But Me
Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Waddy Wachtel: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Benmont Tench: Organ
Steve Holley: Maracas, Tambourine
Paul Page: Bass
James Mastro: Electric Guitar
Dennis DiBrizzi, Andy York: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano
10. Hope
Taylor Hawkins: Drums, Bass
Lucinda Williams: Harmony Vocal
Billy Bob Thornton: Background Vocals
Benmont Tench: Synth
Steve Holley: Maracas, Tambourine
J.D. Andrew: Electric Guitar
Andy York: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano
11. Normal Service Will Be Resumed As Soon As Possible
Kevin Hupp: Drums, Percussion
Frank Gagliardi: Bass
Rick Tedesco: Electric Guitars, 12-String Acoustic, Background Vocals
John Liguori, Michael Tedesco: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Acoustic Guitars
12. Needle Park
Dane Clark: Drums
Rich Robinson: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Chris Robinson: Background Vocals, Harmonica
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar, Solo
Steve Holley: Shaker
Ian Hunter: Piano
13. How'd Ya Like To Meet Henry
Matt Cameron: Drums, Percussion
Mike McCready: Electric Guitar
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
Mark Bosch: Electric Guitar
James Mastro: Resonator Guitar
Andy York: Bass
Ian Hunter: Piano
All songs written by Ian Hunter
Produced by Andy York and Ian Hunter
Mixed by James Frazee
Tracklist
SIDE A:
1. People
2. Fiction
3. The 3rd Rail
4. This Ain't Rock And Roll
SIDE B:
5. Precious During my first listen to the track it struck me that the beginning reminds me of "Arms and Legs," great guitar by Brian May, and clever ending.
6. Weed
7. Kettle Of Fish
SIDE C:
8. What Would I Do Without You
9. Everybody's Crazy But Me
10. Hope
SIDE D:
11. Normal Service Will Be Resumed As Soon As Possible
12. Needle Park
13. How'd Ya Like To Meet Henry
Friday, June 28, 2024
Thursday, June 27, 2024
American Literature Preface Burning America
Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, revered figures of the American Transcendentalist movement, were ardent critics of various aspects of American society. Through their writings and speeches, they fearlessly challenged America's flawed social practices, particularly slavery and materialistic pursuits that hindered individual freedom and self-reliance. Thoreau famously condemned the Mexican-American war as an unjust invasion driven by imperialism, refusing to pay taxes in protest against this act of aggression. Both philosophers emphasized the importance of self-examination and encouraged individuals to question societal norms that perpetuated injustice or compromised personal autonomy. In essence, their critique rested on the belief that a nation's worth lies not in its military prowess or economic prosperity, but rather in its adherence to principles of morality, justice, and individuality.
Romantics and Abolition: The Voices of Whitman and Bryant
While not all Romantics were vocal abolitionists, some, like Walt Whitman and William Cullen Bryant, used their voices to criticize the institution and advocate for its demise. Their contributions to the abolitionist movement deserve closer examination:
Walt Whitman:
- Transcendental Abolitionism: Whitman, through his poems and essays, embraced a transcendentalist approach to abolition. He believed in the inherent equality and spiritual worth of all humans, regardless of race. This belief fueled his condemnation of slavery as a violation of individual freedom and divine principles.
- Celebration of Black Humanity: Whitman's poems like "I Hear America Singing" and "Drum-Taps" celebrated the strength, resilience, and creativity of Black Americans. He depicted them as vital contributors to American life and culture, challenging the racist stereotypes prevalent in society.
- Empathy and Social Justice: Whitman's poetry expressed empathy for the suffering of enslaved people and called for social justice. Poems like "Ethiopia" and "O Captain! My Captain!" mourned the lives lost during the Civil War and urged reconciliation and healing in a post-slavery America.
William Cullen Bryant:
- Early Critic of Slavery: Bryant, from a young age, spoke out against slavery in his poetry and editorials. Poems like "The Murdered Traveller" and "The African Slave" vividly portrayed the brutalities of the institution and exposed its moral contradictions.
- Anti-Colonization and Free Soil: Bryant actively opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, advocating for free soil policies and condemning the Missouri Compromise and the Fugitive Slave Act.
- Journalistic Influence: As editor of the New York Evening Post, Bryant used his platform to advance abolitionist causes. He published anti-slavery editorials, promoted the work of other abolitionists, and criticized pro-slavery arguments.
Conclusion:
Romantics like Walt Whitman and William Cullen Bryant played a crucial role in bringing attention to the horrors of slavery and shaping public opinion in favor of abolition. Their works challenged the dehumanization of Black people and provided powerful expressions of sympathy and solidarity.
While not all Romantics were vocal abolitionists, some, like Walt Whitman and William Cullen Bryant, used their voices to criticize the institution and advocate for its demise. Their contributions to the abolitionist movement deserve closer examination:
Walt Whitman:
- Transcendental Abolitionism: Whitman, through his poems and essays, embraced a transcendentalist approach to abolition. He believed in the inherent equality and spiritual worth of all humans, regardless of race. This belief fueled his condemnation of slavery as a violation of individual freedom and divine principles.
- Celebration of Black Humanity: Whitman's poems like "I Hear America Singing" and "Drum-Taps" celebrated the strength, resilience, and creativity of Black Americans. He depicted them as vital contributors to American life and culture, challenging the racist stereotypes prevalent in society.
- Empathy and Social Justice: Whitman's poetry expressed empathy for the suffering of enslaved people and called for social justice. Poems like "Ethiopia" and "O Captain! My Captain!" mourned the lives lost during the Civil War and urged reconciliation and healing in a post-slavery America.
William Cullen Bryant:
- Early Critic of Slavery: Bryant, from a young age, spoke out against slavery in his poetry and editorials. Poems like "The Murdered Traveller" and "The African Slave" vividly portrayed the brutalities of the institution and exposed its moral contradictions.
- Anti-Colonization and Free Soil: Bryant actively opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, advocating for free soil policies and condemning the Missouri Compromise and the Fugitive Slave Act.
- Journalistic Influence: As editor of the New York Evening Post, Bryant used his platform to advance abolitionist causes. He published anti-slavery editorials, promoted the work of other abolitionists, and criticized pro-slavery arguments.
Conclusion:
Romantics like Walt Whitman and William Cullen Bryant played a crucial role in bringing attention to the horrors of slavery and shaping public opinion in favor of abolition. Their works challenged the dehumanization of Black people and provided powerful expressions of sympathy and solidarity.
Realism: Showing Life as It Really Is
Mark Twain and Kate Chopin, literary giants of the late 19th century, didn't shy away from critiquing American society and its political landscape. Their sharp wit and poignant observations tackled crucial issues like racism, anti-Imperialism, classism, and gender inequality, challenging the status quo and sparking conversations that resonated throughout their times and beyond.
Mark Twain:
- Racism and Imperialism: Twain's satire in works like "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Gilded Age" exposed the hypocrisy and cruelty of racial prejudice and American imperialism. He lampooned the "civilizing mission" of colonialism and highlighted the inherent racism of the Democratic Party Jim Crow laws, prompting readers to question their own assumptions and societal norms.
- Political Satire: Through characters like King Leopold II in "King Leopold's Soliloquy" and Governor General Hawkins in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," Twain mocked political corruption and incompetence. He used humor and exaggeration to expose the absurdity of political systems and the self-serving motives of many politicians.
- Classism and Social Mobility: Twain's novels often featured characters struggling to navigate the rigid class system of his time. Works like "The Prince and the Pauper" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" explored themes of poverty, wealth disparity, and the limitations imposed by social class,critiquing the American dream's emphasis on material success and upward mobility.
Kate Chopin:
- Gender Inequality and the Domestic Sphere: Chopin's short stories and novel, "The Awakening," challenged the restrictive gender roles of her time. She focused on the struggles of women confined to domesticity, their yearning for intellectual and emotional fulfillment, and the societal pressures that stifled their individuality.
- Sexual Liberation and Double Standards: Works like "The Story of an Hour" and "Desiree's Baby" explored themes of female sexuality and societal double standards. Chopin dared to portray women's desires and anxieties, challenging the prevailing Victorian morality and sparking debates about sexual liberation and women's autonomy.
- Race and Identity: In stories like "Désirée's Baby" and "Emancipation: A Life-Lesson," Chopin tackled the complexities of race and identity in the post-Civil War South. She explored the impact of racial prejudice on individuals and families, highlighting the lingering injustices and social tensions related to slavery and its legacy.
Impact and Legacy:
Twain and Chopin's critiques were often met with controversy and resistance. However, their enduring impact lies in their ability to ignite conversations about uncomfortable truths and inspire readers to question the status quo.
Mark Twain and Kate Chopin, literary giants of the late 19th century, didn't shy away from critiquing American society and its political landscape. Their sharp wit and poignant observations tackled crucial issues like racism, anti-Imperialism, classism, and gender inequality, challenging the status quo and sparking conversations that resonated throughout their times and beyond.
Mark Twain:
- Racism and Imperialism: Twain's satire in works like "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Gilded Age" exposed the hypocrisy and cruelty of racial prejudice and American imperialism. He lampooned the "civilizing mission" of colonialism and highlighted the inherent racism of the Democratic Party Jim Crow laws, prompting readers to question their own assumptions and societal norms.
- Political Satire: Through characters like King Leopold II in "King Leopold's Soliloquy" and Governor General Hawkins in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," Twain mocked political corruption and incompetence. He used humor and exaggeration to expose the absurdity of political systems and the self-serving motives of many politicians.
- Classism and Social Mobility: Twain's novels often featured characters struggling to navigate the rigid class system of his time. Works like "The Prince and the Pauper" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" explored themes of poverty, wealth disparity, and the limitations imposed by social class,critiquing the American dream's emphasis on material success and upward mobility.
Kate Chopin:
- Gender Inequality and the Domestic Sphere: Chopin's short stories and novel, "The Awakening," challenged the restrictive gender roles of her time. She focused on the struggles of women confined to domesticity, their yearning for intellectual and emotional fulfillment, and the societal pressures that stifled their individuality.
- Sexual Liberation and Double Standards: Works like "The Story of an Hour" and "Desiree's Baby" explored themes of female sexuality and societal double standards. Chopin dared to portray women's desires and anxieties, challenging the prevailing Victorian morality and sparking debates about sexual liberation and women's autonomy.
- Race and Identity: In stories like "Désirée's Baby" and "Emancipation: A Life-Lesson," Chopin tackled the complexities of race and identity in the post-Civil War South. She explored the impact of racial prejudice on individuals and families, highlighting the lingering injustices and social tensions related to slavery and its legacy.
Impact and Legacy:
Twain and Chopin's critiques were often met with controversy and resistance. However, their enduring impact lies in their ability to ignite conversations about uncomfortable truths and inspire readers to question the status quo.
Naturalism: Life is Tough and Unfair
Naturalism became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It took realism to the next level by showing that people's lives were determined by their environment. Writers like Stephen Crane and Theodore Dreiser wrote about characters who were shaped by poverty, crime, and inequality. Their stories were often sad and showed the harsh realities of life. Naturalistic works had a negative view of life and talked about how society and survival were connected.
Modernism: Breaking the Rules
When the 1900s came around, a movement called Modernism started. This was a response to all the changes happening in society because of industry and modern life. Writers like T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein tried new things with their writing. They used different techniques, had fragmented stories, and didn't follow the usual rules. They wanted to show how life was confusing and challenged the way stories were usually told. Modernism was a big change from what came before.
The Harlem Renaissance: Celebrating African American Culture
In the middle of the 1900s, there was an important movement called the Harlem Renaissance. This was led by African American artists and writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Countee Cullen. They wanted to show the experiences and struggles of African Americans and celebrate their culture. The Harlem Renaissance talked about what it meant to be African American, criticized racism and oppression, and brought new voices to American literature. It made a big impact.
The Beat Generation: Rebelling Against Society
After World War II, a new group of writers called the Beat Generation came onto the scene. People like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs didn't like the way mainstream American culture was going. They thought people were too focused on fitting in and buying things. Their writing showed how they felt disconnected from society, didn't like materialism, and wanted to find spiritual freedom. The Beat Generation became a symbol of going against the norm and influenced the hippie movement in the 1960s.
In Conclusion: Shaping American Literature
All these early major movements in American literature until the 1950s were really important. They changed the way people wrote and thought about things. From Romanticism to Realism, Naturalism to Modernism, and the Harlem Renaissance to the Beat Generation, each movement brought something new and challenged the way things were. They showed the diversity and complexity of American literature and left a lasting impact on what came after.