Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Painting the White House and Other Observations
George Clinton is one of those artists whose live shows are usually pretty stunning but whose studio recorded output is a mixed bag, at best. Fifteen years ago he was briefly tied to Prince's Paisley Park organization and put out a so-so record called Hey Man, Smell My Finger. An unsubtle title, to be sure. And almost as unsubtle was the idea that they would play on the concept of having a Clinton in the White House, but why shouldn 't it be George instead of Bill? Paint the White House Blackisn't a bad funk tune, but it sure isn't Atomic Dog or Knee Deep or Flashlight.
It is likely inevitable that George will pull it out again after Tuesday's development. I think it could work quite well in concert, but another mix with 2008 rappers coming in for Dre and the others might not be so successful. Anyway, one of my work colleagues mentioned this song today. I started humming it and here it is in the Buffet.
The day after the election has been a strange one. We don't have many cultural shifts in this country and folks are finding their own way it seems. I was in a meeting that had some extra tension. It was harder than usual for myself and my classes to get focused. Sure, maybe Paint the White House Black is a trifle, but the day before yesterday we lived in the the reality of Grateful Dead's New Speedway Boogie. "One way or another this darkness got to give." I only hope that now, as a result of Tuesday's election results, it is beginning to.
posted by well-executed buffet at 8:23 PM
Comments:
Post a Comment