To be read as a direct continuation of Part 5; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing_6.html
The other part of the music in this Life Beyond The Wire section. Was provided by Japanese DJ Matsunaga.
Performing on the Pitcher's Mound stage. Turning it into a DJ booth, like you might find in a Tokyo nightclub. Or even at an outdoor Rave.
DJ Matsunaga was performing Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Which is really the main form of modern Pop music. Both western along with Japanese Pop (J-Pop) and South Korean Pop (K-Pop).
I've said that all modern Pop music can trace its roots back to Jazz and Blues music. This is also true of Electronic Dance Music.
Although I should start by saying that I hate the term; "Electronic Dance Music." It's so broad as to be meaningless. Covering many sub-genres and styles of music.
It's sort of up there with describing Africa as a country.
Also nobody woke up one morning and decided;
"Today I'm going to invent a new form of music. It will start next Thursday, at precisely 3pm."
Instead all forms of music evolved over time. With different styles being blended together in a sort of melting pot.
Rather like Isaac Newton's; "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" which has led to so much scientific discovery. As was discussed extensively during the Opening Ceremony.
As such you can certainly use this discussion about the history of music as a metaphor.
For the US Democrat Party's desire to rigidly divide different ethnics groups. Into very broad categories or genres. Such as Asian And Pacific Islander (AAPI).
Along with Black Lives Matter's desire to keep those ethnic genres firmly segregated. By enforcing that thought crime of; "Cultural Appropriation."
You could also use it as a metaphor. To discuss Japan's very rigid and conformist culture. Something introduced during the Edo Period. Through things like the Tokugawa Class System.
A collapsing birthrate and super-aging population. Has led some to suggest that Japanese society might need to relax a bit. Reverting to the pre-Edo Period. The rather horny history of Kabuki Theatre.
There seem to have been three main paths. In the evolution of various styles of electronic music. Which now seem to get lumped together as Electronic Dance Music.
In the US Jazz evolved into Soul. Although I think Atlantic Soul was the superior label. Motown Records produced the most famous examples of this genre.
In the 1970's Soul music evolved into Disco and Funk music.
In the Caribbean Jazz evolved into Ska and Reggae. From where it was imported into Britain. Via the so-called; "Windrush Generation" of immigrants. At the end of World War Two.
Both in the US and the UK Blues music evolved into Rock music. When Rock music had become ridiculously self-indulgent and overblown. Punk emerged as a rebellion against it.
Particularly in Britain Ska and Reggae were adopted by the Punk scene.
In the early 1980's Punk itself started getting self-indulgent and overblown. Creating New Wave and the New Romantics. Bands like The Jam, Blondie and Spandau Ballet.
Meanwhile in West Germany they were rebelling against Rock in a different way.
Really by making it even more overblown and self-indulgent. Abandoning Blues-derived song structures in favour of Psychedelic and Avant-Garde, really, non-structures.
It was this so-called; "Krautrock" genre which pioneered the use of sampling. Using recorded snippets of other songs and sound-effects in new recordings.
Probably the most famous example being Kraftwerk.
At around this same time microprocessors were becoming increasingly advanced and inexpensive.
Allowing for the invention of a whole new raft of electronic musical instruments. Such as Synthesizers, Drum Machines and Vocorders.
Musicians began experimenting with these new instruments. Incorporating them within their styles of music. Giving birth to whole new forms of music.
So Ska, Reggae and Punk become Jungle and Drum n' Bass. While Disco became House and Krautrock became Techno. Really the three main elements of Electronic Dance Music.
Then there is the role of illegal party drugs.
The widespread availability of Ecstasy is rather central to the Rave scene of the late 1980's and early 1990's. The thing that really took Electronic Dance Music mainstream.
Although I feel I should point out. The party drug; "Ecstasy" has traditionally been a three part composition. Of MDMA, Cocaine and Amphetamines.
Taking MDMA on its own doesn't make you want to dance. It makes you want to lie of the floor.
It is actually interesting listening to Motown Records later output. During the Disco era of the 1970's.
It is very clearly music made by people who've taken a lot of Cocaine. Being marketed to people who have taken a lot of Cocaine.
In short. You can hear the Cocaine stripping the soul out of Soul music.
It is the Swedish DJ Aviici who is widely credited with putting the soul back into Soul/Disco-derived House music. Such as in 2012's "Wake Me Up."
Aviici sampled "Ue o Muite Aruko/Sukiyaki" on the track; "Freak." Released following his death-by-suicide in 2018.
I though think the importance of illegal party drugs within Electronic Dance Music is overstated.
Drugs which are now illegal have long played a large role within society.
Colonial Britain actually fought two wars with China. To force people along the Silk Road to use Opium grown in the British Colony of India recreationally.
The First Opium War (1839-1842). The Second Opium War (1856-1860).
The Opium based Laudanum was long used as the go-to medicine for all sorts of minor ailments. While the original recipe for the soft-drink Coca-Cola was mainly Cocaine.
It's really only in the last 100 years. Since the 1920's that the use of these very powerful and addictive drugs has begun to be restricted in any way.
One of the movies much discussed at the 2021 Oscars. Was; "The United States versus Billie Holiday."
Set during the birth of Jazz. In many ways this is really a movie about Billie Holiday's Heroin addiction.
It was actually during the birth of Jazz/Blues. That the use of drugs like Heroin and Cocaine was becoming less widespread.
The invention of LSD certainly played a significant role in the rise of 1960's Psychedelia. However it was the microprocessor rather than any drug. Which turned Krautrock into Techno and Acid House.
Illegal drug use is very much not in keeping with Japan's rigid and conformist culture. So as the old joke goes;
"Japan's Electronic Dance Music/Club scene has got a terrible drugs problem."
"There aren't any."
The absence of illegal party drugs doesn't seem to have dampened the Japanese youth's passion for Electronic Dance Music at all.
They're clearly interested in the music. Rather than the drugs that are associated with it.
Although. I have certainly heard rumours. Of young Japanese tourists to places like Brighton, UK. Exchanging money for illegal party drugs.
To really emphasise the focus on Youth Culture. DJ Matsunaga's performance was accompanied by lots of Skateboarders and BMX cyclists.
At these games BMX Freestyle and Skateboarding made their debuts as Olympic sports.
An effort by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reach out to the youth audience. In a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
Something which, no doubt, was also a significant motivation. Behind plans for Break-Dancing or; "Breaking" making its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Summer Games.
Vocals during DJ Matsunaga's performance were provided by milet a young female Japanese Popstar. Who made her debut in 2018, releasing her first album in 2020.
However the first song milet performed was not one of hers. It was "Gurenge" (Red Lotus) by LiSA (Risa Oribe). A 34 year old female Japanese Popstar.
Although I mean no disrespect to milet. It seems that LiSA is a much more accomplished musician.
A classically trained pianist who began her career in the Indie band Chucky. She writes most of her own material. Along with material for other people.
Whereas milet just seems to perform songs that other people have written. As she is doing here.
Both LiSA and milet are signed to Sony Music. That massive Japanese conglomerate that seems to be trying to do me a personal favour.
By rescuing Miley Cyrus from her US/UK captors.
Also, in the process. Trying to do the US/UK a massive favour. Even if they are too stupid/insane to realise it.
The contrast between milet and LiSA. Represent the possible alternate futures that lie ahead for Miley Cyrus.
Is she just a Popstar who performs other people's songs? Such as the Mike Will Made It 2013 "Bangerz" album.
A Popstar who, at the age of 29, has now hit her expiry date. So will soon disappear.
Or does Miley Cyrus actually have musical talent?
The sort of person who could now go on to develop both artistically and personally. Really only at the start of what could be a very long career.
milet's performance of Gurenge actually began with a few bars of another song. "I Will Survive." Not the Gloria Gaynor version. The Snuff version.
This was very brief and subtle. However if you have "Musician" in your job title. Then it's the sort of thing you definitely should have noticed.
Of late America seems to have become obsessed with Drag Culture. Particularly Drag Karaoke.
Just as Britain became obsessed with it. Back in 2005/06.
The US Olympic broadcaster is the NBC network.
That infamous Miley Cyrus/Elon Musk episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Wasn't the only thing NBC did to utterly humiliate themselves in 2021.
They also featured Miley Cyrus in the June 2021 "Stand By You" concert. Broadcast on their Peacock streaming platform. This was, essentially, just an hour of Drag Karaoke.
Anyone even vaguely familiar with Karaoke, let alone Drag Karaoke. Knows the first rule;
"The moment any drunken, emotional wretch starts singing I Will Survive."
"You know they won't."
The Japanese are certainly familiar with Karaoke. Having invented it. It being a Japanese word meaning; "Empty Orchestra."
At around 19:40 on 11/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow.
Edited at around 17:45 on 12/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;
The next song performed by milet was "Hymn de l'Amour." Originally by, possibly the most famous French female singer ever, Edith Piaf.
This was clearly a sign of affection, "Love" almost towards France. Who will be picking up the baton from Tokyo. Hosting the 2024 Summer games.
It particularly showed that Japan agrees. France really should have won the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.
Although I should point out. It's part of the enduring success of the Eurovision Song Contest. That it is utterly impossible to say, definitely, what is the best song.
You only need to look at how many favourite songs you've had in the past year. Let alone in your life. To see what a subjective question it is.
So this wasn't like in 2016. When Ukraine broke all of the Song Contest's rules. Yet were still handed victory.
It's just that in our opinion. "Viola" (Here) by Barbara Pravi was a slightly better entry. Than Italy's "Zitti E Buoni" by Maneskin.
Barbara Pravi performed in very much in the style of the; "Chanteur/Chanteuse." An important and rather uniquely French chapter in the history of music.
Chanteur/Chanteuse are rather like buskers. They would sing on the street for money from passers-by.
However they would also sell sheet-music to those passers-by. So they could sing the songs at home, for entertainment. Before radio, let alone TV, became popular.
Some Chanteur/Chanteuse then took the next step. Recording their songs onto records. Then selling those records for people to listen to at home.
Making them amongst the first recording artists.
This discussion of the history and evolution of music. Was really one of the only things that happened during 2020. Funnily enough, the people at the Eurovision Song Contest are quite into music.
France's entry also seemed to best encapsulate the main themes of the 2021 Song Contest.
French is a gendered language. So Chanteur is a male singer in this style. While Chanteuse is a female singer in this style.
Touching on that theme of ridiculous self-selecting gender pronouns.
During the Lockdown's of 2020 Barbara Pravi supplemented her income by selling her compositions on the Chinese owned Social Media platform TikTok.
Making it an example of a New Silk Road for Chanteuses to sell their songs on.
The song is all about the inner, emotional turbulence being experienced by this young woman.
Just like we were supposed to be captivated by the inner, emotional turbulence being experienced by Miley Cyrus.
As an ethnically Iranian woman. Barbara Pravi bears some physical resemblance to Desiree Akhavan. The ethnically Iranian woman who wrote the book/TV show; "The Bisexual."
It is rumours that Miley Cyrus may be bisexual that was supposed to shock the World from its axis. Forcing us to prostrate ourselves at the feet of our new Messiah, Joe Biden.
The US was particularly interested in using Miley Cyrus as a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
To exert pressure on Iran. During negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA). Often referred to as; "The Iran Nuclear Deal."
Something which spectacularly backfired on the US.
Although I still don't follow the thought process.
The US believed this would lead to a more moderate government being elected in Iran. Instead it led to a more hardline government being elected in Iran.
Leaving the US in the difficult position.
Of having to make its humiliating climbdown to the new Iranian government. When it could have made its humiliating climbdown to the previous, more moderate Iranian government.
The fact that the current Biden regime will have to make a humiliating climbdown to Iran. Is never something that's been up for debate.
The previous Biden regime made it inevitable. When it imposed the sanctions the JCPOA relieves back in 2012.
Probably the most famous Chanteuse, Edith Piaf. Was most active during the late 1920's through to the 1950's. A period in which Europe was completely dominated by World War Two.
So the video in support of France's entry. Was full of World War Two era imagery. Particularly the; "Rattling Death Trains" of the Spanish Civil War and the Nazi Holocaust.
A reference to how Europe once again finds itself in the dark shadow of Nazism and Fascism. A shadow being cast by Ukraine. Particularly its ethnically Turkish Tatar population.
Not only did France's entry encapsulate all of the 2021 Song Contest's main themes. It did it in a very subtle and discreet way.
So you really couldn't point to any one element and say; "Oh that is a reference to this or this is a reference to that."
Which is very keeping with the Song Contest's, really golden rule; "No Overt Politics."
Even if that is extremely annoying for the people who have to write it up.
In contrast Maneskin's "Zitti E Buoni" was a good song.
At the risk of a tangent. It is one of the big musical broadcasting differences between Continental Europe and Britain.
In Continental Europe you have a whole range of radio stations. Each dedicated to a range of different genres of music. Playing a range of songs from within that genre.
In Britain you've got about 12 radio stations. All playing the same 12 songs. By the same 12 bland unit shifters.
So after the Song Contest. It was actually a huge relief to hear Maneskin's songs being played on British radio.
However, I think even they'll agree. It just wasn't a particularly strong Eurovision song.
The band was formed at the JFK High School in Rome, Italy.
A reference to how JFK's assassination ended his opposition to the Civil Rights movement in the US. Finally forcing the Democrats to give up on segregation and so-called; "Jim Crow" laws.
It's said the band selected their name. In order to perform in the 2016 "Pulse" music contest.
In reference to the August 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub in Florida, US. Part of the Democrats systematic campaign of violence against Hispanic Americans. The "mules" of Black Lives Matter.
Beyond that it was really just a reference to the T-Rex song; "Children of the Revolution."
Specifically that performance of Children of the Revolution. By Elton John and Pete Doherty. At the 2005 Live 8 Concerts.
It was me drawing attention to the success of the Live 8 Concerts that put Maneskin over the line in the public vote.
In short, I accidentally lent them some of my popularity.
Unfortunately it is quite a challenge to read a crowd of upwards of 180 million people. Particularly when you're not being given much else to work with.
As I'm sure some people would know. If they ever found themselves successful enough to be routinely performing to audiences of upwards of 180 million people.
All of which allows us all another big laugh at the expense of Miley Cyrus.
Who, in a desperate attempt to fish for information about Eurovision. Started talking, directly to Maneskin on Instagram.
As an alternative to talking, directly to me on Instagram. The person everyone else looks to for an explanation of what happened at Eurovision.
The reason Maneskin won.
Throughout the Second World War. Edith Piaf stayed in Nazi-Occupied France.
She became very good friends with the Vichy-French government. Along with the Nazi-Occupiers it served first and foremost.
Edith Piaf was given a luxury apartment above L'Etoile de Kleber cabaret club.
Extremely popular with officers from the near-by headquarters of the Gestapo. The much feared Nazi secret police.
In 1941 Edith Piaf even undertook a propaganda tour of Berlin, Nazi Germany. To show how happy and grateful the French people were at being absorbed into the Nazi Reich.
After France was liberated Edith Piaf was tried for Treason. As a traitor and Nazi collaborator.
All of which serves as a warning to Miley Cyrus.
In choosing to collaborate with the US/UK. Particularly with the Biden regime. In their efforts to use her as a sort of Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
Miley Cyrus is choosing to collaborate with Nazis and Fascists.
Something which I think is likely to strain her relationship with Ariana Grande. Miley Cyrus actively fighting for people's 'right' to bomb Ariana Grande concerts.
It certainly seems likely to discourage people from attending Miley Cyrus concerts. Given the pro-bombing stance.
Earlier in this section there was a performance of "Ue o Muite Aruko/Sukiyaki." An incredibly effective Japanese Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon of the 1960's.
An attempt to drive home the message to the US/UK. In their attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. To use her as a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
That people have been doing this sort of thing all day, every day. Really since the invention of Pop music.
By referencing the Eurovision Song Contest. Particularly Edith Piaf. Japan was reinforcing the message.
Actually. People have been doing this sort of thing all day, every day. Since Before the invention of Pop music.
The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at. Through Miley Cyrus.
Is absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing to be around.
That's even before you get into the Nazi/Fascist ideology it's being done in service of.
This was also another sign of Japanese support for Russia.
Particularly the way Russia was attacked by the former Biden regime during the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Most notably by the former Biden regime directing Nazis and Neo-Nazis. To overthrow the government of host city Sochi's Black Sea neighbour, Ukraine.
The Closing Ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Included a section with this magnificent flying machine. Sort of a sailing ship held aloft by hot air balloons.
This was a reference to the 1943 movie; "The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen." Produced by Nazi Propagandist Joseph Goebbels. This movie is considered to be one of the first examples of; "Soft-Power."
Prior to that propaganda could be divided into two types; "Black Propaganda," making your enemy look bad. "White Propaganda," making yourselves look good.
Through The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen Goebbels realised.
That you could more subtly and effectively get people to like you by entertaining them. Rather than boring them with lectures on why they should like you.
That is the general concept behind; "Soft-Power."
I don't think anyone knows the technical term for what the US/UK are trying to achieve with Miley Cyrus.
Although people have been doing this sort of thing all day, every. For a very long time.
We don't think anyone's ever been quite so stupid before. As to set out to make everyone hate them.
Next The Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra joined with DJ Matsunaga. For a rather unique version of Beethoven's; "Ode To Joy."
Ludwig van Beethoven is a German born Austrian. Which isn't really in keeping with Japan's show of affection for France. The next Summer games hosts.
So this Electronic Ska version of Ode to Joy. Quickly morphed into the; "Can Can" by French composer Jacques Offenbach.
The piece of music that is probably most synonymous with French, particularly Paris, cabaret clubs.
The sort of cabaret club where Edith
Piaf would perform for Vichy officials and the Nazi-Occupiers they
served first and foremost.
In contrast. Beethoven's music was used to actively resist the Nazi Occupation of France.
The first few, striking, notes of Beethoven's fifth symphony. Are actually Morse Code or; "Marconi Cipher" for the letter; "V." As in; "V for Victory."
The BBC's Europe Service used to use it frequently in radio broadcasts into Nazi Occupied France. A way to build morale.
These seemingly normal radio broadcasts. Also contained specific coded messages for the French Resistance.
A very clear early example of; "Sharp Power." Despite the Atlantic Council still trying to insist that Russia invented Sharp Power in 2014. As part of its efforts to invade Ukraine.
In their efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. To use her as a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
The US/UK believe that putting about rumours that she may be bisexual. Along with the fact she menstruates. Will be enough to shock the World from its axis.
Those BBC Europe Service radio broadcasts. Were used to instruct specific Resistance cells. To blow up specific targets. At specific times.
Further driving home the message to the US/UK;
That people have been doing this sort of thing for a very long time.
The technical level they're trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus is pitiful. Embarrassing to be associated with.
We're being extremely charitable. When we describe it as; "Pre-Kindergarten Level."
At around 18:20 on 12/1/22 (UK date) I hope to finish this section after dinner.
Edited at around 20:40 on 12/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;
I think Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Is now, perhaps, most famous as the anthem of the European Union (EU).
How Beethoven's Ode to Joy became the EU's anthem is, really, the story of one interesting family. The Coundenhove-Kalergi's.
The Coudenhove-Kalergi family was formed in 1857.
When Count Franz Karl von Coudenhove. A member of the aristocratic Coudenhove family of Bohemia, now The Czech Republic. Married Marie Kalergi. A member of the equally aristocratic Kalergi family of Crete/Greece.
The marriage produced six children, including the first-born son, Count Heinrich von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Who went on to be a diplomat for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Count Heinrich's final diplomatic posting was to Tokyo, Japan. One day he fell off his horse, only to be rescued by Mitsuko Aoyama. A Japanese woman of high, Samurai, birth who had trained as a Geisha.
They soon married and returned to Bohemia. To raise their seven children.
The eldest of those children, Count Hans von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Enthusiastically embraced the ideology of Nazism.
Allying the Coudenhove-Kalergis with Nazi Germany during World War Two. Eventually being imprisoned for his efforts.
The second eldest son, Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi. He went in a very different direction. Thoroughly rejecting Nazism and fleeing to Britain during World War Two.
There he set about promoting his own version of a single European Empire or Reich. Outlined in his 1923 book; "Pan-Europa."
This became the founding manifesto of the "Paneuropean Union." Which adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem.
Inspired by the Paneuropean Union, when it came into being. The EU also adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem.
One of the main differences. Between Hans Coudenhove-Kalergi's vision of a Pan-European Reich and Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi's vision of a Pan-European Reich. Was the issue of race.
Han's Pan-European Reich was the same as Hitler's. The superior Aryan race ruling over all the inferior races.
Richard's Pan-European Reich was very different. He envisioned the elimination of the races.
It's great replacement with a single Caucasian-Negroid race. The "Kalergi Plan" he laid out in his 1924 book; "Praktischer Idealismus."
This battle of ideologies is one that is increasingly being played out again. On the edges of the EU and the Eastern European nations it borders.
The Nazis and Neo-Nazis that the Biden regime has enthusiastically allied itself with in Ukraine. Obviously subscribe to Count Hans and Hitler's vision of a Pan-European Reich.
They frequently rally themselves as the resistance to the Kalergi Plan. Which, obviously, is a Jewish conspiracy(!)
They, along with the Biden regime. Are the dark cloud of Nazism and Fascism which is, once again, casting itself over the European continent.
It has often been claimed. That Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi is the inspiration. Behind the anti-Nazi resistance activist; "Victor Lazlo." In the famous 1942 movie; "Casablanca."
There is a famous scene in Casablanca. Where the Nazi-Occupiers are singing their Nazi songs in Rick's cafe.
Victor Lazlo rushes down the stairs and commands the orchestra. In their, almost, uniform of white dinner jackets and bowties. Brass instruments in hand.
To start playing the French National Anthem; "La Marsiellaise."
When the orchestra begins to play. The entire cafe joins them in song. Drowning out the Nazi-Occupiers.
In stark contrast. In how Edith Piaf used to perform for Vichy officials. Along with the Nazi-Occupiers they served first and foremost.
I'm sure I don't need to explain to any Spanish speakers. Any fans of Tejano music;
"Casa Blanca" means; "White House."
The section ended with shots of those girls skipping. With broad grins, from ear-to-ear.
That; "I'll Tell My Ma" joke was an absolutely amazing in-joke. In worked on so many levels. It has to be the funniest thing I did in all of 2021.
As if to show their gratitude. All the Japanese performers bowed enthusiastically.
Then danced their way out of the arena.
To be continued in Part 7.
21:10 on 12/1/22 (UK date).
No comments:
Post a Comment