ah, so that's where it came from

maybe he's just... ignorant? like legit ignorant -- he don't know about any of the things u mention (?

Album Rating: 3.5

maybe. but he considers Israel his second home. If ignorant, that's a bummer. If by choice, then... sad.

north korea is his third

Album Rating: 3.5

hah

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

zak is right, artists and celebrities are not representative of public opinion. Someone like SW is not popular for his political beliefs. I do love this album, and I like much of the lyrical content and think it's a cool project to take a worldly view of current affairs, but there's no real agenda or specific issue he's taking sides on. It's a very human album, and very hopeful in the last song, and that's all that he needs to say about it with an album like this imo.

besides, musician and the artist-type personalities have a tendency to be far removed -- or a little bit sheltered -- from the normal sober world

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

Separating the art from the artist is necessary for me in many cases. SW has said and done a few things at least that annoy me or make me roll my eyes (that iPod stunt for one thing) but I love the music of PT and his solo career immensely. In the case of actors and actresses for example, it's even more necessary to separate the art/craft from the person's personality, b/c they're usually putting on an act, even off camera.

Album Rating: 3.5

I guess it's a matter of worldview. I believe that whatever we do or stand for is political, in the sense of ideology and mindset, not just micropolitics. Is art politically charged? Of course, as science, as sports can be, as is just having a family. I'm a known fan of SW on here, so I am a bit off-put to see he can write songs about refuges and city isolation, but avoids seeing the problem in that area (and consequently taking sides).



The role can be different to the actor, as the lyrics can also be different to the lyricist, exactly. What I'm judging is the fact that in his lyrics he puts up the persona of the anti-religious and anti-establishment, seemingly a bleeding heart (find the reference), but in reallity, he's either ignorant or careless. It's not that I choose not to like him, is that I can't help but being bothered, even if that pains me - considering how much I like his music.

Album Rating: 4.5

I totally agree with Mythodea. Saying nothing "political" is still a political decision. In this sence everthing is political.

Album Rating: 3.0

Lol if there's someone I thought would be pro palestine that was SW.



What a dissapointment



anyway, still love his music

he's not pro-israel as much as he hasn't denounced it

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

I get what you're saying, but I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment. SW doesn't need to reassure his fans about his political beliefs and take sides. Nothing like that is related to why he has his fans, it's the music. I like that Wilson is a private person, it makes sense that he knows people want the music, and he can live his life and think what he wants just like anyone else. Artists don't owe the public anything more than their art, and not even that really, unless they've been paid and promised to follow through with a product, like in kickstarter or something.

Wilson's themes on this album are elaborated anyways in plenty of interviews he's given for this album cycle, there's tons of 'em to look into for those interested. He gives thoughtful answers about these subjects, and myself and I'm sure many others appreciate that he doesn't take the opportunity to get on a soapbox and lecture about what's the right way for viewers/readers/listeners to think about specific issues. It just divides people, when we should just be celebrating and discussing the art as fans.

now talking about some rather 'funky' opinions famous musicians hold, are there any other notable examples?

dave grohl doesn't believe in aids/hiv
one of the singers from tatu believes homosexuality is only valid if it's between two women

Album Rating: 3.0

What about the beliefs of more conservative metal frontmen like Mustaine or Araya

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

That's the other thing: do we really want to know more about famous musicians' crazy beliefs? It's only going to lower your respect for them in plenty of cases.

Album Rating: 3.0

oh and Cap. Beefheart was a psycho

that one guy from kiss pisses me off but i never liked kiss to begin with

Album Rating: 3.0

Also, everything Ted Nugent says

Album Rating: 3.5

Dave Grohl doesn't believe in AIDS? That's weird. The other guy is a homophobic, for sure, and lesbianism is valid only to please the male sexuality, I guess. I'd like a more elaborate description, though, maybe they're coming from a different place so I don't want to jump into conclusions.



Conservative musicians like Mustaine and Araya never were my favourites, I just see what they've done in terms of music and then move on. I've never been emotionally connected to them. I've never listened to anything from Ted Nuget, so there's that.



@Talons, You're definitely right about artist ''having to prove'' anything. It's been in my mind the last couple of weeks that artists nowadays need to prove something to their fanbase with each release (that they're worth it, still have it, etc.), and that's annoying and killing the spirit. I'm not asking to denounce SW, just wanted some discussion in what's been a serious concern for quite some time.

Album Rating: 4.0

where can the mentioned b-sides be heard?