Friday Open Thread: Music, Media, Musings
by Latoya Peterson
I think every other Friday I’ll do a random open thread just to see what’s going on with y’all.
Here’s what I am heading into the weekend with:
Music
Something compelled me to listen to the Cruel Intentions Soundtrack while I was at work yesterday. While cubicle-jamming to Skunk Anansie’s “Secretly” I realized I had never bothered to look up any of their other stuff – even though I’ve been rocking this song for the last six years.
I checked out the YouTube video and was in for a shock:
Who is that? Wait, wait, wait! The black girl is singing?
And I spent the rest of the day rocking to Skunk Anansie and the lead singer’s – Skin – solo effort, Fleshwounds. Favorites: “Weak”, “Faithfulness”, “Brazen.”
I’m loving Skin – she’s the kindred spirit of Shirley Manson (of Garbage), who I also adore. So, some posts will probably come about black rock (and yes, I’m going to talk about Me’Shell Ndegeocello) defying boundaries, bias against black lesbians, something. I’ll figure it out a bit later.
Media
I have a whole lot to write this weekend, so I am taking it easy on reading until I get things done, written, and edited. Notable exception: The Esquire cover feature on Barack Obama. They sent a cynic to deconstruct hope. Fascinating stuff. Also saw an extra little goody in Esquire this month, I’ll let that speak for itself.
Musings
I think this has been the week for the most tips ever. Seriously – my inbox is flooded. I promise we will cover the Rachel Ray “Islamic jihad scarf!” thing. And the Tyra “good black men are at the club!” thing. And the Freshjive thing and loads of other stuff. Got to finish my interracial dating piece, edit a few more, get back to someone writing about being gay at Morehouse, talk about MTV, talk about BET, and on and on.’
Dear readers, I am tired. I don’t even have the strength for this Fast Company article but I have to tackle it anyway. Short form: The author goes to Africa, gets a lot of on the ground information, but then paints the story as: “Evil, Unscrupulous Chinese Rape and Pillage Dark and Savage Africa – But Dark and Savage Africa will not allow the good, virtuous World Bank to Help Them.” This post is gonna be a bitch because my problem is not with the information presented – it’s the colonialist mindset that drips off the page, tainting the hell out of everything else. And of course, like I referred to in the Madonna post, no one asks the big questions. For some reason, history begins with a conquering empire and then zips to present day. Bleh. This one might be a multipost.
Opening the floor to you readers – what are you planning on reading/watching/doing this weekend?
Carmen Van Kerckhove is co-founder and president of
emfole wrote:
omg she’s gorgeous- why are there all white people in the vid though?
Posted 30 May 2008 at 9:37 am ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:
@emfole – I don’t know. That’s a constant theme with Skunk Anansie’s videos and later Skin’s. The band is multiracial, but their videos tend to feature white actors. Occasionally you’ll see a PoC (like in Hedonism or Weep) but not as a lead or main character.
Even in Skin’s videos, either they are completely her or she has white actors around her. Passing strange.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 9:43 am ¶
Tallulah Bankhead wrote:
I was going to check out SATC movie but I decided
seeing Jennifer Hudson as the Magic Negress to Carrie Bradshaw would leave a bad taste in my mouth.
Will just rewatch Eve’s Bayou and All About Eve instead.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 9:54 am ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:
Working on PECHANGA.net, seeing “Iron Man,” perhaps reading a “Star Trek” book or a FABLES trade paperback.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 9:55 am ¶
Brigitte wrote:
I’m a fan of her too! I just posted some pics from a fashion campaign she did last year for Gianfranco Ferre on my blog.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:15 am ¶
Miriam wrote:
I was reading books this weekend, which is why I didn’t read this post earlier… but did want to say that if you haven’t yet, I’d highly recommend checking out Skunk Anansie’s song “Intellectualize My Blackness.” It’s damn fantastic. Looks like someone put a video up here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJw9oympMw
(I hope that link works; I haven’t posted here before, as I prefer to lurk, but Skunk Anansie brought me out of hiding…)
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:19 am ¶
Miriam wrote:
Hold on. It’s Friday. Yeah. My semester ended this week and so Wednesday felt like the beginning of the weekend… My sense of time is, obviously, *completely* off. See, this is why I should stick to lurking…
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:21 am ¶
dave wrote:
y’all should check out the noisettes too … they’ve got a similar vibe going on with a fly black girl doing vocals for a rock band, though the noisettes girl is more a stylistic type in the vein of christian siriano rather than the boots and shaved head skin …
here’s a picture:
http://kirstiecat.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/noisettes-blog.jpg
not sure if i can put it in post but i’ll try …
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:57 am ¶
dave wrote:
by “doing vocals” i should have rightfully said “helming the band” … i think its her project.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:58 am ¶
G.D. wrote:
re: Esquire’s other little treat: do you mean the feature on race? or on John Yoo (which was nice and provocative and squirm-inducing)?
Posted 30 May 2008 at 11:02 am ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:
@GD –
No, I have to check out the feature on Bigotry. I’m actually afraid to touch it until I finish writing all the stuff I have to write.
Must have missed the John Yoo feature. I’ll look for it.
No, it’s the retro esquire goody. That whole page is chock full of hmm- hmm-hmm…wish I could get my hands on some of those articles from 1968, particularly the one about MLK’s assassination.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 11:04 am ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
Skin from Skunk Anansie–what a effin’ rawk goddess! “Milk Is My Sugar” and “Yes It’s F***ing Political” is some granite-blasting s***! I love love love love that woman…and not just because she’s a baldie like me.:-)
Other plans: off to a shindig tonight and–speaking of passing strange–I’m going to see the award-winning musical by that same name this Sunday. In a couple of weeks, I’m interviewing another Black rock goddess, Felice Rosser from Faith, for my blog.
Good times! ::cues up Chic::
Posted 30 May 2008 at 11:14 am ¶
atlasien wrote:
I started reading What is the What? but gave up for the meantime, because the opening description of getting home invaded probably took place around the corner from where I live and kind of freaked me out.
Doing work on the Obama campaign voter registration drive. The goal (ambitious, but achievable) is to turn Georgia into a swing state.
Gardening, as always… planting some vines, fiddling with the rain barrels to keep them from getting infested with mosquito larvae.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 12:52 pm ¶
Sarah wrote:
@ Dave
love Noisettes! I saw them live last year and thought they were great.
As for the rest of my weekend plans I was supposed to be cultured and see Swan Lake, but I forgot my ticket at home. My ego probably doesn’t need to watch those skinny legs all night anyway. But I’m going to make up for it by going to the Mapplethorpe exhibit.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 12:55 pm ¶
Sarah wrote:
@atlasien
Good luck with voter registration!!!
Posted 30 May 2008 at 12:56 pm ¶
gandalf mantooth wrote:
“Who is that? Wait, wait, wait! The black girl is singing?”
I’m gonna atribute this to your age and not give you a patented Flava Flav “Go get a late pass! Step!”
Posted 30 May 2008 at 1:34 pm ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
::shakes head and smiles at gandolf mantooth::
…anyway, yeah, good luck with voter registration, atlasien. I look forward to reading about it on your blog!
Posted 30 May 2008 at 1:46 pm ¶
Chica Dificil wrote:
That song is amazing and so is she! Thx 4 sharing.
I’m going to check out what seems like an incredibly scary movie! The trailer freaks me out. I might blog about the experience if it’s as scary as they make it out to be….
http://www.thestrangers.net/
@Latoya. Get some rest my sista. I’m looking forward to your upcoming blogs. Sending you peace, wellness and serenity your way.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 1:48 pm ¶
Brigitte wrote:
Anytime I see the trailer for The Strangers I wonder about what they mean by “based on a true story.”
Posted 30 May 2008 at 2:38 pm ¶
Joan Flores wrote:
@ Rob– I’m indulging my new obsession, an Original Star Trek marathon this weekend. With Uhura, the Pam Grier of space.
Did you know that she spoke Swahili? She also wore ridiculously short skirts.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 3:00 pm ¶
Joanna wrote:
In a few days I’m seeing 2 interesting films as part of New Fest (http://www.newfest.org), the LGBT film fest in here in NYC.
They are:
Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project
Being Proud Black & LGBT in America
Posted 30 May 2008 at 3:41 pm ¶
Carmen Van Kerckhove wrote:
I’m gonna put together some Addicted to Race episodes (ahem, I’m way late with last week’s so you’re gonna get 2 next week), and I’m also gonna re-watch last night’s awesome Lost 2-hour season finale! Oh, and geek out on all the Lost blogs and message boards.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 5:23 pm ¶
thejoyprincess wrote:
I’ll be indulging in a self-inflected marathon of Psych, the “platinum edition” of the animated 101 Dalmatians that Disney jacked me for and an indie doc about black women actresses that Terri J. Vaughn did called Angels Can’t Help But Laugh.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 5:37 pm ¶
Clara wrote:
I’m moving to DC to start a summer internship in the Capitol! Also, I’m going to finally start reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 9:56 pm ¶
heyhey wrote:
Went to see SATC, and 1)Can we get finally a hot straight APIA man up in the movies already? The assistant audition scene. Could see the joke coming from a mile away. GROAN. And I just re-watched “My America, or Honk if You Love Buddha” last night. We ain’t come that far yet, have we?
2)The “follow the white guy” line in Chinatown. Sigh.
That said, off to see “Miles from India” at the SF Jazz Fest, and enjoy their Chinatown, hopefully catch “The Visitor” before it leaves theaters. Everyone enjoy your wkd!
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:07 pm ¶
deb wrote:
I purchased a Jimi Hendrix greatest hits comp. I’ve never been that familiar with his music. I liked it more than I thought I would.
However, now I’m yearning for Ernie Isley. Is it me, or is Ernie underrated axeman? I’m now searching for all the songs that have kick ass guitar solos by Ernie like Who’s That Lady?” :headbang: And I’m thinking about buying his 1990 “High Wire” cd.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:46 pm ¶
Kaonashi wrote:
You have to get Skunk Anasie’s First CD–it’s an awesome thing to behold.
Their music has also been featured in 2 movies that I’m aware of: “Strange Days” with Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett, and the German Movie “The Princess and the Warrior” which has the same director as “Run Lola Run.” The Band actually appears in Strange Days as one of the bands that were playing.
Posted 31 May 2008 at 12:11 am ¶
sisterpopcorn wrote:
I’ve been a Skunk Anansie fan for years. A “friend for a season” turned me on to her. YES the black girl is singing and she’s always been so divinte!!!
Ok this weekend I’m cleaning my apartment. I’m again reading “Quicksand” by Nella Larson and studying “The Game of Life” as always. I’ll be going to a Korean sauna to soak in seawater and green tea baths and to scrub and sweat. I live in South Korea by the way. And I’m trying to come up with a name for my newest blog. I’ve deleted all others because I was bored with them.
Posted 31 May 2008 at 1:38 am ¶
Kaonashi wrote:
ROFL what is a “Friend foe a season?” Is it one of those friends that you hang around for a while and then they silently drift away?
Posted 31 May 2008 at 11:32 am ¶
Rounder wrote:
If you’re going to do a Black Rock post, hopefully you’ll give some love to Santogold, King’s X, The Dears, Bloc Party, and Bad Brains.
Posted 31 May 2008 at 12:39 pm ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
@ deb–I hate to be an I toldja so, but….I’m glad you dig the Hendrix, friend!
::goes off to play air guitar to “Star-Spangled Banner::
Posted 31 May 2008 at 12:40 pm ¶
Myles wrote:
Finally got my hands on the Flobots album, I was going to get the Santogold, but the price was too high ;_;.
And part of me feels a tiny bit guilty that when I saw that Skunk Anansie had a black lesbian singer I was suddenly interested. I feel like i should care more about what I’m hearing than who I am hearing it from.
And Jeez, I can’t believe I have reached an age when I am older than all of the members of a band I like. Be Your Own Pet is younger than me by almost a year. . . . wait, that’s not that bad
Posted 31 May 2008 at 4:06 pm ¶
deb wrote:
TheCruelSecretary, I really don’t know what took so long! And today, I downloaded a video of live concert footage called “Hey, Joe.” And I watched another documentary the other day. (I didn’t realize that many guitarist don’t sing and play at the same time. But Hendrix did!)) And I’ve been thinking a lot about “Funk Rock.” I mean, the Isley Brother’s music is funky and includes elements of Rock. But, I think many people think of them as strictly R&B. (And Hendrix played with them early in his career.)
I don’t know jack about Eddie Hazel except that he was a kick ass guitarist, too. So, he might be next on my list of artists/music to check out.
Posted 31 May 2008 at 4:28 pm ¶
Joseph wrote:
@Chica Dificil
When I checked out this thread Friday you gave me the idea to go catch “The Strangers” this afternoon. Holy crap! Have you gone yet? I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but the first time mask-guy shows up I made a sound…have you ever accidentally stepped on a cat?
Like that, only less manly.
On the upside, this movie definitively answered the question “wouldn’t it be romantic to go away to a house in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by woods?”
Yeah, I’m never leaving the city again.
I blame you.
Posted 31 May 2008 at 4:31 pm ¶
Persia wrote:
I had all sorts of plans but got sick instead. However, I did discover the new lead singer of Journey, a hot Filipino guy named Arnel Pineda. He was on “Ellen” this week with Journey, but the real fun was going on YouTube and finding all kinds of clips from his days with his cover band, Zoo.
Skin is gorgeous, and I’m happy to find a new band.
Posted 31 May 2008 at 5:31 pm ¶
Joseph wrote:
Oh, and
a) Skin is hot.
b) Any “Black Rock/Awesome Black Women Rock Singers” conversation has to include rock/glam/funk/proto-punk goddess Betty (ex-Mrs. Miles) Davis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKWPynScqgw&feature=related
Posted 31 May 2008 at 5:33 pm ¶
sisterpopcorn wrote:
Kaonashi, you’ve heard the saying about friends. They are in your life for a season, a reason, or a lifetime. The one who turned me on to Skunk Anansie was in my life for a season. Sometimes it’s hard to choose between season and reason. Maybe actually she was for a reason. Hmmmmm, see now you’ve got me thinking.
Joseph you did not mention the Most High Rocktress Betty Davis! You rock for that one.
And has anyone mentioned Nona Hendryx? She rocks!
Posted 31 May 2008 at 7:57 pm ¶
Keke wrote:
Wow. I had never heard of her before now. After reading this, I went to youtube and checked out her music. I also love how everyone here has some really good suggestions for selections to check out. I can continue building my playlist!
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 12:19 am ¶
Winn wrote:
Persia,
Check out the June 2008 issue of GQ, with Shia LeBeouf on the cover (on whom I have any entirely age-inappropriate crush. Oh, did I actually type that?). There’s an in-depth story on Arnel Pineda and how he became Journey’s new lead vocalist. Pretty interesting!
Oh, and cosign on Skin and the greatness of Skunk Anansie! I used to wear out “Weak” on this old Brit Pop compilation CD I have!
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 12:41 am ¶
SeanTheSean wrote:
Re: white actors in Skunk Anansie videos, they’re a UK band and things are pretty tough for black actors here. A lot of them move to the States, where there’s a great deal more opportunity. I read an interview recently with Gina Yashere, a fantastic comedian, who has decided to move to the states because here in England we’ve already got a black male comedian (it’s been Lenny Henry for 30 years) and a black female comedian (Jocelyn Jee Esien, also extremely funny) and there’s just no room for her.
I don’t know much about your musical tastes, but have you heard any Bloc Party? I’m a big fan.
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 5:30 am ¶
deb wrote:
Good calls Joseph and sisterpopcorn! :thumbsup:
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 6:45 am ¶
Joseph wrote:
Re: Black Women of Rock
Marsha Hunt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvsMvPZVQT8
…people either love her or hate her. She was Mick Jagger’s girlfriend (and mother of his child Karis) and she was the inspiration for “Brown Sugar”…for better or worse. She was not the best singer ever but she had something special going on (She sort of reminds me of Cynda Williams, remember her?) Either way, she is hot in this clip. Now that a giant afro is mostly a sight gag it is cool to see how sexy it looked for real.
@sisterpopcorn
Yes. Yes, I do. And right back at you.
@SeanTheSean
I love Bloc Party. Do you know Broken Social Scene? They’re Canadian.
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 11:51 am ¶
Yvette wrote:
This month’s Ebony features some Black artists who are just beyond the “mainstream” from several musical genres. They also have an iMix–”What Does Black Music Sound Like?”– of the artists featured in the article. (http://www.ebonyjet.com/ebony/)
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 3:32 pm ¶
Lainad wrote:
For anyone who is interested, I wrote an essay on Skunk Anasie that was published in a music anthology( Marooned, Da Capo books) last summer. You can read a preview at Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=FhGhMWOQk-MC&printsec=frontcover&dq=marooned&ei=4xlDSOTHAoHsiQHB7cyIBQ&sig=f-1rUXWhob0O7IZsTBwrJl40XRQ
My nam is Laina Dawes – I would really suggest checking out the entire book- the writers are excellent.
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 4:56 pm ¶
SeanTheSean wrote:
@Joseph: I’ve heard the name, but never listened – I’ll check them out, thanks for the tip
Posted 02 Jun 2008 at 7:48 am ¶
Carol McCullough wrote:
Kaonashi wrote: “You have to get Skunk Anasie’s First CD–it’s an awesome thing to behold.”
I have to totally agree with this. I was/am a big fan of the movie (and the soundtrack for) Strange Days and that’s where I discovered Skunk Anansie. “Selling Jesus” was their hit from that movie.
I was fortunate to see them in concert (along with about 13 other people) in a little dive in Portland, OR shortly after the movie came out. Skin jumped in the crowd and danced with us (I even think I still have the poster from that tour somewhere). I’m 5′3” and she was at least an inch or two shorter than me. But you would never know how tiny she is because her persona is so HUGE.
I can’t recommend the band enough and I also agree that “Intellectualize My Blackness” is excellent. I also love “Weak.” Oh, hell, it is just a great album.
Posted 03 Jun 2008 at 10:30 pm ¶