In a vote by the Oklahoma House of Representatives, The Flaming Lips’ song “Do You Realize??” was turned down as the state’s official rock song, despite winning the online public vote. But in swift action, Oklahoma’s Governor Brad Henry has overruled the House’s verdict, giving the Oklahoma natives the credit they deserve.
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Notes From Middle America is contributor Danny R. Phillips’ monthly column. You can read past installments here.
I have to ask. What happened to rock? Has it become passé or uncool for a band to struggle, tour, play shows night after night to build a fan base without the help of excessive internet buzz or douche bags in the “hip” magazines who supposedly have their fingers on the pulse of the American youth culture? If a band has to work hard to get what they have, is that far less important than the mandatory polo shirts they wear on stage?
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[Photo of poster from URB]
Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse announced almost three years ago that they would be working together on a new collaborative project, but as of yesterday, when a poster for the project was delivered to our offices, it looks like the duo of “Dangerhorse” are engaging a wide spectrum of talent to help out on the new record.
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This week’s edition of New Music Thursdays was curated by Notes From Middle America columnist Danny R. Phillips.
Many musicians try different sounds, vibes and configurations before hitting on one that seems to ring true. Josh Thomas had been through a couple of different bands prior to landing on the post-shoe gaze freak-out that is Kansas City’s High Diving Ponies.
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Much like Chinese Democracy this film has been the talk of the music world for far too long. With the production starting in 2001 one would suspect that the end product would either be at a caliber of greatness or trash that just too damn long to finish. If both those outcomes were cities with an intestate between them, this production took the first exit off and never got back on.
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