This thread is for those songs that move you after hearing it once, and you just have to let other people know about it. That, and how do my fellow Escapists feel about music as a medium for such messages. Music has, of course, long been a primary medium for social commentary and expression, but the question I pose is do you think music is still an effective medium for such messages?
For example, MTV (which, believe it or not, does stand for Music Television) doesn't play music videos anymore; instead, it's filled with "reality TV." Sure, there's MTVU and MTV2, but those channels need to be paid for separately. Even radio stations will often only play one or two genres of music, severely limiting the exposure music could receive. While people will always "hear what they want to hear" the chance of accidental exposure is notably limited in music as opposed to other mediums.
The example I put forth is "Handlebars" by Flobots, a hip-hop band in Denver, Colorado. I never listen to hip-hop of my own accord, but because the Flobots don't really sound at all like a typical hip-hop group, my local rock-alternative radio station played "Handlebars" to let listeners decide if they wanted to keep it on the playlist. It is easily one of the most moving songs I've heard in a long time, and if it weren't for the chance play on the only radio station I listen to, I probably still wouldn't know about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuK2A1ZqoWs
Check it out. Share your thoughts on it and music as a medium, and share the music that has moved you as well.
For example, MTV (which, believe it or not, does stand for Music Television) doesn't play music videos anymore; instead, it's filled with "reality TV." Sure, there's MTVU and MTV2, but those channels need to be paid for separately. Even radio stations will often only play one or two genres of music, severely limiting the exposure music could receive. While people will always "hear what they want to hear" the chance of accidental exposure is notably limited in music as opposed to other mediums.
The example I put forth is "Handlebars" by Flobots, a hip-hop band in Denver, Colorado. I never listen to hip-hop of my own accord, but because the Flobots don't really sound at all like a typical hip-hop group, my local rock-alternative radio station played "Handlebars" to let listeners decide if they wanted to keep it on the playlist. It is easily one of the most moving songs I've heard in a long time, and if it weren't for the chance play on the only radio station I listen to, I probably still wouldn't know about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuK2A1ZqoWs
Check it out. Share your thoughts on it and music as a medium, and share the music that has moved you as well.
