I think it was a phenomenally stupid, arrogant political move, thinking that they could change the culture by changing the sound of its anthems. It was akin to a flea on the back of a great Dane deciding that it was in control and could change the direction or behavior of the dog in a meaningful way. Notice how the songs chosen are all the kind of songs that have endured as favorites for decades past their tenure on top ten or top 40 lists? It's because they're good music and hold meaning for listeners. Full stop. The meaning they hold is personal and individual, not a rallying cry for a moment or a movement.
Another vote for heavy-handed stupidity with a side of attempted political control.
One could write a whole series of books on all the awful stuff 9/11 exposed in the American psyche, but most of it is more consequential and yet less immediately relatable than this.
It was stupid, like Nancy’s ‘Just say no’ and Tipper’s Advisory; and music means different things to different people, especially in different context. But control, the illusion of it/desire for it, is a powerful seduction.
"Oh, look, the world's on fire. Let's think of some utterly meaningless gesture that will get us lots of attention and make it seem as though we're "doing something" while not actually requiring us to do anything."
I believe the suits were trying to how respect, yet overreacting as well. We were all feeling varying combinations of shock, profound grief, anger, helplessness, hopelessness, fear, determination and unity. Perhaps management themselves were feeling feelings as well. Some of those songs are ones that would have amplified my emotions in a bad way. Others, though, would have helped. Music has always been my drug of choice. There have been times where Music made the difference between me coping with a situation or sinking into the deepest pits of despair.
I think it was a phenomenally stupid, arrogant political move, thinking that they could change the culture by changing the sound of its anthems. It was akin to a flea on the back of a great Dane deciding that it was in control and could change the direction or behavior of the dog in a meaningful way. Notice how the songs chosen are all the kind of songs that have endured as favorites for decades past their tenure on top ten or top 40 lists? It's because they're good music and hold meaning for listeners. Full stop. The meaning they hold is personal and individual, not a rallying cry for a moment or a movement.
I know that film and TV showed some sensitivity at the time, and l understand why, but “Peace Train”? Really? Petula Clark? The Beatles?
It was not helpful. If that was even the intention, it was so not helpful.
Another vote for heavy-handed stupidity with a side of attempted political control.
One could write a whole series of books on all the awful stuff 9/11 exposed in the American psyche, but most of it is more consequential and yet less immediately relatable than this.
Salient point.
ClearChannel's politics in general are pretty awful, so this is less surprising than it might have been. BUT STILL.
It was stupid, like Nancy’s ‘Just say no’ and Tipper’s Advisory; and music means different things to different people, especially in different context. But control, the illusion of it/desire for it, is a powerful seduction.
"Oh, look, the world's on fire. Let's think of some utterly meaningless gesture that will get us lots of attention and make it seem as though we're "doing something" while not actually requiring us to do anything."
Lot of that going around, then and now. <sigh>
Right up there with "thoughts and prayers."
Rather agree.
I believe the suits were trying to how respect, yet overreacting as well. We were all feeling varying combinations of shock, profound grief, anger, helplessness, hopelessness, fear, determination and unity. Perhaps management themselves were feeling feelings as well. Some of those songs are ones that would have amplified my emotions in a bad way. Others, though, would have helped. Music has always been my drug of choice. There have been times where Music made the difference between me coping with a situation or sinking into the deepest pits of despair.