Represent your country with one artist/band.

jackhammer · 05-23-2012, 07:58 PM

If you had to choose one band or artist to represent your country who would it be and why?

You have to distill everything that's good (or bad) about your country through one band/artist and why they encompass your own country.

They don't even have to be your favourite band but you have to take into account their music, their lyrics, their image, their approach and realisation of their music.

You can even be negative about them if you want to but you should write honestly and put them forth as what your country's music has, is or will be about if it applies.

I already have my choice but it's rather late for me to get analytical at this hour and want to write a more coherent post than I am capable of right now!

Paedantic Basterd · 05-23-2012, 08:06 PM

I don't think Canada can go too wrong with Arcade Fire.

Sneer · 05-23-2012, 08:34 PM

This is very difficult... But I'll give it a shot.

I think Radiohead would be a good shout for the UK. They've encompassed myriad genres and influences in a career that's generally defined by its consistent quality. In that sense, you could say they encapsulate the history of British popular music - there's been duds, but on the whole, we aren't too bad at this lark.

Their at times forward-thinking, at other times post-modernist, but always exploratory approach to music captures the essence of a British culture that's confused and alienated by the rampant consumerism and commercialisation gradually brought over from the smothering influence of the US. You sense that Britain is searching for who it really is - something I feel Radiohead's been doing in their music for years. On top of this, the feelings of unease, paranoia, weariness, angst and desolation that permeate a lot of the band's output can be transferred over to the feelings of British society as a whole. Nobody likes the government, our country's finances are in a mess and unemployment is up - the future isn't exactly a picture of peace and harmony.

The band's released albums that have shaken up the musical climates of the times, written content that has real social, contextual relevance, and managed to transcend epochs in British music that have held other esteemed bands captive. In short, they represent the progressive qualities of Britain's best cultural exports.

On the flip side, they also encapsulate the British music press's tendency to elevate any band that demonstrates a semblance of artistic ingenuity to the status of demi-gods.

Yeah... That all comes off as a little pretentious. Others will make a much better job of this. Good thread.

bob. · 05-23-2012, 08:37 PM

you made this very hard....considering that i live in a country where i disagree with 98% of the population....hummm i'll give this some thought

jackhammer · 05-23-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bam You Have AIDS

I don't think Canada can go too wrong with Arcade Fire.

Oh c'mon you have to write more than that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sneer

This is very difficult... But I'll give it a shot.

I think Radiohead would be a good shout for the UK. They've encompassed myriad genres and influences in a career that's generally defined by its consistent quality. In that sense, you could say they encapsulate the history of British popular music - there's been duds, but on the whole, we aren't too bad at this lark.

Their at times forward-thinking, at other times post-modernist, but always exploratory approach to music captures the essence of a British culture that's confused and alienated by the rampant consumerism and commercialisation gradually brought over from the smothering influence of the US. You sense that Britain is searching for who it really is - something I feel Radiohead's been doing in their music for years. On top of this, the feelings of unease, paranoia, weariness, angst and desolation that permeate a lot of the band's output can be transferred over to the feelings of British society as a whole. Nobody likes the government, our country's finances are in a mess and unemployment is up - the future isn't exactly a picture of peace and harmony.

The band's released albums that have shaken up the musical climates of the times, written content that has real social, contextual relevance, and managed to transcend epochs in British music that have held other esteemed bands captive. In short, they represent the progressive qualities of Britain's best cultural exports.

On the flip side, they also encapsulate the British music press's tendency to elevate any band that demonstrates a semblance of artistic ingenuity to the status of demi-gods.

Yeah... That all comes off as a little pretentious. Others will make a much better job of this. Good thread.

Great post fella, exactly what I was hoping for.

NEWGUY562 · 05-23-2012, 08:42 PM

****!! this sucks for me since i mostly listen to Uk rock lol
but hmmm it would have to be the beach boys from 1965-67
or maybe the doors

Electrophonic Tonic · 05-23-2012, 08:45 PM

USA... ugh!

Lots of tough choices. If we're going with a band, I say the Beach Boys. If it's a solo artist, I think most people would say Bob Dylan. But I think it should be Miles Davis.

jackhammer · 05-23-2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electrophonic Tonic

USA... ugh!

Lots of tough choices. If we're going with a band, I say the Beach Boys. If it's a solo artist, I think most people would say Bob Dylan. But I think it should be Miles Davis.

Yeah but why? This is not a confrontational thread more a thread for members to really post in detail and not be lazy bastards

Stephen · 05-23-2012, 09:04 PM

I might have to go with Nick Cave. The fact that he had to move to Berlin to get some recognition has to tell you something about our culture. You also have to love the fact that he convinced Kylie Minogue to perform I Should Be So Lucky as spoken word.

Paedantic Basterd · 05-23-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

Yeah but why? This is not a confrontational thread more a thread for members to really post in detail and not be lazy bastards

I came to the wrong place then.

Realistically, there aren't a lot of acceptable representatives of Canada. I'm not even sure of what Canada's identity is (outside of stereotypes perceived from outside it), let alone who from our pitiful export list should stand for it.

I suppose Arcade Fire could be said to represent the English and Quebecois communities equally, and I suppose their activism and relief efforts reflect well. They carry themselves in a pretty understated way for being such an important and influential act in the last decade of music. I'm just waiting for someone to throw something smarter into the ring.

I imagine I'd feel more strongly about this if I felt a stronger cultural presence.

05-23-2012, 07:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Represent your country with one artist/band. If you had to choose one band or artist to represent your country who would it be and why? You have to distill everything that's good (or bad) about your country through one band/artist and why they encompass your own country. They don't even have to be your favourite band but you have to take into account their music, their lyrics, their image, their approach and realisation of their music. You can even be negative about them if you want to but you should write honestly and put them forth as what your country's music has, is or will be about if it applies. I already have my choice but it's rather late for me to get analytical at this hour and want to write a more coherent post than I am capable of right now! __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

05-23-2012, 08:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sneer Let it drip Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5,430	This is very difficult... But I'll give it a shot. I think Radiohead would be a good shout for the UK. They've encompassed myriad genres and influences in a career that's generally defined by its consistent quality. In that sense, you could say they encapsulate the history of British popular music - there's been duds, but on the whole, we aren't too bad at this lark. Their at times forward-thinking, at other times post-modernist, but always exploratory approach to music captures the essence of a British culture that's confused and alienated by the rampant consumerism and commercialisation gradually brought over from the smothering influence of the US. You sense that Britain is searching for who it really is - something I feel Radiohead's been doing in their music for years. On top of this, the feelings of unease, paranoia, weariness, angst and desolation that permeate a lot of the band's output can be transferred over to the feelings of British society as a whole. Nobody likes the government, our country's finances are in a mess and unemployment is up - the future isn't exactly a picture of peace and harmony. The band's released albums that have shaken up the musical climates of the times, written content that has real social, contextual relevance, and managed to transcend epochs in British music that have held other esteemed bands captive. In short, they represent the progressive qualities of Britain's best cultural exports. On the flip side, they also encapsulate the British music press's tendency to elevate any band that demonstrates a semblance of artistic ingenuity to the status of demi-gods. Yeah... That all comes off as a little pretentious. Others will make a much better job of this. Good thread. __________________ LastFM Sneer's Emporium of Sound Fright Team radio show Last edited by Sneer; 05-23-2012 at 08:40 PM.

05-23-2012, 08:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
bob. Still sends his reguards. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Trying to get out of the cat town.... Posts: 5,039	you made this very hard....considering that i live in a country where i disagree with 98% of the population....hummm i'll give this some thought __________________ A kiss is the beginning of cannibalism. Reach out, pierce the fine fabric of the sheltering sky, take repose.

05-23-2012, 08:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Paedantic Basterd Music Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 5,184	I don't think Canada can go too wrong with Arcade Fire.

05-23-2012, 08:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
NEWGUY562 Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 429	****!! this sucks for me since i mostly listen to Uk rock lol but hmmm it would have to be the beach boys from 1965-67 or maybe the doors

05-23-2012, 08:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
Electrophonic Tonic Your Ad Here Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: The Twilight Zone Posts: 876	USA... ugh! Lots of tough choices. If we're going with a band, I say the Beach Boys. If it's a solo artist, I think most people would say Bob Dylan. But I think it should be Miles Davis.

05-23-2012, 09:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
Stephen I sleep in your hat Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Melbourne, Vic. Aus. Posts: 1,847	I might have to go with Nick Cave. The fact that he had to move to Berlin to get some recognition has to tell you something about our culture. You also have to love the fact that he convinced Kylie Minogue to perform I Should Be So Lucky as spoken word.