New songs for a new century

While John Mayer gets all AOR waiting for the world to change, I think maybe it already has. Since when do politicians, even Republicans, listen to punk on the road? Last week, the so-called Governor of my so-called state (reddest in the nation), claimed that among his top 10 songs for the road are “Anything by the Ramones” and “Anything by the Sex Pistols.” Uh, couldn’t name any songs? Couldn’t remember any real punk? (Sorry. My spouse will say that Ramones are real punk.) He did list “London Calling” by the Clash. (Only the best known songs, I suppose. He might not want “Know your rights, all three of them” wafting out his window as he drives up to the capitol in the morning.) I was also struck by his choice of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who. You know, I was thinking exactly those words, but in a bit different context.

While I’m at it, I would like to point out that 72-year old Orrin Hatch is busy listening to church music, upwardly mobile but easy to understand classics of the white, western world, and himself. (Apparently he’s a big star, pulling in $40,000 year from his recordings. Sue me. I didn’t know.)

Hatch’s opponent for the US Senate, Pete Ashdown, wasn’t listed among the local worthy, but surely he would include this lovely jingle. [WARNING! You don’t want this jingle stuck on your mind.] “A new senator for a new century.” Rumor has it that he likes electronica, and I have it on good authority that he was seen recently at Kilby Court.

I just worry when the Republican politicians are courting the red public with the punk pop.

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