Stryper has just released a video for "The Valley." The song is on the new album God Damn Evil which comes out today. Apparently don't go to Walmart to look for the album. Blabbermouth had a story a few days ago that said the giant retailer wouldn't sell the new Stryper disc in stores because of the title, so religion I guess. What do you think of the new track?
What’s that riff? Can’t put finger on it. Metal sound until Sweet brings his choir boy (excellent BTW) voice in. They can play. But not my style.
Love the hypocrisy of Walmart. “Here is your gun but sorry that album (nobody is buying anyway) says God Then Damn next to each other. We are selling sugar, weapons, plastic and chemicals here at Walmart.”
Marilyn Manson was so right...”do you love your Guns, God, Government? F*** yeah!”
kc beat me to my intended post about Stryper/Wal-Mart. However, let's thank the goodness almighty right wing that I can still purchase Ted Nugent's Wang Dang Sweet Puntang, which ironically, is a good thing. Trump hasn't made us Russia...yet.
Nonsense! God Damn Evil is not vulgarity. The left just hates anything That promotes Christianity. Iam pleased that Our President is doing a spectacular job! Melt away snowflakes!
Hmm . . . some people are sounding anxious on 4/20. What could possibly help everyone mellow out a bit? I dunno. BOC's "Don't Fear The Reefer"? I think that is the title.
I am halfway into your camp (that sounds creepy), Kixchix. Great musicians, but not always--and certainly not when I was younger--my taste in music. I appreciate them more now.
Thing I noticed was how tinny it sounds, and I know this isn't an issue with my speakers. Does anyone else agree? Songs that are produced this way really grate on my ears after a bit. Not the bands fault per se. But sounds like someone placed them in a can and said, "Action!"
Carson, meet Bkallday. Bkallday, meet Carson. I sense a besties fest brewing. Maybe Ripper will officiate . . . something. But do let me know where you are all registered.
When you take the time to throw a bunch of words into a blender, and even (accidentally?) crib a Rainbow song, you are working with heavy freight. Stand back, lads. This guy is packing a gun loaded with fart powder.
I should mention this has nothing to do with anyone's politics. Feel free to raise whatever flag you wish. That is your right. But you do know that raising that flag means you show yourself standing under it, right? Thankfully, that is offset by the nom de plumes some of us covet (myself included). So that is a chance to boast, brag, or troll under a far larger flag than the one you actually hoist. Call it a "Macho Force Field" that any sex or gender can use, and not just exclusively here. Hell, people make a sad living doing it all over the interwebs.
Personally, I'd like to think that rock brings people together. That it diminishes a host of differences and shows people a way past/ through needless divides. Call me a cliche. Call me an idealist. But even I recognize that, once the music stops, people get back to being people with patches/allegiances/gripes/grudges. Such is our lot.
Keep posting, Carson. I really do want to hear more about your creative process. Your hopes and dreams. Carson . . . I am listening.
Rock & Roll is a World where both Ted Nugent and Springsteen or Mustaine and Skolnick can co-exist!!!
Regardless of my political preferences, THIS is where the rubber hits the road ... Mark my words, Republicans will lose control of Congress and Trump will be a 1-Term President.
Trump will win re-election count on it. The democratic party has nothing to offer but to resist and obstruct "Trump". If Trump could cure cancer democrats would find a reason to protest and march. I don't want politics in my music regardless of political view nor do I want it tainted by the trend of social justice warriorism. I like my rock and roll dirty, gritty and unapologetic. Long live Sex Drugs & Rock n Roll!
Carson, I asked you to share your hopes and dreams. So I can't get in a twist when you do reply . . . even if you were likely responding to Metalboy! and not me (I really did want to know if the Rainbow reference was intentional).
So let me ask: what does "I don't want politics in my music regardless of political view nor do I want it tainted by the trend of social justice warriorism" actually mean? That suggests you don't want certain types of politics in your music, but might give a pass to other types. I dunno. Perhaps I am over-thinking this. But I have some free time. So let me ask a series of questions and see where they lead. Hey, maybe you will respond directly. Maybe not.
1. Do you like Megadeth?
2. Do you like Judas Priest?
3. Do you like Stryper?
4. Do you like King Kobra?
5. Do you like King's X?
6. Do you like WASP?
Obviously, I picked those bands for a reason. But I am not trying to lead you in any direction whatsoever. And, on the off chance you do reply (hell, anyone can), I add one last question: why or why not?
More generally, you can't avoid some politics in some bands, in some songs, and in some factors that extend beyond the bands and the music they make, but which directly relate to those band and their members. So the question becomes: what's your poison? How much are you willing to put up with when parsing out the differences between a band and their potential politics (granting that some bands avoid the issue with a studiousness that is often amazing and/or that some bands have decidedly different political camps within the same group).
And, even then, some people just like the music for the sound, or the image, or what have you. They avoid the implications of what the band says. And that is perfectly fine too. Fans are entitled to their loves and hates, and no one is held to an absolute standard when it comes to the emotional pull they get from a song or band. But I do think that fans are capable of explaining _why_ a band pulls them in while another band pushes them away. I try to do that whenever I can on here. And I admit: my views can be difficult to call logical at times. Still, I can explain them.
I will end by saying this: I personally think the "social justice warrior" thing is lazy and unproductive, just like describing conservative as "backwards illiterates" is sloppy and unfair. I also think that a lot of rock/glam/metal fans like their rock "dirty, gritty and unapologetic." As you frame it, it sounds as if you think that might be the domain of one side and not the other. But I might be wrong. And please tell me if I am (trust me, I often am!).
See? I actually _do_ want to know what you are getting at, even if you didn't come here hoping to have a discussion. But that is on me. And I would appreciate a reply if you have the time or interest. Heck, maybe Ripper would reply to this as well.
I’m with HIM and KixChix, Carson. Please come join us in our shared and mutual love of ROCK!!!
Take THE RAMONES, one of the most important Rock & Roll bands that ever ROCKED the face of this earth and immortalized by Lemmy with Motörhead’s tribute to them, “R.A.M.O.N.E.S.” from arguably their 2nd best album, 1991’s “1916”, Motörhead’s best being “Ace Of Spades”, released in 1980.
The Ramones were a divided camp, Johnny Ramone, the guitarist, was a Republican and Joey, the lead singer, was a Democrat. Yet, they managed to make some of the purest “dirty gritty and unapologetic” Rock & Roll for 22 years, playing 2,263 concerts together from 1974 to 1996 all over the world a hundred times over.
Carson, if they could co-exist, and they are just one example, cannot we Rock & Roll fans peacefully co-exist in our love of “dirty, gritty, unapologetic” Rock music? Join us on The Monsters of Rock Cruise next year and you will discover people of all political predilection setting those differences aside to ROCK the boat in 3,000+ harmony!
“We’ll be rockin’ together, rockin’ again” - SAXON
p.s. Since this is a Stryper post, it may be important to contemplate on this Sunday, “What would Jesus say?” Shame on you, Carson, for wanting to divide the love of Rock & Roll, something of which we can all share an appreciation. Surely, we can all join hands at “The Altar of Rock & Roll”!!!
I ignore politics altogether. Don't care about trump, Hillary, or whomever the hell else was running. My views would probably be considered leanings of all parties, tbh. Would rather not read about trump or anything political on this site but I know some ppl just can't help themselves(see Carson throwing the trump comment in ie.). Just like I can't help being a sarcastic, jaded prick at times(hey, what can I say.. I had a shitty childhood lol).
Back closer to topic though, this new Stryper cd is amazing imho. I'm not even that big a fan and their cheesiness/religion crapola have always kind of turned me off, but I've gotta tell it like it is. It rocks & they haven't lost a step! Good day, mates. 🤘🏼
And, Bkallday, my apologies if I sarcastically (I guess we share that trait!) and carelessly lumped you with Carson. But we seem to agree on the topic of Stryper still 'having it.' Nice when one of the bands from the glory days still has what it takes.
Wow, I was not expecting this much reaction and the 1,000 questions from a simple post. But, I mentioned Trump so I should not be all that surprised. I'm not intending to write a book today but will respond to everyone.
I may have made an overstatement in my first post but it was in regards to censorship as posted in the beginning of this thread. Me adding Trump was in response to fletch taking a dig at Trump and how Trump is opposed to political correctness. My second post was in response to metal boy and his political rant so I added my view. Simple as that. I think people reading my first post wrongfully assume that i do not like liberals, can't have liberal friends, can't like bands that are liberal or have liberal views etc.
Him - I will reply and am not sure if your intentionally trolling me. Long live rock and roll was a dio reference. This will be my first answer since you ask twice. Does music bring people close together? Just as much as drinking. I don't know the political leanings of any friend I have met at a rock show.
Reading your second post. On the list I like megadeth, judas priest and early wasp before Blackie changed his name to Whitey Lawabider. I completely agree people can like music regardless and just like the song, lyrics, band image despite the political implications in a song or by the band. I don't are for stryper not because they are a christian band but I don't like any song other then To Hell With The Devil. I saw them once in a packed theater and thought throwing bibles everywhere was completely unnecessary. I think Ted Nugent is way over the top but still dig a few of his tunes. Bobby Blotzer and his solo band posing as Ratt and going on a tirade of how great Trump is during a concert is also extremely inappropriate. Play the music and shut the fuck up.
Metalboy - I don't care if you are liberal or conservative I enjoy your posts and generally agree with you regardless but I can still respond if I don't agree with you on something. I love the Ramone's and had no idea what the political leanings of any band member was because I enjoy their music. Now that I'm typing this and using your post as a reference i again don't know ad that's fine with me. I have not been to MORC but go to M3 every year. I live on the east coast so I go to concerts and see the same people over and over again whether its at M3, in RI, MA or CT. I do not know anyone of their political views nor do I care. It's mean't to be a fun time and that's what it is. Apparently my posts came off to strong for people to suggest I can't like certain music or people based on political views.
Bkallday. I agree with you I avoid politics altogether or as much as possible in everyday life and on a rock forum. However the last two consecutive threads posted have had politics involved. One thread recently Hillary and Bill Clinton talked about over and over again. Now this thread fletch started the Trump talk. I personally like BBG a lot better with politics set a side because this is about the music we love not about our politics. And I don't know if your intentionally coming off as a dick by suggesting I started the political talk because "some can't help themselves" by throwing the trump comment out there. You just did the same. I merely responded to fletch who brought it up and the Bon jovi thread from a few days ago was heavily mentioning politicians.
Carson, thank you for the thoughtful and informative post. I really do appreciate it. And, no, I wasn't trolling you. I was simply trying to understand the position(s) that you advanced. As a result of what you wrote, I think I have a better bead on your approach to things. And it sounds like we have some similar musical likes and dislikes.
Again, thanks for reading through my often dense musings and seeing fit to engage in a bit of dialogue.
Carson: Like Him in some respects, I too, appreciate your feedback. However, I am going to add just a couple of cents to this conversation on some of the points the posters on this thread made.
1) The original post that Allyson wrote, in and of it self, is political because is discussed censorship. This topic is important and meaningful to me as the PMRC was established during the heyday of our beloved music and it's ill-effects has lingered on for years and still hasn't stopped...obviously. I mean, shit. Getting 'written up' by a foster care worker for listening to Poison in front of my teenage foster sons because Poison's album had a "warning label" on it (which was purposely placed there by Poison management to generate sales and not because of explicit lyrics). She nearly sh*t when she found out that I took them to a Motley Crue concert. It's no wonder I kept so much stuff private. I was tired of dealing with Sister Mary Righteousness. I did enough of that throughout my schooling. I digress...
2) This website has become increasingly political and consequently, polarizing, especially leading up to the last Presidential election. A person using the moniker Jack T. Ripper continues to resort to name-calling, posting pro-trump propaganda and so forth. So, I will don my pussy hat and reply in kind, whether on this thread or another, which is ironic because...
3) I first came to this site, because it was new and quite frankly, refreshing. I had been posting on other sites and they ultimately became polarizing. Not to name names...but I will lob one out there...MetalSludge.com. I loved the site at first, but then it started to become too mean, no longer "fun and festive", etc...Kinda like my current opinion of The Howard Stern Show. This space was unique because Allyson provided space for engaging back and forth dialogue and that is why I was drawn to it, which is ironic because...
4) I'm guilty. I've trolled. I've insulted. (I did so just above). I've been repeatedly banned from this site. And, many times, I want to say, '"God Damn Evil, and to hell with the Devil", what more can I say or do that I haven't said already. It get boring, frustrating and downright tiring.
Then, I wake up another Monday morning and read intriguing posts from you or Him or Gary or KC or Bob or (fill in the blank) and it allows me the fortunate opportunity to reflect on your (collective your) perspectives so that I can absorb that knowledge (whether or not I agree) and pass this information to others who may know about the collective wealth of knowledge available to them by simply accessing this website.
PSS: I seem to be having problems posting so I'll say this again. Thank you also him. Regardless of points of view intelligent dialect prevails and I think we can all agree to disagree with politics and enjoy the love of rock n roll. Even though Metalboy did just respond to me saying the same thing then after my response ignored it and trolled me again but to each their own.
Friday, April 20, 2018 at 07:29AM 
Reader Comments (20)
Love the hypocrisy of Walmart. “Here is your gun but sorry that album (nobody is buying anyway) says God Then Damn next to each other. We are selling sugar, weapons, plastic and chemicals here at Walmart.”
Marilyn Manson was so right...”do you love your Guns, God, Government? F*** yeah!”
Ripper should be pleased.
-proud snowflake
I am halfway into your camp (that sounds creepy), Kixchix. Great musicians, but not always--and certainly not when I was younger--my taste in music. I appreciate them more now.
Thing I noticed was how tinny it sounds, and I know this isn't an issue with my speakers. Does anyone else agree? Songs that are produced this way really grate on my ears after a bit. Not the bands fault per se. But sounds like someone placed them in a can and said, "Action!"
When you take the time to throw a bunch of words into a blender, and even (accidentally?) crib a Rainbow song, you are working with heavy freight. Stand back, lads. This guy is packing a gun loaded with fart powder.
I should mention this has nothing to do with anyone's politics. Feel free to raise whatever flag you wish. That is your right. But you do know that raising that flag means you show yourself standing under it, right? Thankfully, that is offset by the nom de plumes some of us covet (myself included). So that is a chance to boast, brag, or troll under a far larger flag than the one you actually hoist. Call it a "Macho Force Field" that any sex or gender can use, and not just exclusively here. Hell, people make a sad living doing it all over the interwebs.
Personally, I'd like to think that rock brings people together. That it diminishes a host of differences and shows people a way past/ through needless divides. Call me a cliche. Call me an idealist. But even I recognize that, once the music stops, people get back to being people with patches/allegiances/gripes/grudges. Such is our lot.
Keep posting, Carson. I really do want to hear more about your creative process. Your hopes and dreams. Carson . . . I am listening.
Rock & Roll is a World where both Ted Nugent and Springsteen or Mustaine and Skolnick can co-exist!!!
Regardless of my political preferences, THIS is where the rubber hits the road ... Mark my words, Republicans will lose control of Congress and Trump will be a 1-Term President.
Remember this day!
“We’ll be rockin’ together, rockin’ again”!
So let me ask: what does "I don't want politics in my music regardless of political view nor do I want it tainted by the trend of social justice warriorism" actually mean? That suggests you don't want certain types of politics in your music, but might give a pass to other types. I dunno. Perhaps I am over-thinking this. But I have some free time. So let me ask a series of questions and see where they lead. Hey, maybe you will respond directly. Maybe not.
1. Do you like Megadeth?
2. Do you like Judas Priest?
3. Do you like Stryper?
4. Do you like King Kobra?
5. Do you like King's X?
6. Do you like WASP?
Obviously, I picked those bands for a reason. But I am not trying to lead you in any direction whatsoever. And, on the off chance you do reply (hell, anyone can), I add one last question: why or why not?
More generally, you can't avoid some politics in some bands, in some songs, and in some factors that extend beyond the bands and the music they make, but which directly relate to those band and their members. So the question becomes: what's your poison? How much are you willing to put up with when parsing out the differences between a band and their potential politics (granting that some bands avoid the issue with a studiousness that is often amazing and/or that some bands have decidedly different political camps within the same group).
And, even then, some people just like the music for the sound, or the image, or what have you. They avoid the implications of what the band says. And that is perfectly fine too. Fans are entitled to their loves and hates, and no one is held to an absolute standard when it comes to the emotional pull they get from a song or band. But I do think that fans are capable of explaining _why_ a band pulls them in while another band pushes them away. I try to do that whenever I can on here. And I admit: my views can be difficult to call logical at times. Still, I can explain them.
I will end by saying this: I personally think the "social justice warrior" thing is lazy and unproductive, just like describing conservative as "backwards illiterates" is sloppy and unfair. I also think that a lot of rock/glam/metal fans like their rock "dirty, gritty and unapologetic." As you frame it, it sounds as if you think that might be the domain of one side and not the other. But I might be wrong. And please tell me if I am (trust me, I often am!).
See? I actually _do_ want to know what you are getting at, even if you didn't come here hoping to have a discussion. But that is on me. And I would appreciate a reply if you have the time or interest. Heck, maybe Ripper would reply to this as well.
Him. Your on fire!
Thank you for calling people out who do not truly want to discuss whatever they may be writing about.
Logic and reason win every time!
Peace
Take THE RAMONES, one of the most important Rock & Roll bands that ever ROCKED the face of this earth and immortalized by Lemmy with Motörhead’s tribute to them, “R.A.M.O.N.E.S.” from arguably their 2nd best album, 1991’s “1916”, Motörhead’s best being “Ace Of Spades”, released in 1980.
The Ramones were a divided camp, Johnny Ramone, the guitarist, was a Republican and Joey, the lead singer, was a Democrat. Yet, they managed to make some of the purest “dirty gritty and unapologetic” Rock & Roll for 22 years, playing 2,263 concerts together from 1974 to 1996 all over the world a hundred times over.
Carson, if they could co-exist, and they are just one example, cannot we Rock & Roll fans peacefully co-exist in our love of “dirty, gritty, unapologetic” Rock music? Join us on The Monsters of Rock Cruise next year and you will discover people of all political predilection setting those differences aside to ROCK the boat in 3,000+ harmony!
“We’ll be rockin’ together, rockin’ again” - SAXON
p.s. Since this is a Stryper post, it may be important to contemplate on this Sunday, “What would Jesus say?” Shame on you, Carson, for wanting to divide the love of Rock & Roll, something of which we can all share an appreciation. Surely, we can all join hands at “The Altar of Rock & Roll”!!!
Back closer to topic though, this new Stryper cd is amazing imho. I'm not even that big a fan and their cheesiness/religion crapola have always kind of turned me off, but I've gotta tell it like it is. It rocks & they haven't lost a step! Good day, mates. 🤘🏼
And, Bkallday, my apologies if I sarcastically (I guess we share that trait!) and carelessly lumped you with Carson. But we seem to agree on the topic of Stryper still 'having it.' Nice when one of the bands from the glory days still has what it takes.
Enjoy your Sunday everyone!
I may have made an overstatement in my first post but it was in regards to censorship as posted in the beginning of this thread. Me adding Trump was in response to fletch taking a dig at Trump and how Trump is opposed to political correctness. My second post was in response to metal boy and his political rant so I added my view. Simple as that. I think people reading my first post wrongfully assume that i do not like liberals, can't have liberal friends, can't like bands that are liberal or have liberal views etc.
Him - I will reply and am not sure if your intentionally trolling me. Long live rock and roll was a dio reference. This will be my first answer since you ask twice. Does music bring people close together? Just as much as drinking. I don't know the political leanings of any friend I have met at a rock show.
Reading your second post. On the list I like megadeth, judas priest and early wasp before Blackie changed his name to Whitey Lawabider. I completely agree people can like music regardless and just like the song, lyrics, band image despite the political implications in a song or by the band. I don't are for stryper not because they are a christian band but I don't like any song other then To Hell With The Devil. I saw them once in a packed theater and thought throwing bibles everywhere was completely unnecessary. I think Ted Nugent is way over the top but still dig a few of his tunes. Bobby Blotzer and his solo band posing as Ratt and going on a tirade of how great Trump is during a concert is also extremely inappropriate. Play the music and shut the fuck up.
Metalboy - I don't care if you are liberal or conservative I enjoy your posts and generally agree with you regardless but I can still respond if I don't agree with you on something. I love the Ramone's and had no idea what the political leanings of any band member was because I enjoy their music. Now that I'm typing this and using your post as a reference i again don't know ad that's fine with me. I have not been to MORC but go to M3 every year. I live on the east coast so I go to concerts and see the same people over and over again whether its at M3, in RI, MA or CT. I do not know anyone of their political views nor do I care. It's mean't to be a fun time and that's what it is. Apparently my posts came off to strong for people to suggest I can't like certain music or people based on political views.
Bkallday. I agree with you I avoid politics altogether or as much as possible in everyday life and on a rock forum. However the last two consecutive threads posted have had politics involved. One thread recently Hillary and Bill Clinton talked about over and over again. Now this thread fletch started the Trump talk. I personally like BBG a lot better with politics set a side because this is about the music we love not about our politics. And I don't know if your intentionally coming off as a dick by suggesting I started the political talk because "some can't help themselves" by throwing the trump comment out there. You just did the same. I merely responded to fletch who brought it up and the Bon jovi thread from a few days ago was heavily mentioning politicians.
Just remember what I said and this has nothing to do with politics...
The majority of the American people will ensure Republicans will LOSE control of Congress and Trump will be a 1-Term President.
Both of these observations are based on what Republicans themselves are doing to make sure these two things happen!
“We’re an American band, we’re comin’ to your town, we’ll help you party it down, we’re an American band”!!!
Again, thanks for reading through my often dense musings and seeing fit to engage in a bit of dialogue.
1) The original post that Allyson wrote, in and of it self, is political because is discussed censorship. This topic is important and meaningful to me as the PMRC was established during the heyday of our beloved music and it's ill-effects has lingered on for years and still hasn't stopped...obviously. I mean, shit. Getting 'written up' by a foster care worker for listening to Poison in front of my teenage foster sons because Poison's album had a "warning label" on it (which was purposely placed there by Poison management to generate sales and not because of explicit lyrics). She nearly sh*t when she found out that I took them to a Motley Crue concert. It's no wonder I kept so much stuff private. I was tired of dealing with Sister Mary Righteousness. I did enough of that throughout my schooling. I digress...
2) This website has become increasingly political and consequently, polarizing, especially leading up to the last Presidential election. A person using the moniker Jack T. Ripper continues to resort to name-calling, posting pro-trump propaganda and so forth. So, I will don my pussy hat and reply in kind, whether on this thread or another, which is ironic because...
3) I first came to this site, because it was new and quite frankly, refreshing. I had been posting on other sites and they ultimately became polarizing. Not to name names...but I will lob one out there...MetalSludge.com. I loved the site at first, but then it started to become too mean, no longer "fun and festive", etc...Kinda like my current opinion of The Howard Stern Show. This space was unique because Allyson provided space for engaging back and forth dialogue and that is why I was drawn to it, which is ironic because...
4) I'm guilty. I've trolled. I've insulted. (I did so just above). I've been repeatedly banned from this site. And, many times, I want to say, '"God Damn Evil, and to hell with the Devil", what more can I say or do that I haven't said already. It get boring, frustrating and downright tiring.
Then, I wake up another Monday morning and read intriguing posts from you or Him or Gary or KC or Bob or (fill in the blank) and it allows me the fortunate opportunity to reflect on your (collective your) perspectives so that I can absorb that knowledge (whether or not I agree) and pass this information to others who may know about the collective wealth of knowledge available to them by simply accessing this website.
THAT is truly laughable. You’re just not gonna live it down and admit you f’d up with that statement.
Well, it looks like others are gonna smooth it over but that doesn’t make it any less stupid of a statement.
Troll, shmole, I’m just calling it like it is, baby!