Don’t do it Governor!

By Jim Downing, Music Historian

Monday, 27 April 2009

Analysis: Governor, the Oklahoma House of Representatives is right and they don’t know the half of it. The House voted against naming the OKC based band Flaming Lips’ song “Do you Realize” the official state rock song. Unfortunately, Governor Brad Henry appears eager to pander to talent-less musicians, drug abuse and sexual perversion – possibility a demographic Gov. Henry believes could be helpful in his next job. I was afraid of this. I editorialized about it last year here on Tulsa Today. I noted that teeny-boppers had already nominated completely inappropriate material from their flavor-of-the-month bands. I even sent my article to the Oklahoma Historical Society. First consider the band name, The Flaming Lips; taken either from porn film or it is a pot-smoking reference. Band members admit stealing equipment from a church to get the band started. They sing “Jesus Shooting Heroin” about a come-on from the Virgin Mary. One member had his hand amputated due to an infection from shooting heroin. They blaspheme, use all manner of profanity, even in public, and sing about sexual lubricants. Their first album, recorded in OKC, spoke of ‘this town full of dumb f**ks’. If Governor Henry goes through with his plan tomorrow, he will prove their point. I’m sure they are giggling in their bongs. Obviously, the committee empowered by the Historical Society did not vet this group. Even without obvious negatives, there are manifold reasons why the Flaming Lips are not the best choice. They underscored this by wearing a communist shirt to the capitol and by frontman Wayne Coyne calling the majority in the House of Representatives who opposed their selection “a minority of religious wackos.” Was Coyne on crack? He is the wacko! We doubt that the House even knew about the seamier side of this band and the close vote is indicative of general disinterest in this resolution. The majority of Oklahomans have not heard The Flaming Lips – even within their own age group. Our leaders in government and at the historical society don’t have apparent inclination to look into this so we’d like to save them further embarrassment. Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne Popularity is no indicator of quality. Even so, this group’s biggest hit was only #16, in England at that. Their lyrics, when not outright offensive are nonsensical to conceal their complete lack of depth. Allmusic.com refers to them as “Acid Bubblegum Music”. They are like Tommy James & The Shondells; lots of glitz and no substance. Music historians around the world will ask “How in the world did those Okies choose The Flaming Lips over such lasting and towering talents as Hoyt Axton, J.J. Cale, Wanda Jackson, & Leon Russell? This is an official slap in the face to those artists. Oklahoma, thanks to Governor Henry, now has high-stakes gambling and a state lottery, but do we really have to promote sex, drugs, and sacrilege? Yes, many Oklahomans engage in such and maybe we are no longer the “buckle of the Bible Belt," but what in the name of our great state is the Governor thinking? If this is a joke, it is on Oklahoma. It’s shameful. It must not be allowed. Hoyt Axton Hoyt Axton wrote “Joy To The World”, possibly the biggest hit ever by any Okie. It’s also a very positive song. His mother wrote “Heartbreak Hotel,” arguably the first rock and roll record. Hoyt was having hits even back during the 50s folk boom: “Greenback Dollar” by The Kingston Trio. He also wrote the anti-drug “The Pusher.” How did the Historical Society find itself in this humiliating public position? The reason is the skewed voting process. Online voting allowed the heaviest internet users, 20-somethings, to dominate the outcome. The result was mob rule over actual musical value. The Hanson brothers will have a more lasting musical impact in the fullness of time. They have far more historical sense and musical ability and they are completely wholesome. If we must have a young group, they are creative talent we can promote with pride. Leon Russell and Steve Ripley of The Tractors sat-in with them on one gig! Leon Russell @ DFest I know I speak for the musical community and most music chroniclers when I say the best choice by far is “Home Sweet Oklahoma” by Leon Russell. But "Let’s Have A Party” by Wanda Jackson – the very first female rocker, is equally deserving. The first rock and roll hit, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Never Been to Spain”, are far more deserving than the Flaming Lips “Do You Realize” which is not half as interesting as a composition. That song, by the way, was written to someone kicking heroin. It only hit #83 on the US charts. Leon Russell has been an influence in every field of pop music, beginning with Rick Nelson and “Monster Mash” through The Wrecking Crew, Russell played on countless hits: Da Do Ron Ron, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, Beach Boys records, The Monkees, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, conducting for Dean Martin and rocking out on Shindig. He’s done R & B, Country, Gospel, Bluegrass, and great rock and roll; and he’s still doing it at 66 years. The reclusive J.J. Cale is the antithesis of the Lips’ egotism. Would Eric Clapton sit in with the Flaming Lips? Bet this year’s income – he would not. Cale had his Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, & Rocky Frisco first hit almost 40 years ago with a skillful tune; “After Midnight” that launched Clapton’s solo career. Cale’s latest album is his biggest commercial success yet. Tom Petty joined him onstage last month. The Flaming lips may not be bad people, but they are shallow and thoughtless, and certainly not representative of most Oklahoma values. They don’t even play well. If the governor signs this proclamation it will be embarrassing and even shameful. Did no one take fifteen minutes to Google the lyrics and the background of this group? Those of us who love music and love Oklahoma are humiliated and will have to regard this as meaningless if not corrupt. If you think this writer is upset – Tulsa Today’s Publisher, David Arnett said, “This destroys all national credibility for a state historical society to pick a second or third tier "flash in the pan" band rather than greatly talented Oklahomans with quality creative work recognized worldwide as innovators of rock and roll over lifetimes of achievement. The House made the right call and if the Governor goes ahead with this proclamation tomorrow – he’s an idiot.” Agree or disagree, you can click here to send a message to Governor Brad Henry. About the author: Jim Downing has been playing Rock and Roll since the term was coined in several influential Oklahoma bands and has written about music in various publications and online for the last 25 years. He is quoted in John Wooley’s book on Oklahoma Music and in Rosetta Wills book on her father Bob Wills. Previous articles by Jim Downing published by Tulsa Today include: John Lennon: 28 years ago today December 2008 ‘Phattys’ roll with "Red Hot Joe" June 2008 Whatever happened to Larry Dowd? Part two April 2008 Whatever happened to Larry Dowd? March 2008 Jim Sweney, Chris Campbell & Lori Duke at Lennie’s October 2007 Honoring Carl Radle June 2007 Tulsa Rocks Part Five: Global Tulsa May 2007 Music of the Century May 2007 Tulsa Rocks Part Three: Building Blocks January 2006 Tulsa Rocks Part Two: The Tulsa Sound January 2006 Tulsa Rocks Part One: The Legacy January 2006 Soul Avengers Rediscovery Release April 2003 Musical Hallowed Ground Found April 2003

Last Updated ( Monday, 27 April 2009 )