If you’re anything like me, you are probably so over all of the pundits and commentators that the major news networks have been featuring during this election season. Their entire job is to frame what you just watched, as if you were too dumb to have your own opinion about the election or the performance of the speakers. Not to mention that while they are telling you what you should think, they are missing others speakers who are just as interesting and important in understanding the party platform. Well, after the first night of coverage of the Democratic Party Convention, I decided to turn off ABC and to switch my television to C-Span. How refreshing it was just to watch the proceedings as if I were there and without outside commentary. I plan to watch C-Span for the remainder of the convention and for the Republican Convention. Maybe if everyone did this, the networks would get the message to quiet down so we can hear ourselves think.

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So I have a special addiction to dancehall music. Amongst the winding hips, rasta chants, and frequent gun talk, I found Mavado. While I would love to share with you the beauty in songs like “Overcome,” “Money Changer,” and “Heart Beat,” “We Need Barack” seems to be the most appropriate for the beginning of the Democratic National Convention. While artists like Wyclef Jean, J.J. French, Kidz in the Hall, and Shanice have all written songs inspired by Barack, they are all American. Mavado is Jamaican-born, raised, and residing. Taking the “Mission Riddim” from his prayer-filled “On the Rock,” Mavado fills the fresher track with remnants of Obama’s speeches. Mavado sings on his discontent with the current U.S. administration; “they make a lot-a promise but they a fulfill none”. The song’s chorus plays out like an urgent prayer, asking God to be Obama’s shield, and to protect him from his enemies. He notes that “Obama is for the people.” So I guess for Mavado, that means all people. As a voter I often fail to take note of the effect the presidency has on other nations. Obviously, many countries outside of the Middle East are closely looking at this presidential race in hopes of positive change. I’ll join Mavado’s patois-touched tongue in singing “We Need Barack”.

http://www.imeem.com/juliansdancehallmusic/music/19buZ2pw/mavado_we_need_barack_f_barack_obama_exclusive_2008_m/

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Braden opened our eyes a few weeks ago to Banksy, an intelligent and extremely talented graffiti artist in the UK. Now, he’s come across the pond and has taken on the Big Easy.

Checkit:

http://gawker.com/5042936/banksy-does-new-orleans

(Thanks, Miche)

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Thankfully, it appears that Hurricane Gustav has left New Orleans (for the most part) unscathed. According to Nola.com re-entry is only days away not weeks, as the state restores the electricity and general clean up.

Thank God.

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