Growing up in the 1980s was a magical time. Every week promised new movies, novel technologies and endless iterations of groundbreaking music and arts. Humanity seemed to have no limit to interesting innovation, creativity and imagination. Fast forward to current day, things seem awfully stale.
I was taking in a mid-winter tanning session today and as I was listening to the preset radio station available in the booth, I heard a familiar melody and riff. Tom Tom Clubs “Genius of Love?” Yes and no. Sampled. Was it Mariah Careys hit single Fantasy which sampled the old 80s hit? No. This was a second hand sampled recycled trash can of a single by “Latto” (Because the artist is Mulatto….) Which basically samples the original riff and overlays a monotone lyrical snooze fest complete with requisite extreme vulgar suggestions, and even references the Mariah song “Big Big Fantasy” Okay..
Everyone knows music sampling, movie re-makes, and inspiration pieces have been the norm for years. What’s worrying is- where are the creators? Groundbreakers? Innovators? I have not heard a Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, or have I witnessed the mad creative weirdness of TV shows like Pee Wee or Ren & Stimpy in years.
I will comment on the ongoing horror of the war happenings in Ukraine with a simple observation here. No politics or partisan views. The manner in which the Ukrainian public seem to be improvising in the face of a seemingly impossible act of survival and self preservation is inspiring and frankly genius. Hordes of Molotov cocktail “party” goers are filling bottles of liquid freedom for front line fighters, while normal folks seem to be very bravely coming up with sharp and creative tactics to get past the fact that the aggressors are heavily mechanized and supplied. An example of human innovation in the face of dark hours of life.
Perhaps after this conflict is over, we as humanity can create a new path forward away from violent and regressive behavior. A tall order, but a worthy effort if there there was one.
Nostalgia is nice. “remember when ?” Tribute art and classic reproductions are an excellent celebration of past triumphs. Let’s make sure we also continue to keep our minds open for a constant evolution of new human expression so that future generations can continue to be fed, inspired and ready to express themselves in their own way.
давайте творити - Ukrainian for “Let’s Get Creative”