NIN

After seeing witnessing Nine Inch Nails in concert last night, I am again reminded why I like the band so much and have since about 1991. Sure, Trent is super talented as is his ability to assemble a cast of musicians - which can change but sounds the same - that put on a percussion and industrial techno show that is at times much like an acid trip, or whatever trips people wonks took in the 60s.

The theme of many of their songs is, of course, anti-establishment and anti-consumerism - to a point - and happiness is the world mindthink that so many of the middle class in this country seem to embrace without a passing thought to deeper thinking into the world's affairs at any given moment. This part of the presentation concert can be enlightening to many seasoned capitalism veterans (older than "in your early twenties") - and it is done very well.

The purely techno and percussion-drenched songs are an absolute blast live. It reminded me of why I liked the BMG (Blue Man Group) in Sin City last year - the act and the strict percussionals were nerve-popping and very invigorating - definitely exciting and gets you engaged in the concert. Even the slower ballads NIN performed - which were a nice break from the incessant and spine-tingling manic techno beats - were done nicely and still managed to engage the audience through Trent's vocal inflections and movements while the lyrics were sung performed - in addition to the way in which the songs were conveyed. In a sense, visual aids and creative lighting come in very handy in these ballads.

All in all - a great concert except for the chick from Maryland next to me that stunk of puke (too many beers) and the in-n-out olfactory drifting of Mary Jane juice wafting all around. For NIN to visit Oklahoma City is a very rare occurence and I'm glad it wasn't wasted. Great time, great music, and some great presentation of a few things to think about after you've gone home for the evening - or at least the next morning once your ears have returned to normal. NIN has staying power (has for over 15 years now) and even though their music grates on many people's nerves because of the sheer information overload (music, lyrics, energy, you name it - all at the same time), there is an invigorating and infectious quality to it and the way in which they convey their artistry is amazing. Well done.

Pushing the envelope

Although the satiric cartoon series "South Park" is at times incredibly raunchy and not fit for, well, even adults, I have to respect the way the creators of this series, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, exhibit freedom of speech and stand up against the power and influence of all they mock (most notable are high-powered Hollywood types). I don't always agree with the way they portray the issues that are deeply embedded in the cartoon (trust me, they are there), but nonetheless this is indicative of the freedom intended by the founders of this country.

So, reading about a possible high-level influence by Tom Cruise to repress a second showing of a recent South Park episode, titled "Coming out of the closet", I went to www.youtube.com and found the episode in its entirety and watched it. As usual, pretty hilarious. Ahh, the power of the internet over traditional media. Read this story about why a re-broadcast of this episode was pulled by Comedy Central and then head over to youtube.com (search for "Tom Cruise South Park") and watch the episode. It basically shreds the notion of Scientology to pieces as its main theme. Now, whether you are a Scientologist or not, the point I am making is that the freedom to air something like this is what makes this country great. You can vehemently agree or disagree with the artist's way of displaying a current sociological hot button, but at least it was created and is available for all to see - for that is pushing the envelope.

Ok -- since I know you want it, if you want to watch a short clip of this episode, click the "Play" button on the below window.