My Moon, My Man

Here's a question: How come RnB and Rap videos almost always feature people standing still? Why aren't they going anywhere or doing anything? There is the patented "at a table" thing with guys tossing stacks of cash at one another, gambling, playing with rented jewelry and ignoring the girls who are draped across their backs or laps. There is the 'standing here and rapping/singing' thing that women and men do in equal measure where they lip-synch heartfelt pleas to the audience so the audience can call the model in the song and tell her to stop breaking his/her heart even though they have done wrong.

How come they are never in a club/at a party just dancing and having a good time. Why are they never at the skating rink, the park, dancing in an elevator, running down the street.

Oh, well, there are occasional running down the street scenes, but they usually involve the long arm of the law CHASING someone. Or a man chasing a woman. Or vice versa. And why don't people smile?

I'm beginning to agree with Tina Turner on RnB being entirely too depressing. Why all the tragic songs. There is more to write and sing about. Soul music was celebratory, the Blues was even celebratory though both 'genres' came out of some serious hard times. What is hip hop doing?

That's my semi deep thought of the day.

Here's a little something to enjoy:

Nina Simone Piano Improvisation


And something a little more recent, but by some standards, not much more...


Finally, hold on to your drawers, Blowin' In the Wind (the seminal Dylan composition) as interpreted by Mr. Soul himself...