Music doesn’t sit still.  Trends, topics, talent; these things are constantly changing like the ebb and flow of the majestic Pacific Ocean, or even the slightly effeminate Atlantic.  Recently, whilst journeying down the long cobblestone path of miraculous events I call my life (whistling of course), I have noticed two old trends that have been reemerging into mainstream music lately. 

Firstly, I have noticed a resurgence in the popularity of more socially conscious hip hop.  This tends to happen when the youth start getting fed up with the shortcomings of their government.  I’m just a young, ignorant college student, unqualified to say what exactly (GEORGE W BUSH) is responsible for creating this atmosphere of public mistrust and heightened sociopolitical awareness, but I can say that it has resulted in the revitalization of the careers of longtime conscious rappers.  As someone much more partial to an artist like Immortal Technique than one like Soulja Boy (ironic?), I’d like to say “Congratulations, GWB, on pissing everyone off so much that they are even more inclined to support the careers of those that hate you most.”

Secondly, I’ve noticed that many artists are heavily incorporating electronics into their music these days.  For instance, Lil Wayne’s smash hit “Lollipop” sounds like the entire song was recorded through a vocoder.  Dabbling in electronics is a risky move for any musician, because there is so much potential for both good and bad.  For instance, Kanye West’s incorporation of French techno robots, Daft Punk, into his hit single “Stronger” sent record sales through the roof and rocketed West to an entirely new level of stardom.  On the flip side of that coin, going electronic turned Jefferson Airplane gay.  I’m going to go out on a limb here and say “We Built This City” is the worst song ever recorded.  (What’s depressing is I think it hit #1 on Billboard…I hope somebody got fired).

You want electronic politics?  Far be it from me to stand between society and the pop culture it desires.  This is what you’re craving.  Enjoy it, swine.