Thoughts on Specter
It’s tempting to celebrate the announcement that Arlen Specter is switching parties, since (once the ridiculousness in Minnesota is over), it will give the Democrats a filibuster-proof majority.
However…
Here’s the thing: Specter is likely to be another Lieberman, sticking in the Democrat’s craw, holding his vote for ransom, etc. Not a sure 60th vote, no matter how you look at it.
He was facing a primary loss to a right-wing nutjob in the Pennsylvania Republican primary. A right-winger performs well with the increasingly hard-right Republican base, making for an easy primary victory… but can’t compete in a largely moderate state in a general election. The Democratic candidate will win Pennsylvania — and now, Specter’s move prevents the chance of getting a true Dem elected to that seat (unless the Dems mount a primary challenge, which will be tougher to do).
So, thanks to Arlen’s desire to maintain his grip on the reins of power, the chance at a solid, dependable Democratic Senator taking that seat is now much, much slimmer than it was just a few hours ago.
Friday Music Returns!
I know, I know — it’s been a VERY long time. Sue me, I’ve been busy.
However, The Minion (among others) have been pestering me, so here you go: another mixtape of the internets.
We’ll kick things off with another brilliant mashup by DJ Schmolli, taking Metallica, The Ting Tings and the Beastie Boys, and giving us: DJ Schmolli – “Shut Up Brooklyn Sandman.”
Heard this track courtesy of a recommendation by SF author John Scalzi. This is a track from the new album, It’s Blitz by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Hard to believe this is the same group that did “Maps.” Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Zero.”
Moving from new to old, a track from the 80s that barely gets any play in the retro-radio circuit. I’m always irritated by shows spotlighting “One-Hit Wonders”, since they often feature bands that DID have other hits — just not in the US. I’ll be damned, though, if these guys weren’t a genuine case of one-hit status, releasing only a single EP in 1982, and then never heard from again. The Monroes – “What Do All The People Know.”
We’ll stick with the 80s for a moment (because I turn 40 this June, and so I’m right on schedule for the sad-bastard nostalgia phase of the mid-life crisis), and feature one of my favorite singles from college radio at the time (what eventually became ‘alternative’). Echo & The Bunnymen – “The Cutter.”
Back to the new (although firmly in the realm of New Wave revival), with a track that I discovered through a video post by
Mixing New Wave with Dance electronica, a name taken from an early-80s Queen track, and a look taken from Missing Persons’ Dale Bozzio, Lady GaGa is one of the more shamelessly retro acts right now, and I’m loving it. Here’s the current single: Lady GaGa – “Poker Face.”
We’ll finish out with another 80s track — one of my favorites from Yes’ 1983 re-invention album, 90125. I wore out something like three cassette copies of this album. Yes – “Leave It.”
There you go, kids. Enjoy.