Enjoyment

I saw Bright Eyes for the third time last Friday, but in a whole new environment and with a different point of view. The Cultural Anthropology perspective. Since I am now the proud owner of a cultural anthropological analytical mind frame, I see more deeply into the embodiment, space and performance of the culture. The culture herein can be described as post emo progressive folk rock. This movement is small, but promises growth.

Performers like Bright Eyes adapted this "back to my roots" genre around the time the war in Iraq (II) started. I find this significant in that it mirrors the Bob Dylan essence of political commentary through a style that is hard to be at odds with. Folk music is like a children’s book: simple, frank and idealistic. Although lyric analysts like myself will see through the upbeat melody and hear the complaints of the angry youth, it can just as easily be pleasant background music that makes you want to kick back, barefoot on your porch with cold home brew in your hand.

But back to the cultural anthropological analysis. Notice the silk flower, church like setting and the band wearing all white. It conjures up images of the trinity broadcast network evangelists, "drunk in the spirit" in all of their god given purity and wisdom. The embodiment of modern day Protestants is mimicry of the Christian right and their self-proclaimed "rightness."
The people responsible for Bush's election and those who continue to support him.

So to break it down:
Embodiment: Purity, Righteousness
SPACE: CHURCH, a place to connect to the deity, obtain wisdom and spiritual enhancement.
PERFORMANCE: A counter culture of sorts that mimics Christianity, harnessing their "messenger from God"-like authoritative presence while lyrically stating a directly opposite political position.

This is nothing new. It also reminds me of the gospel rockers like Elvis and Ray Charles, which are actually quite successfully conjured in Jenny Lewis' solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat, but unlike Bright Eyes, the political commentary is more subtle, and hidden underneath her lyrics about inner conflict and a tarnished childhood.

So anyways, I had fun in Berkeley and I maintain my dedication to seeing Bright Eyes every single time he's within driving distance. Go ahead, give me shit for loving the epitome of emo, but I swear he's progressed.

The above video is not the best example of his political commentary or protestant mimicry, but it is the best video on you tube from that night and displays the livelier, and more sober Conor Oberst.

Oh, I almost forgot: There is also a bit of psychodelic Beatles/Doors inspiration in the the show. Its hard to ignore the random colors flashing on the screen behind him thanks to his friend in a cowboy hat playing with objects and paints on what equates to a ginormous overhead projector. Rock/PsycodelicArt/Vietnam. S'counter culture reincarnated.