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Andi Berlin is aggravated. The University of Arizona student thinks that marching-band versions of Radiohead songs are “personally offensive, not to mention specifically annoying and in bad taste” in a college paper op-ed from last week. The reasons? Politics, beauty, and the fact that “Paranoid Android” has been her favorite song since eighth grade. We’d like to help Berlin out–the length of her piece alone tells us that she’s pretty worked up about this–so below we’ve nominated some songs that could become future University of Arizona marching-band chestnuts.
Radiohead not for football games [azwildcat online]
And to think, at one point, the U of Arizona wanted to dissolve its journalism program.
That article is amazing. A-maz-ing. I might have to print it out.
Poor Metallica. Dissed again.
I’m a former member of high school and college marching bands, and I find this op-ed to be “personally offensive.” As a musician, there is nothing more exciting or rewarding than having the opportunity to play a great piece of music, and I can think of few that would be as much fun to play as these. To me, there’s nothing worse than seeing a band trotting out the same Chicago or Metallica songs year after year after year. I can only hear “25 or 6 to 4″ so many times. It’s awesome that this band wants to play something new and interesting, and to hold it against them because a football game is not the “right environment” for this song is outrageous. Does she not understand that Radiohead’s music is overblown arena rock (albeit a type that appeals to a different type of listener, that is, one with elevated opinions of one’s own “sophisticated taste”)? Marching bands often play arrangements of classical compositions, is the football field not the “right environment” for Holst? And this is even getting beyond the most important point, which is, for the band members, it’s not about the football game or whether the fans are showing “proper respect” for the music, it’s about PLAYING MUSIC. Surely this pretentious indie girl can understand that music is as much for the performers’ benefit and enjoyment, arguably more so, as it is for the listeners’.
If this was 1990, she’d be complaining about the band playing REM’s Orange Crush.
Another reminder of why we have waiting periods on gun purchases. Laugh it up folks, but you want Andi Berlin on that wall. You need her on that wall.
I went to a few UofA football games in the 90’s, and I believe they played a lot of prog rock.
The tubas did a stirring rendition of “Owner of a Lonely Heart”.
“Why’s Everybody Always Picking On Me?”—The Bloodhound Gang.
Well, at least it’s not seeing your school band massacre Nirvana.
i would think that most people who read this blog can identify with this, whether they want to admit it or not. i’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but i can see myself reacting that way.
where does geniune love of a song that has affected you profoundly end, and stick-in-the-mud pretension begin? i don’t know. i’m just trying to imagine how i’d feel if i was at a football game, and the band launched into “She’s Lost Control”.
DUDE THAT WOULD RULE.
I’m all for marching band reditions of Joy Division.
I can see the reaction, but can’t band geeks enjoy some “OK Computer” too? If anyone would understand the resentment and alienation, it would be the piccolo section.
you know, there is a part of me that would think it was kinda cool. then i would probably sulk after it was over.
Whatever, sulker! You know it would rule. Then again, I’m weird. I would love a marching band version of anything.
BTW, I really liked that front percussion version of “Paranoid Android” that the UMASS band did that was floating around a few years back (it doesn’t seem to be on their site anymore, sadly — perhaps I should post it somewhere). Anyway, it was neat, a very inspired arrangment.
when i was in high school drum line in 1993 (ish) we were still doing that “come on baby come on baby do the conga” tune… and that was like 10 years too late… anything newer and cooler would have been welcome.
Marching bands never win, do they? If they’re not in trouble for playing “Louie Louie” because outraged parents think that the FBI investigation into the “licentious lyrics” is still going on, then they’re in trouble for playing introspective millenialist paranoia without vocals at a football game and possibly giving the crowd a musical education. I mean, it’s not the first time music has been misappropriated.
I wonder what Andi Berlin would think about Baby Rock Records and their glockenspiel renditions of Radiohead?
I think ANY rendition of a Slayer tune done by a marching band would be worth watching. Once, anyway.
Another suggestion: how about having a marching band do one of the classic “hoover” techno tracks from the early 90s? The slide trombone could be the next TB-303 and we’d never know it….
The world is desperately waiting for a marching band to adapt and perform a medley of Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001… and other hits… Can’t you already hear the echoes of “Whats The Difference” hitting the crowd of thousands as the group moves from side to side in unison?