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'70s Soul Surprise
February 18, 2008 - 12:00am — Cynthia Galindo
Can we please talk about tonight’s brilliance? First award for musical creativity in episode 508 goes to ezgirl for her original composition featured in Niki’s movie trailer. James Bond, anyone? Now, I’m sure you all noticed that major '70s anthem of love, hope, peace and everything else that my inner long-haired optimist believes in...
"Oh, but who are they to judge us, simply because our hair is long?"
I find that "What’s Going On" by Marvin Gaye is one of those tracks that draws the same reaction every time it comes on the air: how could a song written in the summer of 1970 be so poignant today? It serves as the perfect backdrop to the positioning of Tasha’s uniform on the bed, the stark reality of the hearing and the light that "Lay Down the Law" sheds on homosexuality in the military. I’m curious to know how you all felt when this song began to play.
We’ve all been exposed to some groundbreaking music throughout the past four—soon to be five—seasons of the show. But personally, when the song started, I found it kind of comforting to hear something that I’ve connected with amidst a storyline that has made me, well, slightly pissed off. I mean, if there's anyone I want fighting for my freedom, it’s Tasha! I was chatting with Elizabeth Ziff earlier and she definitely wanted this to feel like a "surprise" to the viewers. I say her goal was certainly accomplished! What do you think?
Tonight’s musical selection also got me thinking about the powerful and potentially timeless songs that are being created today. I know this might ruin my indie street cred, but I’ve become kind of obsessed with John Mayer and his songwriting. I think the track "Daughters" is quite possibly one of the most brilliant songs ever written. But keeping with the tone of "What’s Going On," Mayer’s "Waiting on the World to Change" is (at least I think so) one of those songs that will withstand the test of time. I’m hoping that 30 years from now, we won’t still be “waiting for the world to change”—but if we are, I can see the message being just as powerful then as it is now.
Neil Young mentioned in a recent article in the L.A. Times that he thinks music has lost the ability to change the world as it's done in the past. He later added, "I think the world today is a different place, and that it's time for science and physics and spirituality to make a difference in this world and to try to save the planet."
What do you guys think? Do you agree with Young, or have you heard something recently that made you want to hit the streets and start a revolution?
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
"Oh, but who are they to judge us, simply because our hair is long?"
I find that "What’s Going On" by Marvin Gaye is one of those tracks that draws the same reaction every time it comes on the air: how could a song written in the summer of 1970 be so poignant today? It serves as the perfect backdrop to the positioning of Tasha’s uniform on the bed, the stark reality of the hearing and the light that "Lay Down the Law" sheds on homosexuality in the military. I’m curious to know how you all felt when this song began to play.
We’ve all been exposed to some groundbreaking music throughout the past four—soon to be five—seasons of the show. But personally, when the song started, I found it kind of comforting to hear something that I’ve connected with amidst a storyline that has made me, well, slightly pissed off. I mean, if there's anyone I want fighting for my freedom, it’s Tasha! I was chatting with Elizabeth Ziff earlier and she definitely wanted this to feel like a "surprise" to the viewers. I say her goal was certainly accomplished! What do you think?
Tonight’s musical selection also got me thinking about the powerful and potentially timeless songs that are being created today. I know this might ruin my indie street cred, but I’ve become kind of obsessed with John Mayer and his songwriting. I think the track "Daughters" is quite possibly one of the most brilliant songs ever written. But keeping with the tone of "What’s Going On," Mayer’s "Waiting on the World to Change" is (at least I think so) one of those songs that will withstand the test of time. I’m hoping that 30 years from now, we won’t still be “waiting for the world to change”—but if we are, I can see the message being just as powerful then as it is now.
Neil Young mentioned in a recent article in the L.A. Times that he thinks music has lost the ability to change the world as it's done in the past. He later added, "I think the world today is a different place, and that it's time for science and physics and spirituality to make a difference in this world and to try to save the planet."
What do you guys think? Do you agree with Young, or have you heard something recently that made you want to hit the streets and start a revolution?
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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23 Comments
i agree with you on the part
i agree with you on the part that music is an amazing instrument to shape humanity. music has the ability to create and destroy because it comes from human beings, who also harbor those abilities. do i think it will change the world? not by itself. i think music has had it's fifteen minutes of fame. i think now the internet is taking rise. no doubt music will play a great part in the changing of society (as will political debates, protests, etc...), however, the means to transfer that music and to convey the messages of today lies in the hands of media. newspapers, magazines, television, radio, the internet.... these, among others, are all ways to convey "truths" in today's society. these are the mediums and music is simply a tool used to convey messages. music will always be a part of the human experience, because that is something that we can create out of nothing. it is something completely inspired; however, it is not everything.
do you get it? our government is here to defend us first and foremost; however, we have the opportunity to demand certain rights from our government. that's how it's set up! the reason that people can't vote online (and that's totally possible and almost fool-proof nowadays) is because too many damn people would vote! but is america really ready for that? or have we been fed too much media bullcrap that we can't even see the big picture anymore? no one cares really, unless it has to do with some coked up celebrity. most people don't vote, but take advantage of it. change can't happen until people get pissed off. use the system in theory that's what it's there for. WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? VOTE!
[shan]
it was
simply amazing.
I definately agree
especially with that last part...
"I think the world today is a different place, and that it's time for science and physics and spirituality to make a difference in this world and to try to save the planet."
I mean.. now the music we hear is all thuis mainstream craop. I don;t mean to be judgemental, but, like, its like nothing has substance anymore, along with even how society has formed itself. I eman back in the older centuriers, like the celnders were different, everything was totally opoosite of how it is now, music had more of a meaning, I think within a few years, with the movements going on and different people wanting to bring thigns together again, things may improve, I mean they could either get worse, ior get better. There is a great lack in spirituality and meaning in what it means to be a part of life. Now it seems the world is basing their esteem on greed and control, and a ladder of success, and media, etc. We need to get back to the roots, like where our great philosophers and historians and great thinkers were making changes and bringing a positive revolutionary change.
That Was Genius!!!
Marvin is and will always be one of my favorites. I felt the song was piccked for the right character. It truly took you back and you could see Marvin perform this song. He would not only be proud of the use of the song....he'd be honored.
I'm happy that Tasha and Alice have a true chance at their relationship. They can be free and not have to worry about the welfare of Tasha's career.
That's two Motown songs beautifully chosen for both episodes. I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 is a great party song. When I was looking at the scene it reminded me of some of the parties my friends and I throw from time to time. What's Going On is so right for the moment because it is a political song and Marvin was a great musician to express his anger through song and he was heard.
Gillian Davis thought she could break Alice - classic - Alice turned it around on her and if you asked me Gillian seemed a bit scared. To think after all these years it takes someone like Alice to break someone like Colonel Davis who hid her sexuality in the military for years.
Elizabeth, you and the girls are wonderful with the music picks on the show. This soundtrack is going to ROCK!!!
Side note: I find it interesting that Kelly McGillis is playing a lesbian in the military. I say this because of a movie called Sleep With Me starring Eric Stoltz and Meg Tilly. There's a scene where Quentin Tarantino is talkig to Tony Field about Top Gun and the homosexual undertone in the movie. If you haven't seen this movie check it out. It's a great movie.
I heartily agree
I think music has ceased being an awe-inspiring, soul-rocking instrument and has instead become a fun commodity, but not particularly powerful. We have emotionally powerful songs more so, but I don't think anything so activating as earlier activist-songs.
Neil Young's comment
I agree with Neil Young's comment. It seems like lyrics have lost the ability to inspire change in our society. I don't mind the song "Waiting for the World to Change," but must admit that when I first heard it I thought "what are you waiting for--get out there and just do something about the things you don't agree with or like." As for Marvin Gaye and the song "What's Goin' On" it was perfect for the scene and like some other who wrote, it took me back to some memorable and inspirational times.
Whats Really Going On
I thought "Whats Going On" was a PERFECT track for the scene. Like you mentioned, it's a song we can still connect with generations later. Tasha's trial, Niki being forced to share the arm of a "hunky" male at her premiere to disguise her sexuality, Molly's homophobia, and even Phyllis' speech about Shane is all about hatred, ignorance, the sacrifices we make for love and, in the words of another great ledgend, Bob Marley, those pointing their fingers in judgement before checking to see if their own hands are clean (i.e. Colonel Davis). We always search for these flashy answers to end all the hatred in the world, when really it's just as simple as love. Learning to love the differences in people just as much as the similarities AND defeating ignorace with understanding--talking to people so you can see whats REALLY going on. I think this was by far my favorite episode!
"Who are you to judge me
And the life that I live?
I know that I'm not perfect
And that I don't claim to be.
So before you point your fingers,
Be sure your hands are clean" (Bob Marley, Judge Not)
What was that song!?
What was the song playing in the background in the scene with Shane and the actress in the hair room? Anyone? My girlfriend and I are dying to know!
that song
the song is 'underworld' and it's by none other than BETTY.
What's Goin' On
It was a positive feeling I experienced when I heard that song, I felt something good was going to happen to Tasha and Alice. I really enjoyed that, thanks!
I must say I really enjoy the L Word, maybe not every single storyline, but I so look forward to seeing it every Sunday night! The music on there is great too, I've downloaded alot of songs from ITunes that I heard on the show and thanks to Cynthia for the help on the titles!
Please don't let it end! I miss Helena and Grace is hot, but Tina & Bette are the best! You've found the 2 actresses who play their roles so great, have such great chemistry and they're both married with husbands and children, yet are so believeable as lesbians, I'm so disappointed that neither one have been nominated for a Golden Globe or an Emmy award! Go figure! Truly I love all the girls on the L !
response to dreemer
Just a quick "amen" to the : "I'm disappointed that JB nor LH have won any acting awards"...I'm not up on the lezzie scene to know whether they've won anything there & I'm sure they have. The last press release I read about one character winning an emmy (i believe) was ozzie davis. he's a legend and all but..he wasn't even a core cast member. it's insulting in my opinion, to the work they put in. But- at least the show got attention for it i guess.
songs vs poetry vs people...
Usually, I wouldn’t go on strike for songs, mainly because they are released too late in regards with the events. I’d go on strike if I saw an event that is not right. Recently our dear President Sarkozy imposed a reform in the health system (it has to be reformed, granted, but the question is not there). It is so bad that physicians signed a petition against it and if nothing is changed, they will go on strike. Physicians fighting for patient’s rights!!! I’ll join them on that one. Somebody with the interest of the others as the priority moves me
I’m more sensitive to poetry though and usually when it is about war. I would go on strike against war with Prevert’s poem tattooed on my chest. “Barbara” is simple and powerful and underlies the stupidity of war: “quelle connerie la guerre!” There is a translation on this webpage: http://www.pierdelune.com/prevert2.htm
I guess poetry is off topic but for the same reason I would pick a singer BARBARA who sang “Gottigen” to depict the atrocity lying behind war between two brother countries (here Germany and France).
http://www.reverso.net/text_translation.asp?lang=fr
Sorry, no translation here but as I might be off topic already you might be better off my poor translation of this beautiful song.
I would agree with Neil Young, music has lost his power mainly because things are moving too fast nowadays and the meaning of songs doesn’t really have time to reach us. Further more, the rhythm of words and not the meaning of words is more important now, as it sells more CD. The last time I saw a singer raising his voice against the government was Daniel Balavoine in the 80’s, and already he was waiting for a change for the young generation of lost and uneducated children, predicting the suburbs to burst into flames sooner or later... I guess he was proven to be right 20 years later…
Loved Marvin
Definitely a classic and fitting for the times and storyline. Great to see Talice reunite. Love these two together and have hopes for more with them if there is a season 6. Thanks for the great episode
Dusty Springfield
I find "What's Going On" strongly affecting, too, but I also felt a quarter-turn of the heart as Dusty Springfield sang "Little By Little" in the fade-out (not least, I'm sure, because I felt a great catharsis at Tasha's trial storyline coming to an end). I'm continually impressed by the music of The L Word.
Daughters
I find it surprising that you would classify "Daughters" with "What's Going On" and call it "one of the most brilliant songs ever written." I find "Daughters" offensive and a class a example of the sexism of our culture. Not sexism directed in a negative way towards women, but towards men.
Boys, you can break//You'll find out how much they can take. What kind of message does this "brilliant" song give to parents of boys? What kind of message does it give to a society that forces men into the macho, strong, emotionless roles they so often have to play?
Every time I hear this song, and especially those lines, I cannot help but feel that Mayer's lyrics are asking fathers to go from one punching bag (their daughters) to another (their sons).
Marvin's music at Tasha'a Trial
I was surprised when I heard What's Going On at the start of the trial but oh how fitting. Poor Tasha she lost her career, I sure hope Ilene gives her a position in the police force for season six, there are so many stories to be told there. By the way keep Alice and Tasha together they are majical!
I lost my MIND!!!
I am a huge Soul music fan, so when Marvin Gaye came on I lost my mind!!! I've noticed the "STAX records" (think Staple singers) music exgirl plays on the show, so I think she's a fan too. Rose just happens to be my favorite character too...I lost it!
http://RoseRollinsFanBlog.blogspot.com
"What's Going On"
What did it make me feel when it started playing? I cried - memories came flooding back - my older sister getting married 28 days before her drafted husband left for Vietnam - her moving back in with us because she could no longer afford her apartment - her crying herself to sleep at night - the childish helplessness I felt - my talks with God begging him to take her pain away and bring him home safely. War is an atrocity to civilized humans - an atrocity magnified when the most civilized country in the world judges a person by their sexuality instead of their love for and the valor in serving their country. How archaic it is that we still make people hide and choose! The atrocities of war are timeless - I will always cry.
Note: Started thinking about the Neil Young quote - just may have something there. Most of the top songs of today have to do with love, and that can't be all bad, can it? There are three songs that come to mind for bringing home strong messages - Sheryl Crow's "Shine Over Babylon," Plumb's "Damaged," and Lenny Kravitz's "Back In Vietnam." Although it was put out in 2001 and has already been used on TLW, the most poignant song possibly could be Leonard Cohen's "In My Secret Life." Haven't heard any songs that stir up memories of protest, however!
Good music is timeless just
Good music is timeless just like a book or movie.
When a 30 year old tune can make your gut clench or skin tingle.... That is art.
And war well I can remember making paintings about p.o.w's as a little girl and here we are again fuck me this sucks.
I loved Episode 508! Thank You: L Word Production Team!
Oh I am so delighted that Tasha & Alice have reunited.. Thank you L Word writers, producers and the cast-you are satisfying the appetite of thousands of fans such as myself! The writing here was brillant and made me think-would I give up a career that I loved for a love that was greater? Thats the kind of love that is rare and people need to be reminded of what love is all about. I was so amazed how Tasha chose love over war! Thats the ultimate human sacrifice...Now I just hope that these two characters can build a strong, stable and loving relationship maybe even become life partners (I'm dreaming real big here but hey its fiction anyway) Talice Time X 10!
508!
508 is a brilliant episode. I was wondering what the outcome of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" storyline was going to be, and I must admit to being quite pleased with it.
However, I don't like the character that Bette seems to have become--a weak, emotionally dysfunctional woman who is making the same mistake with Jodi that she made with Tina in Season I. Although I don't care for Jodi (as far as being Bette's lover), I feel that Bette is making terrible decisions in regards to her trysts with Tina. if she wants to be with Tina, fine--but break it off with Jodi, first!
where has Max gone to? we haven't caught a glimpse of him in two episodes! and when are they bringing Helena back? without Helena around, something seems to be missing from every episode.
PLEASE DON'T MAKE SEASON 5 THE LAST SEASON!
there are so many more stories to be told!
The fact
that we....not all of us but we as a country voted Bush back into office for two f$%@#g terms make me want to revolt and/or move to Canada, but I just turn my head the other way. It's been like a bad dream that lasted nearly 8 years. Ugh....
"What's Going On?" is a timeless classic and will always be appropriate during times of struggle, chaos, and all things in between. Love that song.
I am away from my computer.
Oh my stars
This was another great episode.. I am so happy for Tash and Alice!!!!!So happy Bette wants to get into therapy with Tina!!!! I am loving this season!!!
Kelly was amazing also...
If we have no peace it is because
we have forgotten that
we belong to each other - Mother Teresa