Patrick Meagher ([email protected])
Wed, 16 Dec 1998 16:51:16 -0800 (PST)
I thoroughly agree with Rob's observation that the 'dark' theme has
run its course in popular culture, but I don't view Joshua Tree or
Unforgettable Fire as part of this setting sun of negativity... I see
them as quite the opposite. In fact, back in the day when I endured
my own depressed, drug-filled, dark period of my life, JT helped get
me through it. As my relationships fell apart, and I flunked myself
out of college, my soul was dying. Yet, for some reason, I
incessantly listened to Joshua Tree throughout that year. Looking
back, it seemed that my soul was thirsting for something contained in
the music which I wasn't getting from any other source in my life. In
a word, it was hope. Yes, the songs of JT wrap themselves around
themes of injustice, personal struggle, and even death, but there is
more there. As I began to address my own hopeless situation, I slowly
came to realize the hope I had in God's love. This understanding
pulled me out of the nose-dive of hopelessness, but also presented a
new struggle. Sure God loved me, and would be there for me, but how
do I live like I believe this when all I see in myself and this world
epitomizes evil and injustice. How do I transcend my own propensity
to disbelieve, or humanity's bent towards destruction and evil?? etc,
etc. These questions are exactly the type of struggles that The
Joshua Tree grapples with. Yes, they are difficult questions, and
soul-wrenching to honestly ponder, but in the context of God's
everlasting love, within which the music was written, the everlasting
hope rises to the top. That hope got me through the dark years and is
what I consider to be the attribute of The Joshua Tree that completely
separates it from the depressing and dark electro trend.
Further, I remember an MTV interview with Tom Morelo (I think that is
his name) from Rage Against the Machine about them opening for U2
early on in Popmart. He had a similar story to mine except it
involved the hope from The Unforgettable Fire and how it got him
through a difficult, soul-draining job when he first got to L.A...
Rob also wrote:
>Dark compelling is out, fun and parties are in, people want to have a
>good time, after all music is escapism/entertainment so why the downer
>negativitism themes.
I agree that music is first and foremost escapism and entertainment,
and not to be taken as seriously as I do above. But, when it can be
something more, when it can embody some enduring truths or speak to
humanity's never-ending struggle with the divine, I don't think we
should limit it to temporary things. After all, isn't this what sets
U2 apart?
Just some thoughts, sorry to go into lecture/preaching mode, I'm
procrastinating my finals and needed to vent...
Love,
Patrick
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