television is the theater of the mindless" - Steve Allen

NPR ran a story this morning on the Sputnik launch 50 years ago. The focus was on it's place in music history, the lyrics of the Cold War mentality conveyed in contrast with the news coverage of the day. Entire labels have been born of political themes in music. In reviewing the coverage of these days past, it's hard to imagine how current events will play out in future music historian's notes.

The amount of music coming from so many factions regarding government, military actions, religous institutions and the "peoples' way of life around the globe, makes it hard to imagine a lighthearted story of nostalgic reminiscing in this same way. (Justin Timberlake aside)

Those who remember the Sputnik launch might scoff at the ruminating of this- is it any different? No more important to the individuals involved, but when music may be one of the most unfettered public outlets - one of the few venues not always representing the far right or left, but of the uneasy state of the human race, the responsibility to convey the weight of the times will be in the hands of the artists we promote to the forefront.

Music has the power to educate, motivate and record the feelings of a generation. Leading listeners to the truth of the times.

May we be fortunate enough to be remembered with respect to those artists who have chosen to be involved.