Sunday, April 27, 2008

Solar Sounds

Musicians are doing their part to help the environment. Last year, a number of bands participated in “Live Aid” a concert that focused on bringing awareness about the problems with environment to a broader audience.

Dramarama

Dramarama, better known for its 1980s hit “Anything, Anything” wrote another song in the early 1990s that didn’t get so much attention: “What Are We Gonna Do?” It’s not your average 1990s song, it’s about something deeper, I think.

“It’s April 21 and everyone knows today is Earth Day,

Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday to whoever’s being born

And now I’m trying hard to think of something

Meaningful and worthy, kind of Earthy

To make everybody ask themselves just

What are we doing here

And what are we doing to her?”


I think that’s an important question to ask. What the heck are we doing to the Earth? Today on April 22, it’s important that we take a pause and think about what we are doing here and how are we going to help the Earth in this time of need.

The best part about this song is it’s the only one I know that actually mentions Earth Day. We hear Christmas carols in December and songs about Halloween or patriotic songs for the Fourth of July, but what about Earth Day?

The song released in 1991 is better known because the date of Earth Day is wrong.

Earth Day is actually April 22.

But, what are you gonna do?


Joni Mitchell

The Canadian folk rock singer released “Big Yellow Taxi 2007” last year with a rework of the lyrics of her 1970 hit. The song is best known for the lines: “They paved paradise/Put up a parking lot.” But since the 1970s, there have been profound problems with the environment besides unsightly construction.

Pesticides have also become a major issue for many living in the United States and across the world. That awesome, shiny, red delicious apple is not natural. It is covered in pesticides and even a few washes may still leave some chemical residue in your food. The harmful effects of pesticides may have consumers calling for more organic alternatives. People who are trying to make a change in their diet and nutrition may agree with Mitchell:

“Hey farmer farmer/ Put away that DDT now/Give me spots on my apples/ But leave me the birds and the bees”

I know I do.


Jack Johnson

The Hawaiian native who brought us mellow rock hits like “Bubbly Toes,” “Banana Pancakes” and the Curious George soundtrack is now offering fans a new sound. Johnson is providing ways for his fans to “Go Green” at his shows. His Web site www.jackjohnsonmusic.com suggests that fans do their part before and after the show. The Web site suggest fans carpool to the show, recycle at one of the recycling stations or fill up their water bottles at the filling station.

Johnson’s newest album, “Sleep Through the Static” released in February, was recorded with 100 percent solar energy. I first came across the new Jack Johnson as I was looking through CDs at Starbucks. Although I love Jack Johnson anyways, it was the packaging that caught my eye. The CD case is made out of cardboard instead of plastic, which is much thinner and environmentally friendly. “Sleep Through the Static” is also printed on 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled paper.

The record label Johnson is on is trying to make a world of change in the music industry. “Brushfire records is paving the way for responsible CD production and packaging.” Recycling stations and filling stations for water bottles are also part of Johnson’s contribution to promoting the green scene. His Web site boasts: “Jack Johnson and his crew are taking action to minimize the environmental impact of their world tour.”

Johnson also has a global social action community “All at Once” for fans that active in their communities. It provides fans with information about non-profit organizations and volunteer events.

For more information Bushfire Records or the All at Once community visit www.jackjohnsonmusic.com.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I think it's awesome that record labels are becoming more environmentally friendly. Being that I am a huge music fan, and that I like owning cds rather than downloading tracks off the web, I think it important that my love for music has the least negative impact on the environment as possible.