It appears my comments have been taken the wrong way, I do aplogise if I made myself less than clear...(sorry Fred!).
I was not for a moment suggesting that we ignore the huge debt owed by all of us to ethnic communities around the world for the inhumane treatment they have been subject to. I do actually think it is utterly shameful the way that privilaged white communities now try to buy in on black artists innovations and creativity and call it thier own. This is a problem all over the world and I for one think it's a disgrace given the history of opression and mistreatment. I do know some of the history of black america as I am a music student, specialising in ethnomusicology. I know in its self this is worth a big 'so what?', but I'm doing it because I have a keen interest and respect for ethnic music of all types and how western culture has become so immersed in these new types of music, literature and art, but without aknowledging the roots. Indeed ever since Elvis, white artists have plagerised black ideas, put a cute white face on it all and called it their own. It's little wonder why the black communities are so defensive now. I know I cannot understand the victims point of view in this, as (hands up) being a white boy from Glasgow, my social upbringing was very different. All I was meaning was that from "my point of view", I think music is music, soul is soul wherever you come from; I knew this at 8 years old when I first watched 'Woodstock '69' on TV and was introduced to Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix kicking 10 shades of shit out of white, boring, ignorant, blues-bandwagoners screaming electric guitars and no soul in it, just around the time that my mate's dad was giving us some Robert Johnson to listen to. It was seeing Sly on TV that night that changed my life and set me on a collision course with funk, then techno and house. I hope this puts my previous comments in context. I did not wish to offend anyone and have nothing but total respect for black artists in Detroit, their contribution to modern culture commands the most sincere appreciation. I perhaps thought, niavely, that most of us on the list feel the same as I do or we wouldn't be here right? History and dues aside, I think we can all take a record on its merits as music, and surely when it comes down to it that's the essence of soul. Apologies again for any misunderstanding, Niall. PS. Fred - I believe Black Nation have recently released a new Umek 12"...acceptance, integration & respect. Peace. ))\ )) o ___ )) )) (( \(( (( ((_(, (( ((...
