Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
Some people protest the results and imminent “change” in the political climate by releasing a music video featuring the dismembering of any given hypothetical president elect. But, as mentioned, this is completely hypothetical…and Marilyn Manson definitely did not do that. Oh wait, he did. But, the point here is, leave it to the women of the world to opt for a more “subtle”, yet perfectly delivered message in a time where a whole lot of confusion is shaking this country to its’ core. Although a little blood and guts here and there, Mr. Manson is always appreciated for the thrill-seeker in everyone.
The very wise, and very talented Jennifer Clavin—also known for her role as le frontwoman for the Los-Angeles based, all-girl punk band Bleached, imparts upon music fans out there two raw and harrowing covers of classic songs in an effort to raise money for Planned Parenthood (an organization faced with a lot of uncertainty come January).
It is always a potentially fruitless, uphill battle to take on two timeless classics: in this case Clavin chose the 1985 banger “Bonzo Goes To Bitpurg,” by The Ramones (please swoon here), and the second a disquieting homage to Barry Mcguire’s 1965 folk hit “Eve of Distruction”. Ultimately though, Clavin breathes new life into two dormant, yet powerful puzzle pieces fitting into the timeline of American history—Clavin evokes the universal condition and reminds her audience of where they all were born out of, while innovating the works through her own stylization: her untethered singing, and natural acoustic instrumentation entrance. Bravo.
The two tracks (“Acoustic Covers”) make out to a digital 7″, available for purchase via Bleached’s bandcamp. Proceeds from the tracks will go to Planned Parenthood, in lieu of the president elect’s plan to cut funding for the organization. Consequence of Sound states, “In a press release, Clavin explained why she chose these two tracks and how Planned Parenthood’s services have positively impacted her life personally:
‘After the election, I went to the desert with an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and anger. I decided to record covers of 2 songs that perfectly capture my feelings regarding our political state. ‘Eve of Destruction’ was written in 1965, and 50 years later could not be more relevant. It’s a warning of the fascist, racist, violent and unjust world we were living in then, and are living in now. ‘Bonzo Goes to Bitburg’ shares the embarrassed, offended, and disgusted feeling a lot of us have every time we see Trump on our television. We are living in a time where we can anticipate federal funding to public health resources terminated. I have been using Planned Parenthood’s services for 10 years. And hope to continue to. It is on us to ensure their services continue through public funding and donation. All the proceeds of this digital 7” will go towards Planned Parenthood, for a future of accessible pap smears, breast and cervical cancer screening, pregnancy testing, pregnancy option counseling, STD screening, colposcopies, birth control, sex education, LGBT services, and other necessary health services. FUCK TRUMP. FUCK PENCE. LONG LIVE RUTH BADER GINSBERG.'”
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