June 2005 WUGGIE'S MUSIC, MEDIA AND MORE!
Ratings System:
++ Christian - made specifically by Christians for Christians
+ Secular - but contains nothing offensive to most Christians, probably made by Christians trying to exert influence in secular media.
M Mature content. Not necessarily offensive, but parents should be careful before allowing exposure to children and pre-teens.
X Mature content. For mature teens, firm in their convictions and morals, who have received much parental guidance.
XX Contains very mature, problematic content. Parents should seriously consider restricting exposure to teens.
XXX Completely offensive. Not only should teens be restricted, but adults may want to question their own exposure.
Remember, my reviews are strictly my opinion, and no substitute for your good judgment
Please send me an Email (Mwuggazer@RedeemerBirmingham.org) or call me (248-644-4010) with requests for reviews!!
Dave Matthews Band / Stand Up / M
Dave's new disc will hit the stores before you read this, but after I write it, so this review is really based on the one song released, "American Baby" (#1 download on iTunes), and Dave's reputation. American Baby is a great song, with a great singable hook, and no bad words. The subject matter is benign, and I have no problem with the fact that kids will be singing it all Summer, and guys will be dedicating it to their girlfriends when they leave for college in the Fall. The CD, when it comes out, will undoubtedly have a couple things on it I won't like. Nothing major, but Dave sometimes sings about mature subjects with adult themes. I'd allow it for mature teens, no problem.
Summer Concerts!
The Summer concert season is lame this year. Last year, many artists and promoters lost money, so this year, the acts out on tour are few and far between. Still, here are the shows of interest to teens and pre-teens announced as of May 1.
Oasis w/ Jet 6/18 Meadowbrook M
British rockers Oasis will live on past glory while Jet struggles to build a career on one hit last year. There won't be anything objectionable.
Santana w/ Los Lonely Boys 6/25 DTE Music Theatre M
Might be one of the best concerts of the year. Both acts are dripping with talent. There won't be anything objectionable on stage or off. If you even remotely like either of these bands, it'll be a great night out.
Avril Lavigne "Bones Tour 2005" 7/15 DTE +
Personally, I'm an Avril fan, not just because of her music, but because she has a very cool image without exploiting her body or pushing the envelope. Should be a great concert with nothing objectionable.
Ozzfest 2005 8/4 DTE XXX
Fresh from his cancellation on MTV, the Ozzman will undoubtedly do whatever it takes to prove he's not a drugged out 55 year old has-been. A. Good Luck Ozzy. B. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere near it. Not only will the antics and language from the stage be objectionable, but the crowd will be downright scary.
Alan Jackson 8/7 DTE M
Love it. Love it. Love it.
Motley Crue "Carnival of Sin Tour" 8/24 XX
Do I really have to write anything? It is what it says.
NARC / Video Game / XXX
I rarely criticize video games, because I think the line between reality and game is so well delineated that most well adjusted teens can play most video games without any negative effects. There are only a few instances when I think certain video games go over the edge. I've warned in this column before about Grand Theft Auto because it allows you to have sex with a prostitute and then kill her and take your money back.
This month I'd like to issue a similar warning about the new video game, NARC. In this game you play a cop. If you bust someone for drugs, you can not only confiscate the drugs and use them yourself, but doing so actually enhances your performance in the game.
To be fair, NARC's manufacturer, Midway, claims that in the long run the video game will end up penalizing you for the drug use. Then company has also issued the game with the rating of M, for Mature. In theory, stores will not sell this game to persons under 17. Yea, and 20 year olds have a tough time finding alcohol in our society. ;)
Sorry folks, I'm just not buying the line from midway. It's a bad idea and a bad game. Yet another reason to ask your kids where they are going, and knowing what kinds of video games are allowed at their friend's houses.