May 2003 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.
MTV / XX
One day Wuggie was sitting on the couch, innocently watching TV and channel surfing. He came across a channel where models in skimpy bikinis were prancing around the beach, doing stunts designed to put them in sexually suggestive poses, and participating in kissing contests (and more) with guys off the beach. "Whoa!" Wuggie exclaimed, "The computer at cable central screwed up, and I'm getting the Playboy channel!" Before I could get to the phone to call the cable company, the channel went to commercials and identified itself as MTV. I should've known. Spring Break on South Beach, Miami. That's right, didn't I read in Time magazine last year that the Playboy channel has moved from soft-core to hard-core because MTV does soft-core porn better? Parents beware.
Summer Concerts!!
The Summer line-up at DTE Music Festival and the Palace has been announced. So this month, I'll attempt to provide ratings on some of the most popular shows. Keep in mind that these reviews are based on my educated guess. I obviously haven't seen any of the shows, but I have done the research, read the artist's lyrics, and watched the videos. I've also been to hundreds of concerts in my life. As part of a former job I was a concert promoter. On behalf of the radio station I worked for, I rented DTE, The Palace, and Cobo Arena many times, booked the talent, and hired everyone from the sound and lighting company to the stage manager. I have a pretty good understanding of how these things work.
Elton John and Billy Joel / Face to Face Tour 2003 / Palace, May 2-3 M
I have seen these guys in concert before. Absolutely blew me away with their musical prowess and showmanship. A great concert for the whole family.
Matchbox Twenty / 'More Than You Think You Are Tour 2003' wsg Sugar Ray and Maroon5 / Palace May 5 X
I'd give Matchbox 20 an M. It's Sugar Ray that kinda bothers me a little. These guys rely on shock value in their videos, and I'm afraid of what they might do on stage. If you take the kids, arrive late so you miss the opening acts.
Avril Lavigne wsg Simple Plan and Gob / Palace May 10 / M
It'll be a good show. See my review of Avril in the March Lamp. All back issues of this column are available on-line at www.RedeemerBirmingham.org. You can search by month or by artist.
Pearl Jam wsg Buzzcocks / DTE June 25-26 / XX
There'll be a lot of swearing and some homage to partying and other objectionable content.
Dave Matthews Band / Palace July 3 / X
Dave's fans are never disappointed by his concerts. Remember, DMB grew out of the college scene, and that means the band's music reflects that culture, including drinking and occasional references to promiscuous sex. Still, they've never been ones to push the envelope, so I'm expecting a pretty morally palatable show.
Norah Jones / 'Come Away With Me' Summer Tour 2003 / Meadowbrook July 5 / M
Have a great time at this Grammy sweeping artist's first big tour! I don't expect there's anything to worry about.
Ozzfest 2003 / Ozzy Osbourne, KORN, Marilyn Manson, Disturbed, Chevelle / DTE July 24 / XXX
Do I really have to explain?
Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera / Justified and Stripped Tour / Palace July 25 / XXX
I'll admit, I just gave this show an XXX out of shock value. I hope it works. In reality, I'd give it XX because I don't think very mature, well adjusted teens will be completely warped. That said, this just may be the most dangerous tour in America this Summer. Don't be one of the millions of uneducated parents who think this is a harmless 'first concert' for their young teen or pre-teen. Harmless it is not! Just read the title! Justin is a champion of the "if-it-feels-good-do-it" mentality. Christina is a self proclaimed stripper. I'd never part with my money to celebrate the immorality I see in their videos. What is going to happen on stage I can only guess. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Wuggie's Email Inbox
Wuggie, We're having a tough time convincing our daughter that Christian music is cool. She goes to camp every year, and absolutely adores all the college-aged counselors. Do they listen to Christian Music? And what specifically do they listen to? It might help to know that people she looks up to listen to Christian music.
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Yes! Great idea! I polled the troops, and here are the top bands that came up:
(Secular artist soundalikes in parenthesis)
Sixpence None The Richer / Divine Discontent (Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch)
Jars of Clay / The Eleventh Hour (Dave Matthews, Coldplay)
The Elms / Truth Soul, and Rock & Roll (Dave Matthews, Train)
Five Iron Frenzy / Electric Boogaloo (Puddle of Mudd)
Newsboys / Thrive (N'sync, Backstreet Boys)
Audio Adrenaline / Summertime (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Supertones / Hi-Fi Revival (Puddle of Mudd)
Happy listening! By the way, dates for Kamp this year are July 27 - Aug. 2. Brochures are available at the Information Center.
On the first day of school, a first grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, "The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents." Amusing, but sad when you think about it. Why do some parents give up trying to pass on their morals and values to their children? At what age is it appropriate to stop attempting to be an influence on your child? 13? 16? 18? 60? My Dad still influences me, and I'm way past 18.