worst Prodigy article

- Center for Parent-Youth Understanding about The Prodigy

"This is music that is extremely attractive to relationally disconnected kids longing to be connected"

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They have a very scientific approach to 'popular music' and then first of all explain the terms "techno" and "electronica". Album titles get analyzed: "The title of their second album, 1994's, Music For The Jilted Generation, hints at why The Prodigy has the ability to connect with a generation plagued by relational breakdown and hopelessness." and then they decide that "With their popularity running high through youth culture, it's worth taking a deeper look at the group, their history, music, and appeal".

The whole history of The Prodigy gets explained, for parents. I have to say it is all very well researched but sometimes giving a bit weird explanations and of course avoiding every in any way offensive word:"Leeroy says that they were so mesmerized by Howlett's music that "We were buzzing our t___ off!"".

Then also the Prodigy live show gets described:"Veteran concert goers often remark that it's the "best live show" they've ever seen. In fact, they are one of the few techno acts to incorporate a live guitar in concert through frequent guest appearances by punk guitarist Gizz Butt."

A definition of the music, including a comparision with Biblical poets (!!): "Like most techno music, The Prodigy's songs are not composed of lyrical verse and chorus combinations. Rather, where there are lyrics, they are usually short phrases repeated over and over again. It is not an insignificant coincidence that Biblical poets used the same approach to emphasize a point. Of course, some might say that Howlett's lack of lyrical creativity is at the root of his repetitiveness. Coupled with the relentless thumping power of his music, Howlett's lyrical echoes powerfully drive home musical themes reflecting the relentless thumping that he believes his "jilted generation" has taken."

About the experience days: "The essence of rave escapism is repeated over and over on "Everybody in the Place": "Everybody's in the place! Let's go!" The same theme is addressed on the song "Out of Space" where listeners learn that the DJ wants to "take your brain to another dimension" through his music. The futility and sadness of an empty relationship is the theme of "Your Love": "Your love/You never ever want me/You never ever phone call."

Now the first hint at their theory that all Prodigy fans are all a bunch of weirdos (or 'disenfranchised young adults' as they say):"Hints of The Prodigy's role as a spokesband for disenfranchised young adults can be heard in "Wind It Up", a single release off The Prodigy Experience that repeats the lines, "wind it up" and "we would like some justice in this time.""

Then also a bit about MFTJG ("a package of lengthy electronica music peppered with short lyrical sound bytes focusing on pain, aggression, and anti-social themes"), about Their Law it says: ""Their Law" is angry 6-1/2 minute Metallica-sounding protest song directed against the U.K.'s police crackdown on rave parties. "What we're dealing with here is a total lack of respect for the law," begins the song. "F___ the law!/But you can't push the law/F___ 'em and their law!" The relentless pounding of the song leaves the strong impression that these are marching orders "

Then The Fat Of The Land, not missing to explain that the first 2 singles were just a 'publicity move': "In a publicity move engineered to generate interest in the summer '97 release of Fat of the Land, The Prodigy pre-released two singles off the album. Both singles reflect the anger, hopelessness, and rebellious spirit so often characteristic of disenfranchised kids."

After the description of Firestarter, including some of the lyrics, then they take a look at the Breathe video: "In heavy rotation on MTV, the video features a surrealistic visual background of several rooms that are dark, filthy, and rotting. Obviously not a place where you'd want to live, the video leaves the impression that this is where the group and their following exist." (!!) Of course! Didn't we all already suspect that Liam has an alligator at home? ;D

Not very unexpected those people of course also don't understand Smack My Bitch up at all, and they honestly write:"the first cut on the album, "Smack My Bitch Up", contains obvious directives on how to treat females."

I mean, 'obvious directives on how to treat females'!!???!! Oh dear oh dear.

Next is Mindfields:"Parents and youth workers could use this track as a catalyst for discussion on the hopelessness of life without experiencing the joy of living under the vicarious death of The Incarnate One who has walked "tha mindfields for me.""

Then they end the article:"As with most popular music, many adults will be tempted to accuse techno and The Prodigy of being fast, loud, "garbage" made by youngsters who need to "grow up and get a real job." (with 'Youngsters who need to grow up and get a real job' they mean no one else than Liam and co.) Don't give in to the temptation. This is music that clearly reflects the life-circumstances and reality of many teenagers and young adults."

And now what follows are the conclusions after analyzing The Prodigy throughout, and we learn what kind of people those 'Prodigy fans' are!

"First, this is music that is extremely attractive to relationally disconnected kids longing to be connected. Liam Howlett and the boys have issued a rallying cry. Around the world, ravers are dancing to music that brings them together. Listen to them talk and you'll rarely hear them say that they've experienced positive relational connections initiated by others at home or in the church. With nowhere else to go, they've found what they're looking for in techno. Is it possible that we need to aggressively pursue them on their terms rather than wait for them to come to us?"

This is a joke in itself. Read it, laugh out loud. But don't even try to understand it.

"Second, now that techno has gone mainstream, increased radio play along with free peer publicity will draw lots of kids just because "everyone else is listening to it". As a result, parents should be diligent about discussing the lyrical and lifestyle messages of The Prodigy with their kids so that they are able to make wise musical choices."

So, dear Prodigy fan, ask your parents to discuss the 'lyrical and lifestyle messages' of The Prodigy with you!

"Third, this is music that truly serves to temporarily sooth wounded souls. ... The church should be diligent about diagnosing and directing attention to the real cuts, bruises, and disease underneath. Perhaps we should think seriously about t Charles Colson's advice: "In order to evangelize today, we must address the human condition at its point of felt need - conscience, guilt, dealing with others, finding a purpose for staying alive. Talking about the abundant life or life everlasting often just won't do it.""

see? Go to church instead of a Prodigy gig! it will make you happier.

"Finally, angry music is always attractive to "pressure-cooker" kids. "Fuel the Fire" could become an anthem for kids who visualize their parents, teachers, and other adults while singing along. It's easy to turn off their music. It's hard to take hints from the music that something more must be done in order to turn off their anger."

So, this was just some excerpts from the worst ever article I have read about The Prodigy. You can find the full thing here:

http://www.cpyu.org/news/97fallh.html

And, sorry, I really couldn't resist to put this up. Hope you all enjoyed.

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