Vintage Microphone
Vintage Microphone
 |
 Vintage Microphone Stromberg Carlson Mod MC41 50s Era $150.00 Time Remaining: 37m |
 Vintage Shure Microphone Cable Shure 51 55 55s Mic 3 Pin Connector to XLR $38.95 Time Remaining: 26d 8m Buy It Now for only: $38.95 |
 SHURE VINTAGE MODEL 245 UNIPLEX MICROPHONE RARE $164.95 Time Remaining: 58m Buy It Now for only: $189.95 |
 4 Pin Vintage Microphone Cable For EV 664 Other EV Mics Shure 545 XLR $38.95 Time Remaining: 26d 12h 40m Buy It Now for only: $38.95 |
 Vintage Shure 540 Omnidirectional Sonodyne II microphone $75.00 Time Remaining: 1h 38m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 VINTAGE APEX HANDHELD MICROPHONE APEX 242 $13.50 Time Remaining: 2h 17m |
 Vintage Shure 55 fatboy microphone stand great mic base $34.00 Time Remaining: 3d 55m Buy It Now for only: $34.00 |
 SENNHEISER MD 46 MIC w CASE 20FT VTG LOW NOISE CABLE NEUTRIK XLR3F TO 1 4IN $169.00 Time Remaining: 2h 22m Buy It Now for only: $200.00 |
 Vintage 4 Pin Microphone Cable EV 664 Shure 545 Mic to 1 4 Plug $38.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 27m Buy It Now for only: $38.95 |
 3 Vintage Microphones Astatic Stromberg Carlson and not sure on the last one $133.71 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 25m |
 VINTAGE ASTATIC MODEL 200 S MICROPHONE WITH STAND CORD GOLD FINISH $11.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 31m |
 Vintage MC4M 4 pin to XLR Microphone Cord Mic Cable $39.99 Time Remaining: 25d 6h 6m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 Vintage Astatic Microphone $10.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 42m |
 UHER M514 Microphone for the vintage UHER 4000 REPORTER L Reel Reel Recorder $9.00 Time Remaining: 4h 3m |
 Vintage Shure 55 fatboy microphone base great mic stand $36.00 Time Remaining: 3h Buy It Now for only: $36.00 |
 SHURE PE54 Unidyne III vintage microphone 545S w o Lo Z ability w accessories $50.00 Time Remaining: 4h 11m Buy It Now for only: $70.00 |
 BEYER BEYERDYNAMIC M88 VINTAGE DYNAMIC CARDIOID MICROPHONE INCLUDING XLR CABLE $346.50 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 56m Buy It Now for only: $346.50 |
 VINTAGE RCA 74 B MICROPHONE RE RIBBONED BY WES DOOLEY $350.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 29m |
 VINTAGE SHURE 315 RIBBON MICROPHONE RE RIBBONED BY WES DOOLEY $350.00 Time Remaining: 4h 38m |
 American M 2 U LO Z Microphone Vintage great fro Guitar Harmonica D 4T $74.99 Time Remaining: 28d 20h 45m Buy It Now for only: $74.99 |
 Vintage electrovoice hiz microphone type 630 $25.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 48m |
 VINTAGE ASTATIC MODEL 335L 19 MICROPHONE $5.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5h 52m |
 Switchcraft 332A 5 8 1 4 Microphone Adapter for Vintage Harmonica Harp Mic JT 30 $12.99 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 53m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 EARLY VINTAGE UNIVERSAL MICROPHONE BB 2173X INGELWOOD CALIFORNIA LOOK $102.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6h |
 Vintage Harmonica Microphone Cord Cable Harp Mic JT 30 $26.99 Time Remaining: 5d 6h 5m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 PHILIPS VINTAGE MICROPHONE $27.00 Time Remaining: 6h 10m |
 GRUNDIG VINTAGE MICROPHONE NEW IN BOX $27.00 Time Remaining: 6h 11m |
 AKG D20 RARE VINTAGE DYNAMIC MICROPHONE INCLUDING XLR CABLE SAME CAPSULE AS D12 $769.23 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 36m Buy It Now for only: $769.23 |
 Neumann KMi85 KM85i Vintage Condenser Microphone $500.00 Time Remaining: 6h 27m |
 Microphone Cable Vintage Astatic T3 D104 HN Harp Mics 3 Pin Female to 1 4 Plug $39.95 Time Remaining: 1d 24m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 VINTAGE EV ELECTRO VOICE MODEL RE15 DYNAMIC CARDIOID MICROPHONE $51.99 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 11m |
 Vintage Shure PE588 Microphone XLR HandHeld $100.00 Time Remaining: 8h 32m |
 BEYER BEYERDYNAMIC M88 VINTAGE DYNAMIC CARDIOID MICROPHONE WITH XLR CONNECTOR $422.73 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 54m Buy It Now for only: $422.73 |
 Vintage and Rare Astatic 77a Microphone Elvis MicFree Priority Shipping $150.00 Time Remaining: 8h 40m Buy It Now for only: $165.00 |
 Vintage Altec Lansing Slim 18 Goose Neck Condenser Cardioid Microphone Mic $189.99 Time Remaining: 9h 50m |
 Vintage Electro Voice Cardyne I Model 726 B 2164 Microphone + New Cable Works $149.99 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 20m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 VINTAGE 1920s OLD AMERICAN CARBON SPRING DOUBLE BUTTON MICROPHONE MATCHING STAND $152.75 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 17m |
 AKG TELEFUNKEN D19B200 VINTAGE DYNAMIC MICROPHONE WITH ORIGINAL CASE XLR CABLE $599.00 Time Remaining: 29d 18h 25m Buy It Now for only: $599.00 |
 VINTAGE 1940s MACHINE AGE RCA ART DECO OLD HARP MICROPHONE RED MEATBALL LOGO $102.50 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 22m |
 VINTAGE 1940s CB HAM RADIO SHURE MID CENTURY MACHINE AGE MODERNISTIC MICROPHONE $64.98 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 25m |
 BEYER BEYERDYNAMIC M260 VINTAGE CARDIOID RIBBON MICROPHONE INCLUDING XLR CABLE $268.73 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 48m Buy It Now for only: $268.73 |
 VINTAGE 1960s MODERNISTIC LAFAYETTE ART DECO MID CENTURY OLD CHROME MICROPHONE $122.50 (24 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 29m |
 VINTAGE 1940s SHURE MID CENTURY ART DECO MACHINE AGE OLD CB HAM RADIO MICROPHONE $84.01 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 34m |
 VINTAGE MICROPHONE STAND FOR 1950s SHURE 55 ELVIS MICROPHONE NOT INCLUDED $109.00 Time Remaining: 27d 39m Buy It Now for only: $109.00 |
 VINTAGE SHURE STREAMLINED ART DECO MACHINE AGE MID CENTURY BULLET MICROPHONE $100.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 38m |
 Microphone Cable For Vintage Shure 51 55 55s Mics 3 Pin Shure to 1 4 Male Plug $38.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 38m Buy It Now for only: $38.95 |
 Vintage Turner Challenger Harp Microphone Works Great 5 DAY Auction $124.99 Time Remaining: 11h 40m |
 Vintage Electro Voice Dynamic Cardioid Micrphone Model 664 $29.99 Time Remaining: 11h 41m |
 NEUMANN VINTAGE GERMAN DYNAMIC MICROPHONE INCLUDING ATTACHED XLR CABLE $114.73 Time Remaining: 16d 5h 3m Buy It Now for only: $114.73 |
 VINTAGE 1950s OLD ELECTRO VOICE JET AGE CHROME TURBINE MICROPHONE $78.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 42m |
|
|
Audio-Technica At4047 Condenser Microphone $699 The Audio-Technics AT4047 Condenser Microphone is designed for professional recording and critical applications in broadcast and live sound. Transformer-coupled output and a specially tuned element provide sonic characteristics reminiscent of early FET studio mic designs. The AT4047 mic has exceptionally low self-noise, wide dynamic range and high SPL capability. It sports a vintage silver-matte finish on the microphone and shock mount. Audio-Technica includes a protective case and AT8449/SV shock mount with the AT4047 microphone. Requires phantom power.Gold-plated, specially contoured and aged, dual-diaphragms Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Includes AT8449/SV shockmount |
|
|
Mxl V900 Stage And Studio Condenser Microphone $149.99 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power.Gold-sputtered, vintage modeled diaphragmLow-noise solid state preampEasy-to-move swivel mount attaches to any mic standIncludes 25' Mogami microphone cable & aluminum carrying caseWired with Mogami cable |
|
|
Used Mxl V900 Stage And Studio Condenser Microphone $136.49 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power.Gold-sputtered, vintage modeled diaphragmLow-noise solid state preampEasy-to-move swivel mount attaches to any mic standIncludes 25' Mogami microphone cable & aluminum carrying caseWired with Mogami cable |
|
|
Audio-Technica At4060 Tube Microphone $1349 The Audio-Technica AT4060 Tube Microphone combines advanced engineering with vintage tube technology. You get valve sound with the performance and versatility required by the most demanding studio applications. The AT4060 mic's superior dynamic range, low noise, and high SPL capability make it a premier vocal microphone. And whether recording soft string sections or screaming guitars, the Audio-Technica AT4060s output is always clear and consistent, lush and uncolored. Each tube is hand-selected, aged, and individually tested to ensure peak performance. Dual gold-vaporized, large-diaphragm elements provide extended frequency response. In every respect, the AT4060 microphone continues the tradition of excellence established by the critically acclaimed 40 series mics. Audio-Technica includes power supply, shockmount, cable for connecting mic to power supply, AC power cable, rackmount adapters for power supply, and protective carrying case with the AT4060 Tube Microphone. Requires phantom power. |
|
|
MXL V900 Stage and Studio Condenser Microphone $199.99 The MXL V900 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is as comfortable to use and as effective on stage as it is in the studio. The heavy duty custom grille assembly has been carefully tuned to optimize the MXL V900 microphone's premium condenser element. Internally shock mounted, the MXL V900 mic has a unique stand mounting design that isolates vibration and reduces handling noise. The MXL V900 microphone has a classic, vintage look that will complement your performance and stage presence. The MXL V900 is a Class A microphone designed to exhibit a wide dynamic range and a low noise floor. The MXL V900 is also a perfect microphone for digital recording.Requires phantom power. |
|
|
Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone $2457 The Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone shares the same electronic attributes as the Gold Reference Series, but has a center-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold sputtered diaphragm. With similar film thickness and construction; high frequency resonance (a little edge); proximity effect; and pretty good immunity from pops and sibilance problems, the Reference Cardioid more closely recalls how many of the vintage European tube mics such as the beloved U47 sounded like when they were new.The Manley mic's rich tonal balance and liquid character is consistently admired for instruments such as guitars, drum overheads, saxophone, and especially vocals. With your present mic, if you find yourself leaning on your compressors and boosting 5 or 10K to score a bit more testosterone, then the Reference Cardioid just might be the mic you're looking for. If you seem to be constantly boosting 12-18K and trying to get a clean, intimate sound, then the Reference Gold is definitely a safe bet.A proven hit-maker, the Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone was used to record all the vocals for Britney Spears, N'Sync, and The Backstreet Boys. |
|
|
Shure 55Sh Series Ii Microphone $179 An unmistakable stage icon for 70 years, the Shure 55SH Series II Unidyne Vocal Microphone features a signature satin chrome-plated die-cast casing for pure vintage look and feel with modern acoustic components to meet today's performance standards. This microphone is excellent for vocal pickup with its characteristic Shure presence peak.The 55SH Series II microphone has a cardioid (unidirectional) polar pickup pattern that minimizes sound pickup from the rear of the microphone. This allows the Model 55SH Series II to be used in close proximity to loudspeakers without creating feedback problems, and it can perform under adverse acoustic conditions where omnidirectional microphones cannot.The 55SH Series II has a low-impedance balanced output designed for connection to microphone inputs rated at 75 to 300 ohms. The microphone features a cartridge shockmount to reduce stand noise, an On/Off switch, and an attached, self-tensioning, 5/8"-27 thread swivel mount. This microphone is ideal for public address or theater-stage sound systems, as well as for broadcasting, recording, and other sound applications where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic look is desirable.Classic appearance, modern performanceFrequency response tailored for speech, vocals and instrumental musicCardioid directional pattern for optimum performance in adverse acoustic environmentsShock-mounted cartridge minimizes stand-transmitted noise, ensures quiet operationRugged chrome-plated die-cast casing and mechanical design for reliability under rigorous conditionsSelf-tensioning swivel mount, permits tilting through 45 forward and 80 backward |
|
|
Blue Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone $999.99 The Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone from Blue consists of a Class A discrete mic amp perfectly chosen to match the single pattern, cardioid, hand-built, large diaphragm capsule. The mic capsule has been tuned to provide a silky-bright and airy top end reminiscent of the best vintage microphones. The result is a recorded signal such as a vocal, minus unwanted low end resonance that can cause a compressor to breathe or pump, or a vocal or instrument track that sits and blends with the basic tracks of recorded program material.Requires phantom power. |
|
|
Shure Super 55 Dynamic Microphone $249 The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone features a signature satin chrome-plated die-cast casing, supercardioid polar pattern, vibrant blue foam behind the grille, and tailored frequency response for natural vocals and speech. An integrated, swivel stand mount is included.The combination of updates make the Super 55 the ideal choice when looking for a dramaticyet affordableimprovement in sound quality with an unmistakable vintage design. It's great for stage, studio recording, podcasting, and other sound applications where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic look is desired.Supercardioid polar patternIconic chrome-plated design with vibrant blue color additionsTailored frequency response for natural vocals and speechHigh gain-before-feedback and excellent off-axis rejectionShock-mounted cartridge minimizes handling noise and ensures quiet operationRugged die-cast casing for reliability under rigorous conditionsSelf-tensioning swivel mount, permits tilting through 45 degrees forward and 80 degrees backward |
|
|
Blue Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone $999 The Woodpecker Active Ribbon Microphone from Blue is one of the most interesting and beautiful microphones you'll ever lay eyes or ears on. With a stunning exotic wood finish and unique active circuitry, beneath its gorgeous exterior, the Woodpecker is a precision-crafted recording tool. Combines the low noise and superb detail of Blue's renowned Class-A discrete handmade electronics with the bold sound of a hand-tuned aluminum ribbon pressure-gradient transducer. The Woodpecker microphone was designed to provide the smooth, intimate sound associated with the most sought-after vintage ribbon microphones. With its focused mid-range, and outstanding bass response, the Woodpecker mic captures the essence of any recorded sound. It also excels at ambient recording and capturing room tone with the most intimate detail — whether for rock drums, guitars or vocals — any application where some natural space in the recording is desired. Usually, ribbon mics require preamps with at least 60-70dB of gain. Not so with the Woodpecker. Its active design allows you to use it with any preamp, so you don't have to replace yours in order to have the acknowledged musicality of a ribbon transducer. The Woodpecker microphone package includes a custom made, solid brass shockmount and wood storage box. |
 |
Woodees IESW100V Vintage Noise Isolating Earphones with 3 Button Microphone (Sunburst) List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: Too low to display  |
|
The Woodees Vintage Noise Isolating Earphones with Microphone feature the warm rich sound of wood, an iconic Sunburst finish, a retro guitar style cord, and a 3 button digital microphone that supports iPhone/iPad/iPod control (VOL+, VOL-, ANSWER/PLAY/PAUSE/SKIP+/SKIP-). |
 |
Nady PCM-200 Professional Classic Dynamic Condenser Microphone, Cardioid List Price: $109.99 Sale Price: $69.50 |
|
The Nady PCM-200 is a beautiful professional microphone with a classic style for any environment. The high-output dynamic cartridge produces big, powerful sound every time. Designed with a cardioids pickup pattern, which reduces feedback during live applications, you can rest assured you will be heard ... |
 |
Shure 55SH Series II Iconic Unidyne Vocal Microphone (The Elvis Microphone) List Price: $284.84 Sale Price: $155.00 Used From: $140.00 |
|
The classic look and feel from the 50's and 60's Shure's Unidyne II mic has been updated in the 55SH Series II. This is a cardiod dynamic mic designed for vocal reproduction. A nostalgic reproduction, this model has modern performance characteristics, like 50-15,000 Hz frequency response... |
 |
Blue Microphones Radius Microphone Shock Mount List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $69.00 |
|
The Radius is a vintage-style suspension mount designed to isolate the microphone body from ambient vibration when mounted on a mic stand. The Radius works with Blue’s Yeti and Yeti Pro microphone, as well as virtually any mic with a standard thread mount. |
 |
COSMOS ® Silver Retro Classic Elvis Style Mini 3.5mm Flexible Microphone Mic for PC Macbook pro/Laptop/PC/Desktop computers/Skype/VOIP/MSN/Yahoo + Cosmos cable tie List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $11.99 |
|
50's Old School Retro Microphone On your PC desktop! High sensitivity & Noise Cancelling Condition: Brand New Connectivity: Wired Cord Length: 2.5m Material : ABS Plastic interface: Analog (3.5mm Jack)... |
 |
Blue Microphones Ringer Universal Shockmount for Ball Microphones List Price: $59.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $35.00 |
|
The Ringer is a custom designed shockmount for Blue's complete line of spherical microphones; the ball, the 8-ball, the kickball, and snowball. The Ringer features a vintage-style suspension mount design to isolate the microphone body from low-frequency energy when mounted on a microphone stand... |
 |
Placid Audio Copperphone Harmonica Mini Vintage Effect Microphone Sale Price: $299.00 |
|
The Copperphone Harmonica Mini was originally designed for harmonica players as a hand held alternative to the Copperphone. It does have a similar nostalgic character to the sound because it operates within a limited bandwidth (please listen to the provided sound samples)... |
 |
Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone (Chrome) List Price: $300.00 Sale Price: $187.99 |
|
The Shure Super 55 Deluxe Dynamic Vocal Microphone combines the vintage design of the original, with a stunning upgrade in audio performance for a contemporary take to an unmistakable stage icon. The Shure Super 55 features a signature satin chrome-plated die-cast casing, vibrant blue foam, and tailored frequency response for natural vocals and speech... |
 |
MXL MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $59.00 Used From: $57.98 |
|
The MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount has a silky, sweet high end while retaining tight, solid low and midrange reproduction. The 3/4" gold-sputtered diaphragm creates a professional sound suited for digital and analog recording... |
 |
Nady PCM-100 Professional Classic-style Condenser Microphone List Price: $82.99 Sale Price: $69.44 |
|
Nady PCM-100 Condenser Microphone PCM100 Microphones |
Barack Obama and the Indie Rock Constituency
Yesterday was Super Tuesday, the largest to date with 24 states holding primaries or caucuses on the same day. In a year that’s probably seen more musicians come out to raise their voice on behalf of a presidential candidate, the question we want to explore here is: Do musicians backing a political candidate have an impact on a voter’s choice?
For as long as anyone can remember, those with even an ounce of status as an artist tend to weigh in and in some instances even raise money for their chosen delegate’s campaign. We, the general public, have in some ways come to trust their opinions. And why not? We spend courtesy of http://kerry.senate.govenough of our money and time being their devoted fans, hanging on to every note and word that pours out from them. And it’s nothing new for a band to express political views in their music. Contrary to what conservatives think, rock music isn’t merely a vacuum of escapism from the real world, it has the ability to create a culture surrounding politics, albeit an oftentimes insular one. We have Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bono, the Dixie Chicks, and Bruce Springsteen, but really there are countless other musicians working in a more underground way to effect change, not to mention the entire genre of punk rock which typically takes on political issues before musicality. And for some, like Washington DC’s own outspoken band, Fugazi, voicing their opinions both on and off the record, as it were, is equally important to who and what they are. But where did it all begin?
It can most likely be traced back earlier, but Beethoven’s third symphony was originally called “Bonaparte” due to his admiration of ideals set forth during the French Revolution. Then, upon Napoleon crowning himself emperor in 1804, Beethoven was so put off by that act of egotism that he rescinded the dedication and renamed the symphony “Heroic Symphony, Composed to Celebrate the Memory of a Great Man.”
In the more recent past, as rock ‘n’ roll is really only in its infancy, we’ve really seen musicians get politically active. What about Nixon getting elected twice during the height of the hippie movement in the late '60s/early '70s? This era particularly showed the power rock music could have on the younger demographic, and yet it did not change who was elected during that time. At the Hollywood Palladium in 1984, the Clash rallied for five nights against Reagan and Thatcher. But, alas, Reagan was re-elected. Alt-rock sage Michael Stipe of R.E.M. was a huge advocate of Dukakis, who in the courtesy of http://remhq.comend got bupkis. Springsteen’s music has evolved from personal stories of the common man to darkened tales of the demise of America. The Rising Tour anyone? And yet, the horror of the Bush family/administration lived on despite his efforts to change it. And, in 2004, when it was nearly impossible to exaggerate the importance of the presidential election, for us and the rest of the world, we saw musicians come out in droves in support of John Kerry with the Vote for Change Tour, not to mention countless other events featuring musicians getting political for the cause. It was probably the most outspoken musicians had been up until that point during an election. While those were inspiring times, we remember all too well what resulted because we’re currently still living with it. Could it be that a musician’s involvement in politics makes a lot of noise but signifies really nothing at all? Or could it be that it has the unintended, inverse impact, which invites conservatives to rail against them and preach "family values?" When considering what musicians like Springsteen sing about in their music, there exists great irony to how things have played out time and again.
For the most part, musicians identify with the Democratic Party. Interestingly, this works both ways. Rock music is an everyman activity and is used as a tool to aid in making these candidates appear less like a robot stiff. Some politicians throw the opening pitch at a big league baseball game, others choose to rock (or rap, ugh). Jimmy Carter quoted Dylan when he accepted the Democratic nomination in 1976, and Bill Clinton made Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” his 1992’s campaign theme song, which sparked the band’s reunion at his inauguration party. But, generally, it appears that musicians are mostly asking folks to do their homework and use their own brain to make an informed choice. Otherwise, it’s likely they’re either preaching to the choir or alienating those who can think for themselves. But there's an important thing to consider about all of this. Although they have every right to stand up for what they believe in, political involvement by musicians for a presidential election can be worthless if it's not well thought out.
Take for instance, Monday night’s show at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC called “Barack Rock,” which was put on by the politically-biased website Getupandvote.com. The show featured OK Go, Nina Persson of the Cardigans, and Craig Wedren and Nathan Larson from Shudder to Think, and was hosted by the likes of Michael Ian Black. If there’s one thing that’ll band together young rocker types, it is disillusionment and comedy. This is all well and good; except for the fact that it wasn't a fundraiser for Obama—tickets were $20 a pop, not cheap, and where the money is going is unclear. But that’s not the bad part, really. It’s the mixed message they’re sending. Although they’re pushing for a candidate, as suggested by the name of the event, their website claims “it will be neither preachy nor didactic, but a clear, inspiring reminder for viewers and listeners to get off their asses and vote.” For $20 you can have a ball and be reminded by the following morning’s hangover that you’re supposed to get out of bed and vote, preferably for Obama, although so long as you’re voting, it’s cool…like whatever, man. This isn’t exactly an exercise in righteous indignation for making a difference. I mean, take a fucking stand on the matter. Or else, so much for the days when rock ‘n’ roll looked people in the eye and forced some kind of response.
Speaking of, remember when Eddie Vedder impaled a mask of the president on a microphone stand during concerts? Now that was obviously disrespectful, but it was at least very clear how he felt about things. Not whatever, man. Who else is going to drive a point home like that if not a musician in a rock band? Maybe, photo by Chris Sweda for Chicago-Sun Timesjust maybe, that Susan Sarandon broad might have it in her. But do you think Vedder was saddened by the fact that his pro-Bush fans were offended by him impaling that mask? Hell no!
But, back to this year’s democratic delegates. Once a presidential hopeful goes where the voters are and figures out what makes them tick, it’s also been said that victory goes to the more likable candidate. Hillary Clinton isn’t getting on with the rocker types too well, I can tell you that much, even though it’s been reported that she’s seen support from Elvis Costello and Timbaland. Perhaps she should pick a campaign song by someone other than Celine Dion? Now, the epitome of indie rock mainstream (and yes, I just wrote "indie rock mainstream") Conor Oberst was the opening act at Obama’s rally in Iowa. There we go, now we’re talking. Obama, or Ba-Rock—as tagged by series of concerts to mobilize young voters with members of Wilco in tow—is gaining support from the indie rock community by the day and gaining ground on Hillary in the primaries by the day as well. Are the two things mutually exclusive? Hard to tell, but indie rock (if you don’t know what it is exactly, please refer to your newly purchased Juno soundtrack) has headlined in various places as being Obama’s secret weapon. Indie rock is like the new swing vote in the Democratic primaries.
In an article published in Newsweek, the writer reported that “On Friday, Dec. 7 in Chicago, Wilco captured the crucial ‘indie rock’ constituency for Obama. John Edwards may have Bonnie Raitt. Hillary Clinton may have Celine Dion. But Barack has the MacBook-tanned mp3 bloggers in skinny jeans and vintage t-shirts. And as they go, so goes the nation.” The writer also immediately shot this sentiment in the foot by noting that Jill “I Kissed a Girl” Sobule and that dude from Third Eye Blind also performed at the event. However, there’s still a fair amount of validity to the matter when Newsweek reports that the indie rock community is a “crucial,” what, constituency was it? So maybe we shouldn’t shrug apathetically at our computer screens when our RSS feed explodes with news that Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler spoke out on his blog, both criticizing Hillary Clinton and backing Obama. It appeared to be actual news that Butler said, “Do we live in a democracy so we can just keep electing the same families?” A good point, though not necessarily a new one, which was followed by an f-bomb with several exclamation points. I think Butler could do better. Impaling stuff with a microphone stands comes to mind. But perhaps the point here is not so much the power of indie rock itself, but the power the internet and indie rock have to reach the 18-25 year old demographic, and reach them consistently at that. In 1968 you'd have to wait a month for Rolling Stone to come out. Now young adults can access immediately when and where and why Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy courtesy Rough Trade Recordschose to side with Obama.
During this past Sunday’s Superbowl, Obama ran an ad that aired in about 20 states, as it was funded on a state-by-state basis (and cost $250,000 instead of a national ad which costs $2.5 million), aimed at a younger demographic as it featured shots of young folks in the crowd cheering Obama on while also playing the music of Dan Zweben. Never heard of him and I followed up on this… Zweben only has approximately 2,000 friends on MySpace. Not exactly Fleetwood Mac status or anything like it, but pretty interesting that I was actually introduced to a new musician through a commercial for a presidential hopeful. Nicely played, Ba-Rock.
What it comes down to is the drawing of a line in the sand. And that is probably what the rock community at large respects about Barack Obama. He’ll tell you that he did a little of the ol' Dr. Zhivago back in the day and is currently still at the mercy of nicotine gum. He easily admits that he's human with faults and foibles and probably a real fuck up from time to time, but that doesn’t keep him from doing his job and doing it well. This earns him respect and makes him infinitely more likeable, especially amongst a crowd of young voters who tend to embrace the awkward and emotionally damaged. I'm not knocking that either... I think it's perfectly healthy. Besides, when did anyone ever like someone who goes around pretending like they’re perfect? And what is rock music if not a place where we can openly contend with all the things in life that make us human?
We like our music defined in this way. It's good to know where everyone stands. So, yes, I’m completely fine and even encouraging of musicians getting up and voicing their opinions on political matters so long as their message isn't lukewarm or wishy-washy. If the message being preached can heighten political awareness and energize young voters, a positive impact will have taken place. Still, the end of their means is in question. The results of the intended impact has yet to be seen (as I sit here writing this), and history thus far doesn’t bode well in terms of how much muscle musicians can provide in getting folks out to the voting polls to make a difference for change. And yet, it’s not a very long history to consider. This new idea that the rock community is a significant group to win over might actually have some legs to stand on this time around. In the end, as the anxiety of who will become president in 2008 reigns supreme, one thing is certain: we’re being entertained and perhaps even comforted by the music as we wait.
About the Author