Oh yeah, between Poland and the US, he was adored and as you say, still is to some… His visit to Poland in (when was it? 87 or 88? earlier than that?) was considered a key moment in the downfall of communism, but let’s face it, Solidarity was far more critical to the end of communism in Poland and the Eastern Bloc more generally…
Also, I love the part of the story where the picture she ripped up was her mothers… Jesus, so much packed in that one act.
Oh yeah, I remember going to see the Soviet Union play in Lansdowne Road against Ireland (they’d a fantastic team at time - I’ll cut the reminiscence to that) and there was a block of Polish people with a large Solidarity banner in the upper stand who stood up and chanted “SOL Y DAR NOSH” loudly in any break in the play to much cheering.
Great times. Because you felt they were brave to do it.
Indeed. I recently was reading a book on punks in East Germany, and many of them worked with Polish punks in support of solidarity, often risking arrest on the way between the two countries. They’d plan shows in support, and while the shows were technically legal, the flyers could be confiscated for stating support for solidarity.
It’s really interesting to think about how much resistance to tyranny in the Eastern bloc ended up being played out on the cultural field, both at home and abroad.
I was watching this film, a kind of inaccurate reimagining of the life of Viktor Tsoi, the other year and they had graphics scrawled over a scene of public rebellious behaviour “this didn’t really happen”. It was like the public displays of brattish rebellion were not allowed in the Soviet Union. You had to be more subtle.
I enjoyed the movie and also one that he starred in shortly before he died. Just as an artefact from an impossible time. Very 80s, but very different.
Oh! Looks interesting. I’ll check it out sometime soon!
Joy Oladokun is jaw-droppingly amazing. Check this out and then check out her repertoire.
You are so correct now a days you only earn real money from touring. 
Jocie Denae Official
That’s always been the case, though. Go look at what punk bands were doing in the 80s to make ends meet, almost any money they made came from touring and merch sales at shows. It’s always been the case that only a thin strata of artists make money on sales, in part due to how the contracts are written and based on who owns the right to the IP associated with an artist. Khan (and Amanda Palmer and others who managed to create a dedicated fanbase over the years) are arguing that platforms such as patreon can also be effective for sustaining artistic work. But then again, you need to build that fan base, and that generally happens via touring… Although maybe someone like Lil Nas X is pointing to a new possibility for young artists, harnessing the power of social media without the backing of a label.
Then again, we’ve seen how the majors react to any sort of alternative to horning in on their dominance of the music marketplace.
Current “background groove while working” music:
Ethio-jazz
I caught a taxi a few days ago where this type of music was being played. We have a lot of Ethiopian drivers here.
It was a groovy ride!
Hailu Mergia was, iirc, working as a taxi driver when he was connected with the music which was being encountered and appreciated in a new context.
I love the way that ethio jazz has so obviously influenced many contemporary jazz musicians. Ethiopia has just such a huge cultural influence right now.
Gonna listen to this in a bit!
I’m dying to know what the stupid question was…
Also… 
Also, also… I’m trying to post a link to this weeks’ Sound Opinions, as they interviewed Merrill Garbus from Tune-yards… I think they’re page is borked, tho.
I’m guessing, “Is this THEE Tom’s Diner? You know, the Suzanne Vega one?”
