Home » , , , , , » A Controversial Tracklist, An Awesome One, And A Terrible One

A Controversial Tracklist, An Awesome One, And A Terrible One

Written By mista sense on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 | 9:09 AM


Keeping up with blog topics is almost as difficult as keeping up with games. There are a couple things I want to write about before they get away from me, as most everything else is -- and I will. Soon. But for now, just a couple of quick notes.

Controversial: Stephen Totilo spoke to Toumani Diabate, the Malian musician behind the song that got LittleBigPlanet pulled (but not before I got it here in the 'hood when they broke street, nyah!). Fascinating article -- not only does Diabate explain his intentions behind putting the words in his music, but the record label discusses the context for the Koran words in his song. Beliefnet editor Dilshad Ali and Council on American-Islamic Relations spokesperson Ibrahim Hooper also weigh in on why, precisely, the song might offend Muslims. Interesting stuff.

"I could see Christians or Jews objecting if verses from the Bible were used in a similar way,” Hooper told Totilo. I puzzled over this a little, because I'm not so sure that's the case, at least not in any kind of broad way here. Quoting the Bible casually has become a part of American culture, even for the non-religious, and plenty of pop songs have biblical references, even direct quotes.

I remember people getting worked up over Madonna's Like A Prayer video, but I believe that's because she was burning crosses in it, right? I don't really remember.

Anyway, these are cultural/religious values clearly different than the ones with which I was raised, but it sounds like the spokespeople Totilo talked to appreciate Sony's decision to remove the song and avoid offending anyone.

Second, a couple of the reviews I've worked on recently are up at Variety.

Awesome: Not having a huge affinity for car games, to say the least, I'm surprised at how much I like Midnight Club: Los Angeles. I enjoy playing it and keep squeezing in race time between work and dinner. The real kicker is that I liked the multiplayer. If you've been reading this blog, you know I'm never into multiplayer and actively avoid it when I can. It's why I rarely give out my gamertag -- I get nervous shooting, driving, or doing anything skill-based in front of other people. Still, if you pick up this game, email me your gamertag so I can add you to my friends and play MCLA with you. Just don't expect greatness!

One thing I'm kicking myself for neglecting to mention in the review is how hawt the soundtrack is. I mean, you know Rockstar can sure pick music, but still.

Terrible: On the flip side, I did not like Rock Revolution. Like, at all.

Blog Archive

Popular Posts

Ad

a4ad5535b0e54cd2cfc87d25d937e2e18982e9df

Ad