Friday, April 12, 2013

Do You Realize?? ...

...that Oklahoma claimed The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize" as the state's "official rock song" four years ago? Not a bad choice, in my opinion. The people of Oklahoma voted on the song back in March of 2009 on oklahomarocksong.org, and "Do You Realize??" won over songs by Elvis Presley, Wanda Jackson and The Call. The Senate then passed it as the official rock song of Oklahoma.

However, this year the Lips' jam wasn't approved for renewal. Governor Mary Fallin denied the song this year because the band's bassist, Michael Ivins sported a t-shirt with the hammer and sickle symbol of communism on it.

This picture makes me feel weird for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Ivins is wearing sunglasses indoors while proudly showing off his communist shirt at the Capitol. This causes for a bit of an awkward photo op. Secondly, a seemingly random woman is in the background of the photo screaming/crying inexplicably, furthering the uncomfortable situation. Interesting.

I digress. According to Pitchfork, the official rock song of Oklahoma was not something Governor Fallin wanted to be bothered with, and she decided to "go against the will of the people."




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