Popular music affects mood and behavior. Test my thesis out by repeatedly listening to Morrissey's "Everyday Is Like Sunday." Take a break, and then do the same with The Beatles' "Hello, Goodbye." Notice a change?

In my inaugural post on TownHall.com's C-Log, I explore the possibilities of why a deranged fan shot-up a Damageplan concert last week rather than, say, a Jessica Simpson or Usher performance. Is it so radical to entertain the notion that monomaniacally listening to lyrics that obsess over murder, drugs, venereal disease, rape, and other dark subjects might serve as an influence for a weak-minded fan to engage in dark acts?

Well this is an old issue. Frank Zappa dealt with this issue of music and lyrics affecting people but never with death connected to him though. Judas Priest dealt with this issue when someone killed themselves over a Priest song or that is what the prosecution alleged. I would say it is radical to legislate or control music that one feels is potentially dangerous based on subjective data. While Pantera's music is threatning to many and is very aggressive, I feel it is expression and largely for money. There has never been an occasion where someone proved that lyrics had the ability to control someone. The PMRC never achieved this goal. Dr. God ahem excuse me...frm. Surgeon General Everett Koop never proved it. Because yours truly and Daniel J. Flynn have not committed any horrible acts due to music, the music is incapable of accomplishing anything because we have listened to plenty of it or else neither of us would of commented on this tricky issue. Thus I conclude that the responsiblity of Gale and anyone else lies in your own hands. The alternative is Liberal, right conservatives? If neither of us Flynn Files fans are incapable of hurting anyone based on the body of work of Pantara then they fail at proporting any malfeacence. Gale was a messed up SOB. End of story. There will always be mentally ill individuals. Blaming it on Liberal Arts or other is pure 100% denial. Regardless of the content of music, you have the ultimate control. That's it from this dude.

Fire, I do agree with your post, however it is hard for me to believe that Pantera created songs with the sole purpose being money related. A band starting out doesn't honestly believe that writing songs about death, molestation,rape,etc,etc, is going to be the straw that breaks the camels back when it comes to making good music or money for that matter. It is the group that has the most lyrical talent with the supporting members around them who make it in the business. As for the crazy's who try and blame murder or suicide on song lyrics thats on them, I know if I had a child who killed themselves after listing to a song, I would not be quick to blame it on the song or any influence the band or singer tried to persuade one into thinking but look at myself and look outside the circle of blame before pointing fingers. Today people dont want to look at themselves before pointing the finger at the real culprit, the parents or the person who commits these acts of insanity.

To be honest I am unsure exactly where I come down on this issue, but anyone who believes
that Thin Lizzy is the best band to come out of Ireland, should not be taken seriously. However, I am sure that firebrand is 100% dork.

I think "weak minded" is the important factor here. By the same token, those who do not have the intelligence to discriminate should not listent to NPR or read the Boston Globe.

In my opinion, the best music is that which expresses the negative emotions. Even for those of us who, more or less, lead supremely happy lives, negatively charged music (books, film) provide something needed (cf. Nietzsche on tragedy). No doubt it can be taken to an extreme. There is a significant difference between listening to Zeppelin in your car, and listening to Slayer for hours on end.

Hey Dennis I like Thin Lizzy's style of music and Lynott was underrated. That's why I'm biased. Name me some great musical acts to come out of Ireland. If I am 100% dork for my opinion on Lizzy then would someone who preferred say the popular and commercial U2 be 100% yuppie?

Hey fireballs: The Pogues, Van Morrison, The Waterboys, The Boomtown Rats, Sinead O'Connor, The Cranberries and Hothouse Flowers to name a few. U2 of course may be the best band of any country. And firebond just because a band is extremely popular, that doesn't mean they are no longer a rock band or that they sold out. Is U2 in there prime of course not, is Thin Lizzy? I'd venture to say they couldn't sell out a High school auditorium. Firebrand you were in over your head on this topic. Firebrand you are extinguished.

Dennis how old are you? Dork, firebond, fireballs? You argue like a liberal or at least based on the holy testimony of Ann Coulter it seems like you are in the 3rd grade. Liberals and 3rd graders are the same are they not? Seems strange to see this kind of language and argument on a site like flynnfiles. Besides, this is all about my opinion and opinions in general. If that is enough to deem me a dork or any other juvenile name you can come up with then fine. You can also throw a pie at my face when you see me just to finish the job. Recess is over homes. You still didn't answer my question about a U2 fan being a 100% yuppie. I guess true conservatives don't need to bother with the details. It's about the big things right?
Anyway, come to think of it your right Dennis. I thought about this today at work. In comparing "bands", Thin Lizzy was a dysfunctional mess. U2 is a real band. There is nothing more comforting than 20 years of consistancy. They work well with each other. I just find their music boring. Since nobody agrees with me then you must be right. I suppose what I should of said is that Phil Lynott had more talent in his left nut then anyone in U2 or any Irish band. Actually I don't know or have the time or patience to compare and shoot spitballs. I don't really care about who is better. If I had a time machine and could only pick between Thin Lizzy or U2 in their prime for a one-time concert, then the choice is easy. I bet there was nothing like seeing Lynott with his fro and that bass, whaling away in-between the two guitar attack, rocking like crazy instead of the pseudo-cool Edge and Bono with those inspirational sunglasses crooning the affluent.
So I'm I supposed to end now with something cute like, Dennis your a menace?

After reading theses posts, it sounds like fireknob can accept defeat. Please remember this fireclown...when you make a blanket statement on a specific topic make sure you have the facts to back up your argument....your posts are clearly devoid of facts.

Reader Dennis provided more than enough Irish Bands that are better than Thin Lizzy and you decided to dismiss his FACTS. Your not only an idiot but a baby...you can't accept defeat and you whine about things not relevant to your post.

Please hide in a closet and cry...you where abused in these posts and possibly as a child. Nice work firestooge.

Well I made an original comment which was an opinion and Dennis made it personal by calling me a dork which is inappropriate. If I fail because I don't use facts then how does one succeed by using personal and sophomoric tactics? What facts exist that rank bands over one another? Does anyone win or lose? Apparantly I lost because they say so. Instead of garnering some respect from my last post about rethinking my "best band out of Ireland" comment, my handle gets ridiculed even more. This from so-called fact mongers?!?! Comparing bands and listing bands accomplishes nothing more than shooting the breeze over rock. Speaking of Dennis' list, Rory Gallagher should of been mentioned. There's a fine player. But maybe not if I'm over my head with this topic, what do I know? I'm over it. It doesn't matter anymore because in the end its all about the site and how much we respect Flynn and the interesting writings. Isn't that why we come? America is greater than me, Dennis, Feck, Liberals, Conservative hacks, seculars, or anyone else. That's what I'm thankful for this holiday season. Deep down I respect everyone here and their ideas and I look forward to further participating with the comments and sharing ideas. Merry Christmas everyone!

geez even I am empathetic after reading that post! You go Fireballs!!

My post wasn't intended to make you cry fireknob but to bring a few things to your attention. One, use facts to backup or prove you theory and two if you can dish it out you better be able to take it. So stop your whining and start fact checking. There is no crying on Flynnfiles!!!

Firebrand I felt your assesment of U2 and your knowledge of Irish bands was a bit offensive. My response was to factually show that there is little bit more to Irish rock bands than Thin Lizzy. And you are right, these are all just ones opinions. However, for example if somebody claims that Pokey Reese is a better baseball player than A-Rod, my reaction would not be well that's just his opinion. The goading and teasing, although it was funny, it did get a little out of control and I appoligize for that. Firebrand Merry Christmas, and hope to read your future posts. Firebrand you are not extinguished.

Another topic covered and another successful compromise. You need think skin to post on Flynnfiles. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

The bottom line in my OPINION is that somehow, somewhere along the way, instead of appreciating personal taste and preference, cheap shots and name calling tookover. That is unlike all of us. At least that is what I thought in the beginning. This might induce eye rolling but we aren't really like that are we? Its obvious that all of us are passionate about music. We all probably have a vast knowledge of it. I was drunk when I made the original comment about Lizzy and I did it out or respect for them and their music. I allowed my passion and emotion to take a cheap shot at U2 fans by suggesting they are yuppies. Instead of maintaining integrity in the face of being called a dork, I reciprocated. There is no doubt U2 is very talented and they made some powerful records. Bono has always been well spoken and geopolitical. I respect that. And I'm not selling out here or knuckling under, I always believed that and that is what I was trying to say. I was also trying to say that Pantara was about music, having fun, and ya making a living. Capitalism is King in the free world and more power to you. In the face of adversity I was suggesting that they would care about money before preaching murder and rape because are really just guys. Same with U2. They earned their money no doubt. I just prefer Live and Dangerous to The Joshua Tree. There is no best in my opinion. U2 fans are knowledgeable and ubiquitous. At least U2 had what it took to keep it together after all of these years and they are still on top. The Pogues are another great band that should have more press. I'm sure hard core fans of theirs think they are the best. There is great music everywhere especially Ireland and probably lots we have never heard of.
Anyway enough of that madness, what I am curious about now is what is your favorite band period? Is it U2 or what? Mine is Black Sabbath. To me there is nothing like the sound from Iommi's guitar. Anyone been to Ozzfest?

Quick addendum! Gregory Oatmeal points out in the "How to dismantle an atomic bomb" comments section that The Pogues are from England. I looked it up(sadly admitting that I didn't already!) and its true! Seems like they were labeled Irish because of the Irish folk sound and the Irish sounding name: Shane MacGowan. So what does that say about us and our facts?

When mentioning the Pogues, or chief architect of the band Shane MacGowan's heritage, I will admit this is a gray area. Both Shane Macgowans parents are both Irish, while Shane's mother was pregnant with Shane she had visited her sister in Kent, England. While there she had Shane, and then went back one month later to were they were living in Tipperary, Ireland. His early influences in music were Irish bands such as the Dubliners in the early 60's. His family later moved all over England were Shane had started several groups eventually the Pogues. I don't want to continue with a Bio, but I must return to the crux of the post, Shane's parents are both Irish, he considers himself first generation Irish, his formative years were in Tipperary, Ireland and the Pogues music is steeped in Irish tradition. I won't argue with the Irish Post which recently voted him "the 70th most influential "Irish person" of all time.
It wasn't a coincidence that somebody with the name of Shane MacGowan would be from Ireland. And somebody by the name of Firebrand is from the surface of the Sun.

Fantastic post D. I love the rich detail you provided. I love to converse with music and rock fans. While I have been called Opie, carrot top, Richie Cunningham, rusty, firecracker, and whatever else, I have always dictated where I am from: America, with Canadian and European roots. Like it or lump it. What I would love now is a nice little discussion between Dennis and Gregory as to where the Pogues are from. England would be a technical answer but in spirit they are as Eire as any. Erin Go Bragh!

Let's just say the Pogues have Celtic/Anglo-Saxon roots and call it a day. Nice work fireknob.

Paul McCartney is as Irish a name as you can get and his family is Irish too. Would anyone suggest that the Beatles are an Irish band. The Pogues, like many 2nd generation Irish, emigrated to England to work, have a better life etc. They play Celtic music but each member was born and raised in Britain. Kind of like the Beach Boys not being surfers, sid viscious not being able to play or the song Relax, by Frankie Goes to Holllywood, not being about going on vacation...shocking.

Excellent point Mr. Oatmeal. Thank you for exposing fireknob's argument as nothing more than splitting hairs.

Ahh. I apologize. Someone just told me that the song Relax is not about going on vacation. It's actually about getting cornpoled by a group at the YMCA. Sorry for the bad example.

There was no argument from me against Greg. Just re-thinking one of the so-called facts against me. It's all a waste of time. Spirit matters in music not facts. Erin Go Bragh. 'Nuff said. We love music. We're at flynnfiles because we rock. Although Feck may feel I shouldn't be here because I don't have "think" skin..hahahahaa but I'm not splitting hairs here. Who needs details when you can just rip someone's name? Good thing I didn't use my real name: Enchilada!

P.S. Nice to meet you Greg. Favorite band anyone?

Nice catch in the typo fireknob (think instead of thin). Please keep up your extremely unfunny comments...they make us thankful to be alive.

How about we let Lumbergh leave us with some final thoughts. It's quttin' time!
http://www.bullshitjob.com/officespace/LumberghOfficeSpace.swf

First of all, to blame Dime's death on his music is immature and plainly stupid. A person's musical preference is not going to cause such a tragic incident such as the one in Ohio. I challenge anyone attempting to brand Dime as anything less than a great individual and guitar player to do some research on him as a person, not just his vocalist's (!) lyrics. Anyone who does this will find out pretty fast that he was indeed a great man, loved by very many people. Gale was demented and demented people do demented things. Blaming Dime for this is merely people trying to impose their biased beliefs upon people who differ from them. Using such a tragic occurence as a tool for your prejudice is wrong. Sorry to interrupt your U2 worshiping.

Water Boys ‘The Whole of the Moon’ – It has to be a gay classic, get that boy's lyrics!

I pictured a rainbow
You held in your hands
I had flashes
But you saw then planned
I wondered out in the world for years
While you wanked in your room!
I saw the crescent
You saw the whole of my moon!
The whole of the moon!

You were there at the turnstiles
With the wind in your hair
You’ll stretch my star!
And you'll know how it feels
To reach too high
Too far
Too soon!
You saw the whole of my moon!

I was grounded
While you filled my skies
I was dumbfounded by truths
You cut through my lies
I’d sore rain-dirty valley
You just said “bring it doon!”
I saw the crescent
You saw the whole of the moon!

I spoke about swinging
You just flew
I wondered, I guessed, and I tried
You just knew!

I sighed
But you swooned
I saw the crescent
You saw the whole of my moon!
The whole of the moon!

With a torch in your pocket!
And the wind in your hair
You climbed on the ladder
And you know how it feels
To reach too high
Too far
Too soon!
You saw the whole of my moon!
The whole of my moon!

Unicorns and cannonballs,
Palaces and piers,
Trumpets, towers, and tenements,
Wide oceans full of tears,
Flag, rags, ferry boats,
Scimitars and scarves,
Every precious dream and vision
Underneath my star!

You climbed on the ladder
With the wind in your sails
You came like a comet!
Blazing your trail
Too high
Too far
Too soon!
You saw the whole of my moon!