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opposing the war in Viet Nam. Hard to believe that this long-time activist To be or not to be also has a slew of acting credits on her resume, including appearances on such television shows Exploring “correctness” in the music industry as "The Mod Squad,” “Partridge Family”, “Room 222,” and “All in the Family.” Given her loyal following. Dr. Tantalus is certain that “comp” tickets—free passes typically provided BY DR. T A N T A L U S to publications to ensure reviews—were her many fans will enjoy her latest release, “Singer in the Storm.” Recorded live. Near rejected. Just Out was informed that only a returned to the studio to add backing vocals, ad o be or not to be PC (politically correct)? limited number of such passes were available ditional rhythm and harmony to produce a and none were reserved foY its use. Now that’s the question. While the sound that has the best of both live and studio Given the review of her performance the answer won’t be found in this month’s column settings. it might still be profitable to explore this issue. following day in the Oregonian it’s likely that Having said all that, the album doesn’t seem No matter how you slice it, Dr. Tantalus such passes were available to that venerable particularly compelling, despite being Filled journal that so routinely supports the type of often ends up being politically incorrect. with politically correct songs. “Singing for our Whether it’s criticizing some of Portland’s issues that Shocked espouses. (Newcomers to town may read in heavy sarcasm here.) Too bad Lives” is a nice gay anthem, but hardly most cherished gay musical institutions or Michelle doesn’t have enough tickets to go to compelling. Perhaps the overwhelming trashing readers’ favorite artists, it’s unlikely that Dr. T. will be on the “right” side of every ward alternative publications. It’s not that there earnestness of the album is a turn-off. What ever. If you like Holly Near—you’ll like this issue. However, this month’s selection of artists were not enough seats available—a reported and albums makes one wonder what PC means crowd of 800 attended at the same venue where album. It would be Oh! so politically correct’ for Dr. Tantalus to like it, too, but it’s just not in these days, anyway. 1,400 saw Gladys Knight two nights later. the cards. It seems churlish to complain about not Unlike Holly Near and unlike Michelle receiving free passes when the general public Shocked, Prince is about as politically incorrect cannot obtain them. No doubt it’s politically incorrect to do so. But you know, so is provid as you get (excepting Rudolf Hess, Dan Quayle and perhaps Howard the Duck). His Royal Bad ing tickets to publications that don’t give a ness often seems confused—and that’s being damn about your causes. kind—about relationships and just how he’s Holly Near is another performer who has spent a good portion of her career advocating a supposed to treat his mate. Women are Take Michelle Shocked (please!). Now sometimes portrayed as—gasp—sexual objects variety of liberal causes, such as human rights here’s a nice folk-type singer who croons about in El Salvador, opposition to the oppression of (this is news?) while Prince reserves the major justice and injustice and who appears to be on AIDS victims and support of a woman’s rights ity of sexual strutting to himself. His Majestic the, ahem, correct side of some of life’s most to choose. She was named one of the women of Lewdness probably doesn’t know who won the important issues. Dr. Tantalus hoped to be able the year 1985 by Ms. Magazine. As far back as last election and probably doesn’t care. to review her recent performance in Washing 1971 Ms. Near accompanied Donald Suther Nevertheless, Prince’s latest recording effort ton Park, but inquiries as to the availability of land and Jane Fonda in a show for GIs is a gem. Graffiti Bridge, the soundtrack to the T 'TjfLaoiC^ movie of the same name, is chock full of great rock, funk and soul. Whether or not the movie is terrific is irrelevant and besides, that is for some other columnist to worry about, providing it is politically correct to do so. Standouts on the new release include “New Power Generation,” (whose primary interests are “making love and music”), “Round and Round,” and the new single, “Thieves in the Temple.” The Time has re-formed for this movie as well and Graffiti Bridge shows that Morris Day, Jimmy Jam Terry Lewis and the others are back in fine form with the funked-up “Release It” and the sixties sounding “Shake!” Prince also manages to include such superstar guest artists as George Clinton and Mavis Staples, who bums up the place with the hot- sounding “Melody Cool.” So give Prince a zero for his thoughts, but plunk down your bucks for the new record, because you’ll be hearing it a lot. For those who insist on pure thoughts with their music The Flirtations are an obvious choice. This a cappella group is comprised of five gay gentlemen, including Michael Callen, who adds his super falsetto to the sound, and contributes his boyfriend, Richard Dworkin, as producer. Their blend is terrific, their humor contagious and their gender bending first-class. Album highlights include their theme, “The Flirt Song,” “Housework” (in which they search for a practical boyfriend), and “Every thing Possible.” It would be nice to get these guys to perform in Rose City, so keep your fingers crossed. Having your own is like no other feeling. Hot Spring Spa. Imagine.... We value our Just Out customers. Please mention this ad. PO R TLAN D ____ 2 5 3 -3 5 5 1 1904 NE 82nd Avenue Near 1 84 & 205 BEAVER TO N . . . . 6 4 3 -5 0 0 2 103b7 SW Canyon Road Near Hwy 2b & 217 just mu * 3 0 *O m obsri990
