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Big Al
It's a vile word with nasty connotations, regardless of the context in which it is used. Some black folk who emerse themselves in hip-hop culture may use it as an endearing term, but the majority do not. It's ugly all the same.
It's an ugly word, but art is there to provoke as well as entertain (remember when the Rolling Stones provoked people?). And, as has been said, context is everything.
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Maindefender
Who we kiddin, the Stones were so intertwined with African American artists by 1972 that they more than likely called each other the N word without prejudice. They didn't see black and white, that barrier was broken by the mid 60's for them.
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Silver Dagger
... "She countin' up DE minutes, she countin' up DE days". Kinda detracts from the above argument.
Au contraire, it's part of what supports the whole point.
But never mind - you and I plainly perceive all this very differently.Quote
Silver Dagger
These days you'd get into trouble for that. But hey, yeah, let's celebrate this wonderful piece of music.
And these days are further from 1972 than 1972 was from 1939.
But yes please: let's say hallelujah (with or without cod accents) for the gorgeous music.
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resotele
Sweet Black Angel is a wonderful song. When it came out I was 18, in love with Revolution, in love with music, in love with the Stones, and, thanks to the song, I fell in love with Angela Davies...
I think that context and different times must be taken into consideration re the N-word. That's why Dylan could also rhyme "to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger, noone doubted that he pulled the trigger ..." (Hurricane). Both the Stones and Dylan use the N-word to describe the racist and humilating perspective of some people involved in "cases". Dylan and the Stones underline with the use of the word that they take the side of the anti-racist, that they stand up against discrimination.
resotele
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Doxa
Anyway, was there any public discussion, complaints, etc. of it at the time? I haven't heard of any.
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Maindefender
Who we kiddin, the Stones were so intertwined with African American artists by 1972 that they more than likely called each other the N word without prejudice. They didn't see black and white, that barrier was broken by the mid 60's for them.
That's showbiz for ya. It doesn't solve the problem of prejudice in general society.
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marcovandereijkQuote
Doxa
Anyway, was there any public discussion, complaints, etc. of it at the time? I haven't heard of any.
I've read more about controversies around Brown Sugar and Some Girls (the song), than about
Sweet Black Angel. But I did not read everything of course.
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whitem8
You know the whole thing on the word nigger... and whether or not Sweet Black Angel could be made today. Of course it could. And the word itself needs to be taken in context. Within this song it is a political statement and a piece of music which ads to the art. The best art is art that challenges, makes you think, and sometimes makes you a bit uncomfortable. This song could be made today, and some people would moan and groan, mostly out of a need for power, media limelight, and self-aggrandisement.
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Silver Dagger
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marcovandereijk
Here's the pin up (large enough?):
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And extra thank yous for posting both pages. :E
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kleermakerQuote
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DandelionPowderman
Great write-up, Mike!
But they have played it live. Here's the 1972-version:
Wow - didn't know that. I'll add that version to my alternate Exile On Main Street compilation of alt versions or songs played live as near to the launch of Exile as possible.
First check kleermaker1000's YT-channel before stating anything loudly concerning the live Stones during the Taylor-era!
Is that the same famous kleermaker who gets videos posted by the Stones themselves on their website by any chance?? ><
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runaway
"marcovandereijk" great pin up photo
Nellcote?
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kleermaker
Too bad they didn't use the Demo version, where Bill and Taylor are also audible. The official album version sounds a bit ... thin, though the song is beautiful.
I bet the live version from the 1972 tour would sound great in better audio quality.
btw: nothing wrong with the ten little niggers rhyme. Those who are verbally so political correct better protest against the way black people are treated by the largely white police force and against racist BEHAVIOUR.
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runaway
"marcovandereijk" great pin up photo
Nellcote?
Nellcote indeed, by Dominique Tarle
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whitem8
You know the whole thing on the word nigger... and whether or not Sweet Black Angel could be made today. Of course it could. And the word itself needs to be taken in context. Within this song it is a political statement and a piece of music which ads to the art. The best art is art that challenges, makes you think, and sometimes makes you a bit uncomfortable. This song could be made today, and some people would moan and groan, mostly out of a need for power, media limelight, and self-aggrandisement.
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marcovandereijkQuote
Doxa
Anyway, was there any public discussion, complaints, etc. of it at the time? I haven't heard of any.
I've read more about controversies around Brown Sugar and Some Girls (the song), than about
Sweet Black Angel. But I did not read everything of course.
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kleermaker
Too bad they didn't use the Demo version, where Bill and Taylor are also audible. The official album version sounds a bit ... thin, though the song is beautiful.
I bet the live version from the 1972 tour would sound great in better audio quality.
btw: nothing wrong with the ten little niggers rhyme. Those who are verbally so political correct better protest against the way black people are treated by the largely white police force and against racist BEHAVIOUR.
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DandelionPowderman
Love the serious treacle (and I agree 100%).
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runawayQuote
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runaway
"marcovandereijk" great pin up photo
Nellcote?
Nellcote indeed, by Dominique Tarle
yep-I think that's Angela Davis photo sticked on the wall of the basements in Nellcote
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runawayQuote
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runaway
"marcovandereijk" great pin up photo
Nellcote?
Nellcote indeed, by Dominique Tarle
yep-I think that's Angela Davis photo sticked on the wall of the basements in Nellcote
Yes, that's why I asked someone to post that photo, and the good Marco obliged.
I do enjoy going around in circles :E