As annoying as the New Pornographers can be on record (and they are plenty annoying) and as much as I wish Neko Case would just quit that band and move into my apartment, I don't quite understand the latest controversy surrounding their music.
Seriously, haven't authority figures learned anything form the embarrassing attacks on Elvis Presley for shaking his hips or "A Day In The Life" for its supposed drug references? Apparently not, since they are still attacking artists for doing nothing crazy whatsoever.
The New Pornographers concert at Calvin College has been canceled because of the band's name.
The college released a statement explaining, "after weeks of discussion and consideration, the irony of the band's name was impossible to explain to many. The band's name, to some, is mistakenly associated with pornography. Consequently, Calvin, to some, was mistakenly associated with pornography. Neither the college nor the band endorses pornography."
Calvin student activities director Ken Heffner, who books concerts for the college, said refunds would be issued today, and that the cancelation is a "peaceful parting of ways" between the school and the band. The group was scheduled to perform Oct. 15 in the Calvin Fieldhouse Complex [Grand Rapids Press]
Until today, it never occurred to me that someone would find them "offensive," even if all that unease comes from their name.
Maybe the New Pornos'll finally have the street cred so many indie rock fans think they deserve. Although let's not alert any more college boys to Neko's beauty and many talents — she's mine.
