Sci-Pop: Latest Singles
By Neal Anthwal
If there's one thing we love (I say "we love", but I mean "I love") it's science cropping up in "the arts" and "popular culture", whatever those words actually mean. Starting this week we'll (I say "we'll"...) be compiling a list of any sciencey things, no matter how tenuous, in any newly released UK singles.What with the iTunes-led death of the music single being heralded by all the trend watchers, it just goes to show that I'm once again on the cutting edge of the Zeitgeist of UK popular culture music scene...
Oh dear god no, first up is Linkin Park with Bleed It Out
How the hell are you going to tell me this is sciencey? Back in the day, before the advent of modern medicine, it seems that those trusted with the treatment of ailments seemed to be more interested in hurting their patients than helping them. One way they did this was by blood letting, which remained stupidly popular up until the 18th century, a long time after William Harvey had told everyone it was a bad idea. Obviously idiot kiddie metalers Linkin Bizkit (or whatever they are called) are joining the call for a return to pre-enlightenment medicine. Other songs off their forthcoming album include "Mustard Compress", "I'm Not Schizophrenic, I'm Just Possessed" and "Screw Antiretrovirals, See a Faith Healer".
But is it any good? No. It is no good. It is bad.
Hurray! it's Aqualung with Pressure Suit
Science? Once again: hurray! Both the name and the title are sciencey. An aqua-lung is one of the original names for SCUBA diving equipment. Unlike earlier diving suits, aqua-lungs - developed partly by Jaques Cousteau with no little help from the engineer Emile Gagnan - were an open system. Air was passed from the tanks to the diver before being released out into the water. This allowed for a lighter, more portable set or equipment, and led to modern sub-aqua exploration.
Pressure suits are are worn by pilots who fly at such altitudes that the air pressure if so low that to try and breath even pure oxygen they'd cark it. This includes astronauts' suit.
Is it good? Actually, it's a bit dull.
Find more music reviews or more from Neal or more from the Null:
Do stuff - Add to our Sci-Pop Hall of Fame
Fear stuff - Making music with fire
Make stuff - Composing with proteins
Learn stuff - Revise to Ravel and Study with Schubert
Talk Sci-Pop at our Facebook group.
Image: Linkin Park
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