The city where I live is divided today. So is our country. So is the world. In popular music, times of crisis often yield the richest art. I am reminded of this every time I see The Bronx Wanderers in Las Vegas. One of several showstoppers, the band’s tribute to the Vietnam War includes a ferocious cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son”. The anger in the song has lost none of its edge in the hands of musicians who weren’t born during the era (except leading man Vinny, of course!). They clearly get it. So, it isn’t surprising that Vin A., the bandleader of Bronx Wanderers and son to Vinny, would write a song addressing the tribalism of our fracturing society. However, few in Vegas and beyond were prepared for this to be Vin A.’s arrival as an artist in need of a much larger stage.
The strongest emotions can turn the weakest songs into gold; but when the music and emotions are perfectly aligned, you have the strongest weapon in the world – a work of art that challenges perceptions and inspires change. Vin A.’s unexpected release of “Know Where (To Begin)” takes no prisoners and, most important, no sides. A hint of effects on the vocal gives the song a modern-rock tone but the guitar riff shamelessly invites everyone in. The guitar break before the chorus sounds like hope being loaded into a cannon and reminds me of “Lovin’ Every Minute Of It” by Loverboy when it explodes. Before you roll your eyes, if you cannot appreciate MOR 80’s rock’s ability to sound universally cool to everyone, you are missing out. I have a Mr. Mister record you need to hear.
Getting back to Vin A.’s powerful song, the video adds to the artistic statement in a way that few videos do in 2020. This is video as an art form, not a promotional vehicle. MTV lost sight of that in 1985 but I am totally ready for a video renaissance. Beautiful animations bring Vin A’s message to life. Fans of the Gorillaz, especially, will not be disappointed. I am reminded of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “Two Tribes” where song and video deliver a two-handed slap across cheek to wake us up.
It is impossible to find the right virtual shelf on Spotify for “Know Where (To Begin)” and that makes it even more deadly. Everything from Beatles’ psychedelic experimentation to late 90’s alt-rock are percolating within the song and the end result is an anthem that insists we take a step outside our comfort zone. That is what great songs can do. They carry us somewhere new musically and lyrically (and visually). Then, they challenge us to really think about who we are. Vin A. has asked us if we know where to begin the healing process. Well, do we?