Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Host Hodding Carter introduces guests Tipper Gore, Susan Baker, and Frank Zappa, who argues against labeling music. Carter asks Gore why she has chosen this narrow issue "when the problem may be a very large channel of real pornography, real violence, real obscenity out in the country at large." Gore agrees there are larger issues, but "it's important to start somewhere". Violent and sexually explicit rock music is reaching younger children without any warning. Carter asks Baker what she would like to do about that. Baker is asking that the music industry provide more information to consumer about their product. Warning labels that identify sexually explicit or violent material, or material that glorifies drug use or alcohol. She would also like to see lyrics be made available before purchase. Carter asks Zappa what is objectionable about that. Zappa replies that he would okay with lyrics being made available, but no ratings. Who decides ratings? Control should be left to parents.
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Susan Baker and Frank Zappa joke back and forth with one another before Zappa criticizes the presentation of this issue, turning government into show business. Baker pushes back on that comment, saying it's the way America works. Zappa thinks if this really is a serious issue, then get to the core of it. Tipper Gore and Zappa engage in a back and forth argument using a Motley Crue album/album cover, Zappa stating that clearly the album is not meant for children, and Gore arguing that parents care, but they can't be tuned in to everything children are doing. Baker interjects, stating that Zappa has four children, and has been in the music industry, and asks whether he is alarmed by what he sees. Zappa says he is not because his children laugh when they see it. There are albums that clearly not for children. Gore shows Zappa a W.A.S.P. album, noting it's sales success. Zappa again looks at the album cover and says it is not marketed for little Johnny.
Capitol Journal - Rating Rock and Roll
Frank Zappa notes that since W.A.S.P. signed their new record he doubts there will be a buzz saw on the next cover. Susan Baker: "Super." Zappa disagrees: "...you have done something to an artist. Look, forget about whether you like it. Think of it - what if it were. What if we were all crazy and that really was art. It starts off talking about lyrics, then it goes to covers, then it's to videos, now it's to live concerts. What s next, religion?" Host Hodding Carter steps in and points out that's a fair question and that there are people who would go further than labeling. Tipper Gore believes that the principles of freedom still work alongside with that they're asking for. This pertains only to record and broadcast materials. Carter: "You're worried you can't hold it there?" Zappa goes on to explain his worry about this becoming a domino effect once a precedent is set at labeling. Carter interrupts to say they're out of time, and thanks them.