Hey Young World,
This is the March 2023 edition of 1520’s Record Report, our series of monthly articles in which we recommend things we’re currently into.
We’ve picked the name Record Report in honor of Hip Hop magazine The Source, which’s album review section went under that name and, when we were growing up, told us what was worth copping and what wasn’t. In our own small way, we hope to do the same.
I’m not a monster, Series 2: The Shamima Begum Story (Podcast)
Shamima Begum is a British woman who left her home in Bethnal Green, London to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015, when she was just 15 years old. She was discovered in a Syrian refugee camp in 2019 and has since been stripped of her British citizenship by the UK government, citing security concerns. Her case has sparked debate about citizenship, national security, and the rights of children who have been radicalized. In this podcast, Josh Bakers not only traces her steps and details the discourse around her case, but he also talks to Shamima herself. It’s a fascinating (and often sad) look into a tragic chapter of recent history and the ongoing fallout. We also recommend this article by The Economist on the same topic.
Less Than Jake - Hello Rockview (Album)
A few weeks ago we were spending or Saturday in the lovely Zutphen, a small Dutch town close to where we live. While Zutphen itself deserves to be recommended in a Record Review, this is about a CD we picked up in a used record store for the drive home (as we are apt to do): Less Than Jake’s 1998 album ‘Hello Rockview’. This was a landmark album that helped define the ska-punk sound of its era. With its driving horn lines, catchy melodies, and punk drums, it was a perfect encapsulation of the youthful angst and exuberance of the late 90s. From the opening notes of ‘Last One Out of Liberty City’, to the anthemic chorus (and hilarious intro) of ‘All My Best Friends Are Metalheads’, ‘Hello Rockview’ is a tour de force of the genre. But what makes this album a classic and a testament to the enduring power of ska-punk is the way it balances its infectious hooks and melodies with a real sense of heart and purpose. Give it a listen, especially if you have never heard it before.
Modern Family (TV Series)
We’re almost done with our current rewatch of Modern Family. If you’re one of those people that for some reason has never watched it: who hurt you? It’s an incredibly well-written, sharp sitcom that manages to strike a balance between humor and heart. It is a rare example of a show that has managed to push boundaries, by tackling important social issues like race, sexuality, and gender norms, without being hamfisted and while still being lighthearted and fun. It managed to be universally appealing without having to sacrifiice its authenticity, which is something many - including in the business world - can learn from.
One Love,
Marius | 1520