Remember the
Parents' Music Resource Center? Kids, it was a group of concerned busybodies back in the 80's (lead by Al Gore's wife, Tipper) who really kicked the 'save the children' crap into high gear. Thanks to them, impressionable children no longer had to ask around for explicit lyrics and offensive content, because their "Parental Warning" label would direct them right to the damaging material they craved. Was there any actual restriction related to these warnings? Did any record store ever refuse to sell a kid his own copy of "O.P.P."?
Anyway, what I didn't know about the PMRC is they released a list of the songs they found most objectionable. They called it "The Filthy Fifteen:"
I'm beginning to think Tipper was on the RIAA's payroll. They made a case that Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" was offensive because of its 'violent' content?? The closest thing to a violent image is the line "We'll fight/You'll see!" The song actually contains the line, "You gall is never-ending." Is it too late for Morrissey to cover it?
How many records did Dee Snyder sell from getting on this list? And what's the result? Did anybody live a better life because he was spared from hearing "Darling Nikki"? (Eh, possibly. "Let's Pretend We're Married" is a better song, anyway.) They was unable to stop the torrent of filth from saturating the country, and that's why George Bush is President and Howard Stern is on satellite radio. So ultimately I guess all the PMRC achieved is coming up with one sweet songlist for a totally rad mix-tape!
Oh, and they brought to our attention a little-known novelty band known as The Mentors. Thanks, Tip!
i agree that it does make for a good playlist for a mix tape. coming soon to an itunes near you...
but of all madonna's songs released up until that point, "Dress You Up" is by far the most inocuous... my neighbor and i would do a dance routine to this song on our FRONT LAWN everyday during the summer of '86 and i still know all the moves....