Having just heard Kid Rcok's pathetic desecration of the Metallica song "Sad but True" once again, I figure I may as well post a ramble on a current issue I have remained silent on up until now. That being, of course, the recent Napster controversy. (Ok, not entirely silent. I do recall mentioning something about it in passing when Uncle Nasty and the panel were debating it the other day.)

You know, when I first saw the slashdot headline about it weeks ago, I wasn't really even surprised. Is that a statement about how cynical I've become? It's like our culture is so used to our heros going bad, it doesn't even come as a shock when they suddenly decide to turn against the people who have supported them. (Not that I ever really considered Lars, James, & company my heros, but their music did have an impact during my formative teenage years.)

So, while this turn of events didn't really surprise me, it did leave an unanswered question in my mind: Why? Suppose they're really ignorant enough to think this is losing them money. Still, why? Not like any of the members of this band are starving. Why? I suppose if I had been more on the ball, I would have posted it as a comment in the ask slashdot last week. Would a one word question really be worthy of moderation? Probably not, but it still seems like the one to ask.

And now, it just seems eerily fitting that the "commodity" from one of their better works would be turned inside out, have all its original depth and meaning gutted, thrown aside, and the carcass stuffed with the empty, pompous, self-promoting hollering of a soon to be forgotten idiot.

To be fair, I really don't dislike Kid Rock all that much. I actually liked Bawidaba. It's just that, with American Badass, the idea of a new generation growing up to associate those riffs -- which once had a deep impact on me; when I first heard that song, especially the last line, it drew chills down my spine -- with a bunch of "I'm so cool" style BS, it just doesn't work for me. But then again, given Metallica's actions, maybe it does serve some sick, sorry sort of justice.

There, I've said my say. Goodnight.