Torture by Music? October 22, 2009
Posted by Matt in politics.Tags: Gitmo, music torture, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Rage Against the Machine
13 comments
CNN reports that several American rock artists, including REM, Pearl Jam, and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, have filed a Freedom of Information Act request to find out if their music was a part of interrogation techniques at the Guantanamo Bay prison. The request stems from the testimony of former Gitmo prisoners who said that heavy metal, rock, and rap music were part of interrogations.
Really? If I was interrogated by being forced to listen to Rage Against the Machine, that would be awesome…and probably a little counter-productive, as those of you familiar with their music would probably guess. “Killing in the Name” would totally make you want to start a prison riot. And Pearl Jam is one of the greatest bands in the entire world – who wouldn’t want to listen to them? Granted, if they were forced someone to listen to “Bugs” from the Vitalogy album over and over again, I can see where it might cause some temporary insanity, but torture? Come on.
If you really want to torture them, make them listen to the closest new country station. Lord knows I’d tell them anything to turn that garbage off.
What do you think would make good torture music?
**UPDATE**
There are 35 musicians/songs listed explicitly in the response to the FOIA request:
AC/DC
Aerosmith
Barney Theme Song
The Bee Gees
Britney Spears
Bruce Springsteen
Christina Aguilera
David Gray
Deicide
Don McClean
Dope
Dr. Dre
Drowning Pool
Eminem
Hed P.E.
James Taylor
Limp Bizkit
Marily Manson
Matchbox Twenty
Meatloaf
Meow Mix Jingle
Metallica
Neil Diamond
Nine Inch Nails
Pink
Prince
Queen
Rage Against the Machine
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Redman
Saliva
Sesame Street Theme Music
Stanley Brothers
The Star Spangled Banner
Tupac Shakur
