One of the saddest aspects of the whole ridiculous Brexit situation in the UK is the way that news works. The death of Jo Cox MP, during this rather spiteful campaign was a tragedy that everyone, whatever their side, acknowledged and for a moment it looked as if it might have changed things once and for all but from her point of view (as a pro-Europe campaigner) it turned out to be in vain. If that’s the relevant phrase (or outlook) when talking about the death of a mother and wife? We all know politics is serious business but not that serious surely?
Apart from that, the biggest waste is that after the event, and the righteous mourning, It was “old news” and in the plethora of stories about Brexit and its repercussions we didn’t find one about her seat. And it even takes some googling to find THIS which makes the stupidity of the action all the more poignant and the total waste more obvious.
So we are really glad Portishead decided to say something about this and remind us that democracy is a privilege not to be taken for granted.
This week they added a little video to their incredible, dark, version of ABBA’s SOS (as created for a Tom Hiddleston movie “High Rise”). It’s a stunning visual focussed tight on Beth as she sings and it makes the lyrics, and the way they seem a perfect comment on the Brexit crisis, SHOUT out at us. Whilst the music makes us as squeamish as the implications of politics led by Farage. It’s a soundtrack that says Dark Forces are rising, and Winter is Coming. A soundtrack of agitation and anxiety...
It closes with Jo Cox’s powerful words, which should be a mantra for us all, all the time. Whether it's Brexit or Malcolm Turnbull that is the source of concern - “WE HAVE FAR MORE IN COMMON THAN THAT WHICH DIVIDES US”
-TH
[btw we wish Portishead recorded more often. They take our breath away every time they do]