For all of their grey matter, there is little doubt that learned people can think a little too much and let their strong views transmogrify intelligence into ignorance or stupidity. I mean, where else but in academia could people argue with ferocity about whether or not there is an argument to be had (this, for example)? But, as readers of Richard Powers will know, thinkers are humans too, often over-anxious neurotic ones with all-too-breakable hearts, so all this polemic squabbling must take it’s toll.
That’s where ‘Theory Wars’ comes in. The latest single from Atlanta duo Pop Weirdos, the song is taken from a forthcoming EP, Any Old Time. Here Bennett Kane and Jamison Murphy are joined by Richard Sapeta on drums to bring to life this half-paced pop croon, a song which could quite as easily be read as a wistful lovesick strum as an academic satire. The whole thing builds toward a communal sing-a-long finale which brings to mind the joyous choruses of Nana Grizol, thus proving the band are as adept at building up as they are at knocking down.
“I love you the most, she said
worship the droning in my head
I went to school and did my best
to keep you all impressed.[…]
and it’s clear we’ve gone to war”
Cover by Wyatt Kane