

Song 177: “Never Learn Not to Love” by the Beach Boys, Part 3: “Mister, Can You Give Me Some Direction?”
Jan 31, 2025
Dive into the tangled history of the Beach Boys and Charles Manson, exploring their bizarre connections and the allure of Manson's philosophy. Discover the exploitation and complex dynamics of folk music through the lives of figures like Lead Belly and John Lomax. Hear about the evolution of the Beach Boys' sound amid personal struggles and shifting band dynamics. Engage with the darker turns in Dennis Wilson's life and the chaotic yet influential 1960s music scene, revealing the interplay of ambition and disillusionment in an era of free love.
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Chautauqua's Rise and Fall
- Chautauquas, originally educational tent shows, rivaled vaudeville.
- They blended lectures, light entertainment, and self-improvement, reflecting a mix of progressive and conservative ideals.
Lomax's Chautauqua Education
- John Lomax, a country school teacher, attended Chautauqua annually for self-improvement.
- He valued this simplified education, despite later criticisms, showcasing his desire for knowledge.
Lomax's Influence on Folk Music
- John Lomax significantly shaped 20th-century American folk music, both positively and negatively.
- His complex legacy stems from collecting folk songs while holding racist views about Black people's capacity for civilization.