THE 50(ISH) GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
Straight Outta Complicated
Album #29 : NWA — Straight Outta Comptom
What does it mean to be proud of where you come from?
Being English is, at best, complicated. At worst, it is embarrassing. The international behaviour of some of my fellow countrymen and women is astounding in its ignorance and bigotry. And I am not just talking about football fans.
Then, throw into the mix the issue of what constitutes being British. Is it a stiff upper-lip stoicism? Is it a marauding colonialism? Is it quaint tea parties and good humour?
And what separates Englishness from Britishness? How is it different from being Scottish, Irish, Welsh? Living in Scotland, I see daily what it is to be Scottish. Ostensibly, being Scottish means being fundamentally not-English. But, really, it is its own cultural identity, with its own language, attitude and sense of humour. Being Scottish means something — it is something to be proud of. Englishness, usually, is something to be tucked away being the flag of the UK. Often, the flag of St George is synonymous with xenophobia. I have at times in my life been intensely proud to be British, but reticent to be called English.
That is, until now. That is, until England men’s football team reached the final of the European championship. I know it is stupid and primitive to use sport as a prism for emotion, I know it is but I do it anyway.
Despite their loss, this football team makes me proud to be English.
And, an important distinction, they made me think there is an England to be proud of. An England that isn’t just blurred with Britishness but stands on its own. An Englishness that stands up for what matters. Or kneels, when it needs to.
The racism and abuse that spewed forth from the mouths and keyboards of ignorant bigots in the wake of England’s final defeat was embarrassing as it was predictable. But the response from the players themselves has been exemplary. In the words of Harry Kane: “if you act like that you’re not an England fan and we don’t want you”.
Harry Kane takes on the masses, Tyrone Mings takes on the Home Secretary, Marcus Rashford has takes on the PM. This is a group not afraid to stand up for what they believe is right. If I grow up to be half the man 23-year-old Marcus Rashford is, I’ll be very happy. I am 32.
I don’t think I need to spell out the link to this week’s album. This is a record made by six young men who were proud of where they come from, who spoke up for what they believed in and, more importantly, spoke about who they really were.
So, what does it mean to be proud of where you come from? Or, to ask another question; does it really matter , so long as you’re moving forward?
Thanks for reading — over the course of 2021, I’ll be reviewing 50(ish) of the greatest albums ever recorded. You can see the list here:
There is also a playlist featuring the best song from each album here.
