Cheryl Cole’s been channelling the Marquis de Sade.
Yes, you read correctly. The second teaser for the risqué Geordie songstress’ track “Call My Name” comes complete with a quote from the equally risqué 18th century philosopher. The words “the only way to a woman’s heart is along the path of torment” flash onto the screen as a scantily-clad Chez writhes around in the sewers. Although it may well be construed as a not-so-oblique reference to a reunion with ex-husband Ashley, there’s plenty of pondering to be done when it comes to pop….just don’t forget that there’s “much more life in music than mathematics or logic ever dreamed of” (Gabriel Marcel).
“Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future”. – Swami Sivananda, Hindu spiritualist
“Ignorance is the primary source of all misery and vice”. – Victor Cousin, changed the emphasis of French philosophy from Materialism to Idealism
“I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there”. – Charles de Secondat, popularised the term ‘feudalism’
Here are five tracks which could have been improved with some philosophical captions:
“Liberal capitalism is not at all the Good of humanity – quite the contrary; it is the vehicle of savage, destructive nihilism” – Alain Badiou, revered Communist philosopher
“Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future”. – Swami Sivananda, Hindu spiritualist
“Ignorance is the primary source of all misery and vice”. – Victor Cousin, changed the emphasis of French philosophy from Materialism to Idealism
“I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there”. – Charles de Secondat, popularised the term ‘feudalism’
“Sex appeal is the keynote of our civilization”. – Henri Bergson, author of Le Rire, 1900.
P.S.: Here’s something I wrote for the Guardian Guide a few weeks back on the HTC advert…
Hannah J Davies 