#explanation4

[criticalqueercore-remix]

Boyfriend Wanted - Pansy Division

Pansy Division was one of the first openly queer punk bands. What separates Pansy Division from other queercore bands is their comparatively upbeat songs. In the song “Boyfriend Wanted” Jon Ginoli laments over his relationship status and wishes for a lover. Ginoli expresses the differences in dating between his straight companions:

“My straight friends are having weddings

That's not where my life is heading”

Ginoli’s hetero friends are following the expected societal progression of dating to marriage, but Ginoli has a difficult time finding a partner at all:

“O drunken squalor, get tree behind me

But there's always some old trick there to remind me

I'm professionally single, you know

I'm so experienced that by now I'm a pro

Oh no no, no no no

Waited so long, how much more to go?”

Although Ginoli is singing about his wish for a partner, the song style and lyrics are much lighter than the typical queercore style. “Boyfriend Wanted” compares with any other song of romantic longing, which helps to normalize homosexual relationships. 

[criticalremixproject-blog]

“Ain’t It Funny”

“Ain’t It Funny” is the fourth single from Danny Brown’s album Atrocity Exhibition. In “Ain’t It Funny” Brown provides commentary on his own prescription drug abuse and on the connection between image, fame and drugs. Danny Brown raps about becoming addicted to prescription drugs that were supposed to help him cope with his problems:

Anxiety got the best of me

So popping them Xannies

Might need rehab

But to me that shit pussy (Brown)

“Ain’t It Funny” also discusses the aspect of fame and image in the lines:

Nose bleeds red carpets

But it just blend in

Snapping pictures

Feeling my chest being sunk in (Brown)

These lines reflect the prevalence of drug abuse among celebrities, referencing snorting drugs on the red carpet. Brown also discusses the consequences of drug abuse:

Live a fast life

Seen many die slowly

Unhappy when they left

So I try to seize the moment

“Ain’t It Funny” is fast paced, reflecting the manic and anxious energy of the lyrics. The music video, directed by Jonah Hill, is a dark parody of American sitcoms. The video for “Ain’t It Funny” depicts Brown’s suffering caused by drugs and alcohol while a crowd of middle-aged white people cheer and chant, which expresses Brown’s critical opinions of societies indifference, and even encouragement, of celebrity drug use.