Ann Landers' Clash with Industrial Music Culture

The 'Ask Ann Landers' advice column was an iconic fixture in American culture, running from 1943 to 2002. Initially a hit in Chicago, it quickly gained international attention. Following the death of its first author, Ruth Crowley, in 1955 at the age of 48, Eppie Lederer took over, cementing the column's legacy. It was known for providing guidance on a variety of personal and social issues.

Riled in Rhode Island

In December 1985, Ann Landers received a letter from a father who was exasperated with the emerging trend of industrial music, describing it as 'junk rock'—a genre involving unconventional instruments like metal sheets and pneumatic drills. He specifically referenced a performance by Einstürzende Neubauten, a West German band at the forefront of industrial music. Their 1985 album, Halber Mensch, skillfully blended electronic dance elements and had been critically acclaimed. Ann Landers responded dismissively, suggesting the genre would be a fleeting fad that hopefully wouldn't leave a lasting mark on the youth.

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Contrary to Landers' prediction, industrial music was far from a transient phase. Acts like Throbbing Gristle and Skinny Puppy were diversifying the sound, paving the way for more mainstream success stories including Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, and KMFDM. The 1990s saw industrial music merge with Goth culture, spawning a variety of new artists and subgenres.

Hip to Be Square

Incidentally, some industrial musicians, such as SPK's co-founder Graeme Revell, transitioned into film scoring, creating soundtracks for major films like The Crow and Sin City. The column's mention of industrial music, whether positive or not, might have inadvertently drawn more attention to the genre during a time when parental advisories on music were a hot topic.

advice, column, music