The Wavelength
Monday October 10th, 2022 with Joe Reilly
We explore themes of grief, empowerment, healing, connection and a bit of anger... courtesy of the songs of Sinead O'Connor

I watched the documentary about Sinead O'Connor, Nothing Compares on the weekend. It really reinforced my sense of her as an artist - she is compelling, bold, outspoken, vulnerable yet strong. I wanted to explore those themes in some of her songs tonight and include some deep cuts from her catalogue. I also recommend watching this documentary. It follows a narrative arc that shows how Sinead's traumatic childhood set her on a path to be a bold and outspoken artist - and how the music industry and America in particular were not ready for a young woman to be like that. And so both really tried to crush her. Think of how little exposure she has had since her worldwide hit Nothing Compare 2 U, although she has released solid albums for the most part over the years. And she has always followed her own path. Her Saturday Night Live appearance on October 2 of 1992 was stunning! Instead of singing one of her hits or songs from her new album, she performed an a cappella version of Bob Marley's War and ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II that had hung on the wall of her mother's home for years. It was a protest against the Catholic Church's oppression of the people of Ireland and the abuse that had happened to children at the hands of priests and nuns for years. But at the time O'Connor was seen as a pariah for doing this and she was booed off the stage at a Bob Dylan Tribute at Madison Square Gardens two weeks later on October 16. But she didn't leave before she belted out an angry rendition of War - in manner that felt like it was directed AT the hostile elements in the audience that night. Imagine booing an artist who was standing up to oppression at a Bob Dylan tribute - it really is quite a disconnect and shows how so much worked against Sinead as a result of her advocacy. I recommend checking out the documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VLy1A4En4U Sinead O'Connor has faced many challenges in her life and dealt with many mental health issues that she openly explores in her memoir, "Rememberings." If you'd like to read the book it is currently available at the Ottawa Public Library. https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S26C1284367 Here are some reviews of the book. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55609892-rememberings If you found anything triggering during the show tonight as we talked about the mental health challenges of Sinead O'Connor, or if you are experiencing grief, anxiety or overwhelming sorrow in any way during these difficult times, please reach out to the Ottawa Distress Centre. Their phone lines are staffed 24 hours each day and you can reach them at: 613-238-1111 1-866-996-0991 https://www.dcottawa.on.ca Thanks for listening tonight. Take care of yourselves and take care of those around you.