A Rush Limbaugh Playlist: What Else Could Upset Artists Like Peter Gabriel?

This is how these two men represent themselves on Facebook.

If you've heard what Limbaugh had to say about Georgetown student Sandra Fluke, then you can guess which parties are upset with him. Even a professional troll faces repercussions for calling a 30 year old college student "a slut".

It's not surprising that women's rights groups would be angered by what he said. It's not surprising that advertisers have started to jump ship. It's not even particularly surprising that President Obama called Fluke to encourage her to keep speaking up for the causes she believes in.

It was a bit surprising when Peter Gabriel got involved.

From the official Peter Gabriel Facebook Page:

Peter was appalled to learn that his music was linked to Rush Limbaugh's extraordinary attack on Sandra Flute. It is obvious from anyone that knows Peter's work that he would never approve such a use. He has asked his representatives to make sure his music is withdrawn and especially from these unfair aggressive and ignorant comments.

Having never listened to Limbaugh's show before, I had no idea he even played music. In fact, my initial response was "I wasn't aware that Gabriel and Limbaugh shared much of an audience." Then I watched the clip linked above.

Bumper music. That's radio speak for the "short clip of music that leads into the host talking." It's used to smooth out transitions between the talk show and the commercials.

I don't know how much involvement Limbaugh has with the selection of his bumper music. I know that before he became the divisive personality he is today that he was a disc jockey for a number of years. I'm curious about this because I'm curious about the decision to use "Sledgehammer' in the first place.

"Open up your fruit cage/ Where the fruit is as sweet as can be" right before you call a girl a slut? That's not provocative or funny; that's creepy.

Since Rocks Off is a music blog, I thought it be an interesting experiment to see what kind of music was being used on the show. After all, maybe he's playing some really killer jams before and after his talking points. I sat down for a few hours Monday, listened, and made some notes.

You're welcome, by the way.