Makom Batzameret (a place at the top) is a new six part series on Israeli Pop Music, directed by Nissan Shor and produced by Anat Kendal that will premiere on IBA Channel 1 on Thursday, January 22, 2015, as well as YES HD and Hot VOD.
Pop has a curious place in culture, disdained on one hand because it is not “serious” art, it is nonetheless undeniably popular. People like pop music, a lot of people, including this writer. I don’t really believe in privileging one genre over another, and whether or not pop music has received its proper regard in Israel (an issue taken up by various commentators in this series) is not necessarily what interests me most about this documentary. To the extent that the series presents itself as a defense of pop, I say – pop doesn’t need anyone to defend it, because pop is fun!
What does catch my attention?
The fascinating archival footage! Pop is a reflection of culture, albeit unintentional, and seeing clips from the 50s through the 90s is both fun and thought provoking. If there is anyone out there who thinks “metrosexual” is an invention of the 90s, take a look at some of these clips from the 70s and think again. As for cultural commentary, what does it say about Israeli culture that this series begins with a program on “The Male Pop Singer”?
Kudos to the initiators of this documentary for their sense of timing – many of the pop stars are featured in present-day interviews and even sing! The first program goes all the way from Israel Itzhaki to Ivri Lider, with a bevy of pretty boys along the way – Sasi Keshet, Igal Bashan, Shlomo Artzi, Avi Toledano, Tsvika Pik, Izhar Cohen and more…
A common gripe of pop stars is that they are not respected as serious artists. One might debate the individual merits of various performers, yet I must concede that there is a tendency to equate the sad and painful with meaning and import, while bouncy, happy, love songs are automatically categorized as shallow and superficial. This cultural neglect is very sad and painful, and should therefore be regarded as meaningful and important!
Makom BaTzameret will premiere on Thursday, January 22, 2015, and the six part series includes: The Male Pop Singer, The Female Pop Singer, Pop Groups, Black Music, Behind the Scenes and Mediterranean Pop. The series is in Hebrew and unfortunately no subtitles in English, but one can still enjoy the fashions and the music.
