From The Desk Of Steve Kilbey: Many Paths, One Direction

Steve Kilbey is best known as the frontman of Australian legends the Church, whose “Under The Milky Way” was one of the defining alt-rock singles of the late ’80s. He has also released records with the likes of Grant McLennan, Martin Kennedy and Donnette Thayer, as well as a number of solo albums. Aside from being a member of the Australian Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Kilbey pens poetry and is an accomplished painter. His latest CD is Life Somewhere Else (Communicating Vessels) by Isidore, a collaboration with Jeffrey Cain (Remy Zero). Kilbey will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week.

Kilbey: My teenage daughters have fallen for One Direction, the most boyish boy band of ‘em all. One Direction fever has swept through the households of this world and is infecting all teenies in its path. The symptoms strangely mimic the classic “Bhakti” or devotion of the Hindus, as in the ability to cry and swoon and go into states of glassy-eyed ecstasy at just the mention of the beloveds name, or contemplating his image.

After the concert, the girls were as if beautified and convinced that their affection was not misplaced. All the fans have a desire to do service to their idols, even if that service can never be felt or acknowledged by the object . With dreamy eyes and hushed voices … often giving way to a joyous shout or infectious giggle, they run through the attributes of their adored boys.

Meanwhile, some cynical manipulator is cashing in big time on this incredible pseudo-religious manipulation. I bet it ain’t the boys themselves, but you know, all’s fair in love ‘n’ war ‘n’ show biz … and to the victor definitely go the spoils!

Video after the jump.