Political Music

d-ray657 · #1 09-28-2011, 05:05 PM

I grew up in a time where protest music was at it's peak - or seemed that way to me. We had Crosby Stills Nash & Young with "Ohio"; Steve Miller with "Jackson/ Kent Blues" and "Industrial Military Complex Hex." Jethro Tull put out some biting social commentary - i.e, "Thick as a Brick" or "Aqualung." Bob Dylan was probably most prolific, with "Masters of War" being most memorable. Neil Young had one of my favorite lines "We have a thousand points of light for the homeless man and a kinder, gentler machine gun hand." followed closely by Rage Against the Machine "Rally 'round the family, with a pocket full of shells."

Steve Earle has one that strikes me a particularly insightful social commentary in "Amerika 6.0" Unlike the others listed above, it has more of a country flavor to it than rock.

Anyone else out there have a favorite song in terms of political or social commentary?

P.S. I once started a thread something like this on AK, and it was, understandably shut down.

Regards,

D-Ray

finnbow · #2 09-28-2011, 05:19 PM

James McMurtry - "Just Us Kids" is probably the most biting political album I've heard in years. The song "Cheney's Toy" is about as caustic as it gets.

On a lighter note, here are a couple from two of my favorite bands.

Stand Down, Margaret - The English Beat

Guns of Brixton - The Clash

On an even lighter note, these two from John Prine - S/T

Sam Stone
Your Flag Decal ...

d-ray657 · #3 09-28-2011, 05:47 PM

Can't argue with those picks, Finn.

Regards,

D-Ray

Charles · #4 09-28-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d-ray657

I grew up in a time where protest music was at it's peak - or seemed that way to me. We had Crosby Stills Nash & Young with "Ohio"; Steve Miller with "Jackson/ Kent Blues" and "Industrial Military Complex Hex." Jethro Tull put out some biting social commentary - i.e, "Thick as a Brick" or "Aqualung." Bob Dylan was probably most prolific, with "Masters of War" being most memorable. Neil Young had one of my favorite lines "We have a thousand points of light for the homeless man and a kinder, gentler machine gun hand." followed closely by Rage Against the Machine "Rally 'round the family, with a pocket full of shells."

Steve Earle has one that strikes me a particularly insightful social commentary in "Amerika 6.0" Unlike the others listed above, it has more of a country flavor to it than rock.

Anyone else out there have a favorite song in terms of political or social commentary?

P.S. I once started a thread something like this on AK, and it was, understandably shut down.

Regards,

D-Ray

For you, D-Man, by none other than Ry Coder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEvBCnHPM4Y

BTW, my LP is a mint "promo" in a vinyl sleeve. Even says it's against the law for me to own it on the sticker.

But I'm a good 'ol rebel myself.

Come git it, ya Damnyankee rekkerd Pinkertons!!! If ya'll can find it in muh rekkerd collection, ya'll are a better man than me!!!

Chas

Charles · #5 09-28-2011, 05:54 PM

Hate to break it to ya'll, but people been singin' political protest songs long before the 1960's.

Chas

d-ray657 · #6 09-28-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles

Hate to break it to ya'll, but people been singin' political protest songs long before the 1960's.

Chas

That's why I qualified the original statement. But doesn't everyone find the music from when they were growing up to be the most important music there is?

BTW, that kind of music (The Long Riders soundtrack) is right in Ry's wheelhouse. Then again, I'm not sure that there is any music he couldn't handle.

Back to the Stones - from the other thread - from what I hear, Keith Richards stole Ry's licks for the guitar part on "Sister Morphine."

Regards,

D-Ray

Rex E. · #7 09-28-2011, 06:29 PM

Black Sabbath's War Pigs

Most folks never gave Ozzy and the boys in Sabbath much of a chance but a lot of the lyrics deal with peace and love.

Charles · #8 09-28-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d-ray657

That's why I qualified the original statement. But doesn't everyone find the music from when they were growing up to be the most important music there is?

BTW, that kind of music (The Long Riders soundtrack) is right in Ry's wheelhouse. Then again, I'm not sure that there is any music he couldn't handle.

Back to the Stones - from the other thread - from what I hear, Keith Richards stole Ry's licks for the guitar part on "Sister Morphine."

Regards,

D-Ray

I think Ry won an award for that soundtrack. Wasn't his best work, IMHO.
One of the most under appreciated serious composers and musicians of all times.

Probably more people have heard of "Davey Jones and the Monkees".

I still like Ian Anderson, more for his lyrics at this stage in life.

Chas

finnbow · #9 09-28-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles

Hate to break it to ya'll, but people been singin' political protest songs long before the 1960's.

Chas

Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," particularly when you include the deleted verses.

Charles · #10 09-28-2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnbow

Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," particularly when you include the deleted verses.

This is kinda fun.

First time in awhile that I've been able to set back by myself (including online friends) and slam dunk a 6-pak of Boulevards without being disturbed.

PBS is even playing good tunes, which is rare for this time of night.

Almost as much fun as going fishing when they're biting.

Chas