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 MUSIC AND POLITICS
Politics is in the air. On the brink of the major party conventions, the media announced that an array of superstars would participate. A veritable ‘who’s who’ of politics…and music. For a moment, I found myself wondering what, if anything, did music have to do with a political convention? Was it a device to pull in additional viewers or to serve as entertainment for those who actually attended one of the conventions? Well, a few minutes after I had asked myself the question, the answer hit me like a ton of bricks. There has always been a very strong connection between music and politics, or political expression. Think about it, whether it is a powerful anthem, a catchy pop song, or a power ballad, some of the modern era’s most memorable songs have been political in nature. During times of war, conflict, invasion, or social unrest and injustice, many gifted musicians and songwriters have penned songs to express their feelings about the situation at hand. In 1963, Bob Dylan released the magnum opus that is The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. This album, which is nothing short of brilliant, contains what is still to this day Dylan’s most famous song “Blowin’ in the Wind”. Yet there are also several other tracks on the album that speak to the socio-political climate of the time, such as “Masters of War,” “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” and “Talkin’ World War III Blues.” During his illustrious career, Bob Dylan has been pegged one of the most prolific songwriters of the era, but he also knows a thing or two about calling for change. The 70s were ripe with music that questioned the ways of the establishment.’ Gil Scott-Heron released “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” and began to change the face of R&B music. Often heralded as the ‘progenitor of rap music’, Gil’s social critique is scathing, yet brilliant. He has built a career on his spoken word gems and has yet to temper his politically-charged assault on the powers that be. The legendary (and sorely missed) Marvin Gaye created what can only be described as a masterpiece (and I’m not exaggerating) when he released his 1971 album titled What’s Going On. The man with the gifted voice sang of America’s inner city poverty, injustice, the environment, and other social ills. Each song on the album sounds like it could be an entry from Marvin’s personal journal, chronicling the effects of the changing world of the early 70s. Politically-driven songs of the 80s had a much harder edge and no one delivered that edge better or harder than Dead Kennedys. In 1980 the band released Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables and American hardcore punk had a face…and a name. Musically, I can take them or leave them, but there has never been a doubt in my mind that this San Francisco group had something to say. “California Uber Alles” is a clever, albeit disturbing account of a fascist country run my Gov. Jerry Brown and “Holiday in Cambodia” is where East and West clash due to American self-righteous ways. Hardcore and in your face. This need to express one’s feelings about current politics is not unique to the United States. The Sex Pistols sang of anarchy in the U.K. Midnight Oil sang of environmental and indigenous (aboriginal) causes in Australia. Nigerian Fela Kuti pioneered Afrobeat music and formed his own political party. In the 90s and into the current decade, there have been a rash of acts standing up and letting there voices be heard. Rage Against the Machine, Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Roots, M.I.A., Nellie McKay, Citizen Cope, Co, Pharoahe Monch, Nanci Griffith, Radiohead, Talib Kweli, Seu Jorge, Kimya Dawson, and the list goes on and on. So perhaps there was no need for me to question the connection between music and politics. The music speaks for itself.
Until next month…
Peace, Love, and Music
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