2008 Woodie Awards
Listen to the issues: a playlist of political songs
Some political songs to pass the time until Election Day
Jenny Gumbert
Issue date: 10/12/08 Section: Entertainment
It was common in the 1960s for many musicians to rally against their government.
Music was one of the main means for voices to be heard and to let the country know what was going on in people's lives and minds. However, the tradition of checks and balances via guitar and a microphone has seemed to die out over the past few decades. Fortunately, it appears that the new generation of musicians is starting to speak out for what they believe in.
Here is a "Political Playlist" to get you to Election Day.
"Don't Make Me a Target" by Spoon
In the past, indie-rock band Spoon hasn't been known to make political statements in their music. However, in their album "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga," which came out in 2007, they finally spoke out.
The song starts simply with a pleasant rock-guitar riff and eventually builds to a driving beat that tears through the piano and drums as singer Britt Daniel repeatedly demands, "Don't make me a target!"
This song represents the current generation's frustration with their government better than any song has in years.
"Icky Thump" by The White Stripes
With immigration being a pressing issue over the past few years, it came as no surprise when The White Stripes released the song "Icky Thump." As soon as it begins, the song confronts the listener with an aggressive synth line and soon front man Jack White growls a story about an immigrant from Mexico. The point of the song is most obvious with the line, "Well Americans, what, nothing better to do? Why don't you kick yourself out? You're an immigrant, too."
A clever lyric that can definitely get its audience to think.
"Windowsill" by The Arcade Fire
In a generation of musicians who seem afraid to be political, The Arcade Fire isn't hesitant to be the ones to lead the way with a loud speaker and a guitar. Singer Win Butler's earnestness as he sings, "I don't wanna fight in a holy war, I don't want the salesmen knocking at my door, I don't wanna live in America no more," which can enough to break the listener's heart.
This song is deeply compelling and does what a great political song should do: make people think profoundly about the issues that are at hand.
"When the President Talks to God" by Bright Eyes
What this song lack in subtlety it makes up for in passion and an interesting (although perhaps overly biased) point. This song isn't the first time that Bright Eyes front man Conor Oberst has criticized the current administration and the Iraq war. His past two albums have been full of opinions about the current state of America's government.
However, this is the song that Oberst is the most compelling and most poignant.
"It's a Hit" by Rilo Kiley
Rilo Kiley is really good at dressing up important messages in sweet-pop hooks. This song finds singer Jenny Lewis playfully talking about the current president as well as society as a whole.
The lyrics include the line, "Any chimp can play human for a day. Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform and run for office on Election Day. Fancy himself a real decision maker and deploy more troops than salt in a shaker."
With witty lyrics, and a fun upbeat sound complete with a 'Shoo bop shoo bop,' this song is more than smart; it's fun.
"This land is your land" by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
R&B queen Sharon Jones typically makes a statement in her music. In this cool take on the classic folk song, "This land is your land," Jones uses funk and soul to make this oldie sound new again.
In a world of war, hate and polarization, it's refreshing to be reminded of what makes America a great country. Very few songs in the past years have actually been patriotic as opposed to emphasizing the negativity in the country.
Although protest songs are crucial in a democracy, it's still great to feel good about the country and dance a little.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Jenny Gumbert at jenny.gumbert@colorado.edu
Music was one of the main means for voices to be heard and to let the country know what was going on in people's lives and minds. However, the tradition of checks and balances via guitar and a microphone has seemed to die out over the past few decades. Fortunately, it appears that the new generation of musicians is starting to speak out for what they believe in.
Here is a "Political Playlist" to get you to Election Day.
"Don't Make Me a Target" by Spoon
In the past, indie-rock band Spoon hasn't been known to make political statements in their music. However, in their album "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga," which came out in 2007, they finally spoke out.
The song starts simply with a pleasant rock-guitar riff and eventually builds to a driving beat that tears through the piano and drums as singer Britt Daniel repeatedly demands, "Don't make me a target!"
This song represents the current generation's frustration with their government better than any song has in years.
"Icky Thump" by The White Stripes
With immigration being a pressing issue over the past few years, it came as no surprise when The White Stripes released the song "Icky Thump." As soon as it begins, the song confronts the listener with an aggressive synth line and soon front man Jack White growls a story about an immigrant from Mexico. The point of the song is most obvious with the line, "Well Americans, what, nothing better to do? Why don't you kick yourself out? You're an immigrant, too."
A clever lyric that can definitely get its audience to think.
"Windowsill" by The Arcade Fire
In a generation of musicians who seem afraid to be political, The Arcade Fire isn't hesitant to be the ones to lead the way with a loud speaker and a guitar. Singer Win Butler's earnestness as he sings, "I don't wanna fight in a holy war, I don't want the salesmen knocking at my door, I don't wanna live in America no more," which can enough to break the listener's heart.
This song is deeply compelling and does what a great political song should do: make people think profoundly about the issues that are at hand.
"When the President Talks to God" by Bright Eyes
What this song lack in subtlety it makes up for in passion and an interesting (although perhaps overly biased) point. This song isn't the first time that Bright Eyes front man Conor Oberst has criticized the current administration and the Iraq war. His past two albums have been full of opinions about the current state of America's government.
However, this is the song that Oberst is the most compelling and most poignant.
"It's a Hit" by Rilo Kiley
Rilo Kiley is really good at dressing up important messages in sweet-pop hooks. This song finds singer Jenny Lewis playfully talking about the current president as well as society as a whole.
The lyrics include the line, "Any chimp can play human for a day. Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform and run for office on Election Day. Fancy himself a real decision maker and deploy more troops than salt in a shaker."
With witty lyrics, and a fun upbeat sound complete with a 'Shoo bop shoo bop,' this song is more than smart; it's fun.
"This land is your land" by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
R&B queen Sharon Jones typically makes a statement in her music. In this cool take on the classic folk song, "This land is your land," Jones uses funk and soul to make this oldie sound new again.
In a world of war, hate and polarization, it's refreshing to be reminded of what makes America a great country. Very few songs in the past years have actually been patriotic as opposed to emphasizing the negativity in the country.
Although protest songs are crucial in a democracy, it's still great to feel good about the country and dance a little.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Jenny Gumbert at jenny.gumbert@colorado.edu
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