Poll: Protest Songs - Should Music and Politics Mix?
Thursday April 20, 2006
Over the years, protest songs have periodically surfaced as a musical sub-genre, simultaneously generating both strong support and virulent opposition. In the 60s (Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger) and again in the 70s (John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Crosby Stills Nash & Young) certain artists became strongly associated with the antiwar movement through their song catalogs.The war in Iraq has triggered the latest round of antiwar protest songs. Neil Young's soon-to-be-released Living With War album is devoted entirely to the subject. Last year's "Sweet Neo Con" (Listen/Download) from the Rolling Stones and "Mary Shut The Garden Door" (Listen) from Donald Fagen (ex-Steely Dan) on his new solo album are examples of a growing resurgence of the protest song as a vehicle for political expression.
Should the two mix? Is music the place for making political statements? Express yourself in this week's About Classic Rock Poll about protest songs. Cast your vote, then post a comment below, or in the About Classic Rock Discussion Forum.
Comments
My ideal answer would be, “Sometimes – if done well.” No matter how much I agree with someone’s political leanings, I can’t bear to listen to easy/ schmaltzy/ self-righteous lyrics. But for those who know how to “tell it slant,” I’m all ears.
I look at music as a tool to get across your viewpoint. Music has the power to stir emotions, whether it’s for something I’m in favor of or against. Some of my favorite pop music is for a cause, whether it’s the antiwar and civil rights movements of the 60’s (Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan) or the anti-nuclear movement of the 70’s (Jackson Browne, Charlie King, Bonnie Raitt). So I think the “should” question is silly–of course it should!
I think there’s a very, very thin line between effective protest songs and songwriters who just come across preachy. I think good protest songs get everyone singing along, which is effective because it helps people realize they actually agree with what they’re singing along to.
On the contrary, when a songwriter is just complaining or trying too hard to intellectualize, that’s where I tend to change the channel.
Especially, the political climate being what it is right now, I feel so much better about the world in general knowing there are protest songs getting made. But, as a listener, too, I think it’s also nice to hear songs about all the other wonderful things in the world.
I’m just glad that at least someone is protesting the idiocy that’s going on in Washington these days. Music is the perfect vehicle if it’s done right and Neil’s the best.
Music has been a means of communication throughout the ages. We’re certainly not going to stop it now nor should we. Music communicates, educates and helps to mold the views of those who listen to it. It’s a great propaganda art and should be used when ever necessary!
I’m with Kitty…. I think music (and poetry) has ALWAYS spoken to current issues, for people to say that that should change now is just silly. However, I also think that some songwriters just happen to be better at writing political songs than others. For example, John Prine’s “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore” has all the elements of a good song: it’s catchy, smart, funny, lyrically clever and has a great beat and melody… which makes it SO much better than a 10-minute free-verse two-chord diatribe from a mediocre guitar player with a bad voice. Then again, I don’t want to hear a 10-minute free-verse two-chord love song, either.
I guess what I’m saying is that great songwriters are great songwriters, and what makes them so great is their ability to speak to a variety of topics, from day-to-day life to intense political issues, without compromising the integrity of the music itself.
What a stupid question.. Music is Art and although self expression is continiously being trampled daily in american culture its crucial for someone to push back on the absurd and ruthless control of the greedy, selfish and dangerously inept leadership that we choose. Most are people are unaware of the level of manipulation we are all subjected to through the media which is almost completely controlled by big business hand in hand with our shallow govt …
Give Peace a Chance!
“Music Is the glue that binds mans soul to God”.
It is one of the only gifts God gave us that allows us even for a glimpse to touch, see feel, hear what heaven is like. MUSIC is that powerful. Just think of watching ANY movie with out the music in the background. It would suck.
Music when used effectively IS to convey an array of emotions. Music that stirs the soul to do the right thing at the right time is what is needed now. A revival of the great 60s protest rock acts of the past. We need a new breed of writers will to take on the ever increasing tyrannical state coming out of DC regardless of wether it is the Republicrats or the Demopublicans. They are BOTH at fault.
I came across a new, younger band that has a few discs out, but write this soul stirring music.
You can check them out here:
http://www.pokerface.com/html/pf_patriot.html
take a second to watch the video that plays along with the song IS RATHER DIE THEN BE YOUR SLAVE.
mk