Songs Of Freedom: Out Now
Bantu, Docta, Sista Fa & More: Many Lessons
Subtitled Hip-Hop, Islam, West Africa, this CD collection highlights musicians combining devoutness with social criticism/traditional and contemporary styles.
Revolution Rock: The Clash Live
DVD comp of classic Clash performances from early (“I Fought The Law,” “White Riot”) to late period (“Know Your Rights,” “The Magnificent Seven.”) Includes 1981 interviews with Tom Snyder and Sue Simmons.
I Got The Feeling: James Brown In The ’60s
Three-DVD set that features the documentary The Night James Brown Saved Boston (MLK was shot the night before; the title doesn’t lie), plus a DVD of the Boston Garden concert referenced in the doc, as well as an Apollo Theater gig from the same year. Continue reading ‘Songs Of Freedom: Out Now’
Songs Of Freedom: “Triptych: Prayer/Protest/Peace”
Available on: We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite
Released: 1960
When most people hear the term “protest music,” jazz isn’t the first style that usually comes to mind. After all, jazz is supposed to be refined, classy, sophisticated. How could music like that inspire you to picket a G8 summit—or even swear off red meat?
One listen to “Triptych: Prayer/Protest/Peace,” from Max Roach’s seminal album We Insist! Freedom Now Suite, and you’ll immediately understand that jazz isn’t just for highfalutin intellectuals; in the right hands, it can blow your political mind, and definitely lead legions into action.
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Songs Of Freedom: Neil Young’s “Ohio”
Available On: So Far by Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Released: July, 1970
Lasting Lyric: “What if you knew her and found her dead on the ground? / How can you run when you know?”
In the liner notes to Neil Young’s Decade best-of, he recounts how CSNY bandmate David Crosby cried after the recording of this A-side, which was rush-released a couple months after the shooting of four student protesters at Kent State University by National Guardsmen, the event the song is based on. Given Crosby’s impassioned backing vocals during the performance, it comes as no surprise that he would break down afterward.
Continue reading ‘Songs Of Freedom: Neil Young’s “Ohio”’
What Rebel Song Rocks Your World?
Sound-Off-Online’s Songs Of Freedom department digs deep into the origins, meanings, and influence of the world’s most incendiary message songs.
Want to know more about the soundtrack to YOUR life? Tell us what music has sparked your rebellious nature. Email us at ABudofsky@sound-off-online.com.
