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April 14, 2008 at 05:52:04

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Whatever Happened To Protest Music?

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By Marc McDonald (about the author)     Page 2 of 2 page(s)

opednews.com     Permalink

Most other top artists, though, have failed to follow the Dixie Chicks' lead and speak out. It's clear that they are cowards who are afraid any sort of risks of damaging their commercial prospects. (Of course, it's also possible that they simply don't give a sh*t about what's going on in America). I'm not sure which is worse: apathy, or cowardice---but today's pop stars are similar to the mainstream media in that they lack a spine and they're only concerned about making as much money as possible.

Ironically, despite the blatant commercialism of today's pop scene, music sales continue to plunge in the U.S. The big record labels complain endlessly about this. They point the finger of blame at file-sharing services. The latter, no doubt, have some of the blame---but I believe the main culprit is that today's music just plain sucks.

The best pop/rock music has always been risk-taking, rebellious, bold and creative. That's the polar opposite of today's sad line-up of Britney, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake and their endless clones.

Meanwhile, here's a salute to some of the best protest music of yesteryear:

  • "Ohio," ---Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 1970.
  • "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag," ---Country Joe & the Fish, 1967.
  • "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," ---Gil Scott-Heron, 1970.
  • "Power To The People," ---John Lennon, 1971.
  • "The Call Up," ---by The Clash, 1980.
  • "For What It's Worth," ----Buffalo Springfield, 1967.
  • "Shipbuilding," ---Elvis Costello, 1982.
  • "Between the Wars," ---Billy Bragg, 1985.
  • "Talkin' World War III Blues," ---Bob Dylan, 1963.
  • "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy," ---Pete Seeger, 1967.
  • "Get Up, Stand Up," ---Bob Marley, 1973.

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The creator of the progressive site, BeggarsCanBeChoosers.com, Marc McDonald is an award-winning journalist who worked for 15 years for several Texas (more...)
 

The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
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War by Bob Gormley on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:06:05 AM
The Eve of Destruction by William Cormier on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:43:50 AM
Yeah by Bob Gormley on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 9:13:42 AM
Don't blame the artists... by Ned Freeman on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 10:27:13 AM
Sad but true by Vinny Colletti on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:02:49 PM
bitter ditties about rust belt cities by jeffreyleonard on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:09:44 PM
60's music by vin agamenone on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:14:21 PM
Song - Its So Wrong by Kent Welton on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:28:04 PM
Eddie Vedder by Judy Ramsey on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:37:49 PM
protest... by Debbie Scally on Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 at 12:53:57 AM
Where have all the flowers gone? by Victrola on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 12:59:23 PM
Whatever Happened to Protest Music? Let Me Tell You! by BroadsideBalladeer on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 1:29:37 PM
"Whatever Happened to Protest Music?" by Ruby on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 3:27:55 PM
I was looking at some protest old protest footage on Youtube by Sharon Roach on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 3:44:31 PM
MAKE what's available popular? by JustHisWordsdotcom on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 4:02:54 PM
The Music is Here, The Buyers Are Not by Gustav Wynn on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 6:44:23 PM
Lyrics by Turner by Brent Turner on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 7:52:38 PM
Few people listen anymore by Gallaher on Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:29:56 PM
it is definitely out there by Ben Kall on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:28:51 AM
Juno by Torus on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 1:54:43 AM
One More by Ginger Hastings Chapman on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 3:27:36 AM
here are a few more by Brad Griffeth on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 5:46:59 AM
More, More , More by Torus on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 8:13:19 AM
Here's A Lot More by Michael Bonanno on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 10:31:22 AM
MY PROTEST SONGS by Joan Wile on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:42:08 AM
Not surprised! by Bia Winter on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 12:46:52 PM

 
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