What began as a discussion* (and mocking) of the sideshow of the day song of a generation turned into a great exchange about political/protest tunes. I’ve collected some of the best recommendations, and in addition to my own suggestions, have linked to the better ones found throughout the night.
Feel free to post the songs I’ve missed, but which you’re particularly fond of, to the comments. I’d love you hear your favourites. Also welcome: Those so bad, they’re amazing.
*To see the full conversation thread, be sure to click the various “view other replies.”
Tom Russell – Who’s Gonna Build Your Wall
Damien Dempsey – Sing all our Cares Away
The Internationale (English Version)
White Riot by the Clash
Elvis Costello – Ship Building
Rage Against The Machine version – The Ghost of Tom Joad
Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning
Drezus – Red Winter (idle No More)
Billy Bragg – Between The Wars
Marvin Gaye – Inner City Blues
Brother Ali – Uncle Sam Goddamn
Crosby, Stills, Nash – Ohio
A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
Green Day – American Idiot
Janelle Monáe – Hell You Talmbout
Robert Cooper:
Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
And from me:
First, the songs which initially came to my mind:
Eminem – Mosh
Black Sabbath – War Pigs
Ramones – My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg)
God Save The Queen – The Sex Pistols
Rage Against The Machine – Killing In The Name
Johnny Mandel – Suicide Is Painless (M*A*S*H Theme)
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son
Nina Simone – Mississippi Goddam
Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit
And below, some gems I wasn’t familiar with, which I found while searching:
Country Joe McDonald – I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag
Eric Bogle – The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Donovan – The Universal Soldier
Barry McGuire – Eve of Destruction
Tom Robinson Band – Glad To Be Gay
Bonus! This very fun post, thanks to Kady o’malley, and a what looks like a great book, recommended by Laurie K.
A. Picazo 