19 Aug 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ by Jimi Hendrix

It was fifty years ago that Jimi Hendrix performed the United States national anthem during a Monday morning for tens of thousands of people at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Hendrix was the last act to take the stage. He had top-billing and was supposed to take the stage

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13 Aug 2019

Protest Songs Of The Week: ‘Mercedes Marxist’ And ‘I Dream Guillotine’ By IDLES

IDLES recently released a seven-inch single featuring two unreleased songs from the album’s session, “Mercedes Marxist,” and the B-side, “I Dream Guillotine.” Even though the band may have felt that they did not fit the mood of their last album, both tracks are hard-hitting, insightful, and well worth a listen.

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06 Aug 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Bol’ By Sarathy Korwar

London-based percussionist and producer Sarathy Korwar crafted a protest album centered on the backlash against refugees and immigrants. “There are more arriving, and you’re gonna have to deal with it,” his latest album declares. “More Arriving” features a song called “Bol,” where he cycles through a series of stereotypes used

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30 Jul 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Hope For The Underrated Youth’ By Yungblud

The post originally appeared at Ongoing History of Protest Songs. When looking back at the history of protest movements, young people have always been at the forefront. That has been the case with recent protests against gun violence, climate change, and a variety of other social ills. Yungblud, a 21-year-old

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01 Jul 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Forever High Mast’ By Lucy Dacus

The post was originally published at Ongoing History Of Protest Songs. Most countries have holidays and observances that celebrate aspects of their founding and heritage. For many, it is an opportunity to display patriotic pride, but for others, it is the time to somberly reflect on dark chapters of their

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25 Jun 2019

When Former Prisoner Sold Dr. John A Protest Song From Angola Prison

In 1970, Dr. John recorded a song his friend gave him after serving more than 40 years at the infamous Louisiana State Penitentiary known as Angola.

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17 Jun 2019

Protest Songs Of The Week: ‘Killer Whale’ And ‘Sadfluid’ By Dark Smith

The post was originally published at Ongoing History Of Protest Music. “You will not replace us.” The white supremacists rallying cry expresses a paranoia that the traditional white male Christian power structure is under attack. Racists, homophobes, and misogynists want to preserve the oppressive status quo, which benefits them at

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20 May 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Voicemail For Jill’ By Amanda Palmer

“Voicemail For Jill” is a song on Amanda Palmer’s new album, “There Will Be No Intermission.” Instead of writing an angry pro-choice anthem, Palmer tells the story of a woman who made the painful decision to get an abortion.

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06 May 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘Gaia’ By Calina Lawrence (With Sylvie Karina And Francesca Rivera)

Calina Lawrence is an indigenous vocalist and activist from the Suquamish Nation. She effectively fuses traditional native music with elements of hip-hop, soul, and spoken word. Lawrence uses her art to draw attention to social justice issues.

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24 Apr 2019

Protest Song Of The Week: ‘All Some Kind Of Dream’ By Josh Ritter

Over his two-decade career, Josh Ritter has become a well-respected singer-songwriter known for his narrative lyrics. In “All Some Kind Of Dream,” addressing Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, Josh Ritter balances mournful indictment with hope human compassion will win out in the end.

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