Curtis Mayfield died on December 26, 1999. With The Impressions and his solo work, he established himself as one of the most influential artists in the history of socially conscious music. “New World Order” is the title track from his final studio album, which was released in 1996. Due to the effects of paralysis, Mayfield recorded the vocals while lying […]
Learn more →This is not your typical festive Christmas tune. Even though the video is somewhat comical, the lyrics are politically hard-hitting. The song addresses corruption, poverty and racism (“Still spell AmeriKKKa with the triple K”). Despite the serious nature, there is a positive message about the power of love (“Don’t understand love’s importance / And we can weaponize that, bring ’em […]
Learn more →“Mother” is a cover of a Pink Floyd song which appeared on their classic 1979 album, The Wall. Lyrics such as “Mother, should I build the wall?/Mother, should I run for president?”, takes on added weight with the Trump presidency. The video for Palmer’s haunting rendition, depicts a dystopian world where child labour is used to build a wall, while a […]
Learn more →The jaded cynic may dismiss music videos as simply promotional vehicles to help a musician go viral and to increase their net worth. Even though that synopsis is often accurate, when done properly music videos can be elevated to a fine art, capable of making profound statements. With socially conscious music the visuals can also reinforce the lyrical impact. Here is […]
Learn more →Joe Strummer died on December 22nd, 2002. Fifteen years later and his music is as vital as ever. As the front-man and lyricist of The Clash, he composed some of the most important socially conscious music ever. “Straight To Hell” appears on The Clash’s 1982 album, Combat Rock. Like many of The Clash tunes, it is a protest against many […]
Learn more →False Advertising is a three piece indie rock band from the UK and “Not My Fault” appears on their 2017 EP, I Would Be So Much Happier If I Just Stopped Caring. Concerning the motivation of the tune, front woman Jen Hingley stated: “We wrote this song whilst lamenting the loss of opportunity and hope that this last year’s political developments have […]
Learn more →Jello Biafra is no stranger to creating political music. It started with the seminal hardcore punk band Dead Kennedys and he continues to rage on, championing many causes. “Werewolves of Wall Street” is one of many anthems for the Occupy Wall Street Movement that appeared on Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine 2013 album, White People and the […]
Learn more →Some would argue that social media is a powerful platform for protest and social change. Others would contend that it encourages passiveness and it actually hinders meaningful political activism. This subject was addressed by the song “Slackvivist” by Desparecidos (a side project of Bright Eyes Conor Oberst). “Slacktivist” addresses those that delude themselves into thinking they are activist because they […]
Learn more →Hamell On Trail is the performance name of Ed Hamell, who is known for his political and satirical brand of folk-punk. On his tenth studio album, Tackle Box, Hamell is as sharp-witted as ever. One of the album’s highlight and potentially most controversial tunes is “Not Aretha’s Respect (Cops)”. The song deals with different dealings he had with cops while also […]
Learn more →When I complied the list of the 25 best albums of 2017, there were a few EPs I was seriously considering as well, but I ended up going exclusively with full length albums. So, here is a list of my top 5 EPs. Feel free to protest the list in your comments. 5: Bridges Not Walls – Billy Bragg The […]
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