“Emancipate yourselves from mental slaveryNone but ourselves can free our mindsHave no fear for atomic energy‘Cause none of them can stop the timeHow long shall they kill our prophetsWhile we stand aside and look? OohSome say it’s just a part of itWe’ve got to fulfill the Book” More of a solo acoustic folk song than a traditional reggae song, Bob […]
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Many of my fondest memories in life are connected to attending concerts. A couple of the shows that have had the most significant impact are those I just accidentally stumbled upon. One such defining moment was when I saw Johnny Cash perform live on August 30th, 1994 at the CNE Bandstand. I was at the Canadian National Exhibition with a couple of […]
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The Clash’s music is as vital as ever. Right now, we’ll consider a small sample of their important contribution to the canon of protest songs. White Riot (1977) “White Riot” was the band’s first single, and it appeared on their self-titled debut. The song tackles issues of race and class. The song was also influenced by the 1976 riots at […]
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“The Only Band That Matters” The promotional tagline bestowed upon them by their record label may seem like hyperbole, but at times, they came close to scaling the lofty heights of being “The Only Band That Matters.” One of the reasons why they’ve mattered is that they were able to address real-world issues in fresh ways. Their music continues to […]
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Here is this month’s sampling of notable socially conscious music. Songs/Videos: Lula Wiles – Television This is the first single off the Americana trio’s upcoming album Shame and Sedition, which will drop on May 21. The song was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest. Allison Russell – Nightflyer The Canadian singer-songwriter of Our Native Daughters and Birds of […]
Learn more →“London Is Burning” is the first single from Joe Strummer 001, a compilation of rarities and unreleased material which is due out September 28, 2018. Of course, Strummer is most known for his work with The Clash. As one of the most influential bands of all-time that was more than enough to ensure a lasting legacy. But his body of work […]
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 […]
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