Folk, rock, soul, gospel music weren’t just the soundtrack to such vital movements as civil rights, antiwar agitation, social justice, anti-poverty and more from the 1950s through the ‘60s. It served as commentary on the times and current issues, calls to awareness and activism, guideposts towards better and socially and spiritually higher places, succor and comfort to those in pain, struggling and repressed, and much more.
And now at this critical juncture we are hurtling toward a 2014 election that looks to be the most important and consequential in my nearly seven decades of life. But where today is the music that was so inextricably interwoven into the fabric of progressivism, resistance and true populism of yore? I’m listening for it, but what I hear is largely … crickets. If not silence.
Back when I began this column in the late 1990s, we instituted an annual year-end review of the political and progressive music over the previous 12 months. It started out as a lengthy and quite comprehensive overview. But over the next 15 years or so the worthwhile pickings got smaller and slimmer. It finally reached the point where I strove to find enough songs and albums that addressed political and social issues to merit a roundup, and sadly ended the tradition.
Which brings us to where things stand right now. Resurgent repression and criminalization of political movements, people and cultural currents that don’t fit into the false-Christian, authoritarian, anti-democratic and white supremacist right-wing agenda is rampant. Our republic and its body politic is dangerously infected with capitalist greed, racism, sexism, anti-homosexual panic, xenophobia, divisiveness and sectarian political conflict plus much more. Conservative demagogues rabble-rouse and gin up fears that morph into hatred and even violence. Any sane leftist and/or progressive is likely alarmed at the prospect of the GOP taking control of the Senate, much less winning the presidency. Especially if the heartless and soulless amoral madman tRump winds up returning to the Oval Office.
Now is the time for all good men and woman (and agenders) to come to the aid of our nation, to adapt the old typing exercise line. But, again, where are the musical artists from the left side of the aisle who are on the right side of the many pressing issues the US now faces?
One major act I am wondering about is Bruce Springsteen, who fashions himself as (and I believe largely is) a blue-collar champion and working-class hero. He’s written songs of social commentary and done benefits for worthy causes. On the other hand, The Boss also had a hit song about a Vietnam vet returning home to find his nation had forsaken him, “Born In The U.S.A.,” get misinterpreted as a pro-American anthem (by those who don’t listen to what the verses say rather than just the chorus). He’s just one of the many artists with public impact whose voice and commitment is sorely needed right now.
There are some acts who have at least stepped up with their music and public statements in recent years, most notably Neil Young and Steve Earle. Taylor Swift, one of today’s biggest pop music superstars, has made some admirable political statements. And I have been tickled that some male musical performers (like my fellow Austinite James McMurtry) who have worn dresses at their performances in states that have passed anti-drag-show laws. But we need many more and much more from them. As soon as possible.
Please don’t suggest that Bob Dylan return to political music. He’s done far more than his fair share on that front over his career. And his political and topical songs and works of social commentary are so timeless that they remain relevant and resonant today.
The best political music helps rally the troops, foster solidarity, and spread powerful truths and insights. I pray that the voices of many musical artists soon rise in song to help us oppose and defeat the dangerously dystopian dark forces of GOP, MAGA and right-wing zealots.
Albums: Only the Strong Survive, The Live Series: Songs Of Character & Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – The Darkness Tour ’78 – Speaking of The Boss, his most recent releases are an appealing hat trick. His studio disc of soul music covers is a emotionally rich homage to the golden age of R&B, albeit with backing tracks that are a tad too mechanistic. Conversely, his latest live albums from his archives underscore the richness, muscle and majesty that make Springsteen & E Street a powerhouse concert experience.
Album: Right Now by Graham Nash – The new set of songs by the former member of The Hollies and CSN & sometimes Y is a superb recording whose themes largely express his perspective from his age of 81, along with finding a new unexpected love in his senior years. It even has – following through on the above theme – three songs with political messages, plus a nice homage to Buddy Holly. His lyrics may be a tad simple, but his sincerity and right-minded sentiments carry them through.
Rob Patterson is a music and entertainment writer in Austin, Texas. Email robpatterson054@gmail.com.
From The Progressive Populist, September 15, 2023
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