NPR: All Songs Considered: Political Satire and Song

Political Songs & Satire

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In this election year it seemed a good idea to put out a call for music about politics. What we wanted was satire; what we got were earnest and passionate songs that mostly bashed the incumbent president.

Below you will find fairly well-known artists singing songs about war, the candidates and the voters' dilemma: who to chose in 2004.

We've also included a special feature on music from the candidates. Intern Jenny Asarnow offers a sample of the songs used to pump up crowds at political rallies by President George W. Bush and the Democratic nominee, Sen. John Kerry.

Listen to Jenny Asarnow's report on music and the presidential campaigns.

You'll find political songs and satire from unknown artists on Open Mic.

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Credence Clearwater Revival singer and songwriter John Fogerty has a new song about the war in Iraq and how the body count reminds him of another war, not so long ago. This is the title track to a new CD Fogerty is expected to release September 21st.

John Fogerty

CD: Deja Vu (All Over Again)
Song: "Deja Vu (All Over Again)"
Label: Geffen

Listen to "Deja Vu (All Over Again)"

Steve Earle has a reputation for writing provocative songs. His most controversial single was "John Walker's Blues" featured on All Songs Considered episode 24.

Steve Earle

CD: Revolution Starts Now
Song: "Rich Man's War"
Label: Artemis

Listen to "Rich Man's War"

Tom Waits sings a new song with an old message. It is a tune about a soldier, his loneliness, his dilemma and his hopes in times of war.

Seattle label Barsuk records and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants organized this compilation of political songs, featuring artists like David Byrne and REM. They say 100 percent of the money raised with this CD will go to "progressive organizations working to involve more Americans in our political process."

Tom Waits

CD: Future Soundtrack for America
Song: "Day After Tomorrow"
Label: Barsuk

Listen to "Day After Tomorrow"

What's a girl to do? Vote for who you want or vote for who could win. Nellie McKay sent us this tune about John Kerry and Ralph Nader. McKay was featured on All Songs Considered's Year Ahead '04 program in January.

Nellie McKay

CD: John John
Song: "John John"
Label: Sony

Listen to "John John"

This song was produced as a single for All Songs Considered and is not available for purchase.

Capitol Steps is a group of current and former congressional aides who offer politcal parody in songs and skits. This song is from their new CD, Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad.

The Capitol Steps

CD: Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad
Song: "Democratic Hit Parade"
Label: Self Released

Listen to "Democratic Hit Parade"

Appearing here on the Future Soundtrack for America compilation, Mike Doughty was the frontman for Soul Coughing before going solo.

Mike Doughty

CD: Future Soundtrack for America
Song: "Move On"
Label: Barsuk

Listen to "Move On"

Somehow Dan Bern carries the torch of Woody Guthrie. He's biting, angry and funny all at the same time. His new CD features a number political songs including "The President," in which Dan imagines what he would do as the American leader during his first week in office.

Dan Bern

CD: My Country II
Song: "Bush Must Be Defeated"
Label: Messenger Records

Listen to "Bush Must Be Defeated"

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