The Great American Novel

The politicians all make speeches while the news men all take note,

And they exaggerate the issues as they shove them down our throats;

Is it really up to them whether this country sinks or floats?

Well I wonder who would lead us if none of us would vote.

Larry Norman penned this song that was included in his 1972 album Only Visiting This Planet. It reappeared for me as if by accident.

I only saw him in concert once, and one song intro I’ll never forget. He slung his acoustic guitar across his back and solemnly started talking about the effects of rock and roll. That music blasted at plants eventually caused the to wilt way. Headphones strapped on animals playing rock and roll drove them mad. Just about the time our young minds tried to come to terms with this, he finished with the admonition: “Please keep rock and roll away from your plants and animals,” (or something to that effect) whipped the guitar around and tore into “Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music,” as much of a rocker as can be performed acoustically.

It was great.

Handsome Johnny

The eternal soldier, an eternal song subject, Richie Haven pays homage.

It’s a long, hard road before we’ll be free.

Flibbertigibbeting

One of the characteristics of my web browsing is variety. I’ll run across something completely without design.

This blog entry was a stunner, the juxtposition of images and the cold truth of narration in small print.

I Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore

Here’s an exceptional cover of Woody Guthrie’s classic tune by a soulful Billy Bragg. Love the fact it’s performed in a bike shop!

Love Will Find a Way

Here’s a lovely, hopeful tune from Michael Franti and Spearhead. Peace y’all.

Superwoman

How did I miss this tune? Okay, it was composed in 2007. Alicia Keys sings so well.

Brave New World

I’ve stumbled on this crew and this song by accident, thanks to Rolling Stone.

Their music is reminiscent of my older rock-and-roller loves.

The message is buried in the that era’s style.

Kill fear, the power of lies
For we will not be hypnotized

The American Dream

The cadences of this tune by Jared Deck remind me another American songwriter. It’s good country wailing.

Rhythm of the Rain

Amelia White bears witness to soul sickness and seeking solace in this new tune.

The Last Resort

Don Henley wrote this searing lament in 1976.

“They called it Paradise.” The final words are “Kiss it goodbye.” It’s a good Sunday tune.