Overt political statements: Yes, We Can!

I read an interesting article recently, stating the Barack Obama currently has the most unsolicited campaign songs. For all of you readers uninformed in the wiley world of politics like myself, Barack has racked up a number of unsolicited songs written about him and his campaign. Weird, I know. So as I watched this video of will.i.am’s rather lengthly song “Yes We Can” full of beautiful famous people, it made me wonder just how far one should go to get some attention. I know we’ve had our fair share of Bruce Springsteen mishaps in past elections, but it seems that this particular election has generated quite a bit of interest from the musical side of the gamut.

It wasn’t too many years ago that the political persuasions of artists such as Rage Against the Machine and N.W.A. caused controversy across the nation for their less-than-subtle lyrics about government-related activities in this country. It seems strange to me that music has come full-circle from the political artists of the 80’s and 90’s proclaiming their anti-establishment views to actually penning campaign songs for the latest presidential candidates. Is this really an un-selfish act of pure support or an incredible business move on the part of these musicians and songwriters?

I do realize the gravity of this election and the impact that it will have on all sorts of varieties of activism, but I do wonder how sincere all of these “budding artists” really are in their undying support of Barack Obama. Having a very crude knowledge of politics myself, these thoughts are merely speculation, but I believe that this should be some serious food for thought for all of the easily influenced voters out there. Call me cynical, but it seems a pretty far stretch from the “F**k the Police” of my generation to the sudden unbridled love of American politics in this 2008 Presidential Election. I mean, I enjoy “We Are The World” spoofs just as much as the next guy, but this is just a little too close to the repeat button for my taste.

Fortune Cookie:

Do some research on the current presidential candidates and make a truly informed decision. Turn off CNN and ignore the propaganda, and really do your homework.

Listening to:

“Dancing Days” – Led Zeppelin