Election day easy listening
We here at MEE towers are suckers for a good tune, especially tonight as we wait for something to happen in the US election. To that end, here's our top 13 election-sort-of-themed tunes for anyone bored enough to listen. So, in no particular order:
96 Tears by ? and the Mysterians
A bold opening with this weirdo-stuffed, organ-infused piece of proto-punk. Great for post-election posturing for the winner.
Choice is Yours by Black Sheep
Hip hop from when hip hop was hip hop, with a simple message: You could go with this, or you could go with that. And who's the black sheep?
Going Underground by The Jam
A very British railing at the status quo. "The public gets what the public wants." Check out the stripey shoes and mullet.
Impeach the President by the Honey Drippers
A song calling for the impeachment of Richard Nixon during Watergate but hey, it could come back into use. Can't think of a better accompanying beat.
Think by Lyn Collins
More funk. We like funk. Okay, this isn't really an election song, but it's a power women track with a call to "use what we got to get what we want". The MEE blogging team can imagine Hillary Clinton wigging out to this.
This Town Ain't Big Enough for the both of Us by Sparks
Straight out of the weird world of 70s avant garde glam rock comes Sparks. A permed falsetto on vocals, and a rather familiar looking chap on keys. The message is right up to the minute, the fashion not so much.
It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To by Barbara Gaskin
Going out to all the Trump supporters in the house. Yes, Lesley Gore's 60s version is the definitive but the parents of most MEE staff probably weren't even born then. So we'll plump for the 80s version with its keyboards, big hair and boxing paraphernalia.
Simmer Down by the Wailing Wailers
We know we're diverting quite wide of the usual election songs. But in the words of the great Sam Jackson, "Ya'll need to chill". Put one of the most divisive elections to the side for a second and remember to simmer down. A bit of rocksteady will help.
Volunteers by Jefferson Airplane
Back from when protest movements were actually uniting forces, Jefferson Airplane gave us this classic. Patchouli oil never sounded so good.
Sabotage by the Beastie Boys
Another for the Trumpers among us, with a nod to the claims of vote-rigging. Brilliant video, brilliant tune. The hair's even Trump-esque. It's Sabotage!
Leave Them All Behind by Ride
You probably never of heard of these guys. One of them ended up in Oasis, and the lead singer now wears a dodgy hat. But the music is tops. Shoehorned in for the great opening and the lyrics: "I don't care about the colours. I don't care about the light. I don't care about the truth."
It's the End of the World as We Know It by REM
The boss asked for this one so we stood to attention. The soundtrack for every alien invasion film ever, and also American elections. Which can be pretty similar.
Steppin Out by Joe Jackson
One for the after-party. MEE towers stuck it in cos we were missing one good hopeful tune, and it definitely needed synthesisers. So there. Enjoy.
Any recommendations? Email graeme.baker@middleeasteye.org and I'm on it. In the meantime, get your stomp on.
