It's not often a song about a wedding can be termed a political song, although I'm sure incidences will continue in the near future where songs about two people loving each other and being joined together, like "Outlaw Wedding" will become the norm. But I think they are going to have a hard time living up to the standards established by it. Not only does it deal with issue of same sex marriages in a subtle manner but it's also a wonderful endorsement of marriage and family.
For those of you who are supportive of the war in Afghanistan and the current administration's foreign policy, the song you are least likely to enjoy is "Bully Circus." What I found particularly appealing about this song aside from the lyrics, which are far more intelligent then usual, is the wonderful feel they have created with the music in this song.
Circus music has a very particular style. If whoever is performing starts to distort it, even slightly, it begins to sound awfully sinister and makes whatever one is singing about dangerous and evil. What truly separates "Bully Circus" from other protest songs, is the singers do more then just whine about how bad the government is, but offer some idea that they can and will do something, where they are able, to make a difference.
Social responsibility shouldn't be a novelty coming from people who sing about it, but so many of them are of the 'do as I say not as I do' attitude finding a sincere voice that just wants to do something positive is a refreshing change. There's also something about a country music protest song that is much more effective than other genres. Maybe it's because I associate country music so much with pseudo patriotic stuff that anytime we hear someone using the genre for a protest song it becomes all the more potent for it's familiarity of style but difference of content.
Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood as Wishing Chair are a revelation of both style and content. For those who like their folk music with a country twang, and their country music to be about more than cars, truck drivers, and pain Wishing Chair's new disc, Underdog is the answer to your search. Not since Holly Near, Ronnie Gilbert, and Ferron joined together have I heard as powerful and intelligent music from a woman's folk/country group.
Article comments