The first song I’d like to propose is The Kill by Fugazi. I chose this song because I appreciate Fugazi’s music as a band, and I figured their messages of society remain relevant today 20 years later. I think The Kill is a great song because while its lyrics may be more abstract than their other hits, The Kill has a lot more to say when you dig deeper into the lines. The song itself is protesting police brutality and the evergrowing militarized power the police hold over society.
I believe the song will lead me into more profound research about the ’90s and early 2000s punk and hardcore movements and the music backing those scenes. The song itself is indicative of the more melodic and layered tracks bands like Fugazi were laying down during that period. On top of that, the song was criticizing the police, something which keeps becoming prevalent by the year.
The song means two things to me personally. On one end I have a personal connection to the band as I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Ian MacKaye’s projects. On the other hand, the politics cited in the song are important in today’s political climate. Therefore, I connect to it’s message on a more engaged level.
The one concern about using this song is that it was released in 2001, 2 years before I was born. I am also concerned that since Fugazi has a lack of interviews, to begin with, some research may be a little harder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvQFgcvlMts
The second so I want to propose is When The President Talks To God by Bright Eyes. This song I believe has gathered more relevance and less relevance in the decade since its release. This song in particular is perfect because it critiques two important things simultaneously, Christianity and the Government. While the lyrics are in your face since the instruments are much more stripped back, the critique of George W. Bush’s actions can be carried on to the candidates today.
I believe that this song will carry a conversation about the indie folk scene of the mid-2000s and the importance that it brought during that period. The song also holds a prevalence when it comes to the post-9/11 American landscape we’re living in now. While George Bush may be out of the white house, Presidents are still using God as a way to commit actions deemed irresponsible.
Like the other song I proposed I connect to this song on a personal level because I’ve been following Connor Oberst’s music for a while now. I’ve also just realized that Presidents will use a version of Christian God to propel their popularity and decision-making. That alone disturbs me and I think it’s important that we protest that as a society.
I’m concerned that because the song is directly critiquing George W. Bush, some of it’s relevance won’t hold up. Thankfully, there are more interviews and live renditions to look for than Fugazi, when it comes to research.
September 17, 2023 at 9:13 am
Parker,
Before I make a decision about these two very good choices, I wonder if there are any more contemporary punk/alternative songs that you might consider. Please reply to this post with two and write just a couple sentences about each. Please reply by Monday evening.
Thanks,
Bill
September 18, 2023 at 3:19 pm
2 more songs to consider,
Idioteque by Radiohead/Planet B by King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard. Both songs tackle the theme of climate change yet do so in different ways.
Idioteque is an electronic and alternative song that uses the coldness of its beat to deliver the lyrics. Thom Yorke wants the listener to feel as disoriented as possible as the end of the world is being brought upon by civilization. Live performances often carry more emotional weight as Thom Yorke scurries on stage and sings to his very core.
Planet B uses thrash metal elements to deliver its message differently. Stu Mackenzie’s lyrics are in the listener’s face as pummeling guitar riffs and drum patterns sway in and out. The lyrics are more on the nose about Earth being destroyed by greed and neglect. The song is the opener to a concept album and is often played as a hype song live.
September 19, 2023 at 9:53 am
Parker,
Thanks for the follow-up post. After re-listening to all the songs I think “The Kill” will be the one I’d recommend going with. The fact that it’s about immigration and released a month after 9/11 is significant, as is the fact that the album is basically an anti-war argument (hence, the title). The key for you is going to be to show the context but also — and more importantly — why it (the song, and perhaps the album) has continued to remain relevant over the years.
Looking forward to what you create!
Bill