AltWeeklies Wire
Election '08: Considering Campaign Songsnew

The idea of using pop songs as campaign themes makes sense. With such clear choices this year, it seems fitting that the current presidential contenders might also appropriate music to help define their political personas.
Riverfront Times |
Lee Zimmerman |
10-31-2008 |
Music
R.A. the Rugged Man is McCain in the Membranenew
While he doesn't have the reach of Jay-Z, Nas, or any of Obama's other major-label shills, Rugged Man is using his notoriety and knack for controversy to rally troops behind the red team.
Boston Phoenix |
Chris Faraone |
10-30-2008 |
Music
Green Party VP Candidate Rosa Clemente on Musical Activismnew

Despite the inroads made by the hip-hop generation toward political mobilization, Clemente says, many of these organizations focus solely on getting out the vote and fall short of providing the information necessary to empower the community.
San Antonio Current |
M. Solis |
10-30-2008 |
Music
Soundtracking Change This Election Daynew

As the world awaits the results of the most important presidential election in, oh, 40 years, we've put together a playlist with song selections from some of Portland's finest musicians of tracks to listen to on Election Tuesday.
Willamette Week |
Michael Mannheimer |
10-29-2008 |
Music
Get Out and Vote Tour with the Beastie Boysnew

When Beastie Boys recently announced a Get Out and Vote Tour that was going to hit all of the "swing states" for the upcoming election, I immediately thought of North Carolina being one of those states.
Creative Loafing (Charlotte) |
Jeff Hahne |
10-21-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
The Crystal Method Gets Politicalnew
The duo has released a remix of their first single, "Now is the Time," using part of a speech from presidential candidate Barack Obama. Entitled "Now is the Time (Vote '08 Remix)," the song is available for free on the group's website.
Creative Loafing (Charlotte) |
Jeff Hahne |
10-21-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Foo Fighters Songs McCain Should Use Instead of 'My Hero'new

The band has not-so-discreetly asked McCain to stop using their music to rally his troops. We'd like to call on the McCain camp to do the right thing and pick a more appropriate Foo Fighters tune for stumpin'. Here are a few recommendations.
Seattle Weekly |
Chris Kornelis |
10-20-2008 |
Music
Billy Bragg's Political Soulnew

"Many people in the UK have given up on the US, but by nominating a black man for president, you've really got our attention."
Boston Phoenix |
Jim Sullivan |
10-16-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla Talks Politics and Musical Activismnew
In recent months, the band's name has been closely linked with politics: Walla and vocalist Ben Gibbard appeared at the DNC in Denver, and the band is participating in the Ultimate College Bowl, a contest where the school that registers the most voters will get a free Death Cab show.
Riverfront Times |
Annie Zaleski |
10-10-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Henry Rollins is Begging You to Votenew

"This is your country; this is your time. Do this," he says. "[People might say] 'Well, I don't know who to vote for.' Get an opinion. It's easy. They give them away like free kittens at a church bazaar."
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
10-07-2008 |
Music
Steve Earle Talks Music, Politics and Addictionnew

Earle's resurrection after being released from jail in the mid-1990s is remarkable, and few would dispute that he is today one of the best songwriters in the world. And he always seasons his songs with powerful political messages that rise above the polemical.
New Haven Advocate |
Jim Motavalli |
09-16-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Twin Cities Musicians Kick Off a Week of RNC Protestsnew
With the convention days away, the Turf Club rocks for change.
City Pages (Twin Cities) |
Andrea Myers |
09-04-2008 |
Music
As the RNC Descends, Local and National Musicians Arisenew

Even as unknowable thousands of protesters, press agents, and boosters arm themselves for occupation, a resistance force of musicians and bands, some local and some national but all alike in the boldness of their convictions, is racing to the Twin Cities' rescue on an interception course.
City Pages (Twin Cities) |
David Hansen and Andrea Myers |
08-29-2008 |
Music
The DNC Concert Cheat Sheetnew

For a few days, Denver will be the world's stage, with thousands of delegates and media types parachuting into town. No reason for you not to try to join the party! So here's a cheat sheet on some of the week's most ballyhooed events and your chances of getting in.
Not Every Rapper is Sold on Sen. Barack Obamanew
Never one to censor himself, M1 was candid in his thoughts on "politricks," the Sean Bell verdict, and the reasons he won't be voting in November.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Jonathan Cunningham |
05-15-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews