Jon Ewing
Playlists
Fight the Power – Public Enemy
7 March 2017
If you’ve ever seen Spike Lee’s extraordinary 1989 comedy drama Do The Right Thing, then you’ll never forget the scene where Italian-American pizzeria owner Sal (Danny Aiello) squares off with Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) as Fight the Power blares out of his boombox, lyrically laying down the gauntlet, drawing a line at which Sal’s racism has to stop and, as it turns out, laying his life on that same line.
Goodnight America – Until the Ribbon Breaks
7 March 2017
As immigrants living in the USA, British trio Until the Ribbon Breaks released this anthem during the US presidential campaigns in 2016, insisting that it’s “pro-America”, but clearly frustrated with a nation that is “sucking on its thumb” with its refrain of “goodnight goodnight goodnight” as the electorate drifted off to sleep when it most needed be awake, on the brink of doom.
Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
7 March 2017
For almost 50 years, the words “meet the new boss / same as the old boss” have rung true, but perhaps for once that’s not quite true, with the leader of the free world who refuses to play by history’s rules. And yet one constant remains: those who lead us only ever seem to listen to us when it suits their own agenda.
Demagogue – Franz Ferdinand
7 March 2017
Smooth Scots pop art geeks Franz Ferdinand supplied this song for the excellent awareness-raising 30 days 30 Songs project in the lead-up to the US Presidential election, organised by Secretly Group’s Phil Waldorf.
I Give You Power – Arcade Fire
7 March 2017
For their first new material since 2013’s Reflektor, indie art collective Arcade Fire recruit legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples to present a clear and simple warning to our leaders: I give you power and I can take it away. This is not a threat, Mr Trump. it’s a promise.
How to Fight Evil in Everyday Life
1 February 2017
What this playlist is, what it definitely isn’t, and a few suggestions for how to use everyday decisions to fight evil in your daily life, inspired by some of the most rousing and exciting musicians in the world.