Today I have chosen a selection of songs to set you on your way to your polling station. If you are one of the many whose vote has already been cast via a postal ballot, I hope it will remind you of the choice that you have made. We begin with a song from the 1960’s (the heyday of protest folk songs). Phil Ochs wrote ‘Days of Decision’ in 1964 for his album ‘I Ain’t Marching Any More’ (1965) to reflect the societal upheaval of his time and it still rings true today and the challenges we face.
Next up is Vote ‘Em Out” a single by Willie Nelson, released in October 2018, In June 2018, Willie Nelson released a public statement criticizing the Trump administration family separation policy. During his annual Fourth of July Picnic, Nelson was joined on stage by Beto O’Rourke, a candidate in the 2018 Senate election in Texas. Nelson later gave his endorsement to O’Rourke, amid criticism from the conservative part of his fan base. In September 2020 Nelson released an animated video on YouTube for “Vote ‘Em Out” featuring cartoon characters are seen casting their ballots.
The Specials released “Vote For Me,” as the lead single for their comeback album Encore. The track finds the U.K. ska band in a disgruntled mood, complaining about elected officials. It’s the first Specials song featuring Terry Hall on vocals since their landmark 1981 single “Ghost Town.” Founding members Horace Painter and Lynval Golding also reunited for the new material. “Vote For Me” premiered on BBC Radio 6 in 2018. This song finds Terry Hall lambasting the political elite who are “drunk on money and power.” The atmospheric arrangement featuring a gently skanking, strings assisted rhythm has drawn comparison to The Specials’ huge 1981 hit “Ghost Town.”
“Be Careful How You Vote” is a track by premier pianist/composer Sunnyland Slim who grew into his blues roots in Chicago via the Delta. It is the lead track from his album of the same name. This collection of recordings date from 1981-83 featuring the great guitarists Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Taylor, Magic Slim, and Lurrie Bell, who turn in blazing guitar solos behind Sunnyland’s deep vocals and rolling piano. Also features organist “Professor” Eddie Lusk and bassist Bob Stroger. Most of the songs had not been recorded by Slim prior to this session; many are quite topical in their lyrics.”
For those of you who are somewhat less than impressed by the choices of which party or candidate for whom to vote, the next may help. “No Matter Who You Vote for the Government Always Gets In” was released as a single in 1996 and is a bonus track taken from “Let’s Make Up And Be Friendly” the fifth studio album by the Bonzo Dog Band. The group had already disbanded when United Artists informed band members that the group owed the label one more album. This 1972 farewell album was the result, recorded at The Manor Studio in November 1971, while the building itself was still in the process of being converted to accommodate the recording studio that was being built.
