Political Observations & Statements Archives

Janis Ian – Janis Ian (1967)

July 14, 2023

How a teenage Janis Ian shocked censors by recording her debut hit “Society’s Child.” Extra: Who was the Hollywood asshat who tried to tank her career and the outrageous reason why,

Lesley Gore – Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts (1963)

July 12, 2023

When Lesley Gore made her Billboard debut in 1963 she seemed to be the unlikeliest performer to become an early feminist icon. But after a string of hit singles where she played the role of the victim,, Lesley Gore changed the narrative of girls across America when she to recorded the first feminist anthem of pop music, “You Don’t Own Me.”

Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA (1984)

July 3, 2023

When Bruce Springsteen released “Born in the USA” he went from struggling singer/songwriter to a rock n’ roll icon. But when President Ronald Regan name dropped The Boss, perhaps he should have listened to Springsteen’s lyrics first. A look at “Born in the USA” and the history of Republican politicians who have foolishly tried to use it. Extra: How Bruce Springsteen keeps Sam Tweedle’s spouse up at night.

Sonny and Cher – The Wondrous World of Sonny and Cher (1966)

June 23, 2023

After getting thrown out of a Hollywood restaurant in 1965, a fed up Sono Bono wrote an emotional manifesto titled “Laugh at Me,” which became his only hit record, A look at “Laugh at Me,” Sonny’s fight for respect, and why he allowed the laughter to continue through the 1970’s and beyond. Extra: The lasting legacy of Sonny and Cher, and Chaz Bono’s attempt to reinvent “Laugh at Me” as a transgender anthem.

Billy Jack Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1971) and Coven – Coven (1971)

June 14, 2023

“On the bloody morning after, One Tin Soldier rides away.” How Coven’s Jinx Dawson went from singing about witchcraft to having a hit with “One Tin Soldier” and how the film “Billy Jack” made it one of the most accessalbe anthems of peace ever recorded.

The Original Caste – One Tin Soldier (1969)

June 12, 2023

Before “Billy Jack,” Canadian pop-folk band The Original Caste introduced the world to “One Tin Soldier.” A look at the band, and the origins behind the song that would become one of the most famous anthems of peace.

Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963)

May 26, 2023

When Bob Dylan released his sacond album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,” in 1963, he gained world wide fame for his political writings and anti-war musings. But behind the songs was the influence of his then girlfriend Suze Rotolo, who was immoralized walking with him on the album’s front cover. Who was Suze Rotolo, and how did she help shape the legend that would become Bob Dylan? A look into their relationship and Suze’s important place in the Bob Dylan mythos.

David Bowie – Black Tie White Noise (1993)

April 19, 2023

His first solo album in years, David Bowie’s 1993 album “Black Tie/White Noise” got little attention upon it’s original release, but has reemerged as one of Bowie’s most powerful statements about racial conflict and American hate. How the LA riots juxtopossed with his mariage to Iman inspired Bowie to write an overlooked masterpiece which deservesd rediscovering.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono – Double Fantasy (1980)

February 16, 2023

Happy 90th Birthday Yoko Ono! A deep dive into the world’s most famous unknown artist, and why she deserves more love.

Vinyl Stories

Category: Political Observations & Statements