Category: Political Observations & Statements

Political Observations & Statements

Scott McKenzie – The Voice of Scott McKenzie (1967)

August 19, 2024

In 1967 reluctant singer Scott McKenzie had one of the biggest hits of the era with “San Fransisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair,” which became both an anthem for the entire “flower power” movement, and inspired thousands of wayward youth to migrate to California. However, despite its success, Scott McKenzie managed to get lost in the shuffle of the Summer of Love. A look at the origins of “San Fransisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” and the voice of Scott McKenzie. Extra: How the Montery Pop Festival gave birth to “San Fransisco,” and Scott McKenzie’s life long friendship with “Papa” John Phillips.

Various Artists – Wild in the Streets Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1968)

May 10, 2024

A perennial garage band favorite, “The Shape of Things to Come,” originally released by a studio group credited as Max Frost and the Troopers, may be one of the most timeless and prophetic political anthems ever released. Capturing the eternal struggle of the generation gap in the face of revolution and change, the song is as relatable now as when it was releaased in 1968. But who were Max Frost and the Troopers? A look at the origins and continuous importance of “The Shape of Things to Come” and how it took a life of its own beyond the problematic film that introduced it, “Wild in the Streets.”

Melanie – Candles in the Rain (1970)

January 24, 2024

This week we said goodbye to the Little Sister of the Sun, Melanie Safka. Sam Tweedle revisits his 2012 interview as Melanie talks about the events that inspired her first Billboard hit “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).” From her unlikely debut on the Woodstock stage, the collaboration with the Edwin Hawkins Singers that nearly didn’t happen, and the night that the song saved a platoon of men in Viet Nam, Melanie tells the story of “Lay Down” in her own words.

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.

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.