Here are the biggest music related news items since we last met.
Your Top Story:
John McCain runs into music issues.
APPLETON, Wisconsin (Reuters) - Would Abba take a chance on him? Republican presidential front-runner John McCain is not so sure and said he opted against playing the 1977 hit "Take a Chance on Me" by the Swedish group at his campaign rallies because of licensing and other concerns.
"It's more difficult to play 'let's take a chance on me' than I thought," the four-term Arizona senator told reporters aboard his campaign plane.
"It gets expensive in a big hurry and if you're not careful you can alienate some Swedes," he joked. "If word gets out to Stockholm that we're using Abba music, then there'll be a worsening in U.S.-Swedish relations."
The hit disco song, which begins "If you change your mind, I'm the first in line," could sum up McCain's courtship of the powerful conservative wing of the Republican Party.
McCain also ran into issues using the theme song to "Rocky".
After playing the anthemic horns of the "Rocky" theme song at his rallies, the owner of the song's copyright telephoned the McCain campaign to politely complain it was being used without permission, McCain said.
"It wasn't a formal complaint or a letter. Someone just called on the phone and said 'Hey, that's our property,'" he said.
Follow-up story: Will.i.am follows up the popular Obama- themed YouTube video "Yes, We can" with a song called "We are the Ones".
The video is based on a line Obama delivered in a speech: "We are the ones we've been waiting for," and it features folks like Jessica Alba, George Lopez, Luis Guzman, Ryan Phillippe, John Leguizamo, Kate del Castillo, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Macy Gray.
Clinton backers respond:
Not to be outdone, the Clinton campain this week released its own Mexican cumbia, a Latino campaign theme song called "Hillary, Hillary Clinton," and featuring noted Tejano musician Johnny Canales. Latino supporters of Clinton in the Washington area also created a Spanish music video, called "Oye Hillary."
From the YouTubes:
Check out Roy Zimmerman and his song "Superdelegate". Like that? "Eine kleine Barackmusick" is even better.
Behold the Power of Obama? Checkout this Bollywood-themed video.
Let's not forget the GOP. There's Huckabee Girl.
On a more serious note:
In Ohio, Bill Clinton has been taking the stage to the Top Gun song "Danger Zone". In Texas, he is being accompanied by a Mariachi band.
Melissa Ethridge has changed her support from Clinton to Obama.
When he's not promoting his new album "Love grenade", Ted Nugent is writing a weekly article about the Presidential campaign for the Waco Tribune-Herald.
Finally:
This New Republic blogger speculates Obama is Jay-Z, Hillary is Cam'Ron
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Presidential Groove: Weekend Update
Headline story:
The biggest music-related Presidential campaign story thus far has been the Obama/will.i.am video.
So, no surprise there is a John McCain parody video.
Even two.
Hillary Clinton has her own video response.
Other big stories this week:
Barack Obama wins a grammy for Best Spoken word album.
Tom Scholz from the band Boston asks Mike Huckabee to quit playing "More Than A Feeling".
Campaign theme articles:
An interersting and amusing article about campaign songs, and how the lyrics of the songs don't match the intent.
Clinton has regaled her backers with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "American Girl", doubtless to evoke the image of a patriotic, down-home candidate.
But the lyrics tell an altogether different story of seeing a dream slip away: "God, it's so painful/ Something that's so close / And still so far out of reach."
But the lyrics tell an altogether different story of seeing a dream slip away: "God, it's so painful/ Something that's so close / And still so far out of reach."
Another article on theme songs used in this campaign.
(Clinton) offered nine songs to vote on, but many overzealous readers supplied their own suggestions, including Elton John's The Bitch is Back, Foreigner's Cold As Ice and The Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil.
Assorted articles from this week:
Pitchfork ran an article on John McCain's daughter and her music bloggery.
Songwirter/satirist Tom Lehrer endorses Obama:
I asked Lehrer if there was anything he'd like to add, in this chat, about the current president. After a bit of pause he said, "Just tell the people that I am voting for Obama."
Wonkette reports that Paula Abdul endorses a female for President.
Wonkette also featured this picture of Barry Manilow fans for Hillary:
Have a good week.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Weekend Update
Top Ten Recent Stories
- Merle Haggard was on the Bill Maher show and said that he was disappointed that after he wrote "Let's Put a Woman in the White House" that Hillary went to Nashville to get other songwriters to write songs about her. Merle also joked about Hillary going on Willie Nelson's bus.
- Stevie Wonder campaigned for Obama in California
- The remaining members of the Grateful Dead were reuniting to campaign for Obama.
- A video put together by will.i.am of the BlackEyed Peas, and featuring Herbie Hancock, Common, John Legend, and Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls was a huge hit. The video which combined Obama's speech with music and sung vocals got 1.9 million views.
- Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth supports Obama
- The Beatles support Obama. Well, if Elvis supported Duncan Hunter...
- Speaking of the Beatles
- Arlo Guthrie is supporting Ron Paul
- John Mellencamp tells John McCain to quit using his songs. You'd think that making campaign appearences with John Edwards would have given some clue where Mellencamp's allegiances lie.
and lastly, the biggest music-related story of the last two weeks..
- In case, you didn't see it on every major news outlet, Obama Girl didn't vote for Obama. In fact, she didn't even vote at all.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Presidential Groove: Mike Huckabee
Who?: Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
Musician supporters: Ted Nugent
On the Record:
Mike Huckabee plays in the band Capitol Offense, which has opened for Grand Funk Railroad, Percy Sledge, REO Speedwagon, .38 Special, and Willie Nelson.
Wikipedia adds this: Capitol Offense is a cover band that plays a mix of classic rock, Motown, country and blues. The band intentionally shuns the trendier hit-makers, preferring older tunes that have stood the test of time. "We don't try to play trendy stuff," Huckabee has said of his band's musical tastes, "nothing without a long shelf life." Early on, all of the band members played only Gibson guitars, and did so "proudly", according to a note Huckabee sent to the company in 1999. However, as of July 2007, Huckabee actually sported a black and white Fender bass during his campaign stop record store performance
Mike Huckabee says his latest music purchase was Evanesence.
Huckabee says of the Rolling Stones: "..the Rolling Stones have had the lasting power because even after all these years - Keith Richards has probably been dead for several years and doesn’t know it - they continue to make the greatest music and put on the most amazing shows.” and from the same article we are told During his tenure as the state’s leader, he gave the Stones’ guitarist a full pardon from a reckless driving offense that had occurred years before.
Mike Huckabee inspired this awful theme song.
Will Mike answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Of all the candidates, Mike gets the highest praises for his musical background, so I was hoping for an answer from the Huckabee camp.
However, we got an "Out of Office Reply" addressed to Dear Friend, and started "Thank you so much for taking the time to write Governor Huckabee. Your email is very important and we are interested in, and value your opinions, suggestions and concerns.We will make every effort to respond to specific policy questions not addressed on our website in a timely manner." and ended "if you would like to make a contribution, click on the Contribution tab – every little bit helps. Thanks so much for writing."
However, we never did get a real answer.
So, that's it- all the major candidates done- Thanks for tuning in
Musician supporters: Ted Nugent
On the Record:
Mike Huckabee plays in the band Capitol Offense, which has opened for Grand Funk Railroad, Percy Sledge, REO Speedwagon, .38 Special, and Willie Nelson.
Wikipedia adds this: Capitol Offense is a cover band that plays a mix of classic rock, Motown, country and blues. The band intentionally shuns the trendier hit-makers, preferring older tunes that have stood the test of time. "We don't try to play trendy stuff," Huckabee has said of his band's musical tastes, "nothing without a long shelf life." Early on, all of the band members played only Gibson guitars, and did so "proudly", according to a note Huckabee sent to the company in 1999. However, as of July 2007, Huckabee actually sported a black and white Fender bass during his campaign stop record store performance
Mike Huckabee says his latest music purchase was Evanesence.
Huckabee says of the Rolling Stones: "..the Rolling Stones have had the lasting power because even after all these years - Keith Richards has probably been dead for several years and doesn’t know it - they continue to make the greatest music and put on the most amazing shows.” and from the same article we are told During his tenure as the state’s leader, he gave the Stones’ guitarist a full pardon from a reckless driving offense that had occurred years before.
Mike Huckabee inspired this awful theme song.
Will Mike answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Of all the candidates, Mike gets the highest praises for his musical background, so I was hoping for an answer from the Huckabee camp.
However, we got an "Out of Office Reply" addressed to Dear Friend, and started "Thank you so much for taking the time to write Governor Huckabee. Your email is very important and we are interested in, and value your opinions, suggestions and concerns.We will make every effort to respond to specific policy questions not addressed on our website in a timely manner." and ended "if you would like to make a contribution, click on the Contribution tab – every little bit helps. Thanks so much for writing."
However, we never did get a real answer.
So, that's it- all the major candidates done- Thanks for tuning in
Friday, January 18, 2008
Presidential Groove: Alan Keyes
Who?: Former Ambassador Alan Keyes (R-MD)
Musician supporters: n/a
Alan Keyes On the Record - Alan doesn't list any favorite musical artists on his MySpace page, but he is apparently a big Star Trek fan. Who knew that?
On Michael Moore's television show, "The Awful Truth", Moore got Keyes to mosh at a Rage Against the Machine concert.
Will Alan answer my question "What music do you listen to?": I was hoping to get an answer from Dr. Keyes, but did not get a response.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Presidential Groove: John McCain
Who?: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
Musician supporters: n/a
John McCain On the Record -
McCain famously sang "Bomb Iran" to the tune of the the Beach boys' "Barbara Ann".
He also famously points out he wasn't at Woodstock.
McCain oddly is on the record as a big fan of the group ABBA. This article asks McCain what's on his iPod and he says "“Dare I say ABBA. Everybody says, ‘Ehhh, ABBA.’ Why is that? ABBA was the largest selling (recording act ever). Nobody likes them but they sold more records than anybody in the history of the world, including the Beatles. But everybody hates them. (But) you’re a no-class guy if you like ABBA. Why does everybody go see ‘Mamma Mia?’ Hypocrisy! Rank hypocrisy! I’m not embarassed to say I like ABBA, ‘Dancing Queen.’”
More from McCain. If elected, “the background music would be ABBA in the elevators all over the White House.”"
This blogger suggests a couple of Cuban campaign songs. I think he's being saracastic, but the music is good.
This blogger uncovers the secret of McCain's hold music - Melissa Manchester.
McCain's daughter suggests that he listens to Lauryn Hill.
Will John answer my question "What music do you listen to?": I was sorta hoping for an answer from the Straight Talk Express, but no dice. Perhaps, he is too busy surging up the polls, perhaps too embarrassed by his love for Swedish pop. In any case, the McCain website is very explicit in stating that you can send in questions, but John is very busy and probably won't answer. Which he didn't. Which is why he does not get our endorsement.
Musician supporters: n/a
John McCain On the Record -
McCain famously sang "Bomb Iran" to the tune of the the Beach boys' "Barbara Ann".
He also famously points out he wasn't at Woodstock.
McCain oddly is on the record as a big fan of the group ABBA. This article asks McCain what's on his iPod and he says "“Dare I say ABBA. Everybody says, ‘Ehhh, ABBA.’ Why is that? ABBA was the largest selling (recording act ever). Nobody likes them but they sold more records than anybody in the history of the world, including the Beatles. But everybody hates them. (But) you’re a no-class guy if you like ABBA. Why does everybody go see ‘Mamma Mia?’ Hypocrisy! Rank hypocrisy! I’m not embarassed to say I like ABBA, ‘Dancing Queen.’”
More from McCain. If elected, “the background music would be ABBA in the elevators all over the White House.”"
This blogger suggests a couple of Cuban campaign songs. I think he's being saracastic, but the music is good.
This blogger uncovers the secret of McCain's hold music - Melissa Manchester.
McCain's daughter suggests that he listens to Lauryn Hill.
Will John answer my question "What music do you listen to?": I was sorta hoping for an answer from the Straight Talk Express, but no dice. Perhaps, he is too busy surging up the polls, perhaps too embarrassed by his love for Swedish pop. In any case, the McCain website is very explicit in stating that you can send in questions, but John is very busy and probably won't answer. Which he didn't. Which is why he does not get our endorsement.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Presidential Groove: Mitt Romney
Who?: Former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA)
Musician supporters: Romney has picked up endorsements from the Osmonds, Pat Boone, and Randy Owen from the band Alabama..
On the Record:
On Facebook, Romney lists his favorite musicians as: Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Eagles, The Kingston Trio, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Clint Black, and Garth Brooks.
Romney has inspired this song, which parodies Adam Sandler's "Hannaukah song" as it relates to Mormons.
Probably the best thing to come out of Mitt Romney's election run (it certainly wasn't his Iowa finish) is this:
Will Mitt answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Mitt hasn't fared very good in the first few contests. I suspect it's because he won't answer our e-mail. The Romney website asks a lot of questions even before you can submit a question. Well, I gave them all they wanted to know, and still no answer.
We do not give Mitt Romney our seal of approval.
Musician supporters: Romney has picked up endorsements from the Osmonds, Pat Boone, and Randy Owen from the band Alabama..
On the Record:
On Facebook, Romney lists his favorite musicians as: Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Eagles, The Kingston Trio, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Clint Black, and Garth Brooks.
Romney has inspired this song, which parodies Adam Sandler's "Hannaukah song" as it relates to Mormons.
Probably the best thing to come out of Mitt Romney's election run (it certainly wasn't his Iowa finish) is this:
Will Mitt answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Mitt hasn't fared very good in the first few contests. I suspect it's because he won't answer our e-mail. The Romney website asks a lot of questions even before you can submit a question. Well, I gave them all they wanted to know, and still no answer.
We do not give Mitt Romney our seal of approval.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Presidential Groove: Wayne Allyn Root
Who?: Wayne Allyn Root, Libertarian candidate for President, businessman, author, television producer, but probably most famously known for his Sports Handicapping operation.
You've probably heard the name during breaks on the Jim Rome Show. If you don't know the name, then you've probably seen his face on FoxNews or CNN.
Wayne is running as a self-made millionaire who wants to bring that skill to the White House. In other words, like Ross Perot, only with a better head of hair.
Musician supporters: n/a
What I assume is on his personal music player: I just always kind of pictured Root listening to Sports talk radio 24/7.
Will Wayne answer my question "What music do you listen to?": We got a personalized answer from Root, and we print that here in full:
This is Libertarian Presidential candidate Wayne Allyn Root.
Here are your answers. Please point out to your friends and viewers that I'm the youngest Presidential candidate- with a teenage daughter (15) and 3 young kids (7 years old, 3 years old, and 2 weeks old). And yes, I still occassionally watch MTV and listen to rock music! Good luck with your project:
What music do I like?Rock Occassionally Opera
Favorite singers and bands?All-Time:Creedance Clearwater Revival U2 Bon Jovi Rolling Stones Guns & Roses Springsteen
Opera:WagnerLuciano PaverottiAndrea Bocelli
Contemporary:EvanesenceThe Killers Maroon 5 Citizen Cope One Republic Foo Fighters; Once in a while- Toby Keith (country)
What is on my i-Pod?The Killers Maroon 5 Citizen Cope One Republic Bon Jovi John Fogerty Evanesence Luciano Paveratti Andrea Bocelli Toby Keith
This has been an interesting project that i have done, and I am used to getting no response; so I really appreciate Wayne taking the time to answer me back. He gets the full endorsement from us here at Presidential Groove.
You've probably heard the name during breaks on the Jim Rome Show. If you don't know the name, then you've probably seen his face on FoxNews or CNN.
Wayne is running as a self-made millionaire who wants to bring that skill to the White House. In other words, like Ross Perot, only with a better head of hair.
Musician supporters: n/a
What I assume is on his personal music player: I just always kind of pictured Root listening to Sports talk radio 24/7.
Will Wayne answer my question "What music do you listen to?": We got a personalized answer from Root, and we print that here in full:
This is Libertarian Presidential candidate Wayne Allyn Root.
Here are your answers. Please point out to your friends and viewers that I'm the youngest Presidential candidate- with a teenage daughter (15) and 3 young kids (7 years old, 3 years old, and 2 weeks old). And yes, I still occassionally watch MTV and listen to rock music! Good luck with your project:
What music do I like?Rock Occassionally Opera
Favorite singers and bands?All-Time:Creedance Clearwater Revival U2 Bon Jovi Rolling Stones Guns & Roses Springsteen
Opera:WagnerLuciano PaverottiAndrea Bocelli
Contemporary:EvanesenceThe Killers Maroon 5 Citizen Cope One Republic Foo Fighters; Once in a while- Toby Keith (country)
What is on my i-Pod?The Killers Maroon 5 Citizen Cope One Republic Bon Jovi John Fogerty Evanesence Luciano Paveratti Andrea Bocelli Toby Keith
This has been an interesting project that i have done, and I am used to getting no response; so I really appreciate Wayne taking the time to answer me back. He gets the full endorsement from us here at Presidential Groove.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Presidential Groove: Hillary Clinton
Who?: Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Musician supporters: The Clinton family should know the power of music more than most. Who can think of the 1992 election and not picture Fleetwood Mac performing "Don't Stop Thinking about tomorrow".
Hillary supporters include: Madonna, Janet Jackson, Katherine McPhee, Melissa Ethrdige, Gail Zappa (Frank's widow), Merle Haggard, Babyface, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow (listed in Wikipedia, although I have also seen him listed as a Biden and a Ron Paul supporter), Quincy Jones, Clarence Avant, Berry Gordy, Carole King, Carly Simon, and 50 Cent.
That's a guest list any awards show would be envious of.
On the Record: Hillary has inspired Merle Haggard to write a song about her and lament "Why don't we put a woman in charge".
Hillary's YouTube supporters have a counterpoint to 'Obama Girl' with 'Hott4Hil'.
On her myspace, Hillary says her last music purchase was Carly Simon's Into White.
Hillary famously had her campaign song picked by voters on her website. "You and I" by Celine Dion won. Other options that were on her shortlist, but did not win were: KT Tunstall "Suddenly I see", SmashMouth "I'm a Believer", U2- "City of Blinding Lights" and "Beautiful Day", The Temptations- "Get Ready", Jesus Jones- "Right Here, Right Now", Dixie Chicks - "Ready to Run", Shania Twain - "Rock this Country", and the Staples Singers "I'll Take You There".
Will Hillary answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Want a quick answer to why Edwards took second in Iowa? I got a personal answer from the Edwards camp, and the Hillary camp sent an automated e-mail. The e-mail is addressed "Dear Friend" and states "Thank you for your message. I have received thousands of emails from people all over the country. Your comments are very important to me and I am excited that so many people are joining our conversation about how to change the direction of the country. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of comments, I am unable to respond to each email individually." beroe addressing ways that you can contribute to her campaign.
Musician supporters: The Clinton family should know the power of music more than most. Who can think of the 1992 election and not picture Fleetwood Mac performing "Don't Stop Thinking about tomorrow".
Hillary supporters include: Madonna, Janet Jackson, Katherine McPhee, Melissa Ethrdige, Gail Zappa (Frank's widow), Merle Haggard, Babyface, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow (listed in Wikipedia, although I have also seen him listed as a Biden and a Ron Paul supporter), Quincy Jones, Clarence Avant, Berry Gordy, Carole King, Carly Simon, and 50 Cent.
That's a guest list any awards show would be envious of.
On the Record: Hillary has inspired Merle Haggard to write a song about her and lament "Why don't we put a woman in charge".
Hillary's YouTube supporters have a counterpoint to 'Obama Girl' with 'Hott4Hil'.
On her myspace, Hillary says her last music purchase was Carly Simon's Into White.
Hillary famously had her campaign song picked by voters on her website. "You and I" by Celine Dion won. Other options that were on her shortlist, but did not win were: KT Tunstall "Suddenly I see", SmashMouth "I'm a Believer", U2- "City of Blinding Lights" and "Beautiful Day", The Temptations- "Get Ready", Jesus Jones- "Right Here, Right Now", Dixie Chicks - "Ready to Run", Shania Twain - "Rock this Country", and the Staples Singers "I'll Take You There".
Will Hillary answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Want a quick answer to why Edwards took second in Iowa? I got a personal answer from the Edwards camp, and the Hillary camp sent an automated e-mail. The e-mail is addressed "Dear Friend" and states "Thank you for your message. I have received thousands of emails from people all over the country. Your comments are very important to me and I am excited that so many people are joining our conversation about how to change the direction of the country. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of comments, I am unable to respond to each email individually." beroe addressing ways that you can contribute to her campaign.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
What's Playing at the post-caucus rallies:
What's Playing at the post-caucus rallies:
Chris Dodd- Soul Searchers (local blues band)
Hillary Clinton - "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton on the PA
John Edwards - "Pride" by u2 and "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen on the PA
Ron Paul - Justice (band - most likely these guys)
Barack Obama- "City of Blinding Lights" by U2 on the PA
Source:Des Moines Register, MSNBC
Chris Dodd- Soul Searchers (local blues band)
Hillary Clinton - "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton on the PA
John Edwards - "Pride" by u2 and "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen on the PA
Ron Paul - Justice (band - most likely these guys)
Barack Obama- "City of Blinding Lights" by U2 on the PA
Source:Des Moines Register, MSNBC
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
John Edwards
Who?: Former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC)
Musician supporters: Maybe more than other candidate, Edwards is popular with musicians. Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp and Kevin Bacon (The Bacon Brothers band) have all toured extensively to support Edwards. John also carries endorsements from Harry Belafonte and DefJam honcho Russell Simmons. In Iowa and North Carolina, appearances were preceded by Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley.
What I assume is on his personal music player: Edwards seems hipper than most. I am not sure what he listens to, but I imagine his daughter Cate slips him some good suggestions as well (the Edwards website states the Allmans, Dylan, and Howie Day are on her MP3 player).
On the Record: John has probably the coolest campaign music of any of the campaigns. Examples: The late, great California band Granddaddy cover of "Revolution" by the Beatles. "Salt of the Earth" by the Rolling Stones (off Beggar's Banquet), Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising". Tom Petty's "I won't back down". Stevie Ray Vaughn "The House is Rockin'"
We're also told the mix-tape contains Kanye West, but we're not told what song.
Speaking of mix-tapes, we are told that contributors of %$50 or more to Edwards campaign gets this killer compilation of Edwards favorites. Merle Haggard, Gillian Welch, the Fairfield 4, Del McCoury, Emmylou Harris- I am not sure that offer still stands, but that sounds like an excellent disc.
Will John answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": With all but a handful of the major candidates left, this excercise has generally been a bust. If you send an e-mail to a Presidential candidate asking about their favorite music, you generally get no response in return.
This begs the issue: What are the candidates going to do when they face the tough questions?
So, I wasn't expecting a response, but guess what? The Edwards camp came through, answering my question within about a 24-hour turn-around.
Here is a paraphrase of that answer:
John is a huge Springsteen fan, and listens to a lot of Bruce. He is also a huge U2 fan. He is also a fan and friend of John Mellencamp and will be appearing with him in Des Moines.
Very cool to hear from the Edwards campaign. Great to get an answer, and also discover John has good taste. We are doing this as impartial as we can, but given the friendliness of the Edwards camp, and the quick response, we give Edwards our highest endorsement.
Musician supporters: Maybe more than other candidate, Edwards is popular with musicians. Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp and Kevin Bacon (The Bacon Brothers band) have all toured extensively to support Edwards. John also carries endorsements from Harry Belafonte and DefJam honcho Russell Simmons. In Iowa and North Carolina, appearances were preceded by Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley.
What I assume is on his personal music player: Edwards seems hipper than most. I am not sure what he listens to, but I imagine his daughter Cate slips him some good suggestions as well (the Edwards website states the Allmans, Dylan, and Howie Day are on her MP3 player).
On the Record: John has probably the coolest campaign music of any of the campaigns. Examples: The late, great California band Granddaddy cover of "Revolution" by the Beatles. "Salt of the Earth" by the Rolling Stones (off Beggar's Banquet), Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising". Tom Petty's "I won't back down". Stevie Ray Vaughn "The House is Rockin'"
We're also told the mix-tape contains Kanye West, but we're not told what song.
Speaking of mix-tapes, we are told that contributors of %$50 or more to Edwards campaign gets this killer compilation of Edwards favorites. Merle Haggard, Gillian Welch, the Fairfield 4, Del McCoury, Emmylou Harris- I am not sure that offer still stands, but that sounds like an excellent disc.
Will John answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": With all but a handful of the major candidates left, this excercise has generally been a bust. If you send an e-mail to a Presidential candidate asking about their favorite music, you generally get no response in return.
This begs the issue: What are the candidates going to do when they face the tough questions?
So, I wasn't expecting a response, but guess what? The Edwards camp came through, answering my question within about a 24-hour turn-around.
Here is a paraphrase of that answer:
John is a huge Springsteen fan, and listens to a lot of Bruce. He is also a huge U2 fan. He is also a fan and friend of John Mellencamp and will be appearing with him in Des Moines.
Very cool to hear from the Edwards campaign. Great to get an answer, and also discover John has good taste. We are doing this as impartial as we can, but given the friendliness of the Edwards camp, and the quick response, we give Edwards our highest endorsement.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Fred Thompson
Who?: Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN)
Musician supporters: Thompson is big with the Nashville crowd. John Rich of Big & Rich is a vocal supporter. Gretchen Wilson & Cowboy Troy have also showed up at Thompson events.
Lorrie Morgan dated Fred, and is still a supporter.
Musician relatives: Garlinggauge.com passes along this fact that Fred Thompson is related to Elvis Presley. (Elvis of course is a Duncan Hunter man.)
What I assume is on his personal music player: I don't really picture Thompson listening to any music, but then again, I can see him owning a George Jones CD or twelve.
On the Record:
More than any other candidate, Thompson is introduced a policy that we here fully can get behind. If elected, there will be more Johnny Cash.
Fred is the inspiration behind the not half-bad "I've got a crush on Fred Thompson's politics".
Will Fred answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Fred has a down-to-earth vibe, so I was hoping for something, but I never heard back from his camp. Well, we know Fred doesn't do silliness like doing a show of hands, so it's possible he doesn't do silly things like answer e-mails from his constituents, either.
Musician supporters: Thompson is big with the Nashville crowd. John Rich of Big & Rich is a vocal supporter. Gretchen Wilson & Cowboy Troy have also showed up at Thompson events.
Lorrie Morgan dated Fred, and is still a supporter.
Musician relatives: Garlinggauge.com passes along this fact that Fred Thompson is related to Elvis Presley. (Elvis of course is a Duncan Hunter man.)
What I assume is on his personal music player: I don't really picture Thompson listening to any music, but then again, I can see him owning a George Jones CD or twelve.
On the Record:
More than any other candidate, Thompson is introduced a policy that we here fully can get behind. If elected, there will be more Johnny Cash.
Fred is the inspiration behind the not half-bad "I've got a crush on Fred Thompson's politics".
Will Fred answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Fred has a down-to-earth vibe, so I was hoping for something, but I never heard back from his camp. Well, we know Fred doesn't do silliness like doing a show of hands, so it's possible he doesn't do silly things like answer e-mails from his constituents, either.
Weekend Update - 12/30/2007
Updates:
Bill Richardson has earned the support of Bette Midler.
Wonkette.com reports Barry Manilow endorses Joe Biden. This counters an earlier statement on Wikipedia that said Manilow supported Ron Paul (now removed).
Fun fact: Ever since I've started this, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson have added me to their mailing list. I never got any kind of answer from the Richardson camp.
Bill Richardson has earned the support of Bette Midler.
Wonkette.com reports Barry Manilow endorses Joe Biden. This counters an earlier statement on Wikipedia that said Manilow supported Ron Paul (now removed).
Fun fact: Ever since I've started this, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson have added me to their mailing list. I never got any kind of answer from the Richardson camp.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tom Tancredo
Who?: Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Co)
Musician supporters: n/a
What I assume is on his personal music player: I can tell you what I think is not on it. The Zeros, Shakira, Ruben Blades
On the Record: Tom's myspace indicates he likes The Godfather and the Bourne movies, but no mention of music.
Tom is the only candidate I know of that had his own American Idol style talent contest.
Will Tom answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": We recently found out Tom may be dropping from the race. We e-mailed him a few days ago and haven't heard back. We can only assume that Tom is afraid of cutting questions like this, and has decided to drop out, instead of face the pressure.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Michael Charles Smith
Who?: Oregon Businessman Michael Charles Smith Along with John Cox, Smith is probably the best known of the third (or fourth) tier of Presidential candidates. Why Cox and Smith aren't on the debate stage, and Hunter and Keyes are, is a shame, but that's party politics for you.
Musician supporters: n/a
What I assume is on his personal music player: Hard to tell, but probably not gangsta rap
On the Record: Michael is shown on his website holding a tuba. If Clinton could ride a woodwind to the White House, why not time for the brass instruments?
Will Michael answer my question about what music he listens to?: This whole thing has been an exercise to see if I can get my question answered by a candidate. I haven't been too successful with this. How are the future world leaders going to go head-to-head with Ahmadinejad, if they won't go head-to-head with me first? How can a candidate claim to be 'of the people' if they don't answer my question?
Well, Michael Charles Smith gets our full endorsement. He actually replied back.
I play tuba and I’m a band geek. I like symphonic band music, and usually the more tuba the better – Wagner, Sousa, etc.
There’s a piece call Polka and Fugue from the opera Schwanda the Bagpiper by Jaromir Weinberger – it’s probably my all time favorite piece that nobody’s ever heard of.
I’m also a product of my Midwestern roots in the 70’s. I like REO Speedwagon, Rush, and Boston.
I like somewhat quirky stuff like They Might be Giants, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Pink Martini.
I appreciate anyone with talent, but most of the stuff I hear on the radio doesn’t demonstrate much talent.
He then goes on to say he plays tuba with the Corvallis Community Band and invites me over to see them if I am in the neighborhood.
There’s a piece call Polka and Fugue from the opera Schwanda the Bagpiper by Jaromir Weinberger – it’s probably my all time favorite piece that nobody’s ever heard of.
I’m also a product of my Midwestern roots in the 70’s. I like REO Speedwagon, Rush, and Boston.
I like somewhat quirky stuff like They Might be Giants, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Pink Martini.
I appreciate anyone with talent, but most of the stuff I hear on the radio doesn’t demonstrate much talent.
He then goes on to say he plays tuba with the Corvallis Community Band and invites me over to see them if I am in the neighborhood.
Smith gets high points for answering back personally. Even more so, his answer is great.
I have lots of friends who likes the same music. I would encourage them (and you) to vote with their MP3 Player and show Smith some love.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Rudy Giuliani
Who?: Former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)
Musician supporters: Adam Sandler, punk musician Jimmy Camp
What I assume is on his personal music player: Probably Billy Joel, Probably not Lou Reed
On the Record: Rudy's favorite music is opera.
MC Artificial recorded "Vote for Rudy", but we think he's being tongue-in-cheek.
Rudy also doesn't like rap, but buys his bling where the rappers go.
A quick Google Image Search shows Rudy backstage with Jennifer Lopez
Mo Giuliani, Mo Problems
Will Rudy answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Looking back in time, people might speculate that the first sign Giullani's campaign was over was his 3rd place finish in Iowa. Others will say they knew Rudy's chances were finished when he finished 4th in New Hampshire. But the real turning point was when he did not respond to my question.
Musician supporters: Adam Sandler, punk musician Jimmy Camp
What I assume is on his personal music player: Probably Billy Joel, Probably not Lou Reed
On the Record: Rudy's favorite music is opera.
MC Artificial recorded "Vote for Rudy", but we think he's being tongue-in-cheek.
Rudy also doesn't like rap, but buys his bling where the rappers go.
A quick Google Image Search shows Rudy backstage with Jennifer Lopez
Mo Giuliani, Mo Problems
Will Rudy answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": Looking back in time, people might speculate that the first sign Giullani's campaign was over was his 3rd place finish in Iowa. Others will say they knew Rudy's chances were finished when he finished 4th in New Hampshire. But the real turning point was when he did not respond to my question.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Gene Amondson
Who?: Gene Amondson, minister, temperance activist, Prohibition Party candidate in 2004 and 2008
Musician supporters: n/a
What I assume is on his personal music player: Minor Threat, Youth of Today, 7 Seconds
On the Record: Although nothing is stated explicitly, you can sort of guess that Amondson listens to a lot of hymns. Anybody, who plays Billy Sunday for a hobby, or dresses like the Grim Reaper is probably pretty hardcore.
No mention of music, then, but Pastor Gene expresses himself through painting and wood carving.
He also expresses himself through his pies. A Warrant fan, then?
Will Gene answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": I was hoping that someone like Gene would take the time to write me back. He didn't, so we can't endorse him (although we still think he's the candidate most likely to nominate Ray Cappo to the Supreme Court). I could forgive anybody for being passed out drunk and not replying to my question, but what's Gene's excuse?
Musician supporters: n/a
What I assume is on his personal music player: Minor Threat, Youth of Today, 7 Seconds
On the Record: Although nothing is stated explicitly, you can sort of guess that Amondson listens to a lot of hymns. Anybody, who plays Billy Sunday for a hobby, or dresses like the Grim Reaper is probably pretty hardcore.
No mention of music, then, but Pastor Gene expresses himself through painting and wood carving.
He also expresses himself through his pies. A Warrant fan, then?
Will Gene answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": I was hoping that someone like Gene would take the time to write me back. He didn't, so we can't endorse him (although we still think he's the candidate most likely to nominate Ray Cappo to the Supreme Court). I could forgive anybody for being passed out drunk and not replying to my question, but what's Gene's excuse?
Bill Richardson
Who? Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM)
Musician supporters: Oddly, Toby Keith. Richardson also insists that he has celebrity endorsers to be named later.
Musician relatives: Wikipedia insists Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson is related, although I couldn't find anything definitive on this.
What I assume is on his personal music player:
Richardson seems kind of hip. I could definitely see him listening to a lot of Triple-A artists.
On the Record:
Louie Bello recorded this song, which proves just about every candidate has a theme song. It's not half-bad.
At the DNC convention, Richardson picked "Lean on Me" (the Club Nouveau version) as his theme song, and "Baby, I love your Way" (neither the Frampton or Will to Power version, but the salsa version by Fuerza Juvenil) as his exit music.
Bill gets major points from us, by being a vocal supporter of arts and music.
Will Bill answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": I submitted my question by e-mail on Bill's website. It immediatley took me to a page asking me how much I wanted to contribute to Bill's campaign. I never did get an answer back from the Richardson campaign (maybe, because I didn't donate).
Musician supporters: Oddly, Toby Keith. Richardson also insists that he has celebrity endorsers to be named later.
Musician relatives: Wikipedia insists Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson is related, although I couldn't find anything definitive on this.
What I assume is on his personal music player:
Richardson seems kind of hip. I could definitely see him listening to a lot of Triple-A artists.
On the Record:
Louie Bello recorded this song, which proves just about every candidate has a theme song. It's not half-bad.
At the DNC convention, Richardson picked "Lean on Me" (the Club Nouveau version) as his theme song, and "Baby, I love your Way" (neither the Frampton or Will to Power version, but the salsa version by Fuerza Juvenil) as his exit music.
Bill gets major points from us, by being a vocal supporter of arts and music.
Will Bill answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": I submitted my question by e-mail on Bill's website. It immediatley took me to a page asking me how much I wanted to contribute to Bill's campaign. I never did get an answer back from the Richardson campaign (maybe, because I didn't donate).
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ron Paul
Who? Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX)
Musician supporters: Barry Manilow, John Mayer, Krist Novoselic (Nirvana), Jimmie Vaughn (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), dozens and dozens of punk bands
What I assume is on his personal music player: Hard to figure. Paul is 72 years old, a Texan, and loved by indie rockers. He could listen to anything, so Jack FM, I suppose.
On the Record: Is there anybody more inspiring to musicians than Dr. Paul. There's the Ron Paul Rockfest and Ronstock. I bet Joe Biden doesn't have his own musical festival.
Ron has an entire genre of music. Has there been any candidate with as many songs dedicated to him. There is so many that it is a challenge to collect them all. There is rap, country, reggae- every style imaginable. Ron has more music videos than MTV.
Despite video evidence to the contrary, Ron Paul was not a member of Maximo Park or the Strokes.
Will Ron answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?" : As internet savy as Paul's campaign is, I was hoping for at least some kind of reply or acknowledgement. Nothing came. It's a shame, too, as of any of the candidates, I am genuinely interested in what kind of music Dr. Paul listens to.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Weekend Update 12/8/2007
We are still waiting to hear from many candidates, and I should have more profiles up in the next few days.
I am disappointed at the response, and at this point, am endorsing a Dave Barry candidacy.
A couple of updates:
Barrack Obama has picked up the important Wilco endorsement.
Dakota & the Black River Bandit have released this Dennis Kucinich song. I don't know who they are, but it's catchy. As mentioned before, Dennis gets a 'thumbs up' from Vote Yer Music.
I am disappointed at the response, and at this point, am endorsing a Dave Barry candidacy.
A couple of updates:
Barrack Obama has picked up the important Wilco endorsement.
Dakota & the Black River Bandit have released this Dennis Kucinich song. I don't know who they are, but it's catchy. As mentioned before, Dennis gets a 'thumbs up' from Vote Yer Music.
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