The Independents Day Playlist
"...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." -From the United States Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776
As we celebrate another Independence Day in America I wanted to create a July 4th related playlist. But instead of doing the traditional collection of overtures reserved for fireworks displays I thought I would look more to the spirit of the original event.
As you can see in the quote above from the Declaration of Independence the birth of America hinged on braking the chains of the crown. In music the independent musician could be compared to those early colonies and the major labels could represent British rule.
As the cost to record music has been reduced drastically by technology and the Internet has enabled instant and free distribution of musical works, the independent musician has acquired the tools to make a living without the help of major labels. This is something that was virtually impossible previously. Truly, a new world.
As independents began to break free and take on a DIY attitude a new genre of music was penned. And although "indie" music has now taken a path to the mainstream just as "alternative" music did in the 80s, the spirit of its birth is clear.
For this "independents day" playlist I have chosen songs by indie bands that refer to July 4th in someway.
Happy birthday America!
The Independents Day Playlist
1. Independence Day - Elliott Smith
2. Jesus The Mexican Boy - Iron & Wine
3. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon
4. Fourth Of July - Galaxie 500
6. Naked If I Want To - Cat Power
9. Bottle Rocket - The Go! Team
10. Independence Day - Ani DiFranco
Tony Orlando = Not an indie band
Bruce Springsteen = Not an indie band
Chicago = Not an indie band
Martina McBride = Not an indie band
Lee Greenwood = Not an indie band
Let's have a poll to see how many more malcontents post a comment asking why "x" song by a non-indie band was not included...
**sigh**
" the independent musician has acquired the tools to make a living without the help of major labels"
everybody got it.
have a beautiful day
Whether X WAS an indie band is up for debate - how long does an artist have to make a living without help from a major label to still be considered "indie" Nada Surf was on Elektra & Maverick, Elliot Smith on Dreamworks, an "independent" label? right.
You all need to chill out a bit about who is more "indie" than the next person and just enjoy the f*cking music, however you hear it.