Your doorbell rings. On the steps is a traveler, someone who looks to be in their early twenties. They’re a local resident. They think they haven’t gone far out of their way, but they seem confused. In reality, they’re lost. They have appeared on your doorstep at the end of a sudden journey.
The traveler looks down at a note in their hand. By their puzzled expression, it’s clear that the note was not there a moment ago. They hand you the note. It reads:
I have arrived from the past. When I left, it was August 7th, 1965. My journey has left me unable to talk with you, but I can listen. I know the general outline of the intervening years between now and when I left.
Back home, I play & listen to music all the time — it helps me make sense of the changing world around me. I am permitted to stay with you for the span of five songs. Please play songs that will tell me something about your world, and how your world emerged from the world I just left. I will take what I hear back with me.
You bring them inside your home, stall for time by getting them something to drink. What are you going to play? Why?
Sounds like a call for "headlines" songs!
- "Life is a Rock, But the Radio Rolled Me" by Reunion
- "It's the End of the World As We Know It" by R.E.M.
- "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel
- "American Pie" by Don McLean
And then I'd realise I've only played him one really great song so far and regretfully send him home wanting.
(He's already known Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" for a few months.)
I second the REM tune.
I feel fine.
Oh man -- song #5 would be Dylan's "Jokerman"
Game of Pricks - Guided by Voices
Weed King - Guided by Voices
I am Produced - Guided by Voices
Expecting Brainchild - Guided by Voices
Hold on Hope - Guided by Voices
I'm trying to figure out why August 7th?
Because this would’ve been front page news that day.
That explains it. I was "this day in history-ing" the 7th, not the 6th. The 7th wasn't particularly notable.
I'm playing "You Suffer" by Napalm Death five times and saving the space time continuum
"gimme shelter"
"pride (in the name of love)"
"hunger strike"
"born in the USA"
"im too sexy"
"Television" by The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy
"Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
"This is America" by Childish Gambino
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
"Rednecks" by Randy Newman
Not on theme, but someone at work shared this in the chat today and I'm giving it a provisional rating of "Huh, that's actually not bad"
Yeah, I like them, too.
Ooh, me too. I picked them up back when I was posting all the power/folk metal strangeness back in November.
I think this was the first one I found.
They were supposed to play here in April, too.
Huh. I remember you posting about that around then, but completely missed you posting about them. I've listened to the album a couple of times, and it scratches a very particular itch.
I don't know that I ever actually brought them up. I think they showed up on my radar about then and they would have been included if I had a DJ spot this year (but I don't).
London’s Burning – The Clash
Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? – Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Redemption Song – Bob Marley
Murder Most Foul – Bob Dylan
Almost Cut My Hair -- David Crosby
Once in a Lifetime -- Talking Heads
Killing in the Name -- Rage Against the Machine
Fight the Power -- Public Enemy
The Way It Is -- Bruce Hornsby
"Kill the Poor" by Dead Kennedys
"Reagan" by Killer Mike
"Cop Killer" by Body Count
"Call to Arms" by Sturgill Simpson
"FDT" by YG & Nipsey Hussle
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" - Gil Scott-Heron
"Allentown" - Billy Joel
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana
"Courtesy of the Red White & Blue" – Toby Keith
"This Is America" - Childish Gambino