Rights Now – Seconded

What/Who/Why

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VOLUME 24.2.1

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“Johnny Appleseed” by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
Submitted by Ian

My uncle introduced me to Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros awhile back and they have always stuck with me. They had to be in this round

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“Clampdown” by The Clash
Submitted by Bill

I imagine someone else might submit this one, but it is, after all, one of the great protest tracks, a call for personal resistance to fascism. Off “London Calling,” the power-chorded verses hark to the band’s earliest work, while the middle part is funkish. The lyrics remain unfortunately relevant. “We’ll teach our twisted speech to the young believers.” What are we gonna do now?

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VOLUME 24.2.2

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“Take Down the Union Jack” by Billy Bragg
Submitted by Alan

I think almost every Billy Bragg song is a protest song so this is one of many. I love the opening lines:
“Take down the Union Jack, it clashes with the sunset
And put it in the attic with the emperors old clothes.”

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“(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” by Heaven 17
Submitted by Ed

Used to be more of a fan of Human League, but the Heaven 17 stuff has had more staying power for me in the long run. The Penthouse and Pavement album is a classic of the era and this track represents it well.

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VOLUME 24.2.3

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“The Hand That Feeds” by Nine Inch Nails
Submitted by Dave

Powerful angsty song that reels me in. Makes you want to bite the hand that feeds you.