Wes C. Attle
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
Grateful Dead - Workingman’s Dead
Grateful Dead - Workingman’s Dead
May 2021 - Vinyl Spins Challenge Thread
- Thread starter Joe Mac
- Start date
avecigrec
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
Geoff Berner - Grand Hotel Cosmopolis
Geoff is one of my absolute favourite songwriters and performers, running the gamut from razor sharp political satire, klezmer-drenched party jams, reinterpreted Jewish folk songs and downright haunting heartbreakers. His performances, whether solo or with his longstanding trio are always a raucous affair. I've seen him dozens of times, and will often prioritize seeing him again over most other performers at multistage festivals. In addition to his many musical releases he's written a couple of fun novels and is a very pleasant person to spend 9 hours in a car with. He also co-founded a provincial Ecosocialist party that has sadly gone mostly dormant but will hopefully be back before too long.
Why Don't We Just Take the Billionaires' Money Away?
[edit: formatting]
Geoff Berner - Grand Hotel Cosmopolis
Geoff is one of my absolute favourite songwriters and performers, running the gamut from razor sharp political satire, klezmer-drenched party jams, reinterpreted Jewish folk songs and downright haunting heartbreakers. His performances, whether solo or with his longstanding trio are always a raucous affair. I've seen him dozens of times, and will often prioritize seeing him again over most other performers at multistage festivals. In addition to his many musical releases he's written a couple of fun novels and is a very pleasant person to spend 9 hours in a car with. He also co-founded a provincial Ecosocialist party that has sadly gone mostly dormant but will hopefully be back before too long.
Why Don't We Just Take the Billionaires' Money Away?
[edit: formatting]
Turbo
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
Gang of Four "Solid Gold" (1981 EMI, original Dutch pressing)
Gang of Four's second album is just as essential as their debut "Entertainment!". The communism link comes right from the band's name, which ironically takes after a faction of Chinese officials from the cultural revolution. But the songs themselves have a social leaning towards workers and ordinary people. "A Hole In The Wallet" is about women's rights and education and "Cheeseburger" is about making ends meet at an ordinary job. This pressing also includes "To Hell With Poverty", which is about what it sounds like it's about.
Gang of Four "Solid Gold" (1981 EMI, original Dutch pressing)
Gang of Four's second album is just as essential as their debut "Entertainment!". The communism link comes right from the band's name, which ironically takes after a faction of Chinese officials from the cultural revolution. But the songs themselves have a social leaning towards workers and ordinary people. "A Hole In The Wallet" is about women's rights and education and "Cheeseburger" is about making ends meet at an ordinary job. This pressing also includes "To Hell With Poverty", which is about what it sounds like it's about.
CrazyDiamond84
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker's Unite
Atmosphere-Overcast! EP
I like to think the railroad industry is a good historic representation of the working class in America. We still hang on to one of the oldest and strongest workers union still left in this country. This album cover also features a train car from my company at Canadian Pacific Railroad. Makes sense as our US corporate office is currently in Minneapolis.
Atmosphere-Overcast! EP
I like to think the railroad industry is a good historic representation of the working class in America. We still hang on to one of the oldest and strongest workers union still left in this country. This album cover also features a train car from my company at Canadian Pacific Railroad. Makes sense as our US corporate office is currently in Minneapolis.
ducktree
Member
Alright I'm new round here but I'll try to jump in on this thing since it's a new month and see if I can keep up.
Day 1: Workers Unite
The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour (2007 Epitaph / Anti )
The Weakerthans came to mind pretty quickly when I saw the theme of working class music for whatever reason. I spent nearly four years in Ontario in my early twenties before moving back to the states, so there will always be a strong love for my Canadian neighbors. Got to see the band live once circa 2002 or 2003.
The first cut, 'Civil Twilight' is the lovelorn musings of a long-since-over-it bus driver at the end of yet another workday. 'Relative Surplus Value' may not be a blue collar tale, but it is another yarn of an employee reeling under job inflicted stressors.
Aging men hiding from their wives watching curling, the cyclical thrift store life of furniture, a band going about their job of just trying to make music for people. So many of John K Samson's songs are filled with stories about everyday folks, just trying to get through another day and figure out what the big picture is but also what all the little moments mean.
Day 1: Workers Unite
The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour (2007 Epitaph / Anti )
The Weakerthans came to mind pretty quickly when I saw the theme of working class music for whatever reason. I spent nearly four years in Ontario in my early twenties before moving back to the states, so there will always be a strong love for my Canadian neighbors. Got to see the band live once circa 2002 or 2003.
The first cut, 'Civil Twilight' is the lovelorn musings of a long-since-over-it bus driver at the end of yet another workday. 'Relative Surplus Value' may not be a blue collar tale, but it is another yarn of an employee reeling under job inflicted stressors.
Aging men hiding from their wives watching curling, the cyclical thrift store life of furniture, a band going about their job of just trying to make music for people. So many of John K Samson's songs are filled with stories about everyday folks, just trying to get through another day and figure out what the big picture is but also what all the little moments mean.
avecigrec
Well-Known Member
John K. Samson also co-founded Arbeiter Ring Publishing - a worker-owned and operated independent book publisher and distributor that specializes in progressive, radical and anarchist literature, so I'd say that even further makes your pick pretty spot on!
Home - ARP Books
Arbeiter Ring Publishing Ltd. was founded in 1996 through the work of a group of activists in Winnipeg. Now operating as ARP Books, we publish innovative books with an emphasis on leftist political analysis of contemporary issues.
arpbooks.org
ducktree
Member
Oh wow I didn't know that, that's rad! I assumed he was pretty left but that's really great to know.John K. Samson also co-founded Arbeiter Ring Publishing - a worker-owned and operated independent book publisher and distributor that specializes in progressive, radical and anarchist literature, so I'd say that even further makes your pick pretty spot on!
Home - ARP Books
Arbeiter Ring Publishing Ltd. was founded in 1996 through the work of a group of activists in Winnipeg. Now operating as ARP Books, we publish innovative books with an emphasis on leftist political analysis of contemporary issues.
gaporter
Well-Known Member
DAY 1
WORKERS UNITE
Jeff Rosenstock - NO DREAM
Few artists seem to despise the capitalist machine more than my boi Jeff. In fact, a section of lyrics from the title track of this album sums it up rather nicely:
"The only framework capitalism can thrive in is dystopia
Fuck all the fakers acting like they’re interested in hearing us
When we yell, "Hold accountable the architects of hopelessness and never ending violence"
They'll be like, "Whatever, idiot" and fuel their brand of power
Incorruptible like it exists
Saintly fronts in a system that rewards only the greediest
The only endgame for capitalism is dystopia
And we know all about it but we just don't know what to do
What can we do?"
(Also - testing out a new method of taking pictures of my spins! Yay or nay?)
WORKERS UNITE
Jeff Rosenstock - NO DREAM
Few artists seem to despise the capitalist machine more than my boi Jeff. In fact, a section of lyrics from the title track of this album sums it up rather nicely:
"The only framework capitalism can thrive in is dystopia
Fuck all the fakers acting like they’re interested in hearing us
When we yell, "Hold accountable the architects of hopelessness and never ending violence"
They'll be like, "Whatever, idiot" and fuel their brand of power
Incorruptible like it exists
Saintly fronts in a system that rewards only the greediest
The only endgame for capitalism is dystopia
And we know all about it but we just don't know what to do
What can we do?"
(Also - testing out a new method of taking pictures of my spins! Yay or nay?)
Bluecloud777
Well-Known Member
Day 1 Workers Unite
slowthai "Nothing great about Britain"
I'm quoting two reviews about this album that explain why I've decided for it:
In a review for Clash, Yasmin Cowan wrote, "slowthai systematically and seamlessly tears down toxic politics, misguided notions of nationalism and social injustices with sardonic wit, seething vocals and woundingly skittish beats."
Jake Hawkes also rated the album positively in a review for Dork, claiming that "[the album] is a triumph of a debut, genre-straddling, quick-witted and, most importantly, very fun to listen to. In it, Slowthai sticks two fingers up at the Britain of blue passports, the royals and the Tory party, while simultaneously raising up the alternative Britain, one of family and working-class pride."
slowthai "Nothing great about Britain"
I'm quoting two reviews about this album that explain why I've decided for it:
In a review for Clash, Yasmin Cowan wrote, "slowthai systematically and seamlessly tears down toxic politics, misguided notions of nationalism and social injustices with sardonic wit, seething vocals and woundingly skittish beats."
Jake Hawkes also rated the album positively in a review for Dork, claiming that "[the album] is a triumph of a debut, genre-straddling, quick-witted and, most importantly, very fun to listen to. In it, Slowthai sticks two fingers up at the Britain of blue passports, the royals and the Tory party, while simultaneously raising up the alternative Britain, one of family and working-class pride."
gafacaode
Well-Known Member
I vote Yay
Joe Mac
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
Not really something by a Socialist or a Communist, but rather from a Communist country. This is an East German/German Democratic Republic pressing...
Peter Gabriel – So
AMIGA – 8 56 353, 1988
East German pressing
Also Don’t Give Up certainly fits the wider theme very well!
gafacaode
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
I guess Ian MacKaye needs no introduction.
consequence.net
From the Allmusic review:
"With its righteous disdain for capitalism and the almighty dollar, Repeater sounds like an angrier American update of Gang of Four's Solid Gold, which had been made ten years earlier."
I guess Ian MacKaye needs no introduction.
Lessons from Fugazi on Taking Down Donald Trump
The career and philosophies of the legendary D.C. DIYers seem more relevant than ever.
consequence.net
From the Allmusic review:
"With its righteous disdain for capitalism and the almighty dollar, Repeater sounds like an angrier American update of Gang of Four's Solid Gold, which had been made ten years earlier."
RowBearToe
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite - So today was set as International Workers Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International. Celebrate by playing something by a Socialist or a Communist or about ones or even just something that celebrates the working classes or working class values!
Gang Starr - Moment of Truth
I chose this one for the song 'Work'. I love the production on this one from DJ Premier and the "Are you working, what kind of work do you do?" and "Boy, what do you want to do when you grow up" voice samples go perfectly with the lyrics about work.
Gang Starr - Moment of Truth
I chose this one for the song 'Work'. I love the production on this one from DJ Premier and the "Are you working, what kind of work do you do?" and "Boy, what do you want to do when you grow up" voice samples go perfectly with the lyrics about work.
cul8er
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
So today was set as International Workers Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International. Celebrate by playing something by a Socialist or a Communist or about ones or even just something that celebrates the working classes or working class values!
I read the description to my wife, she immediately said The Clash. Definitely a celebration of the working class.
So today was set as International Workers Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International. Celebrate by playing something by a Socialist or a Communist or about ones or even just something that celebrates the working classes or working class values!
I read the description to my wife, she immediately said The Clash. Definitely a celebration of the working class.
BjorgenFjorgen
Well-Known Member
Alright, I fell off last month because I got stumped on a couple of them and gave up, but I'm back in.
Day 1 - Workers of the world, unite!
The Band - The Band
I'm fairly positive none of the members of the Band were actual socialists, but the speaker in "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" has surely seen the light:
"I work for the union
'Cause she's so good to me
And I'm bound to come out on top
That's where she said I should be
I will hear every word the boss may say
For he's the one who hands me down my pay
Looks like this time I'm gonna get to stay
I'm a union man, now, all the way"
I've always seen "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" as less of a lament for the South than a prioritisation of taking care of one's family:
"Now, I don't mind chopping wood
And I don't care if the money's no good
You take what you need
And you leave the rest
But they should never
Have taken the very best"
Day 1 - Workers of the world, unite!
The Band - The Band
I'm fairly positive none of the members of the Band were actual socialists, but the speaker in "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" has surely seen the light:
"I work for the union
'Cause she's so good to me
And I'm bound to come out on top
That's where she said I should be
I will hear every word the boss may say
For he's the one who hands me down my pay
Looks like this time I'm gonna get to stay
I'm a union man, now, all the way"
I've always seen "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" as less of a lament for the South than a prioritisation of taking care of one's family:
"Now, I don't mind chopping wood
And I don't care if the money's no good
You take what you need
And you leave the rest
But they should never
Have taken the very best"
TenderLovingKiller®
Well-Known Member
That is a fantastic track for today!
TenderLovingKiller®
Well-Known Member
Day 01: Worker’s Unite
So today was set as International Workers Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International. Celebrate by playing something by a Socialist or a Communist or about ones or even just something that celebrates the working classes or working class values
David Allen Coe - For The Record: The First 10 Years
Most associate the classic Country song “Take This Job and Shove It” with Johnny Paycheck’s hit version. However, the song was actually written by fellow Outlaw David Allen Coe.
So today was set as International Workers Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International. Celebrate by playing something by a Socialist or a Communist or about ones or even just something that celebrates the working classes or working class values
David Allen Coe - For The Record: The First 10 Years
Most associate the classic Country song “Take This Job and Shove It” with Johnny Paycheck’s hit version. However, the song was actually written by fellow Outlaw David Allen Coe.
Last edited:
LeSamourai
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Worker’s Unite
Sleater-Kinney - No Cities To Love
I'm particularly thinking of the opener, "Price Tag," which is all about economic insecurity and how we never checked the ultimate price tag of our low prices if they lead to people who work hard keeping the shelves stocked but can't afford those same products. Lyrics below:
Sleater-Kinney - No Cities To Love
I'm particularly thinking of the opener, "Price Tag," which is all about economic insecurity and how we never checked the ultimate price tag of our low prices if they lead to people who work hard keeping the shelves stocked but can't afford those same products. Lyrics below:
[Verse 1]
The bells go off
The buzzer coughs
The traffic starts to buzz
The clothes are stiff
The fabrics itch
The fit's a little rough
But I suck it in
To every stitch
Try to fit inside the glove
I scrambled eggs
For little legs
The day's off in a rush
It's 9 AM
We must clock in
The system waits for us
I stock the shelves, I work the rows
The product's all Iight up
If I could flip the switch
The system fix
I could move us to the top
The numbers roll, it's time to go
But never fast enough
[Chorus]
We never really checked, we never checked the price tag
When the cost comes in, it's gonna be high
We love our bargains, we love the prices so low
With the good jobs gone, it's gonna be rough
[Verse 2]
In the market
The kids are starving
They reach for the good stuff
Let's stay off label
Just 'til we're able
To save a little up
The next big win
The ship comes in
No more worry for us
Just keep moving
The wheels keep turning
It's time to go pay up
[Chorus]
We never really checked, we never checked the price tag
When the cost comes in, it's gonna be high
We love our bargains, we love the prices so low
With the good jobs gone, it's gonna be rough
[Bridge]
I was lured by the devil, I was lured by the cost
I was lured by the fear, that all we had was lost
I was blind by the money, I was numb from the greed
I'll take God when I'm ready
I'll choose sin 'till I leave
[Chorus]
We never really checked, we never checked the price tag
When the cost comes in, it's gonna be high
I was lured by the devil, I was lured by the cost (We love our bargains, we love the prices so low)
With the good jobs gone, it's gonna be rough (I was lured by the fear, that all we had was lost)
The bells go off
The buzzer coughs
The traffic starts to buzz
The clothes are stiff
The fabrics itch
The fit's a little rough
But I suck it in
To every stitch
Try to fit inside the glove
I scrambled eggs
For little legs
The day's off in a rush
It's 9 AM
We must clock in
The system waits for us
I stock the shelves, I work the rows
The product's all Iight up
If I could flip the switch
The system fix
I could move us to the top
The numbers roll, it's time to go
But never fast enough
[Chorus]
We never really checked, we never checked the price tag
When the cost comes in, it's gonna be high
We love our bargains, we love the prices so low
With the good jobs gone, it's gonna be rough
[Verse 2]
In the market
The kids are starving
They reach for the good stuff
Let's stay off label
Just 'til we're able
To save a little up
The next big win
The ship comes in
No more worry for us
Just keep moving
The wheels keep turning
It's time to go pay up
[Chorus]
We never really checked, we never checked the price tag
When the cost comes in, it's gonna be high
We love our bargains, we love the prices so low
With the good jobs gone, it's gonna be rough
[Bridge]
I was lured by the devil, I was lured by the cost
I was lured by the fear, that all we had was lost
I was blind by the money, I was numb from the greed
I'll take God when I'm ready
I'll choose sin 'till I leave
[Chorus]
We never really checked, we never checked the price tag
When the cost comes in, it's gonna be high
I was lured by the devil, I was lured by the cost (We love our bargains, we love the prices so low)
With the good jobs gone, it's gonna be rough (I was lured by the fear, that all we had was lost)
imtheocean
Well-Known Member
Day 1: Workers Unite
Tom Waits does a great version of "Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it's off to work we go..." on this one. The 7 Dwarves must have been socialist or communist right? The amount of jewels they mined didn't correlate to their lifestyle for sure.
Stay Awake ~ Various Interpretations of Music From Vintage Disney Films
Tom Waits does a great version of "Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it's off to work we go..." on this one. The 7 Dwarves must have been socialist or communist right? The amount of jewels they mined didn't correlate to their lifestyle for sure.
Stay Awake ~ Various Interpretations of Music From Vintage Disney Films