Today I would like to follow in Brett's example and review a musical group I was recently exposed to. The name of the band is State Radio (yes that is their actual name). They play a wide range of musical styles, from reggae-rock to punk to ska. In fact, you can listen to all of their music on a State Radio fansite, here. What makes State Radio so unique is that they address a wide range of social issues. All of their music is very political--I can't think of one song that doesn't have an obvious political message. Much of their music is about the policies of George W. Bush; they often criticize the war in Iraq and the human rights violations in Guantanamo Bay. However, they also speak out against other social issues, such as the genocide in Darfur and environmentalism. It's almost as if they are channelling the spirit of the many musical groups in the 1960's who used music to protest social issues.
As of right now, State Radio is not very popular, and their fan base in mostly in their home state of Massachusetts. However, they did play at the Democratic National Convention, though this is probably because of the political views, not their popularity.
Overall grade: A.
I really enjoy their music and the not-so-subtle political messages embedded in it. I'm quite partial towards their latest album, Year of the Crow. But you can listen and decide for yourself.
any song suggestions?
ReplyDeleteCertainly! On "Year of the Crow" I especially like the songs Gang of Thieves, Wicker Plane, CIA and of course Omar Bay. On "Us Against the Crown" my favorites are Black Cab Motorcade, Democracy in Kind, and Gunship Politico. And on one of their live albums, The Barn Sessions, I'd recommend the song Olli Olli.
ReplyDeleteYa, I'm late to the party. So what. Bill, Barn Sessions isn't a live album, but a compilation of alternative takes and B-sides from Us Against The Crown
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