globalistion compilation

[janet_penny]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here but you seem like a friendly bunch so I'm just going to dive on in and post away.

I've been set the challenge of coming up with a list of songs that incorporate not only fusion music but also lyrics on the theme of globalisation. As an example I have recently discovered Gogol Bordello and their song 'Immigrant Punk' is perfect as it talks about immigration and uses a mix of Ukranian and Dub, carbaret etc.
Does anyone else know of any songs of this ilk that I could suggest?

Much appreciated.

Janet

[Chris Walsh]

Do the lyrics need to be in English?

- Chris

[janet_penny]

Hi Chris,
Not necessarily English, but it would be great to have the resources to get translations.

Thanks
Janet

[Quintin]

Clandestino-the only non-naff song written by Manu Chao.

Q

[Ray the Red]

Billy Bragg's 'No Power Without Accountability' would probably qualify. Not his best tune though. Also, practically each song on Joe Strummer and the Mescalero's album Global a Go Go references globalization.

[Martin_Edney]

Asian Dub Foundation's "White Gold Burger" or "Fortress Europe"

[NormanD]

Hello Janet
There's a CD you might like to check out "Another World Is Possible". It's in support of the anti-globalisation network ATTAC. It's a compilation of performers like Manu Chao & Tonino Caratone, ADF, Femi Kuti, Massive Attack, Idir, etc, who chose their own tracks:
http://tinyurl.com/sy77u

Norman

[Chris Walsh]

There's also the king of anti-globalisation lyricism Zack De La Rocha from Rage Against The Machine - they've got two particularly apt tracks named 'Testify' and 'Guerilla Radio'.

- Chris

[janet_penny]

Thanks for this, I knew I'd come to the right place!
I'll be checking all these out but keep 'em coming...

Janet

[garth]

Hi Janet

beyond muttering that the Gogol Bordello tune is unlistenably awful bog standard punk I would like to add that Across The Borderline as written by John Hiatt-Ry Cooder-Jim Dickinson and sung by Freddy Fender on The Border soundtrack is one of the great songs ever written about migrants. Various artists have since cut it but the original as sung by Freddy - a Mexican migrant - is the best. Beyond that, a helluva lot of Mexican corridos deal with the immigrant experience - from turn of the 20th century songs through banda rap right up to Los Lobos new album. As you are based in the US there's a weath of material on your doorstep.

Good listening

Garth

[NormanD]

...one of the great songs ever written about migrants.

And let us not forget Woody Guthrie's Plane Crash At Los Gatos, otherwise known as Deportees written - what? - 60 years ago? every word is just as true.

There's a good version by Los Super Seven.

Norman

[Stephen Birch]

For my 10 penny worth I would recommend tracks 3,5,7,8,9&10 on 'La Linea' by Lila Downs. Some lyrics in Spanish (with translations), some in English but all cracking good music.

[ritchie]

his 'bobness' from 'John Wesley Harding'

I pity the poor immigrant
Who wishes he would've stayed home,
Who uses all his power to do evil
But in the end is always left so alone.
That man whom with his fingers cheats
And who lies with ev'ry breath,
Who passionately hates his life
And likewise, fears his death.

I pity the poor immigrant
Whose strength is spent in vain,
Whose heaven is like Ironsides,
Whose tears are like rain,
Who eats but is not satisfied,
Who hears but does not see,
Who falls in love with wealth itself
And turns his back on me.

I pity the poor immigrant
Who tramples through the mud,
Who fills his mouth with laughing
And who builds his town with blood,
Whose visions in the final end
Must shatter like the glass.
I pity the poor immigrant
When his gladness comes to pass.



Copyright © 1968; renewed 1996 Dwarf Music

[NormanD]

You know what, Ritchie? I thought I knew this song but I never really understood it (or thought I did) until I heard it sung by Christie Moore. He gave no explanation, but to me he was singing about the colonisation of another people's country, England over Ireland.

Reading it again tonight, it's about the forcible occupations of Iraq / Afghanistan. Great suggestion, great song.

Norman

PS No doubt some Dylanologist will tell me that the song is actually about three and a half minutes.

[Ted]

And let us not forget Woody Guthrie's Plane Crash At Los Gatos, otherwise known as Deportees written - what? - 60 years ago? every word is just as true.
Norman

There's a great version by Sweet Honey In the Rock.

TW