Midterm Election 2018
I love making playlists, I make them for everything! I went ahead and made one for the final weekend before the big Midterm Election. I also wrote up an accompanying booklet of sorts. I’ll add to post in case you care to read why I chose any of the songs as well as articles and some candidates websites.
Happy voting on Tuesday, November 6th if you haven’t already!! 💙🇺🇸
Midterm Election Playlist Booklet
1. Whip It
Devo
Change the lyrics to:
‘Go forward
Move ahead
Try to detect it
It’s not too late
To Flip it
Flip it Blue’
I even found a picture of Devo with blue helmets instead of the usual red.
“We were born of politics," Mothersbaugh said. He and singer-bassist Jerry Casale laid the groundwork for Devo in the aftermath of the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University, where they studied art.
“We were writing music together and we were trying to make sense of what we saw going on around us," Mothersbaugh said. "We decided that what we were seeing wasn't evolution, but rather de-evolution.
Even "Whip It" packed a subliminal political punch. The 1980 hit actually was conceived as a pep talk to then-President Carter, according to Mothersbaugh.
Flip it, Flip it BLUE! VOTE!
To read the rest of the article:
https://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2008/10/politics_is_nothing_new_for_de.html
2. Another One Bites the Dust
Queen
One of my all time favorite singers, my answer to the question, “who would you see in concert if you could go back in time to before someone passed away?” Queen. This weekend marked the opening of the new movie, Bohemian Rhapsody and this song was playfully used by myself and others each time there was another exit from the current administration’s staff.
On a more serious note, not only were my thoughts with Mercury’s spirit as we celebrate him with a movie in his honor but couldn’t help think of him with the news that the president of Zanzibar now Tanzania has just made his birthplace a scarier place. From Times Live article: The capital, Dar es Salaam announced a crackdown on homosexuality, which is a criminal offense in the East African country.”
Remove or protect images and language that may run afoul of Tanzanian laws regarding homosexual practices and explicit sexual activity," it said.
The alert said any US citizen who was detained or arrested should ensure the Tanzanian authorities informed the embassy.
LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE!
Hate and ones courage to reveal said hate do spread. Please help end the spread of hate! VOTE
: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.timeslive.co.za/amp/news/africa/2018-11-04-us-warns-its-citizens-in-tanzania-ahead-of-anti-gay-crackdown/
https://www.hrc.org/blog/trump-pence-admin-reportedly-planning-to-erase-non-discrimination-protectio
#wontbeerased
3. Vote ‘Em Out
Willie Nelson
I’ve been listening to Willie Nelson since I’ve been listening to music. My father taught me his songs and I’m so grateful for that gift. Most people know Willie to be an activist for many causes from fighting for middle America farmers to legalizing marijuana. This time around he has gone back out with his old buddy John Mellencamp and continued his Farm Aid work in addition to supporting US rep, Beto O’Rourke. Nelson debuted his new song, Vote ‘Em Out at the Turn Out For Texas rally. Willie Nelson an iconic Texan endorses candidate for Texas Senate, Beto O’Rourke. I so wish I could have been there for that one!
“Any honest immigration reform must reflect the value of immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers by providing a path to work, family reunification and citizenship.” - Beto O’Rourke
If you live in Texas, I hope you voted or will be voting for BETO! VOTE!
#familiesbelongtogether
https://betofortexas.com/
For more on free concert:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/10/01/willie-nelson-rallies-beto-orourke-texas-new-song/1488250002/
4. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Jimmy Buffet
Jimmy Buffet has always been good music for good times and for a good laugh. Cheeseburger in Paradise, Margaritaville, I mean even his fans are Parrot Heads. That’s why the line in this song is perfect,
“It's those changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of our running and all of our cunning
If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane”.
How many of us have relied on Stephen Colbert or another comedian or late night talk show host to get some comic relief? Sometimes musicians give us some comic relief along with the music therapy. Buffet gets extra points for taking part in activism for a great cause.
Jimmy Buffet donated his musical talent in support of some ‘Changes in Attitudes’. Buffet performed last night in a ‘Get Out the Vote’ concert in West Palm Beach for candidate for Florida Governor, current Florida Mayor of Tallahassee, Andrew Gillum and US Senator, Bill Nelson. Healthcare, Education and seeing how he personally went in and got to work after Hurricane Michael are just a few reasons I would support him along with one of the most important issues for me, common sense gun laws and and an end to NRA in politics. Just this past Friday we saw another senseless shooting where a man with a history of battery, misogynist and racist beliefs killed two, injured five and then killed himself at a yoga studio. This in Florida, where we have already seen The shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas HS in Parkland.
Just over a week ago America suffered the worst anti-Semitic massacre in it’s history at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. The gunman’s social media accounts showed history of posting anti-Semitic comments and referred to “Central American migrant caravan and immigrants as invaders that kill our people” Only three days earlier two innocent people shot dead by yet another white supremicist who first tried to enter a nearby church. Unsuccessful, he continued on to a Kroger grocery store, where he shot and killed Vicki Lee Jones and Maurice Stallard. Mr. Stallard’s 12 yr old grandson was a witness to this horrific crime. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Thank you for the laughs Jimmy Buffet, there have been far too many tears lately.
I hope Florida votes for Gillum for Florida Governor! VOTE!
https://andrewgillum.com/?_ga=2.111937095.2127315969.1541385795-1826409649.1541385795
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/election/article221073375.html
5. Shallow
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Just one of the many great songs off the A Star is Born soundtrack. This movie was beautiful and moving. It was filled with wonderful music and very strong performances by both leads along with Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Anthony Ramos. I’ve been listening to this soundtrack about once a day so it’s personally an easy add to the playlist because I’m kind of obsessed but it’s more than just good music. The movie reminds me of how important a good health care system is to our nation. It might be complicated to fix but pre-existing conditions, mental health services and addiction treatment should all be included in our health care plans.
Lady Gaga is also a tireless activist for so many causes often speaking up in support of LGBTQ, environmental issues, and discussing openly her own experience as sexual assault survivor just to name a few examples. She has a powerful voice in music as well as for humanity.
6. Georgia On My Mind
Ray Charles
This song has always been one of my favorites. I remember listening to it on my Walkman as we would take long drives and looking out the window daydreaming or listening to it as I fell asleep at night. So soothing and beautiful yet powerful at the same time. Stacey Abrams, candidate for Georgia Governor, will hopefully be working out of the same Georgia Governor’s mansion she was nearly turned away from after she arrived on foot after riding the bus because they had had car troubles. Her father stood up for her, both her parents always believed in her and were going to make sure she didn’t miss out on her tour of the mansion and the state’s annual valedictorian’s reception for graduating at the top of her class. In turn, Abrams believes in Georgia and is fighting against Kemp and his voter suppression tactics. I believe in her and was proud to phone bank for her. I am hopeful for the first black woman elected governor of any state.
VOTE!
https://staceyabrams.com/
7. Think
Aretha Franklin
You better THINK, (Think)
Think about what you’re trying to do with your VOTE!
Chose this version from the Blues Brothers movie because I like the speed, sax and we always love when she sings the line, “Trying to make other people lose their mind, well be careful you don’t lose yours.” If you don’t know what I’m talking about go listen. Let me not forget to mention the way she sings ‘Freedom’! What’s more American than celebrating our Freedom? Don’t take it for granted. VOTE!
RIP Aretha Franklin
Activist
Queen of Soul
Goddess
8. Say My Name
Destiny’s Child
I’m rooting for Abigail Spanberger for Congress. A former Operations Officer for the CIA, Spanberger is experienced in serving our country and is now ready to serve and represent Virginia’s 7th District.
Spanberger has spoken up about healthcare, gun violence prevention and education to name a few and those issues are very important to me. I was impressed in the way she responded to opponent, Dave Brat, who continuously compared her to Nancy Pelosi and in doing so was convincing me that he knows how to live up to his name and she makes damn sure we know hers! Watch the video to understand why I chose this song for my playlist.
https://youtu.be/3VaVpNG1HJQ
https://abigailspanberger.com/about-abigail/
9. Praying
Kesha
Like an infection boil to release the toxins,
A dark cloud reveals its silver lining.
The term ‘Trigger Warning’ suddenly needed its own warning. Purging of secrets and shame and putting the blame where it belongs. Survivors are uniting and fighting and supporting each other. If the man we are to call our President can openly brag about assaulting women and grab them without consent what were we to expect when it comes to an honest investigation into allegations of abuse against his pick for nominee of Supreme Court Justice? Kesha is generous to pray for the abusers. Kesha has been one of the many to come out as an ally and bravely put herself in that difficult position. Thank you to her, Alyssa Milano, Dr. Ford, and too many others. Please don’t put your expectations of timelines on when to come out with a survivor’s truth! I finally told my mom my story during the Kavanaugh wake. I told her the reason I never spoke up all those years ago was because I was worried she or my father might kill the person who tried to rape me. This person was a neighborhood friend and I might not remember every other friend who was at the house where it happened, I don’t remember how I disposed of my ripped clothing but I remember his face, my struggle, my fear, my shorts, my shoes. I’ll never forget those details.
Believe. VOTE!
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
10. Armor
Sara Bareilles
Another one of my very favorite singers! Her new single is once again an anthem. A gifted song writer, Sara understands.
Women standing together and feminism doesn’t mean haters of men. I love men. I love my father, my father in law, my brother, my uncles and cousins. Most, I love my husband and my son. Feminism is the right to equality. Loving the men in our lives and choosing those who treat us with respect is beautiful. Holding the men who behave badly accountable should be automatic and the norm. Celebrate Sisterhood!
Women’s rights, equal rights! VOTE!
11. Sister Suffragette
Glynis Johns (Mary Poppin’s Soundtrack)
Women’s Suffrage: A woman’s right to vote.
Passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. The 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote.
Not to mention, the 15th amendment passed in 1870 but fully realized for nearly a century due to many voter suppression tactics, some still being used today. Be counted Georgia! Go vote women!
VOTE!
12. My Shot
Hamilton Soundtrack
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Hamilton Cast
“Hey yo, I’m just like my country
I’m young, scrappy and hungry
And I am not throwing away my shot”
RISE UP
Don’t throw away your shot, don’t throw away your VOTE!
Our Founding Fathers built this great country under the principles we have valued for 200 years! Freedom of religion and escape from monarchy and tyranny.
13. Found/Tonight
Ben Platt and Lin-Manuel Miranda
This song is a mashup of two very popular musical theatre songs. One from Hamilton and the other from Dear Evan Hansen. This song was performed at the March For Our Lives in Washington D.C. it was a beautiful yet heartbreaking moment. Dear Evan Hansen deals with suicide and according to everytownresearch.org 2/3 of gun related deaths are caused by suicide and 96 Americans killed by a gun each day. We need gun law reform and I am thankful to the students of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas for their courage and leadership.
http://www.neveragain.com/
https://everytownresearch.org/gun-violence-america/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lin-manuel-miranda-ben-platt-release-new-song-for-march-for-our-lives-127037/amp/
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
14. Can’t Stand Losing You
The Police
I read a post a neighbor friend posted on Facebook. He shared his uncle’s story about having taught Ammar Campa Najjar in High School. It was a great post and even involved a connection to Ammar’s opponent Duncan Hunter or I should say, indicted, Duncan Hunter. In this posted story the man who used to be his teacher spoke very highly of Ammar and his character and mentioned how he was a musician who especially liked The Police. I was proud to write postcards to voters in support of him and to canvass for Ammar Campa Najjar with my friend, Lee and my cousins, Gary and Gina.
Country Over Party
VOTE!
https://www.campacampaign.com/
https://www.facebook.com/1543820259/posts/10217095343726095/
15. Peaches
The Presidents of the United States of America
I actually don’t even like this song but I couldn’t help adding it because I have made a cocktail made out of peaches and mint a few times during this administration and joked with friends about making a very large batch and needing many peaches when we get rid of the guy. Get it? Peaches and Mint? Impeachment Punch
And then the fact that the song is about peaches and the name of the band, woah! Had to add it.
VOTE!
Impeachment Punch
Serves 6
6 cups iced tea or lemonade depending on preference
9 Oz peach flavored vodka
Sliced peach and sprig of mint for garnish
Muddled mint for taste (optional)
16. Faith
George Michael
You didn’t think I was going to make a playlist without sneaking my George onto it did you? I have Faith in Americans!
VOTE!
17. Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
This has been a go to fun time dance. Nothing like having a wild living room dance party with your kids to help you shake off the stress we are dealing with. Don’t forget about self care if you are feeling overwhelmed or down about the current situation.
Thank you to Taylor Swift for speaking out against Tennessee senate candidate, Marsha Blackburn. Swift gave her support to Phil Bredesen instead. Some credit Swift’s instagram post for a surge of 65,000 voter registrations in the 24 hours after her post urging her followers to go to
vote.org and register to vote.
Thank you, TSwift!!
VOTE!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BopoXpYnCes/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1pu3jq1ycgg1a
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/culture/2018/10/10/17957190/taylor-swift-voter-registration-october-spike
18. I will Survive
Gloria Gaynor
We will survive this! If we don’t flip it blue and take control of the house we will regroup and come back stronger.
But I hope we don’t have to.
VOTE!
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/midterm-election-2018/pl.u-GP9RFlo0Ek
