R.E.M. The best band in America...some favorites include "Cuyahoga," Fall On Me," and "Welcome to the Occupation." Best line: appearing at a rally for Clinton in 1992, REM frontman Michael Stipe said that a Clinton government would be "Automatic for the People" while the Bush government was "Out of Time." for those who don't know, "Out of Time" and "Automatic for the People" are the titles to two REM albums

U2 Famous for lending their talents to the cause...even as superstars, U2 still takes personal risks to defend what they believe in, including landing on a contaminated beach with Greenpeace in 1993 to protest against environmental destruction. Lead singer Bono also visited Sarejevo to lend his support, and promised to stop their again on the 1997 world tour.

Billy Joel Although he is probably more famous for his love songs, has recorded at least four songs, all of which are on his "Greatest Hits" 4-CD set, that every liberal should find to his or her liking. One song, entitled "We Didn't Start the Fire," is basically a musical summary of 40 years of modern history and should appeal to liberals and conservatives alike. Another song, "Allentown," documents the plight of laid-off Pennsylvania steel-mill workers. Then there's "Goodnight Saigon," a commentary on the horrors of the Vietnam War. Last but most certainly not least, there's "Leningrad," a moving ballad (with an especially riveting instrumental interlude) about the insanity of the Cold War. Sample lyrics: "Haven't they heard, we won the war/What do they keep on fighting for?"

Rage Against The Machine Has a song defending Indian activist Leonard Peltier. Rage is one of the most liberal bands on the planet! They have certainly been making more liberal music than just "People of the Sun". In fact, one of their coolest songs (which is on their second album) is about our mutual "friend" Rush. Its called "Vietnow". So buy (or borrow) one of their CDs, and read the lyric sheet (Zak sometimes gets so into his message that he becomes completely unintelligable).

Echobelly

Arrested Development

Bruce Springsteen "For ten years, in every town he plays in, he gives a portion of proceeds (usually the concessions) to area food banks. This last January, he gave one nights full proceeds and half the next nights from concessions to the striking Detroit Newspaper workers. He also spoke both nights in their behalf and gave front row seats and backstage passes to striking workers. I was one of the recipients of the tickets. The Ghost of Tom Joad is specifically about the plight of the American worker. "

Sting In addition to his well-know defense of the South American rain forests, Sting also has spoken out musically against right-wing torturers in South America and the cold war.

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Pearl Jam Well-known for pouring money and support into the pro-choice movement and the Rock the Vote organization.

Nirvana/Foo Fighters Ditto. Former Nirvana bassist Christ N. (I can't spell his last name ;-) has even started a PAC to rally Seattle-area musicians to the cause

Peter Gabriel See entry for Sting!

Live "Bothers Unaware" (off their debut album) is one of the best anti-racism/nativism songs I have ever heard. Pat Buchanan wouldn't like it.

Metallica This popular speed-metal band has written songs dealing with subjects ranging from nuclear war to capital punishment, environmental destruction, and more.

The song "ride the lightning" addressed capital punishment by saying "who made you go to say, I'll take your life away". "dont tread on my was regarding war and "to secure peace is to prepare for war." It came out in the early 90's during the gulf War , i think.

Tori Amos A classically-trained pianist whose frank, heartfelt songs have addressed issues ranging from patriarchial religion to the issue of rape. She even set up a nationwide rape crisis hotline.

Bruce Cockburn He has written many passionate, literate songs about peace, justice & environmental issues - his writings and activism on Central America bordered on "commie pinko." Also, refreshingly, he's a devout Christian who is outspoken in support of gay rights and has performed at two pro-choice benefits.

Rush A Canadian band that is progressive in both their music and their politics. Their song "The Trees" is one of the simplest summations of class oppression ever written, "Second Nature" a call for leaders such as captains of industry to do the right thing, and "Red Tide," a song concerning the environment. Rush had been known for being a very libertarian band in the early 1970's...obviously they have matured as the years went on!

Boston In 1987, Tom Scholz set up a foundation to support such causes as animal rights, food banks, homeless shelters, and children's rights. Through the foundation, he has donated over $2 million to those causes. Tom received the Mahatma Ghandi Award in 1987, and was named "Man of the Year" by the National Hospice Organization in 1988. Most of the money the band makes from album sales, concerts, and merchandise goes directly to causes such as these. You will find the band regularly raising money for AIDS research and awareness and for various organizations dealing with violence against women.

Natalie Merchant I am not sure about her merits as liberal as a solo singer, but when she was in 10K maniacs there were tons of liberal songs. Here are some of them and what they address.

Gold Rush Brides
-Plights of women in those days.
Hateful Hate
-slaughter of Indians and forced conversions
HeadStrong
-About someone trying to brow beat her into their beliefs. Great when your family is an agressive fundamentalist.
I'm not the man
-Wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to death by hanging.
Don't Talk
-An alcoholic spouse
Because the Night
-Issues of pre marirtal sex
Eat for Two
-teen Pregnancy

Janes Addiction there is a great "rant" against censorship and the influence of the media inside the cover of the CD of Ritual de lo Habitual.

Bob Dylan One of the fathers of music as we know it, the man who put protest music in the public's attention in the 1960s. Also the man who turned music lyrics from bubblegum pop into literature.

Jackson Browne "Lives in the Balance" and "World in Motion" both have several songs with very deep liberal lyrics. Jackson was also the main voice of MUSE (musicians united for Solar Energy) and helped organize the NO NUKES concert in the 70's. He's been involved in many other fundraisers too.

John Lennon John's post-Beatle music was extremely liberal. Songs like "Working Class Hero", "Imagine", and "Well, Well, Well" are probably some of the greatest left-wing tunes every penned.

Lou Reed Lou Reed has toured on behalf of Amnesty International along with U2, Sting and Bruce Springsteen. His _New York_ album, recorded in the 1980s, features biting commentary on life in the Reagan Misadministration, and his latest album, _Set the Twilight Reeling_, features the song "Sex With Your Parents", where Lou turns the lies & innuendo game that's been used against the Clintons back on "Rush Rambo and Robert Dole." In concert, he's added verses pertaining to Pat Buchanan and other Rushkies-of-the-moment.

Digable Planets: This hip hop/jazz group definitely leans to the left, most notably in their strongly pro-choice song "la femme fetal".

Neil Young: Neil Young has been speaking out on behalf of liberalism since the 1960's, when he penned the classic "Ohio," a protest of the Kent State killings. His "Southern Man" pointed fingers at segregationists and earned the ire of Lynyrd Skynyrd. More recently, "Rockin' in the Free World" discussed the ugly truth behind Reagan and Bush's "prosperous" America, and "Act of Love" (recorded with Pearl Jam) took a look at abortion from a liberal point of view. In addition, Young has collaborated with Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and others to raise money for American farmers, and he has done a lot for research into Cerebral Palsy -- a condition that has struck his children.

Todd Snider: Todd Snider is an up and coming star described as "bob dylan with a more acerbic wit." In songs like "tension" off his last album he takes brilliant aim at capital punishment, the religious right and the drug war, among others.

Tracy Chapman: Her latest album (New Beginning) is wonderful, with strong, meaningful lyrics. "If we have faith in humankind, and respect for what is earthly and an unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding, this could be heaven here on Earth" from Heaven's Here on Earth

Cypress Hill: Their drug-legalization and anti-police brutality lyrics put them on the right (left!) side of the political spectrum.

Tom Petty: Active in liberal political causes and benefits.

Peter, Paule and Mary: Can you get any more liberal? They've been going strong since the '60's with quality music about issues that matter. Their latest album, "Lifelines" (1995) deals with such issues as homosexuality, migrant farm workers in California and a good old fashion dose of war protesting. In addition, the album includes songs that exude life and touch at the inner struggles of human existence. Peter, Paul and Mary's music, to quote their song "For the love of it all", is about "walking the thin line, between fear and the call..."

Black Crowes: They are quite actively promoting the right for people to choose whether one wishes to smoke pot or not. They also condsider issues like the moral majority (in "Evil Eye") or the frustration regarding policies that never profress in "A Conspiracy".

Marilyn Manson: I know he isn't too popular with most adults but he is definitely fighting for freedom of speech and religion. Also, he has fought the Christian right (many Christians have tried to ban his shows and even gone so far as to send him bomb threats to prevent him from playing) and won on first amendment grounds. His songs address issues like child molestation ("Kinderfeld"), Christian hypocrisy ("1996"), and abortion rights ("Get Your Gunn", which is about the murder of Dr. David Gunn). Marilyn Manson is a band that stands up for civil rights.

Nine Inch Nails: I think that Nine Inch Nails should be entered into your list of liberal music. Many of Nine Inch Nails' songs portray liberal feelings and attitudes, such as "March of the Pigs." Nine Inch Nails is a great band, with great music and talent.

...and a second opinion...

First of all Nine Inch Nails and even more so Marilyn Manson absolutely have no place on the page. Marilyn Manson, in interview after interview, has praised the wonders of absolutely free market capitalism, has lambasted welfare and social services, and has supported blatantly and overtly the philosophy of social Darwinism. Unless liberalism is wholly defined by opposition to censorship then including this band on a list of "liberal" musicians is almost offensive to the philosophy at the core ofl iberalism. The closest political description I can think of for Marilyn Manson is anarcho-capitalist. Nine Inch Nails, on theo ther hand, while not espousing social darwinism or anything like that, makes a concerted effort to stay out of politics altogether. Trent Reznor has specifically stated in interviews that he associates himself with neither side of the political spectrum and does not believe in supporting political causes with his music. Just because a band upsets the religious right this hardly qualifies them as defenders of the liberal cause. After all, who DOESN'T upset the religious right? And, just for the record, March of the Pigs has NOTHING whatsoever to do with politics. I have no idea how anyone could use that as evidence for the band's liberalism.

Garth Brooks: Usually a listener of pop or rock music, I was surprised to read in "Newsweek" a few years back of Garth Brooks' trying to change country music to reflect more diversity. His CD "The Chase" includes the track "We Shall Be Free." Some of the lines: "When the last thing we notice is the color of skin, and the first thing we look for is the beauty within," and "when we're free to love anyone we choose, when this world's big enough for all different views..." This is one country CD I'm proud to have in my collection.

Soundgarden: One of the fathers of the Seattle grunge scene, Soundgarden have actively participated in anti-censorship organizations (one was with former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic) and have played Pro-Choice benefits.

Dead Kennedys: Classic '80's hardcore band that relentlessly attacked the "daddy knows best" image of Reagan's America. Very funny, very intelligent and outrageous vocals courtesy of frontman Jello Biafra (who has worked with several other liberal bands, including Sepultura and Ministry).

Rollins Band: I saw Henry Rollins doing his spoken word performance (I was 2nd row on the floor! That was about 6 feet away from him!!!!) and half of it was just him criticizing the religious right. Henry is also a big advocate of gay rights and he has written songs about various leftist topics.

Jewel: I think Jewel should be added to the list. Songs like "Pieces of You," and "Daddy" speak out against intolerance. "Who Will Save Your Soul" is another one that seems to hold many liberal ideals.

Megadeth: Frontman Dave Mustaine (the original lead guitarist for Metallica) was MTV's representative to the 1992 Democratic Party Convention. He has written songs about child abuse ("Family Tree"), drug abuse ("Addicted to Chaos"), and militarism ("Hanger 18").

Ministry: On the inside flap of their live CD, "In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing up (Live)," they have a disclaimer about the parental advisory sticker on the front. They urge the reader to remove the label and mail it to their senator/representative/etc with a letter supporting first amendment rights.

I may add that in addition to being very anti-censorship, they have a song against the New World Order (called N.W.O), a song against war (Hero), and they have been known to take an athiest and anti-fundamentalist stance in other songs as well.

Sonic Youth: In "Chapel Hill", from their album "dirty" they sang "I believe Anita Hill/The judge will rot in hell". Need I say more?

...and another comment....

Um, somebody wrote that Sonic Youth is left wing and that they had a song, "Chapel Hill" with lyrics about Anita Hill etc. etc......actually, although their bassist Kim Gordon is sort of a "feminist hero" I think (I may be wrong) they kind of hate politics (or at least overtly political songs), and in fact the song which was quoted ironically refers to that. And it wasn't "Chapel Hill," it was actually "Youth Against Fascism" that has those lyrics, and I don't think it's meant literally. Actually, the song has Ian Mckaye of Fugazi playing noise guitar, and the lyrics in his music are the summation of what Sonic Youth was lampooning in their song.....hence, even more irony...but in "Chapel Hill" they do mention "Jesse H.", ....and they coined the slogan, "Smash the PMRC." (Tipper Gore's pro-censorship group.) So they are pretty damn progressive, but they wouldn't want to be pigeon-holed, to use a cliche phrase........

NAS: A rap artist from Atlanta, whose poetic lyrics inspire views on political and social issues. His hit song, "If I Ruled the World", he talks the hypocrisy of building more prisons and less schools, he envisions a time when Black and White children can walk out to the sun hand in hand. If he ruled the world, political prisoner would set free, there would be incresed individual liberty, everybody would listen to the teachings of Coretta Scott King and everyone must open their eyes to the lies history books have told foul, and everyone be as wise as the old owl.

Pink Floyd: I think that you should add Pink Floyd to your list of liberal artists. One need only listen to the lyrics of "Money" off of The Dark Side of the Moon album, or "Lost for Wards" off of the Division Bell album or "A Great Day for Freedom" off of the same album to understand that they are liberal as well.

The Clash: You couldn't get more left than 1980's "Sandinista"! With "Charlie Don't Surf" about Vietnam, and "Washington Bullets" about covert CIA operations, along with a cover of Eddy Grant's "Police on my Back", it's in incredible mixture of raw energy and social conscience.

The Indigo Girls: The Indigo Girls would be a natural addition to your list. They are not only a wonderful group, but are great advocates for social concerns.

Billy Bragg: Looks like you left out Billy Bragg. Don't know if you're aware of him or not, but he's an English guy who is constantly doing benefits for the Labour party, and a few years back, I recall him doing a series of benefits in the US for striking miners and factory workers. His songs are split 50-50 between sappy love songs and biting political criticism/satire.

Little Steven: Thought that you might like to add Little Steven (Steve Van Zandt) to your list of musicians with liberal/left-leaning songs. On his albums VOICE OF AMERICA and FREEDOM - NO COMPROMISE Little Steven wrote about the "disappearance" of dissenters in US-backed Latin American countries, South Africa & apartheid, the plight of the Native American and a slew of anti-war, anti-oppression songs. He was also one of the founders of Artists United Against Apartheid which did the SUN CITY benefit album. At least one of his albums, VOA, is still available from Razor & Tie Music.

Barbara Streisand: I can't believe you would leave Barbara Streisand off your list of musical artists who contribute to liberal causes. She should be at the very top of the list....

Jimmy Buffett: Please consider adding Jimmy Buffett to the list of liberal musicians. A Clinton favorite, Jimmy is a flaming Democrat, environmental activist, and a proponent of a free-thinking society.

Smashing Pumpkins: Although their music is not at all political, I think the Smashing Pumpkins are pretty liberal. They recently played at the Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco, from which a significant portion of the proceeds went to free Tibet from Chinese oppression.

Queensryche: Queensryche is no doubt one of the most liberal hard rock bands in history. They frequently write songs that speak out against militarism (as in "Empire") and the evils of religion (especially Christianity). One of their albums, "Operation: Mindcrime", expresses a story focusing on the corruption of the U.S. Government, the reality of social classes in America, and the hypocrisy and abuse of the Church.

Morrissey: Morrissey should be added as a liberal musician. His songs against educational brainwashing to rightist capitalism, and his songs mocking the Rightist British Racists such as the National front, prove his undying liberalism. He has numerous songs about his own homosexuality. Morrissey also has portrayed the queen who "makes people poor on her terms." He is anti Monarchy, and is a supporter of full democratic rights. Just last year, protesting the monarchy, he moved to Ireland........a truly liberal Musician.

Ani DiFranco: This extremely popular folk/punk artist has rejected corporate record labels and started her own record label. With honest, hard-hitting songs she is one of the sharpest critics of right-wing culture out there.

Peter Tosh: I think that Peter Tosh should be included in the list of liberal muscians. Besides playing great music and serving as a reflection of how good Bob Marley really was, I think that someone who has an a album called Equal Rights, and Legalize It should be recognized, along with his music for his contribution to society.

Various Australian Artists: I notice that in your list of artists you don't include anyone from Australia. This may be because of the language gulf. No left wing group in Australia would call themselves liberal because here the Liberal party is the equivalent of the Republicans. Pretty confusing I admit. However, bands and artists who have advocated causes such as the environment, Indigenous rights, East Timor etc include Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Spiderbait, Crowded House, Wild Pumpkins at Midnight and many other who have probably not made it beyond these shores. In fact Australian musicians are more consistant supporters of left causes than in England or America. This may be because of the strong Aboriginal influence, Peter Garrett's run for the senate and general profile or a host of other reasons.

Beastie Boys: They always are part of the concerts for the freedom of the Tibetian people, and are affiliated with organizations concerning liberal issues

The Foremen:I have their big label releases and am looking for their small label releases now. The lyrics are biting and the music is representative of the topic. Nothing is sacred with this group but they are liberal in their point of view. One of my favorites is a song called 'My Conservative Girlfriend' (she has a tiny heart full of passion). The liberals I have shared this with seem to enjoy them and appreciate the laughter.

Pete Seeger: Where would we be without freedom songs like"If I Had A Hammer?" In my opinion, this man has done more in the name of social justice through music's powerful medium than any other 20th century performer. Whether he was singing in picket lines with the Labor Party, marching with his brothers and sisters in the South in the '60's or reaching out to the next generation through his heart warming and funny children's songs, Seeger has touched the souls of lefties everywhere. (And hey, he was even blacklisted :)

Hole: They have worked in Rock For Choice Benfits, and Courtney Love rails against the Rush Limbaugh inspired culture of woman hating. I own all of the albums (currently) and listening to it is like a musical rocking version of a 60's feminist collective or something or other. They realy rock and have a clear understanding of the need for diversity

Living Color: The short-lived hardcore rock band Living Colour may be most characterized by its superb guitarist Vernon Reid, but is also known for its liberal, if not anger-driven lyrics calling for social justice. In their last album "Stain", they expertly delineate the hypocrisy we liberals must strive to avoid; "I gave 20 dollars to Live Aid, I paid my guilty conscience so go away" and cry out for love and understanding "we hate each other for race and religion... we hate each other for no reason at all... the wall between us all must fall".

Fugazi: Fugazi is a D.C. underground punk band that has a trmendous following and a very liberal twang to all of their lyrics. At every concert, including benefits for Amnesty International, there is a table where anyone can pick up information on the latest happenings and activism notes in the world of liberal thinking. You don't need to look too much farther than their song "Merchandise" on the Repeater albumn to see exactly what I am talking about.

Midnight Oil: Pro-labor, pro-environment, anti-corporate, anti-militarist, anti-nuclear, what more do you wantin your lyrics? Lead singer even ran for Parliament in their native Australia.

Paul Ochs: Okay, I know, his bitingly satiric "Love Me, I'm A Liberal" would put some liberals on edge. But that was in the context of Kennedy-Era Cold War liberalism that had basically capitulated to McCarthyism, got us into Vietnam just to prove they weren't "soft on Communism," and had to pulled kiciking and screaming into the modern civil rights era. Most liberals today aren't proud of a damn thing that Ochs attacked.

>From one of the best damn anti-war songs ever written:

"Call it peace or call it treason
Call it love or call it reason
But I ain't a-marching anymore"

As for breaking down cultural barriers, just before he died in 1974 he did the first recording of a Western pop artist with African musicians, 12 years before Paul Simon's "Graceland."

Paul Simon: Who else has looked so clearly at the betrayal of the promise of America, gnawing like a worm at the heart of the ordinary person?

Grateful Dead: I was absolutely shocked to browse through this list and not find the GRATEFUL DEAD. As individuals and as a band they not only made (make) music that promotes liberalism but the support many, many worthwhile environmental and progressive causes. Additionally, their two primary lyricists, John Barlow and the most incredible Robert Hunter are activists as well.

Bad Religion: Without them, the resurgence of punk probably would never have happened. They've been plugging away at it for over a decade now. They are extremely well-known for the high preponderance of SAT words in all their songs, and their songs without fail deal with intelligent issues and problems with the modern world. Outspokne about his opinions, lead singer Greg Graffin was called a "socialist" by former Bad Religion member Brett Gurewitz after he left the band. In an article Graffin published about voting, he wrote that the sole basis for a vote should be the consideration of whether the candidate will help to alleviate the suffering of the poor and the disenfranchised. He said the rich have absolutely zero business considering their own interests when voting because their own interests have already been secured. Beyond this , the band writes about the dangers of oppressive religion, overpopulation, corporate irresponsibility, and environmental degradation. Besides all this, they also totally rock.

Mighty Mighty Bosstones: Another hard-working band who have been together for over a decade but only recently found mass-success. Devoted to their hometown of Boston, these guys bring on tour with them various social groups fighting against racism and have played at local pro-choice benefits. In an interview with Details, Dicky Barrett explained that the band was somewhat dismayed at their reputation as a frat party band, because he did not support fraternities and considered himself to be a flaming liberal.

Dance Hall Crashers: Though most of their songs focus on petty annoyances like cheating boyfriends and being in debt, when they do political, they do liberal all the way: "So tell me where's the Medicare amidst all the nuclear show?" They are one of the bands that grew out of the hardcore left-wing Berkeley punk-ska music scene of the late 80's. Their singer has a political science degree from Berkeley. And no band could possibly be as much fun to see live.

The Beatles: Duh. How could they not be here already? This one is a no-brainer.

Consolidated: Consolidated is one of the most liberal bands there is. They support animal rights, feminism, anti-racism, gay rights, etc. They do not have songs that are not political (i.e. liberal) in some way. Just some examples: "The Sexual Politics of Meat," "Typical Male," "Your Body Belongs to the State," "He," "Accept Me for What I Am," "Born of a Woman," "Why Doesn't He Stop," etc.

Dave Matthews Band: This is one of the most multicultural bands you are ever going to see take a stage, with the majority of the band being African-American, including band leader Dave Matthews. The lyrics to their songs are clearly indicative of the leftist leanings of lyricist Matthews, with songs such as "The Last Stop" and "Cry Freedom" comdemning the evils of racism and apartheid. Another song from their Before These Crowded Streets cd is Don't Drink the Water, which decrys the destruction of the environment for the sake of capitalism. Their music is a must listen for anyone who supports liberal causes.

Todd Rundgren: A couple of examples: "Family Values" from The Individualist has sound bites from various right wing politicians, culminating in a chorus of "Shut up!" "Fascist Christ" from TR-I is a slam against the religious right. "F**k You, Jesse" performed live, aimed at Jesse Helms, Tipper Gore and John Paul II. "The Rape of the Young" from Oops, Wrong Planet about big business and how much they care about us. And the list goes on and on...

Frank Zappa: He was against hypocracy of any sort, but most of his anger seemed to go against the Right. "Dumb All Over", "Heavenly Bank Account" about the religious Right. The entire albums of "Broadway The Hard Way" and "The Best Band You Never Saw In Your Life" are full of shots against the right. "Trouble Every Day" from Freak Out is about race riots in L.A. With over 100 albums, I could go on forever with this, but I'll let this suffice.

Public Enemy: If you can get past the Nation of Islam style black pride/racism, Public Enemy are an articulate and liberal band. On "One Million Bottlebags" they attack alcoholism in the black community; on "By the Time I Get to Arizona", they discuss murdering the governer of that fine state (this was written in response to Arizona refusing to declare "Martin Luther King Day" a holiday). They are predictably anti-war and anti-KKK; they got attention for "lynching" KKK dolls at concerts, and penned the illuminating lyrics "now the KKK wear three-piece suits". "Burn Hollyword Burn" attacked "Driving Miss Daisy"-style pigeonholing of blacks in popular cinema. If that's not enough, the song "Brothers Gonna Work it Out" is the most positive rap song I've ever heard. The entire "Fear of a Black Planet" album is recommended listening for liberals.

and another perspective

Though Public Enemy is no fan of big buisness, they are definately a conservative/populist band. They have often made many anti-gay comments that can also be seen in some of their music. On Chuck D's show he has made several comments condeming abortion as a destroyer of the black community and has spoken out against abortion rights. They have also made several anti- atheist remarks.

Austin Lounge Lizards: They do for country and bluegrass what The Foremen did for folk -- that is, grab the wheel and crank it hard to the left, laughing all the way. A sample:

What kind of Newt wears a suit and a tie?
And frightens small children as he rushes by?
But we admit that the suit suits him good
Much more discreet than a sheet and a hood...

"Gingrich The Newt," from the "Small Minds" album

Reader comment: what musicial really is liberal?: I found your page of liberal bands interesting but too many of them seemed to be based on the contributors enjoyment of their music rather than any depth of liberal feeling on the part of the music. Some of the inclusions strike me as at best tenuous and at worst, utterly wrong. For example, lyricist James Hetfield of Metallica has frequently expressed support for the death penalty and songs like "Don't Tread On Me" are hardly expressing liberal sentiments. As for Morrisey, songs like "Bengali in Platforms" poking fun at Asian attempts at integrating or statements like "I have never come across racism of any form in my daily life" (Observer, 1995) hardly express liberal views, let alone a connection with planet earth. Too many of the bands mentioned such as NIN or the Black Crowes seem to equate liberalism with the idea that people who wear suits or don't smoke dope are less"individual" than themselves. Its a kind of politics that has more to do with Raskolnikov in "Crime and Punishment" than liberalism. That's not to deny importance and leadership provided by bands and musicians such as Billy Bragg or RATM. But going by the criteria applied to this page , you'd be hard put to find ANYONE who ISN'T a liberal.

Reader comment: big labels vs small labels: i came across this page while searching for info on a band. if you want real left-wing bands look to the underground. all of those bands are on large record labels and support the corporations that they work for, hardly left wing, if anything those bands pose as left wing because the rhetoric in the media is so right wing that they are considered left wing (rage would be the only exception). they support the idea of consumerism and the way to go, that's how they sell millions of cd's and tapes, real leftwing bands are DIY (do it yourself). here are some bands you may want to look into earth crisis (they are psycho and dumb, but left wing), ire, four hundred years, boy sets fire, struggle, swing kids, downset, cave in, and many more. you've probably never heard of any of these bands, they are all fairly underground hardcore bands, if you have a chance check them out.