We all know the go-to songs everyone breaks out for
Independence Day and all the other patriotic holidays. And while there’s
nothing wrong with throwing on a little Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp or
Woody Guthrie at this time of year, there’s also nothing wrong with shaking it
up once in a while.
With the Fourth of July tomorrow, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s
music outlet, is taking a look at some alternative patriotic songs celebrating
America and its culture. Here are five off-the-beaten path tracks to add to
your Independence Day playlist.
1.
Huey
Lewis and the News, “The Heart of Rock and Roll”: In a politically
fractured America, there is but one thing that most people can agree on and
that is the power of music. “The Heart of Rock and Roll” gets at this uniting
factor. In the song, Lewis name checks cities across the country, declaring
that “Everywhere there’s music, real live music, bands with a million styles
/But It’s still that some old rock and roll music / that really really, really
drives ’em wild!” (Video)
2.
The Grateful Dead, “U.S. Blues”: Set to a
classic rock ‘n’ roll tune, “U.S. Blues” brings everything about America and
American music together into one giant ode to Americana. Though the song does
seem to have a bit of a political bent to it (Uncle Sam will “drink your
health, share your wealth, run your life” and “steal your wife”), in the end its
chorus still invites you to “wave that flag” and be proud. (Video)
3.
Violent
Femmes, “American Music”: Frontman Gordon Gano sings in “American Music”
about his love of American music, saying that it is “in his soul.” If others
don’t like it, well then, they won’t like him either. (Video)
4.
Sufjan Stevens, “Star Spangled Banner”: Sufjan
Stevens’ spin on our oft covered national anthem is so unique that it’s hardly
recognizable. Starting out with a gust of trumpet fanfare, the song suddenly
falls quiet for a low-key, acoustic take on the first two verses. Once the
instruments pick up again, he then throws in a children’s chorus to
rhythmically sing the final verse before falling once again for the final line,
incorporating the chorus and the guitars to end that final line with both quiet
dignity and power. (Video)
5.
Circle
Jerks, “American Heavy Metal Weekend”: While the extent of its traditional
patriotism starts and ends with the few electrified bars of “Oh Say Can You See”
at the beginning, punk rockers Circle Jerks find their own way to celebrate their
national pride with “American Heavy Metal Weekend.” The song states that
American metal is the one and only real, original metal and that metal from
other countries is just copying America’s scene. It’s like a hardcore way of chanting
“We’re number one.” (Video)
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate US independence
and be proud of our country. And while there is always a list of go-to songs
that scream US pride, there are so many more alternative songs that are just as
patriotic. Check out some of our picks above and let us know what you’re
favorite patriotic songs are.
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Find music from your favorite patriotic artists and more at
Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands
of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of
new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in
store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles
being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at
Vinyl Bay 777.
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