So today we celebrate the legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and what do we do? We write music posts and drink beer. What else? But it got me to thinkin’ if the good great Rev was with us today what would be on his Ipod. Let’s take a look, shall we?
A Change Is Gonna Come – Adam Lambert – Yeah, yeah I’ll get to Sam Cooke honest, but first if you have never heard Lambert’s deeply beautiful cover of this civil rights anthem (second only to “Blowing In the Wind”) the hoopla over Lambert might be a little strange. MLK -as an inclusive as a man can be- would love it.
Apocalypse Express – Judee Sill – It won’t be all God all the time I promise but this lovely spiritual off Judee’s post-humous Dreams Come True is (I’m regretting this as I write it) chciken soup for the soul!! “Take heart don’t back down when the big train comes…”
The Twist – Chubby Checker – That’s how we got down back in the day…
Cold Sweat – James Brown – Just kidding. This is how we got down back in the day.
What’s Goin On – Marvin Gaye – Another question that seems posed and poised from MLK’s preaching.
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye – Cmon, the man was married. he had to relax sometimes…
Give Peace A Chance – John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band – Though it is hard to imagine MLK at the Toronto bed-in that spawned it.
Imagine – John Lennon – And here is a question, how dya think MLK woulda taken to the aethiestic anthem?
Try A Little Tenderness – Sam Cooke – I would bet anything Sam was an MLK fave and this gloriously lovely paean to emotional commitment and caring would be perfect for the man.
Blitzreig Bop – The Ramones – After the initally turn that noise down reaction he’d be sneaking it on like my Papa did with Jimi Hendrix.
Blowing In The Wind – Bob Dylan – Maybe MLK woulda listened to it on inauguarl day last year when more than symbolically the last racial boundary was surmounted (or was that Dick Parsons). the answer my friend… Happy Birthday Doctor.