Song: Machine Gun

CD: Band Of Gypsys

 It is a lengthy, loosely defined (jam-based) protest of the Vietnam War, and perhaps a broader comment on conflict of any kind.

Website: www.jimmyhendrix.com

Song: “I Ain\’t Marching Anymore”

CD: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of Phil Ochs

An anti-war song by Phil Ochs, a U.S. protest singer from the 1960s known for being a harsh critic of the American military industrial complex.

Website:www.phil-ochs.com

Song: “London Calling”

CD: London Calling

“London Calling”, the album’s opening track was partially influenced by the March 1979 accident at a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania. Strummer’s lyrics also discuss the problems of rising unemployment, racial conflict and drug use in Britain.

Website: www.theclash.com

Song: “Imagine“

CD: Imagine

A Quote From Lennon: It’s not a new message: “Give Peace a Chance” — we’re not being unreasonable. Just saying “give it a chance.” With “Imagine” we’re asking, “can you imagine a world without countries or religions?” It’s the same message over and over. And it’s positive.

Website: www.johnlennon.com

Song: “Ohio”

CD: 4 Way Street

This song describes a historical event in America during the Vietnam War.  It is about the shootings that took place at Kent State University on May 4, 1970; when the National Guard opened fire on a large group of people and killed four protesters.

Website: www.crosbystillsnash.com

Song: “Blowin’ in the Wind”

CD: Freewheelin’ with Bob Dylan

A protest song about peace, war, and freedom. ”Blowin’ in the Wind” has been described as an anthem of the 1960s civil rights movement.

Website: www.bobdylan.com

Song: American Skin (41 Shots)

CD: The Essential Bruce Springsteen

This is a controversial song written about the police shooting death of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed citizen who was shot 41 times total by four plain clothed policemen.

Web: www.brucespringsteen.net

More: AOJ Music Recommendations

Song: “With God on Our Side”

CD: The Times They Are a-Changin’

Ballad about the tragedy of war and misguided faith.

Website: www.bobdylan.com

Song: “Pimps”

CD: Genocide and Juice

Hilarious and dark song. What if corporate CEOs bragged about their crimes via music the way that gangsta rappers do?

Website: www.myspace.com/thecoupmusic

Song: “Man in Black”

CD: Man in Black

Johnny Cash explains how his trademark clothing style is actually a form of social protest.

Website: www.johnnycash.com