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Sojourners Magazine, May/Jun 2003 by Polter, Julie

Seeking music of lament, dissent, and inspiration? The following albums are just a small sampling of the varied ways people have sung out for freedom and justice during the past 50 years.

Various artists, Washington Square Memoirs: The Great Urban Folk Boom 1950-1970 (Rhino) Named for regular Sunday folk music gatherings that took place in the historic Greenwich Village park, these three CDs document one of the most significant musical-and social-developments of the last century. This is not a collection of protest music per se, but it includes several songs from the genre and places them in context. Various artists, including Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, Joan Baez, Hoyt Axton, and many more.

Marvin Gaye, What's Going On [Remaster] (Motown) Originally released in 1971, this concept album packed with social commentary and innovative arrangements is generally considered to be one of the best R&B albums ever made, nearly timeless both musically and lyrically.

The Clash, The Essential Clash (Epic)

This recently released set presents 40 tracks of smart, noisy music with political edge and demonstrates why The Clash was a key player in the late-1970s punk scene.

Various artists, Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony [The Soundtrack] (ATO)

Drawn from the documentary film on the role of music in the South African anti-apartheid struggle, this includes works by individual performers such as Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and politician-turned-activist-singer Vusi Mahlasela, as well as community choirs and rally recordings.

Various artists, Peace Not War (Shock Records)

This double-CD international compilation is a not-for-profit project for protest and inspiration (proceeds will go to the UK Stop the War Coalition and equivalent groups in other countries). It includes pop, rock, rap, and dance genres and features Midnight Oil, Public Enemy, Ani DiFranco, Billy Bragg, Massive Attack, Chumbawamba, and many others. Lyrics and streaming audio are available at www.peace-not-war.org.