Speaking Their Minds

Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Madonna were all in the news this past weekend. And, amazingly, all were linked in why they were reported on. Each in their own way commented on the policies of the Bush Administration.

Springsteen was in New Orleans for this year’s Jazz Festival. By all accounts, Springsteen used the songs of the past (as featured on his new release “We Shall Overcome-The Seeger Sessions”) to relate to the events of the present. Springsteen said from the stage that “…the criminal ineptitude makes you furious" about the handling of the Katrina relief. He got no argument from the overflow crowd.

Meanwhile, in a desert in California, Madonna gave her first, albeit brief, outdoors show at the Coachella Festival. Changing the words in one of her songs, Mrs. Ritchie urged the crowd (30 years her junior) to go to Texas and suck the member of the P.O.T.U.S.! I’m confused. Does Madonna like the President? Most men would agree that getting a blowjob is a pretty good thing to get. Is there a hidden homoerotic message in that statement? Or, is it just a comment on her sexual proclivity? Perhaps her plan was to get the P.O.T.U.S. impeached as almost happened to his predecessor? In seriousness, though, is the woman as vapid as some have always believed her to be? If this is the place where Kabala leads one, then don’t lead on, McDuff.

Which brings us to Neil Young.

It used to be that when artists had a need to express their ideas on a subject; they released it on an album to the public at large. The artist didn’t consider if they were right, but was letting the listener know what they felt. Listen to “Strange Fruit”, “Only a Pawn In Their Game”, “Give Peace a Chance” or “What’s Going On.” Artists like Woody Guthrie, the aforementioned Pete Seeger, the Weavers and Billy Bragg singing their views and presenting another side of issues.

Neil Young is a connection to what music used to mean to a generation. In his 40 year history as a recording artist, he has told us about the anti-war riots (“Ohio”), the perils of drug addiction (“The Needle and the Damage Done”) and his description of Southern injustice (“Southern Man”) generated an equally passionate response from Lynard Skynard (“Sweet Home Alabama”).

Neil Young was stirred by current events to write songs in a frenzy of inspiration, book time in a studio, gather the artists and produce the tracks that are “To Live With War”.That he accomplished this in a matter of days is a testament to his creative abilities and his reputation among his peers. This music has the power that only comes from the inspiration of needing to express a belief. To tell people this is how he feels. To bring to light a wrong he sees. There was no planning on when to release this material. No scheduling of tour dates or launching of promotional campaigns. It all stemmed from one man’s passionate belief in an idea.

When a force this strong comes to you from the muse of inspiration, criticism will never stop it’s coming to be.

Forty years ago, Neil Young may have stood on a street corner somewhere to sing his songs. Today, he sings these songs with the same conviction. He is just standing on a bigger corner.