Warning: This song contains profanity. It may stir up your suppressed anger. It is just as relevant today (in 2011) as it was in 1969. The Human Condition has not improved -- in fact, it continues to deteriorate. It is up to EACH ONE OF US to ask questions, demand answers, speak our hearts out loud and become initiators instead of commiserators. We need to speak --- but we need to act. -DC
Les McCann and Eddie Harris - "(Tryin' to Make It Real) Compared to What" - An Angry Protest: Rage Against The Puppeteers In A Corrupt World
NOTE: This post was first published on the RadioDAZZ blog (http://radiodazz.blogspot.com/), which is strictly dedicated to music, but I felt compelled to post it on THE INTERNATIONALIST PAGE as well. Please forgive me if you find the song offensive in any way. But thank you for indulging this change from our usual programming to something as timely as the revolutionary movement that is sweeping Northern Africa and The Middle East. Maybe people actually want peace and prosperity, and its the leaders and holders of most of the world's wealth who are invested in dividing us and keeping us in a constant state of war and isolationist paranoia. --DC
This performance featuring Less McCann on funked out acoustic piano (makes Ramsey Lewis look like a lost little white boy) and growling vocals, with Eddie Harris on a funky, catchy, counterpoint melody on his buzzsaw sax.
When I first heard this song it paralyzed me. I had never heard such pure anger and rage put into a song. I could picture the Watts Riots, VietNam, and practically smell the stink of napalm fire and burning flesh. The song screams at the "Status Quo" and the myth that slavery is dead.
This masterpiece of fury and passion sends an unforgettably powerful message to those of us who struggle for a living...and it is an eearily prescient song which should serve as a strident wake-up call to despots, corrupt leaders, and untrustworthy institutions to change your ways -- or witness just what are witnessing now in North Africa and the Middle East.
This song is a shout like a bullet to the hearts and souls of every oppressed people -- we are bound together in suffering. We are a multitude. We must rise up an face the fight. In the words of an old Taj Mahal song..."Ain't Gonna Whistle Dixie No More." It's not about race my music-loving friends -- it is about the plight of Humankind - real people - at the hands of those who deceive us, rob us and force us to make sacrifices for them and to them -- as if these mere greedy parasites were privileged by divine edict from Heaven.
Listen to the song. Turn it up loud. Hear the words. They are every bit as relevant today as they were in 1969 when this song was recorded. A change is coming. Don't be afraid or surprised if your cheeks redden in anger and your hands ball up into fists. Ironically, your feet will want to dance.
But the music is absolutely, unforgettable powerful. It speaks to most of the world. Forward it to a friend. Foward it to lots of friends. Rile them up. Don't let a small number of power-mad sadists keep us from our birthright as a Human Family of Brothers and Sisters.
The first version (the original) is the best ever recorded live by Less and Eddie. The second version is Al Jarreau's lighter, slightly faster take on the song -- years later. On this second version, be patient. Listen to the amazing sax riffs, as Al vocalizes along to them in sync.
Leaders need to serve their followers, as well as followers need to serve their leaders.
Just click on the hyperlink below, or on the videoplayer (if it is embedded in your copy of this post) to enjoy this explosion of frustrated energy half past critical mass. Then, listen to the version that follows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzvlivbptXk&feature=related
And now, for Al --- Do it to it, Son.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIddJb2zmBU
Always, -DC
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