The Revolution Starts...Now , by Steve Earle

[G_j]

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0810-15.htm

Published on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 by CommonDreams.org
The Revolution Starts...Now
by Steve Earle

Here's an excerpt from the liner notes of singer, songwriter and activist Steve Earle's new record due out August 24th on Artemis Records. It's called "The Revolution Starts...Now"
====

The word “immediate” best describes the atmosphere around the studio as this record was being made in the late spring of 2004. The prisoner abuse scandal had just broken and the Bush administration, still reeling from the 9/11 commission hearings, was circling the wagons. The Democrats, for their part, were carefully (sometimes, in my opinion, too carefully) trying to sort out how best to press the advantage. Meanwhile, back here in Tennessee, me and my boys had a deadline to meet.

The most important presidential election of our lifetime was less than seven months away and we desperately wanted to weigh in, both as artists and as citizens of a democracy. All but two of these songs were recorded within 24 hours of the first line hitting the paper. We worked 12- and 14-hour days and in between takes and over meals we talked about the war, the election, baseball, and women, in precisely that order.

Maybe I am getting old.

Democracy is hard work. American democracy requires constant vigilance to survive and nothing short of total engagement to flourish. Voting is vital, but in times like these voting alone simply isn’t enough. By the time some of you hear these songs the election will be over. Then the real struggle begins.



..more..

[henslee]

1. I dig Steve Earle... saw him at Graham Parsons Tribute amonth ago.

He sang a (Byrds' 60's)draftboard song (I think). He rocked. Thanks for heads up... Will look for cd.

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. I've just about worn out my copy of Jerusalem

I can't wait to hear this one. Steve Earle kicks ass.