Comfort Music–Woody Guthrie & ‘His Fascist-Killing Machine’–Saturday Nite Nostalgia–On Wednesday Nite

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a Saturday Nite Nostalgia edition, hasn’t it? And I’m a doin’ it on Wednesday to boot!

After that terrible week and even much worse week-end in Toronto for Steve’s expensive photo op to push world leaders to yet another Great Depression (because, misery does love company), I think we can all use some comforting music. Ok, I can use it!  Besides, I have a feeling most won’t even know who Woody Guthrie even was.  Here is a bio of this legendary folk singer if you’re interested.

I chose Woody Guthrie to comfort me this fine evening because folk music can be soothing. An added bonus is that his ‘machine kills fascists’; a phrase that was printed on his guitars, as you will notice in all three videos I will post.

The first one, to warm us up is spiritual in nature. I know, this blog is supposed to be secular and it still is, but I have played “Jesus Christ” before; the Merle Haggard version, as it was played during end credits of Michael Moore’s last effort, “Capitalism, A Love Story” (If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for to rent the dvd??). Anyhoo, this is the original “Jesus Christ”. Here, you will notice the prominence of “This Machine Kills Fascists”.

If you want to hear the Merle Haggard version click here. I may repost that video at a later time.  I haven’t decided which version I like better; you be the judge.

Words used like “Austerity”,  “Deficits” , “Police State” and of course, “Fascism”.  Our worries: jobs, the future, freedoms, etc.  The following video is a vignette of what the hardships of 1941 looked like, roughly when Guthrie sang “Do Re Mi” (not sure if I have song title right; correct me in comments if I’m wrong, please).

Now, something we all need; a motivational tune. And Woody Guthrie has a fitting one for what happened and what we must fight.Pale, I think you’re especially going to appreciate this one.

Enjoy!