Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs

Subject: Michelle Shocked looking 4 topical songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 10 - 12:12 AM

Have a gander at her WEBSITE and you will see she is asking folks to send in their songs related to our times. I went there looking for the lyrics for Secret to a Long Life having just heard her singing it on Hober Radio.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 01 May 10 - 12:06 PM

Aaaarghh!!!

Yet another site that autoplays music as soon as it opens.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: bobad
Date: 01 May 10 - 12:13 PM

"Yet another site that autoplays music as soon as it opens."

Not if you use the "Flashblock" add on in Firefox.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 01 May 10 - 12:36 PM

I can't use Flashblock here, and won't have time to look at her site at home before I go away on holiday (so I am unlikely ever to go back and look at it).

Autoplay is a really stupid idea.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 May 10 - 12:45 PM

I like the sound of that song. She does pretty neat stuff.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: GUEST,george thomas
Date: 01 May 10 - 01:43 PM

Club Tropicana by Wham! Is pretty tropical.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: john f weldon
Date: 01 May 10 - 03:33 PM

Followed the link. Linked to some songs, got a reply in about 15 minutes. Apparently I don't qualify as "new". Thanks for reminding me!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 10 - 03:37 PM

Well, that's a bunch of hooey, john! Sorry 'bout that.

For those who don't want to go to the site, here is what it says, fwiw:

Got Song?
Roadworks presents 'American Idle'; a celebration of our 'jobless recovery.' Michelle Shocked is looking for a few good songs to add to the repertoire in her touring adventure across the US this year. If you've written a song, or know a song that articulates the Zeitgeist; 1-in-10 unemployed, 1-in-6 uninsured, long term partners denied marriage equality, home foreclosures or mortgages underwater, political gridlock, bankruptcy or bailout…well, kid, this talent search is for you! Everyone knows 'the money's in the publishing,' so let wannabe-superstar suckers wail for other people's royalty checks, we want to hear what YOU have to say! Serve it to us plain or overproduced, we're listening to what the song has to say, not the party dress it wears. For further details, please contact Andy Sharkey at Campfire Girl Publishing [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: john f weldon
Date: 01 May 10 - 03:53 PM

Oh well, if someone's looking for songs by a grouchy old dotard, gimme a buzz.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 May 10 - 06:29 PM

Hmmm. I might have a couple they'd like, but how do I best protect my ownership of said material?

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 10 - 06:36 PM

Ask the Pirate Party!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: deepdoc1
Date: 01 May 10 - 08:00 PM

It wasn't immediately clear to me what they wanted, so I pitched Black Waters as a timely tune. Got a fairly speedy response:

Thanks for the info. Michelle is only looking for new songs to be performed by the songwriter at one of her shows.

________________________________________
From: me
To: [e-mail]
Sent: Tue, April 27, 2010 12:48:40 PM
Subject: Got Song?
Re the American Idle quest for hard-timely music, if covers are allowed, take a look a Jean Ritchie's Black Waters…apropos now with the coal mine and gulf oil rig disasters.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Don Firth
Date: 01 May 10 - 08:12 PM

Boy, did I ever mis-read that thread title!

I was wondering what topical songs had shocked Michelle. . . .

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: open mike
Date: 01 May 10 - 11:03 PM

these are the sort of song that Tom Paxton calls "short shelf life" songs as they are about items of immediate importance re: current events, and might not be of interest many months from now. (although some will apply for years to come)

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 May 10 - 12:39 AM

I hope you're wrong, open mike... Andrea Schkloven seemed to like "Emptyhanded" and asked if I could perform it at one of Michelle's UK concerts, perhaps the London one, in early November. Nothing 100% certain of course, but it looks like there's a chance.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 May 10 - 09:54 PM

Protest songs that are too specific (or too trite) (or just too preachy) are usually the ones with a short shelf life. Those that speak effectively in more universal and poetic terms can last almost forever. To be great, the song has to have relevance to a broad slice of human experience in all ages and all places, not just to one briefly passing political episode.

Some, like Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" or Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" get sanitized in the public perception as time goes by, become singalong songs at scout meetings and campfires, and remain popular long after most of the people who hear them even have the vaguest understanding that they once were protest songs.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 May 10 - 03:13 AM

I agree with you about steering clear of specifics, LH. Thankfully there are plenty of generic themes about the human condition: Love of child/parent/partner/nature, frustration/courage against adversity, fear of unknown/loss, striving to improve one's lot, joblessnes, hunger, war etc.

The relevance of trade-specific songs tends to peter out as the trades themselves disappear, any remaining relevance being symbolic only. Mining or canal songs in the UK are heading that way. Fishing songs retain their relevance, but for an ever-decreasing community.

Perhaps one exception to the above are songs specific to a particular war or battle, recounting the details to "pass on the lessons" as it were. So "Green Fields of France" and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" can still feel relevant 100 years after the events described even though the mechanics of war have changed drastically meanwhile. And separation from loved ones still hurts, so "Farewell to Nancy" will always cause eyes to well up. All of which is a way of saying what a great songwriter Eric Bogle is!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: open mike
Date: 03 May 10 - 06:33 AM

It sounds like this pertains to U.S. and that she intends to sing them.
"Michelle Shocked is looking for a few good songs to add to the repertoire in her touring adventure across the US this year."

but good luck getting added to the bill

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 May 10 - 07:35 AM

You are right, open mike, it does (the title gives it away :-) ). Thankfully, "Emptyhanded" is non-specific as regards country (we had a group of Idaho farmers visiting here were in tears over it and Mac Bellner sings it there now, yet I had 1900s Australia in mind when I wrote it). Also, she is planning to tour in Ireland and UK so she will need local writers to appear. Whether it happens for me or not, it was nice that they noted the song.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Bobert
Date: 03 May 10 - 10:52 AM

I haven't checked the site because my computer is slow but is she looking for new songs by current singer/songwriters or older stuff that has been previously recorded??? Maybe she's tryin' to avoid licensing issues???

B~

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 May 10 - 10:56 AM

You are so right about those Eric Bogle songs, George. Yes, well-written songs about any war can have a universal appeal that lasts long after that war becomes a part of past history, because the basic issues raised by war remain much the same, even if the weapons and tactics change.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 May 10 - 12:26 PM

Bobert, I think she's after current singer/songwriters, as her agent said that she'd like the "local" s/s to get up on stage at each concert. Open mike, I am still a little unsure as to whether she intends to sing the songs herself or have the s/s do it, but any way she wants it I'd be happy, anyway I like her delivery very much.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 08 May 10 - 04:50 PM

well, thanks to this thread, I sent 2 songs to her agent. I didn't hold out much hope that anyone would actually listen.
I was wrong. They really liked both songs and I've been invited to perform them this coming Thurs. in Toronto as part of her 'American Idle' tour..
cool eh?

thanks Katlaughing for the heads up. I'll let you know how it went.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 May 10 - 05:01 PM

Excellent! Let me know too. I didn't realize they were coming to Toronto that soon.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 May 10 - 05:06 PM

Congrats, bankley! Hope you get a video out of it AND, if she doesn't already know about us, I hope you get to tell her about the Mudcat. Sure makes me feel good about starting this thread.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 08 May 10 - 05:06 PM

me neither, it was a surprise for me... glad I had it open. I hear that she's been selling out her shows.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: Beer
Date: 08 May 10 - 05:09 PM

Good for you Ron.
Break a leg.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked looking for topical songs
From: beeliner
Date: 08 May 10 - 07:05 PM

Boy, did I ever mis-read that thread title!

That was my reaction also.

I was wondering if the first lady was about to do a Tipper Gore.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 08 May 10 - 10:12 PM

that's funny... I don't think I would have bothered with Ms.Obama,

tho I did leave a copy of 'Thunder Thieves' for Jimmy Carter at the Plains Trading Post last month.... I get paid peanuts anyway...ha, ha

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: TopcatBanjo
Date: 09 May 10 - 06:40 AM

Wow, good luck to those who have been contacted with a view to using your songs. I hope that it works out well and generates some interest for you. Do post your experiences here, I for one would be interested to hear how it went.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 May 10 - 04:46 PM

Here's Michelle Shocked playing the song "Anchorage" on Letterman in '93. Absolutely great!

Anchorage

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 09 May 10 - 06:59 PM

I'd run away and join her circus any day... what a beautiful spirit

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical so
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 May 10 - 08:16 PM

A friend of mine has got a great Icelandic volcano song: she thought it would be "short shelf life" but it's still erupting and disrupting!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer
Date: 09 May 10 - 09:22 PM

Hay Ron!! I hope she does this number and asks you to join her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhB5J4Z4Vv0
Ad.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 May 10 - 09:34 PM

Oh, wow! Don't know why it has taken me so long to get to know about her and her music. That one is SOOOOOO great...WOW about everything! Thanks for the link, Adrien!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer
Date: 09 May 10 - 09:42 PM

Oh please!!, don't thank me. You started this great thread.
All is well kat.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Beer
Date: 09 May 10 - 09:48 PM

I probably should start a thread on this question but in seeing who is here I am going to ask. What causes the cursor to flicker for a period of time before you can get to the thread you have just clicked on? Is it just me? I don't want to bother our workers directly as they have enough to deal with but this is very very annoying. Maybe one or two answers then back to the topic.
Hope no one minds to much.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 09 May 10 - 10:35 PM

the Spanish in Wanted Man reminds me some of Llano Estacado..
a story/song I made up for some German friends about their author Karl May


"Mein vater war nicht, ich glaube,
nicht verk lischt ein bleisgeseicht...
O lo siento compadre,como lo diria differente ?

Papa had red skin wrapped around his soul
like a woven blanket from the Navajo
whose stories and patterns did unfold
and told of our bold adventures
all his colours danced and shone like gold
they were not enslaved nor indentured"


pardon my German and Spanish spelling,, it sings better than it looks !

however 'Break Even' and 'Change' are the songs she likes, I'll ask her to sing the chorus with me... who knows ?

"We might break even, we might not even break at all
Maybe just bend a bit, whatever fits, somewhere before the fall"

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 May 10 - 01:01 PM

YAY!!!! I got a ticket to her show on Thursday at Hughes Room. See you there, bankley.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 10 May 10 - 08:31 PM

cool, bring Chongo.. he might learn something

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 10 - 11:07 PM

bankley! Love both of those, thanks for sharing. I REALLY hope you get some video out of this.:-)

Adrien, hope the suggestions I made help with the Case of the Flickering Cursor or is it "Curser?"**bg** No worries, just teasin' a little bit. Hope you don't mind.

LH...enjoy!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 May 10 - 12:39 AM

Will do. I wish I could bring Chongo, but he's working on a case in Chicago right now. "Real money!" he says. There's almost no chance he'll make it to this show.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bobad
Date: 13 May 10 - 06:48 AM

Give 'em hell tonight, Ron!

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 13 May 10 - 07:38 AM

Thanks Bob.. I'm right up for it... riding 'Les Canadiens' wave right to the Big Smoke on the Noon train... sounds like a western flic

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: buddhuu
Date: 13 May 10 - 07:56 AM

Good luck for tonight, bankley. :-)

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bobad
Date: 13 May 10 - 08:09 AM

If you want to make a real impact, wear a Canadiens sweater (à la Charlebois) at your gig.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: bankley
Date: 13 May 10 - 08:32 AM

that could be dangereaux... tho Sabban is from TO,

and I was a Maple Laffs fan in the early 60's in rural Quebec..
which created some friction on a Sat. night.. I still like Tim Horton

okay I gotta go..

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 13 May 10 - 06:14 PM

I'm cursed with the flickering cursor too. I think it's just because the ads (like Amazon) on the page take a few seconds to download.

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: Peace
Date: 13 May 10 - 06:16 PM

Break a leg, Ron. Best wishes for a great performance. Kick ass and take names.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Michelle Shocked (muso) looking for topical songs
From: GUEST
Date: 14 May 10 - 11:20 AM

Not if you use the "Flashblock" add on in Firefox.

got it installed on Mozilla 1.7.8 and FF3.6 portable.