Christmas Gift Ideas- Music for Liberals

Still need some gift ideas out there? In the first installment here are the first of the top 30 CDs every Democrat should have in their collection.

BEN HARPER- Anything by Be Harper. Combining folk, Blues and Rock Harper rails about Katrina, the government, civil rights and oppression. No cliches here, just lots of soul from an under appreciated American Master

JEFF BUCKLEY- "Grace" has emerged as a classic. His first album, Buckley was on his way to breaking the big time when his career was sadly cut short. Some exemplary titles were quietly released after his death. Lost was a soulful rocker who could pull off driving guitar pieces as deftly as a haunting cover of Nina Simone's Lilac Wine.

RADIOHEAD- "Hail to the Thief" There is no hiding the fact that this CD is an outright criticism of America under George Bush. The lyrics are as clever and timeless as the music, filled with conscience and passion as well as the perfectionist talent of this power ensemble.

ANDREW BIRD- "The Mysterious Product of Eggs" A haunting showcase of Bird's quirky songwriting talents carried by introspective lyrics and stunning string arrangements.

PUBLIC ENEMY- Pick one. These guys set the standard for socially conscious rap. If you're interested in race relations, social justice and poverty this is like being beaten about the head and shoulders with your own morality!

RY COODER- "Chavez Ravine" Through rich latin, blues and jazz pieces Cooder takes us back to Chavez Ravine and the McCarthey era. A masterpiece.

RY COODER-"My Name is Buddy" A folk and country homage to the Unions that made the country great, with a clever and sweet Depression-era motif to solidly anchor this as one of the great musical pieces of American history.

CAMPER VN BETHOVEN- "New Roman Times" Their first CD since the groundbreaking "KEY LIME PIE," is a rock opera about fascist America. How did they ever dream that one up?

GOGOL BORDELLO- "Gypsy Punks" This hard driving Ukranian bunch offer vignettes onlife in America, being an immigrant and growing up in the old Soviet Union, all to burning guitar chords, gypsy fiddles and a few blistering accordion solos.

BEATLES- "Abbey Road" Aside from being the standard for American and British pop it ends with the line we should all remember a bit more often,"...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

WILCO- "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" Polished and deeply layered this CD relies deceptively melodies to take us on journeys of love, lost youth and even 9-11. It feels urban and is best enjoyed with a beer, half pack of cigarettes and a nearly empty two a.m. bar.

PAUL SIMON- "Rhythm of the Saints" The follow up to "Graceland" it is quiet and introspective. The words seem to bubble from the music with the eternal truths that bind us all.

SADE- "Stronger than Pride" No real social consciousness here. None intended, but sometimes you have to put down the protest signs and petitions and just get laid.

DIRE STRAITS-"Love over Gold" Opening with the 8 minute Telegraph Road the compositions showcase sing/songwriter Mark Knoffler's unparalleled musical talents. Rich and deep and complex, this one is timeless.

FEMI KUTI-"The best of..." This African Artists work speaks to the plight of his continent.Filled with African Rhythms blanketed with ska and Afro-pop melodies this one is no stop from beginning to end. Warning: Not for the faint of heart.

JOHN LEGEND- Hard to beat this R&B debut. Legend sings about family and Sam Cooke. Whatch out Bill O'Reilly, no body yells MF--er, or gangstas here, just a beautifully crafted collection of songs.

ANI DIFRANCO-"Little Plastic Castle" A folksy offering with loads of introspection, feminist politics and intensely personal love songs.


stay tuned for part II