With everyone sequestered and self-quarantining due to the coronavirus, we’ve asked our favorite artists to come up with playlists that keep you entertained. Here is veteran punk rocker Jesse Malin, who will be the first rocker to perform in NYC since quarantine on June 18 at 7 pm:
Sending this out to everybody. Here’s what I’ve been listening to at this time. There’s a lot of music coming in and out, and it’s hard to narrow it down, but here are some really great songs. I hope you enjoy it. I’ll see you guys soon. Stay well, stay free, stay positive.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
Beautiful and crushing. One of the greatest songs ever written, and so relevant now. I heard he wrote it after hearing “Blowing in the Wind.”
“Keep on Pushing” – The Impressions
A message the world needs right now to fight hundreds of years of racism, murder, injustice and inequality.
“I and I Survive” – Bad Brains
This record and this band opened my eyes to how deep and dark the oppression of race truly was in this world, and how we need to unite together as humans on this planet that we all share. It’s a beautiful song with lots of positive power.
“Man Without a Soul” – Lucinda Williams
From her most important album ever. A haunting song about the worst president in the history of America and that says a lot. I can’t wait ’til November, and his evil ass is voted the F of office.
“Bless Our Generation” – Tom Bright
An anthem for the modern disconnect, from a great new artist out of London.
“Brown Eyed Handsome Man” – Nina Simone
Written by the great Chuck Berry with the opening line “arrested on charges of unemployment…” Nina takes it on with her own soul groove.
“Germ Free Adolescents”- X-Ray Spex
Polly Styrene was 17 and saw it all back then, in 1978.
“American Crisis” – Bob Mould
So good! Brand new, too.
“Perfect People” – Diane and the Gentle Men
A song about hypocrisy and Illusion played with T Rex swagger. From her great new album The White Sea.
“Fight the Power” – Public Enemy
I think it says it all.
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