As I continue querying (is anybody out there?) I spend time between letters putting together a ‘soundtrack’ for ‘Unreality.’ I’m happy at this point to unveil the second of four I plan to complete. This list was inspired by the second quarter of the book, in which the stage has already been set and the madness ahead begins to reveal itself.
Some of the selections are based on the narrative, so playing it in order makes sense. But ALL are based on the tone and themes and I’ve found that shuffle also creates an enjoyable ride.
This list starts with Humble Pie (also featured on the first…can you really have too much ’Pie!?) and ends with early-2000s Sacramento metalcore heroes Catherine. Artists tickling your ears in between range from DNCE to Slayer, with Anderson .Paak, Biggie (x2), DJ Shadow w/Run The Jewels, Ministry, and many more pouring out of your speakers before the ride is over.
At 50 songs (~3.5 hrs) long it’s perfect for your next house cleaning, poker game, pool party, barbecue, or smoke sesh. Listen today. Listen again tomorrow!
Notes:
Guitar Shorty (nee David William Kearney) has been at it since the 1950s, performing with the likes B.B. King, Sam Cooke, and Ray Charles, among others. He’s also the person who turned Jimi Hendrix on to the wah pedal. In short, he’s seen a thing or two, and by the time ‘Please Mr. President’ was released had taken up residence in Harlingen, Tex., near the Mexico border. Wyzard’s production gives the song the full chunk needed to let the commander-in-chief know that Shorty expects an answer.’
Excerpt from ‘Unreality’
““Second, and secondly…ahem…put that thing down please, miss.” Bradley made an imperious gesture toward Carol who, stunningly enough, placed the used lollipop stick on the edge of the table.”
Lyrics:
Please Mr. President lay some stimulus on me.
Please Mr. President place some stimulus on me.
Cause I’m just a working man tryin to feed my family.
I used to have a good job working forty hard hours a week.
Had money in the bank and a mortgage I could meet.
But then they started to lay off and got a hold of me.
Now that mean ol’ banker trying to put me in the street.
Please Mr. President lay some stimulus on me.
Please Mr. president place some stimulus on me.
Cause I’m just a working man tryin to feed my family.
I’m playin this for you, Mr. President!
Now I sure don’t mind workin’- I’m not scared to break a sweat.
I’m not lookin’ for a bailout, but I gotta pay my debts.
I don’t know how to be a bad guy, I’m not gonna steal and rob.
But if I’m gonna feed my children, I gotta have some kind of job.
Please, please, please Mr. President lay some stimulus on me.
Please Mr. President place some stimulus on me.
Cause I’m just a working man tryin to feed my family.
I’ve got to have it, you know I need it.
Everybody needs stimulus
—
‘Protest 100’s mission is two-fold: dispelling the myth that heavy metal is a brainless, socially unaware music genre, and raising awareness of the issues facing our country in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. The path won’t be exclusively metal—some punk and rap and other stuff will be in here too, including the classics—and is not a ranking. All songs are songs I’ve heard while putting this list together, ordered in a manner designed to entertain and educate.
Chris Smith, Author 