Protest Music

This morning, in light of NATO, NPR's experts talked about their favorite protest songs. One of the old alts mentioned Minor Threat. I'd agree that my favorite protest music–if I have such a thing–falls into the hardcore punk genre and involves little more than that us against everyone mentality. The best bands let the speed and bark do the protesting. People complain when bands don't have that elusive quality immediacy. What is immediacy? It's making music that has to be made. It's feeling like your song can change the world. The best protest music might or might not have engaging lyrics. The best protest music always has immediacy.