Peace Queer
During the height of the post-9/11 national pride boom we were awash with supposed patriotism that questioned anyone who dare suggest a contrary opinion on topics such as the war in Iraq, our addiction to oil or our reputation abroad. In glaring similarity to the Red Scare, the protest spirit was quieted, nearly extinguished. The day arrived that I assumed we’d never have another Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell.
But somehow those opposed to wrapping ourselves in flags rose from the ashes and with full-throated conviction cried out. And my inbox filled with protest music.
Aside from a few notable contributions, that protest music was no better than the right-wing propaganda however. Most was poorly written, obvious and barely-entertaining for even the yellowest of dogs. It didn’t resonate and as such, a national voice never emerged.
But something came of that momentary spirit that revealed itself in Todd Snider’s latest release entitled Peace Queer on his own Aimless Records. It wasn’t a voice calling out against corrupt politicians that mangle the English language, rich executives or other figures who keenly garner the glares of most protest music. No, instead it was a personal protest record.
Peace Queer is as much about the iniquities of the school yard or neighborhood as it is about anything. From the opening march of “Mission Accomplished” to the spoken-word version of “Is This Thing Working?” the album puts a personal spin on the troubles of our world. With a folk-rock version of the classic “Fortunate Son” the EP finds a soulful, almost downtrodden sound that is deftly representative of the way I feel every time I watch another report from the Middle East. Sure, in Snider-fashion the work is wrought with sometimes-cynical and always sharp views, but those views aren’t something Snider is asserting are right, merely his observations. To paraphrase a recent email from Todd, the world doesn’t need advice from a “three-cord turd.” No, these are protests from a personal view and you can take them or leave them.
That’s not to say this isn’t a political album, it’s just about personal politics. There’s no bullshit from someone trying to convince you their way is the right way to live. There’s no one thumping you with a Bible or beating you with their Birkenstocks. There’s only the kind of ambiguity and observation that forces the engaged listener to do something we all too often abandon–thinking.
Peace Queer will be available on October 14, 2008.