FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 2000. All Rights Reserved

Music by Martin Kemp It is pretty clear that the mainstream portions of society have made a consistent effort throughout history to remain unaware of all things "underground," ignoring it with all their strength. Yet, as a movement, the political underground has always been there, flowing at a steady pace, just below the surface – moving onward beneath people’s feet, rising into their consciousness only occasionally, when society’s issues bubble over. Whether people are aware of it or not, there has always been a steady stream of artists and musicians dedicated to social change. It is perhaps easier to look back on these advocates for change and admire their music as one might admire a museum piece – interesting, but of little use today. It can be a bigger personal challenge to pay attention to the relevance of their messages in the here and now. In 30 or 40 years, Ani DiFranco might be featured in a collection of music entitled "Music of Social Change in the Late 20th Century." Today, she just makes a lot of people uncomfortable. Yet the political and musical underground continues to exist, questioning ambivalence and promoting change, just like people have done forever. Until 1988, the songs arising from the social change movements in the United States were documented in Broadside Magazine, founded in 1962 by activists Agnes "Sis" Cunningham and Gordon Friesen. The magazine title was taken from Shakespearean times, when songwriters published their latest songs on sheets of paper called "broadsides," which, according to Broadside Magazine, "were a combination of an alternative newspaper, supermarket tabloid and poetry." Over the years, hundreds of musicians contributed their songs to Broadside Magazine. Some of the artists were well known, and some were not. Consistently facing financial difficulties and a backlash against the political left, Broadside managed to survive, documenting songs about almost every conceivable social and political topic, including peace, gender and racial equality, workers’ rights and more. Featuring 89 songs in a five CD set, The Best of Broadside 1962 - 1988 (Anthems of the American Underground from the pages of Broadside Magazine) is more than simply a collection of songs. Accompanied by a binder-sized book, this box set documents political protest over three decades, and offers an inside glimpse into the musicians that dared to speak out. Name an American folk singer who was part of the folk revival, and they are likely featured in The Best of Broadside – Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Janis Ian, Joan Baez, The Almanac Singers, Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, Nina Simone, Malvina Reynolds, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger, Arlo Guthrie,Victor Jara – the list goes on and on. Released by Smithsonian Folkways, this collection provides a historical profile of the folksingers of this era. It also puts the music into perspective, providing insight into the feelings, words and thoughts of those tumultuous decades of change. The 158-page book accompanying the set transports the reader back in time, enabling them to experience the songs firsthand. The Best of Broadside personalizes those who struggled for social change. Phil Ochs, who committed suicide in 1976, is portrayed through stories and anecdotes as a human being, rather than simply a troubled icon. Postcards from Bob Dylan communicate his support and dedication to the movement. Letters from Broadside readers emphasize the unique role the magazine played in people’s lives. Candid photos of folk legends such as Pete Seeger show them in their most reflective and introspective moments. Drawings, photos, poems, letters, postcards, in-depth biographies, numerous quotations and, of course, the CDs themselves make this box set an incredibly valuable resource. In many ways, the material captured here epitomizes what folk music is all about.

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