Jukebox: Election Day

FM firmly believes that every task, even the weighty one of exercising your citizenlyrights by voting in the presidential election, is improved with auditory accompaniment.These songs will have you tapping your feet all the way to the polls.

“That Was the President” by Phil Ochs

Protest singer Ochs penned this song in tribute toJFK in 1965, and it’s perfect for inducing an atmosphereof patriotic nostalgia. Ochs’ earthy vocalswill make an impassioned voter of even the mostdedicated cynic.

“Election Day” by The Replacements

Maybe you’re not a U.S. Citizen. Maybe youreally, really meant to send that registrationform in, but it got buried under a pile of gradedpsets. Maybe you just don’t “care who getselected/’til [you] find [yourself] a one to love.”This is an appropriately moody track for lyingon your bed in the dark while your roommatehobnobs with politicos at the Warren campaignwatch party.

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen

President Ronald Reagan famously referencedthis song in an 1984 campaign speech, much to thedisgust of the liberal Springsteen. Whatever yourpolitics, it’s hard not to sing along to the rousingchorus.

“People Have the Power” by Patti Smith

In this unabashedly hopeful anthem of democracy,Smith reminds us that we have “the power todream, to rule, to wrestle the world from fools.” OnElection Day, we can all feel like gov. concentrators.

“Letter to the President” by 2Pac + Outlawz

Nothing fuels righteous political fervor like ninetiesrap. Sometimes the best way to get active is to getangry.