What’s on your inauguration ball playlist?
by Racialicious sexual correspondent Andrea Plaid
My homegurl Bianca and I IM’d each other last night about the history we US citizens made with electing Barack Obama as president. (I still get chills thinking about it!)
Then The Question came up: what music should play at the Inauguration Ball?
So, Racialicious readers, the question is on the floor–if the price of admission to the Ball was one song for the playlist, which song would you choose? (My choice: “Funky Kingston,” by Toots and the Maytals.)
Carmen Van Kerckhove is co-founder and president of
GA wrote:
dance to the music….sly and the family stone
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 11:38 am ¶
CEdwards wrote:
If you know Seal, he has this song “Come Together” that I could see President Obama jammin’ with his wife to!
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:01 pm ¶
jmn wrote:
Seal’s cover of Sam Cooke’s “Change Is Gonna Come:” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXH13skpsNo
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:02 pm ¶
Jamerican Muslimah wrote:
How about James Brown, “Say it Loud?” Well, that probably won’t go over well with certain segments of the population…hehe!
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:03 pm ¶
jmn wrote:
I’m also listening to King Most’s Obamix: http://soul-sides.com/2008/09/king-most-obamix.html
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:05 pm ¶
Kim Hill wrote:
As a tribute to Obama and James Brown — The Godfather of Soul’s “Say It Loud/ I’m Black and I’m Proud”
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:09 pm ¶
Aaron wrote:
There’s a song by a Brazillian band, Mestre Ambrosio, called “Semen” (it means “seed” as in the seed of a plant, not what you think it might mean, although the origin of the word is obviously related). This band comes from a music and cultural movement from the Northeast that partly attempts to explore the place of the varied traditional and folk cultures from the region in modern Brazil, and the modern world. The song is an embodiment of that exploration and has some of the most beautiful lyrics I have ever heard. It questions the artificial boundaries we put up between peoples and emphasizes our similarities. This song has been instrumental in me finding myself, and exploring my self-identity as a mixed person. It is about Brazilians on the face of it, but it is much more universal than that. It is about all of us, and I come close to tears every time I hear it. It’s a truly amazing song. I wish I could begin to write a faithful translation or interpretation in English. I’ve tried before, and been somewhat pleased, but as always, something is lost in translation.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:35 pm ¶
Arturo wrote:
Gotta go with Sister Sledge. “We Are Family” was made for times like these.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 12:41 pm ¶
Mahsino wrote:
Patti LaBelle’s “It’s a New Day”. That’s the song I heard when it finally hit me yesterday- of course every song I heard yesterday seemed like it was about his victory.
Other suggestions (or songs that I heard yesterday that sounded like subliminal messaging):
Stevie Wonder: For Once in My Life
Phoenix: “Everything is Everything”
Nina Simone: Feelin’ Good
Natalie Cole: This Will Be
Otis Redding: I Can See Clearly Now the Rain Is Gone
Stevie Wonder: Overjoyed
Yael Naim: New Soul
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:20 pm ¶
cinechica wrote:
Like jmn, I’ve totally been bumpin’ the Obamix on my iPod for the past month, so that’s on my playlist, along with Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, and There’s No Stoppin’ Us (theme from Breakin’)
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:48 pm ¶
tj wrote:
The Weepies – Can’t Go Back Now
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=XV4_tcqqfbo
You and me walk on
Cause you can’t go back now.
You know there will be days when you’re so tired that you can’t take another step,
^^^^ Those lines bring tears to my eyes.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 1:55 pm ¶
Paz wrote:
James Brown — Get Up (Sex Machine)
Not necessarily for the lyrics, but it has just a great beat. I could totally picture Barack and Michelle getting down with that.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 2:57 pm ¶
Diana wrote:
“I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters
“I Feel Good” by James Brown
“Beautiful Day” by U2 [although hard to dance to]
“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder
“Over the rainbow/what a wonderful world” by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole’
“Best of You” by Foo Fighters, except I want Prince to perform it like he did at the Super Bowl
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 3:30 pm ¶
Crafty Mama Traci wrote:
Whoo!!!! Barack Obama is the president elect! My husband and I drank way too much champagne and then went to an old bottle of wine; my daughter tippled on sparkling cider. We danced, we hugged, we sobbed, we danced and we drank some more.
I went out on our balcony and screamed, “AWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Obama! Obama!”
My daughter went out on our balcony and screamed, “AWHOOOOOOOOOOOO! I’m cold!”
Our living room looks like a wrecking scene, but Lamour is taking off today and I’ll let him handle that problem. As for me, at the dawn of a new day, a new era, and a new hope; I’m still sobbing because of pride and elation of being black, an African American woman, and with more pride for our country pulling together for unity’s sake.
All night we listened and danced to the “Yes We Can” CD. I agree with cinechica and would add, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead, “Dancing in September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire (who cares if we’re celebrating in January?), “The Cha Cha Slide,” “The Electric Slide,” and all those other songs that will get us up and dance!
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 3:32 pm ¶
livininphilly wrote:
I made a playlist yesterday for this historic day and this is what went on it:
A Change is Gonna Come (sam cooke version)
Let the Sunshine In (not sure who made it)
Happy Feelings (earth wind and fire)
We Are Family
Say it loud (i know everyone said this already)
Shaft (b/c I can just imagine him walking onto stage to this b/c it would be soooo badass)
Bravebird ( amel larrieux)
Today (ledisi)
Hate on Me Hater’s (jilly from philly) or Hi Hater
Young, Gufted and Black (nina simone)
Superstitious (stevie)
The electirc slide (just b/c hey… wouldn’t it be great if the freakin president got on stage and led the electric slide!)
and songs I want on the playlist but don’t have:
Lift e’vry voice and sing
Stand (sly and the family stone)
Everyday people (sly and the family stone)
If I ruled the world (nas & lauryn hill)
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 3:34 pm ¶
Liz wrote:
‘Til We Get There by Dead Prez
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 4:16 pm ¶
Winn wrote:
One of my favorite songs of all time, which I heard at Ikea of all places on Election Day, and it served as a perfect mental accompaniment as those beautiful returns started rolling in: “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers. I’m even ok with the “Sunshine Mix” of the song from 1988, although the perfect original is preferable.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 4:53 pm ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
@ everyone–diggin’ the choices so far, y’all! But…
@ Crafty Mama Traci and @ livininphilly–No We’re Not! Yank my Black card if you want, but the first executive order our good president should issue is a ban on the Electric Slide. The Cha Cha Slide can stay–new prez, new generation, new slide.:-D
And speaking of cha-cha, how about some salsa, too? I’m thinking of Celia Cruz’s “No Me Cambie Camino.” (I’ll give beginners’ lessons before the dancing starts…)
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 5:07 pm ¶
Niki wrote:
“Brand New Day” from “The Wiz” soundtrack–perfect!
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 5:18 pm ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:
My playlist –
Wishful thinking:
One Nation Under a Groove – Funkadelic
Upon reflecting on the last 8 years:
babylet’shaveababybeforebushdosomethingcrazy – The Coup
Everything’s Just Wonderful – Lily Allen
Blue Collar Blues – Far*East Movement
Get Up – Amel Larrieux feat. Mos Def
Rewrite – Asian Kung-Fu Generation
Got – Mos Def
Hotel Lobby – (Hikaru) Utada
Feeling accomplished:
The World is Yours – Nas
Everything is Everything – Lauryn Hill
And in general –
Character – Van Hunt
Devil’s Pie – Rhymefest
Things Are Getting Better – N.E.R.D.
Livin Your Life – T.I. feat. Rihanna
Swagger Like Us – T.I. feat (a bunch of people)
We Run This – Missy Elliot
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 5:32 pm ¶
Nick wrote:
“Something Good” by Utah Saints. There’s a few remixes available on iTunes.
An oldie but I like it.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 5:33 pm ¶
Crafty Mama Traci wrote:
The Cruel Secretary, I ain’t mad at cha! I induced labor getting up trying to do the Cha Cha Slide
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 5:33 pm ¶
Genevieve wrote:
COSIGN ON EVERYBODY’S MUSIC.
I love most all music, though. It reaffirms we are HUMAN.
Is it bad that I want “ABC” by the Jackson 5? *flinch*
“Dancin’ In the Street” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Also, some of the older Sergio Mendes stuff. Like Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 6:39 pm ¶
lakergrrl wrote:
@latoya
My mom and I were singing One Nation Under A Groove all night on Tuesday! My wishful thinking would be Chocolate City by Parliment. I just moved to DC from LA and didn’t quite realize how now, more then ever those lyrics apply.
@livininphilly
cosign on Lauryn and NAS
May I also suggest:
Life Uncommon- Jewel
Feeling Good -Leslie Bricusse
Symphony of Brotherhood- Miri Ben Ari (if you haven’t heard it, youtube it. seriously)
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 7:03 pm ¶
CVT wrote:
“The Color of Water” by Senbei and Dynamic Souls
I had that blaring in my classroom on repeat all morning before the kids came in yesterday.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 9:17 pm ¶
deb wrote:
EXCELLENT call Mahsino!
I’ve been playing this one since before 11/4 and even more after.
Stand — Sly & the Family Stone
Harvest for the World –Isley Brothers
Yes We Can Can — Pointer Sister
And this one just dawned on me:
Show You the Way to Go by the Jackson 5.
Just put your trust in me
I’ll try not to let you down
(Let you down, let you down)
The job is hard to do
But only we can work this out
‘Cause we can help each other to overcome
We can do it
We can do it now
Rejoice everybody
And get the job done
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 9:45 pm ¶
Nina wrote:
Not that this should be played but listened to Air Traffic’s “Your Fractured Life” day after election day and the song summed up my feelings on our President Elect. These lyrics in particular:
“You’ve got the strength within
don’t give up there’s so much more to see
So many things beyond your wildest dreams
They’ll never stop you if you just believe
The world is at your feet
The future’s wide and clean
The future’s warm and bright
We’re gonna be alright
Please don’t Let Me Down”
Having said that I want the inauguration to rock so I agrre with a lot of the picks above. I say have Quincy Jones produce the whole affir. That way we know it will be on point!
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 9:45 pm ¶
deb wrote:
Okay, how did I forget The Impressions’s “We’re a Winner”?
I can totally see Obama groovin’ to that joint.
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 9:55 pm ¶
Ed wrote:
How about “Triste”/Kanashii Uta (’A Sad Song’) by Pizzicato Five?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0W_WgQl_8c
Sure it’s in Japanese, but remember Japan’s Obama City has been rootin’ for our man for months.
And who better to present the “New Stereophonic Spectacular” to the highest office in the land than the group that updated and “popularized” the phrase than P5?
And even snarkier – its message is basically “apologetic” (in an extremely ironic, almost sarcastic, way) to the affected party, but the music itself is jammin’!
Posted 06 Nov 2008 at 11:12 pm ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
@ everyone–the list * is* looking good. Though I said one, I’ll add a few more:
“Of Course You Can,” Spearhead
“I’m Every Woman,” Chaka Khan (the good prez can do a dedication to the women in his life)
For sheer get-up-off-that-thang music,
“Boogie Oogie Oogie,” A Taste of Honey
@ Genevieve–don’t flinch for wanting the Jackson 5’s “ABC.” The Obamas know they were dancing to it when they were Malia’s and Sasha’s age. They can’t front.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 12:16 am ¶
Davita Cuttita wrote:
I definitely gotta say “Black President” by NaS.
…or Rick Astley. I would love to be Rick-rolled by the first Black president! That would be like, 5% close to shaking his hand.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 2:25 am ¶
ceecee wrote:
Shine by Estelle
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 8:55 am ¶
Carmen Van Kerckhove wrote:
@Ed – omg Pizzicato Five! I totally forgot about them. I was really into them in college.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 9:22 am ¶
lakergrrl wrote:
@ Ed
I just googled Obama City after reading your post. Now I have to add to the list “Obama Is Beautiful World” by Anyone Brothers Band.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 10:12 am ¶
amateur editrix wrote:
Dancing in the Streets!
^_^. and Let’s See How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox 20; it’s been my election song all year.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 11:39 am ¶
Ed wrote:
@lakergrrl
Well, the city hopes to send a delegation to the inauguration, so the Anyone Brothers Band might very well perform the song live… It’s a faint possibility, but if everything falls into place, it certainly could happen.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 12:19 pm ¶
Ed wrote:
@Carmen
I got into them about 5 years ago, way after they broke up in 2001 *sniff*.
Anyway, I do want to add a celebratory romp to the playlist – another P5 goodie, “A Perfect World”:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x389fy_pizzicato-five-perfect-world_music
Its lyrics, I think, genuinely reflect the sentiments many of us felt the day after Nov 4, 2008.
“A Perfect World” by Konishi Yasuharu
=====
A day when I feel like everything goes perfectly
And I even feel nervous
If I call you today
Would you say the word “love”?
It’s a new morning
Memorandum #1
Everyone is wishing for a perfect world
A new morning
Humming the melody
That we just heard
Romance always happens
Without rhyme or reason
Especially early in the morning
A day when everything shines brightly
Mumbling the word “love”
It’s a new morning
Memorandum #2
A perfect world is filled with love
A new morning
The scent of pancakes
My stomach is grumbling
It’s a new morning
The memorandum continues
A perfect world is filled with love
A new morning
Freshly squeezed juice
A day when everything seems to go perfectly
Today is a day the world starts to change
If anything goes wrong
Say the word “love”
And give me a hug
It’s a new morning
The summary of this memorandum
One day
There will be a perfect world
In this new and perfect world
A moment in the morning
A peaceful moment
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 12:57 pm ¶
deb wrote:
Two more!
Living in America by James Brown. Love the party vibe!
Happy People by the Temptations.
Get up – everybody!
Happy people are we
Happy people are we
Throw away your life long pain and follow, yeah
I’ll take you to a land of peace and a new tomorrow, hey
Brothers, sisters, come and take my hand
I will take you to a better land
Sunshine people love is all you bring
Dawn of a new day and here’s the song we sing
Happy people are we – well, well, well, well
Happy people are we – hey
Listen children, now
Etc.
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 1:30 pm ¶
Synaka wrote:
I find the decision rather difficult, even in something as simple as this.
The songs that first came to mind have a shadow that extend more into the past than the present or future.
Josh White has been the first to come to mind.
http://members.home.nl/zowieso/blues/josh%20white%20lyrics.html#Uncle%20Sam%20says
or http://alwaysontherun.net/meshell.htm#c1
Maybe just Yoko Kanno & The Seatbelts (Mai Yamane)’s “Blue”
But is the song representative in promise and history, all the possibilities, a horoscope of the next four years to come and the years invested to get to this point of time.
Try as I might I’ve yet to find something that doesn’t bite … someone, some context with a hint of rage, frustration and a small taste of bitterness.
Should it be representive of his wife and children, for standing by, for their sacrifice of father and husband, of their own lives — and always the possibility of it being literal?
Should it be purely to honor him?
Should it speak of our shared roots, history, culture and experiences?
Should it speak of his love, faith or commitment to country above all else?
My mind keeps circling back to Florence Beatrice Price, http://chevalierdesaintgeorges.homestead.com/Price.html whose background seems to fit a perceived notion in my mind… as something that should be met with the least apprehension to everyone and yet still a poignant choice. But yet nothing quite fits, a possible instrumental though sounding dated even for its age.
Perhaps instead like the album which bridge the two, I’d recite a poem by Langston Hughes to music instead.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/let-america-be-america-again/
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 1:40 pm ¶
The Cruel Secretary wrote:
@ livininphilly #15–The “Shaft” theme? I likes; I likes a lot. Or maybe have him come in on “Star-Spangled Banner,” done by Living Colour’s Vernon Reid (guitar) and Me’Shell Ndegeocello (bass)?
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 1:55 pm ¶
Masheka wrote:
All these James Brown suggestions and no “Funky President”?! For shame…
I also second the nominations of “Brand New Day” from ‘The Wiz’ and P-Funk’s “One Nation Under a Groove”
“Soul Finger” too! How could I forget “Soul Finger”?
Posted 07 Nov 2008 at 2:02 pm ¶
CandyGurl wrote:
“ONE LOVE” by Bob Marley.
Posted 08 Nov 2008 at 3:18 pm ¶
Roxie wrote:
“First Black, First Lady” by The Lady Tigra
It’s free to d/l on her myspace.
Posted 08 Nov 2008 at 7:31 pm ¶
blackbeauty46 wrote:
Its’ only fitting to make the theme song of the Inauguration ball ” Aint’t no Stoppin us now” by Mcfadden and Whitehead!!!
Posted 11 Nov 2008 at 9:20 am ¶
bdsista wrote:
Lift Every Voice and Sing, the compilation with Melba Moore, Jeffrey Osbourne, Stevie, et.al. and We are the Champions by Queen.
Now the real question is: Who got tickets to the balls yet? I am working my contacts like a crazy woman. I’m about to call my law school Deans……
Posted 11 Nov 2008 at 1:35 pm ¶
Natalie wrote:
Am I the only one thinking MC Hammer’s Turn This Mutha Out? LOL I have to admit its the first song that came to mind.
Posted 11 Nov 2008 at 4:25 pm ¶
benny wrote:
One obvious song is Pointer Sisters
“Yes We Can Can” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ap2m3oEu9U
Another is a new song by Bonnie Pointer
“I Belive the Time Has Come” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7DBB3puxcw
These songs have unifying messages – and I happen to love the Pointer Sisters. Peace out y’all.
Posted 30 Dec 2008 at 9:40 pm ¶