I could offer an alternate list, sure, but perfecting that would probably take me past the actual election so I won't attempt. Let's just work with the material the president gives us.
The most interesting item is a brand new Bruce Springsteen song, “We Take Care of Our Own.” It's the first track on the new album Wrecking Ball that's due out March 6. The Boss, of course, famously objected to Ronald Reagan's misappropriation of "Born In The USA" in 1984, but did shows for John Kerry in 2004 and officially endorsed Obama in `08. So you can be sure this has been thoroughly vetted and OK'd on both ends. Some darkness in the verses but a call to arms in the chorus:
Where the eyes, the eyes with the will to see
Where the hearts, that run over with mercy
Where's the love that has not forsaken me
Where's the work that set my hands, my soul free
Where's the spirit that'll reign, reign over me
Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea
Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea
Wherever this flag is flown
Wherever this flag is flown
Wherever this flag is flown
We take care of our own
It's not the president pretending that he's Al Green, Al Green, but “Let’s Stay Together” makes the list. The new set is lighter on the Motown/Stax material, though we do get some: “Green Onions” by Booker T & The MG’s (no chance of a lyric controversy with an instrumental) “Keep on Pushing” by Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, and Aretha's cover of The Band's “The Weight.” Put the load right on me, indeed. We get a little 70s R & B too with the Earth, Wind & Fire take on the Beatles' “Got to Get You in My Life” (the best thing to come out of the godawful Bee Gees-Peter Frampton Sgt. Pepper movie.)
"Beautiful Day" and "City of Blinding Lights" are FINALLY retired, but we're reaching even further back into U2's discography on the 20th anniversary of Achtung Baby with “Even Better Than The Real Thing.” (Check out From The Sky Down, the new Achtung Baby documentary; my brother Jeff did sound work on the film)
The Irishmen are ringers, but it's mainly a domestic list, save for Canadians Arcade Fire with “We Used To Wait” from last year's Grammy album of the year, The Suburbs. That's part of an "adult alternative" block: “You are the Best Thing” (Ray Lamontagne), “Keep Marchin'” (Raphael Saadiq), "Tonight's The Kind of Night” (Noah and the Whale), “No Nostalgia” (AgesAndAges), “Raise Up” (Ledisi),. “I Got You” (Wilco) and “You've Got the Love” by Florence and the Machine. I'm more a Rage Against The Machine guy myself.
North Carolina must still be in play because country pops up: the only acts with two tracks are both country. Sugarland's “Stand Up” and “Everyday America” are titles that just beg for a rally. Darius Rucker (who doesn't like it when you call him Hootie!) has “This” and “Learn to Live.” There's also “My Town” (Montgomery Gentry) “Keep Me In Mind” (Zac Brown Band) and “Home” (Dierks Bentley). For the Hispanic vote we get Rrrrricky! Martin and “The Best Thing about Me Is You.”
No Doubt makes an appearance with “Different People,” one of the lesser known tracks from the mid-90's blockbuster Tragic Kingdom. A little contemp R & B “Keep Reachin' Up” (Nicole Willis & the Soul Investigators) and “Love You I Do?” (Jennifer Hudson). Yoda wrote this song he did?
A couple of middle of the road duds: “Your Smiling Face” (James Taylor) and
“Mr. Blue Sky” by ELO. I still can't figure out why they let Jeff Lynne be a Wilbury.
But the biggest surprise: they threw one in for the bald middle age Midwest guys! REO Speedwagon's “Roll with the Changes” ! Downstate Illinois is all set now.
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