Todd Rundgren on 5 Classic Songs of Resistance
In May, Todd Rundgren released White Knight, his 27th solo album, which features guest appearances by everyone from Donald Fagen and Daryl Hall to Trent Reznor and Bettye LaVette. In advance of a fall tour with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, the veteran singer-songwriter took some time to discuss five classic songs of resistance that are still relevant today.
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The Fixx, “Stand or Fall”
This is about what’s happening to the planet and
how doing nothing is to lose. It has a bleak sound, which adds urgency. -
Red Rider, “Lunatic Fringe”
The undercurrent of indigence and violence and hate, as evidenced by the election of Trump, makes this an evergreen song. But now the lunatic fringe is no longer the fringe.
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The Call, “The Walls Came Down”
This became an anthem about having a party and fighting the powers that be. It’s got this great celebratory hoot at the end.
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Elvis Costello and the Attractions, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”
He’s angry that people aren’t taking this stuff seriously, as in, “What’s so fucking funny?” It makes you want to march.
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Sex Pistols, “God Save the Queen”
They weren’t protesting the queen so much as Thatcherite England. It fostered a movement that carried forward.