Customer Reviews

Songs And Artists That Inspired Fahrenheit 9/11

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

As the first time I bought a "songs and artists that inspired" collection, I kind of wondered how it would go. It's not exactly a soundtrack album, yet is supposed to have some thematic ties to a certain film. In the case of music that inspired Fahrenheit 9/11, the themes deal with the freedoms people should be born with but which are suppressed, anti-war, and the poor soldier who becomes bullet fodder because he has to serve. Most of the songs have been previously released, the sole exception being ex-Rage Against the Machine lead singer Zack de la Rocha's metal-core "We Want It All"

My favourite song here was originally on Voice of America, by Little Steven, late of the E Street Band. "I Am A Patriot" is not a right-wing song, but here, he emphasizes freedom as being the most important thing, especially from political parties. After saying he's no capitalist, communist, Democrat, Republican, imperialist, he says he belongs to one party-freedom, freedom enhanced by a partying reggae beat.

Steven's bandmate Bruce Springsteen comes next with his live cover of Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom," originally on his 1988 EP of the same name.

The man Dylan himself comes with the seven minute opus "With God On Our Side," an ironic commentary on how many nations wrap them with god's name in war. Most striking is how the Germans were forgiven after killing 6 million. But hey, it's okay, because they now have god on their side. A similar folky sad harmonica-laced number is "No One Left" by the Nightwatchman, Tom Morello's band, which bewails tragedies that befell those who lost loved ones (Americans in New York and Iraqis in Baghdad.) Dylan's influence is finally felt in Pearl Jam's grungy live cover of "Masters of War," which must go down as the only song where Dylan wished someone would die.

System of a Down's "Boom," from Steal This Album! is an angry polemic against consumerism, manufacturing consent, child poverty, bombs killing civilians, with thudding bass mixed with spoken monologue, before the churning metal core chorus: "Boom boom boom boom! every time you drop a bomb, you kill the god your child has born."

"It ain't me! It ain't me! I ain't no fortunate son," wails John Fogerty in the CCR standard "Fortunate Son." In F 9/11, the fortunate sons are those in Congress, of which all but one don't have their children serving in the military, as demonstrated when Michael Moore tries to get Congressmen to get their children to enlist. Also on the soldier line is the Dixie Chicks' forlorn "Travelin' Soldier," from their Home album, of a poor guy who makes friends with a girl, and where she is the only one who grieves for him when he dies in Vietnam.

Not many people know their rights, point out the Clash in the hardcore rock/reggae jam/public service announcement with guitar. "Know Your Rights" from Combat Rock, which include the right not to be killed, the right to food money, and the most important of all, the right to free speech, "as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it."
Things kind of slow down for impact beginning with "Where Is The Love" by the Black Eyed Peas, only to be resurrected by Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" from Grace. The mentality of the right-wing people of the murder machine may be summed up thus: "Well, maybe there's a god above/But all I've ever learned from love/Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you."

A worthy thematic album from one of the most thought-provoking and political documentaries of all-time. The mixture of older and newer artists work well, with the inclusion of Dylan song and covers emphasizing that he's the king of protest rock.

Michael Moore researches his info thoroughly before filming, he had three lawyers confirm everything and hired a fact checker.
you dont have to like him but what he says is FACT! look up the info yourself and you'll find he's right. also there's no "cut and paste" as someone suggested. there are no seams, the film is flawless. you can tell cut and paste, changes in placement of objects, small lines on the film etc.know your facts before you post and for god's sake educate yourself.america's being ruined because people are too trusting and don't want to take the time to learn.

Its a god damn shame that the republicans are allowed to negatively effect the score of this album because of their personal views on Moore.

Michael Moore has assembled an excellent compilation of songs critical of war. Among the best are Chimes of Freedom (an excellent rendition by the Boss), With God on Our Side (especially relevant today with how Bush "wears his faith on his sleeve"), Masters of War (a warning to all those who seek to profit from war, politician or businessman), I Am A Patriot (a catchy reggae tune by Little Stephen (Van Zant)), and of course Fortunate Son (which should be blared at full volume outside the White House).

The songs on this C.D. our the songs that will make every liberal in America want to rally behind the flag and change the world. Inspirational anti-war songs and it scares me everytime I listen for I'm getting afraid I'm reliving the sixities.
Everytime I listen I feel like going out to change the world and with the earnings from the C.D. going to a not-for-profit charity. Why wouldn't you want to have this C.D. in your collection. Wether your liberal or anti-war you'll enjoy these touching songs.

Yeah, liberals need to "get over themselves" so you right-wing, goose-stepping fascists can create a police state in which freedom of thought and expression is suppressed because, God forbid (and He will forbid, the leaders of this idiotic regime will be sure to invoke His name in ALL that they do) someone have an original thought.

This is a really good collection of songs. The price of the album is worth it for Pear Jams cover of 'Masters of War' alone. Bob Dylans lyrics are awesome and Eddie sings it with so much passion. This is without a doubt the ultimate anti-war song (IMO).

Here are a few of my favourite verses from the song

You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins

How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would neverForgive what you do

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoonAnd
I'll watch while you're lowered
into your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave'
Til I'm sure that you're dead


Sorry for just focusing on the one song, the whole album is great but even if you don't end up buying do yourself a favour and get a hold of this song!

This album is worth it just becuase of the song by Little Stevens ( I am a patriot). One of best of songs that has been written.

I was attending an underground spoken word Slam in Philadelphia. This group called Quiet Rage who are supposed to be these hardcore spoken word demons were screaming at everyone who didn't see Fahrenheit 911. They said that anyone who didn't see this movie were ostriches sticking their heads in the ground like cowards. They claimed we were all cowards afraid to face the truth. Afterwards they did this blazing piece that they said was inspired by Michael Moore about pharmaceutical companies being the real drug cartels and drug lords of our country. My grand father is a staunch conservative republican, my father is and I WAS. I accepted Quiet Rage's challenge and watched the movie. This soundtrack captures that movie so perfectly it's almost as frightening as the movie itself. I never felt so stupid and deceived Thanks Michael Moore for this incredible movie and soundtrack and Quiet Rage for leading me to you.

This is a good anti-war album, but for those of us who prefer a bit heavier music, this album has a tendency to have songs on it that will likely be to our distaste. For those who prefer more country-oriented music, etcetera, you will likely find that some of the more heavy songs might be a little bit irritating. This album will likely only be enjoyable to those who remain biased to all types of music.

For me, personally, although this album may be inspiring, I'd rather create a CD containing a mix of stuff I only enjoy, rather than music that's not to my preference strewn about its various tracks. I suggest listening to the audio files yourself and deciding from there whether this CD, for you, is worth the money.