Jalylah Burrell

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Seattle-bred, Brooklyn-based cultural critic Jalylah Burrell riffs on anything and everything.

Deconstructing Obama's Playlist

Posted 01/10/2008 at 9:35 PM | 1 comment/s

Last summer I bought 2 tickets to see Barack Obama in downtown Brooklyn. After work, I took the R train from Union Square to Metro Tech and walked the rest of the way to the venue, the Marriott-Brooklyn Bridge, but quickly abandoned any hopes of seeing the presidential candidate in person. You see, the line snaked out the hotel's front entrance all the way down Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard and this was an hour after doors were to have opened. The crowd was young, multicultural and dressed for an interview. I was casual, less intent on the off chance that I could make an impression on the harried pol than what impression he would make on me. Impatient as I am, when I didn't see any of my peoples in the long line, I peaced out (If I'd have tarried, I might have encountered a late-coming friend who cut to the front only to be shuttled to a video-feedless overflow room.)

Since then, Obama's held many more rallies, quite a few concentrated in the past two weeks. They may have contributed to his triumph in Iowa and they have certainly buoyed supporters discouraged by his unexpected second place finish in New Hampshire, as any observer of his "Yes We Can" concession speak heard for themselves. At a rally in Nashua last week, Obama camp's played his supporters a carefully constructed playlist as they waited for him to arrive, which he did with reported aplomb to U2's "The City of Blinding Lights." He exited, of course, to his strident supporter Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." Here's the full list, as reported by the Boston Globe, along with some color commentary:

1. Marvin Gaye, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough''

Appropriate. It acknowledges the steepness of the goal of being the first Black president and suggests a persistence of spirit.

2. John Parr, "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)''
3. Tina Turner, "The Best''

This is a little hokie and heavyhanded but politics ain't about subtlety. I should add that Turner's equine themed video was ALL WRONG.

4. The Doobie Brothers, "Takin' It To The Streets''

This is for all those territorial race men and that ornery Black woman who questioned Obama's racial authenticity. The Black community loves the Doobie Brothers and selecting "Takin' it to the Streets" is proof of Obama's membership.

5. Earth, Wind & Fire, "Shining Star''
6. O'Jays, "Give The People What They Want''
7. Sam and Dave, "Hold On I'm Coming''

Finally something with some grit. This would definitely amp me up.

8. Kool & the Gang, "Celebration''

I'm partial to "Get Down On It."

9. Natasha Bedingfield, "Unwritten''

This is probably for the cornball constituency. I object.

10. The Isley Brothers, "Shout''
11. The Temptations, "Get Ready''
12. India.Arie, "There's Hope''

India.Arie is a simple songwriter in the worst way but she has her moments. This is one of them. "It doesn't cost a thing to smile. You don't have to pay to laugh. You better thank God for that." This is what Obama is selling and it's the real thing. Cue Jill Scott.

13. McFadden and Whitehead, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now''
14. Staples Singers, "I'll Take You There''
15. Orleans, "Still The One''
16. Sly and the Family Stone, "Everyday People''

I get it. You and your successful and svelte wife Michelle once lived in a small but tony Hyde Park condo and worried about paying down your law school loans.

17. The Doobie Bros., "Long Train Running''
He's one of us alright.
18. Stevie Wonder, "Sir Duke''