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rnvia Frank Meeuwsen’s FlickrIn the spirit of the 44th incumbent, TuneUp has decided to give a look-see at President Obama’s choice of iPod songs.rnrn10. “Yes We Can” – Will.i.am: Isn’t it kind of odd that one would enjoy listening to their own speech remixed with acoustic guitar? Granted, this list was published during the campaign, obviously a nod to the fact that voters should hear the speech and watch the video – which they should, and did. With some serious star cameos, a powerful black and white footage, and the compelling words of Obama’s concession speech in the primary; it’s all about the video.rnrn9. “City of Blinding Lights” – U2: Performed at Obama’s “We Are One” concert and perhaps the most universally ‘safe’ band on the planet. While a good song, it’s not exactly their best – but a harmless nod towards the pop-cultured.rnrn8. “Think” – Aretha Franklin: Working the pipes she was blessed with. It’s the call-and-response of female wit and sass. It is up-tempo but not with its share of symbolic seriousness.rnrn7. “You’d Be So Easy To Love” – Frank Sinatra: Interesting that Ol’ Blue Eyes made his way onto Obama’s listening playlist. Originally written by Cole Porter (one of the great Tin Pan Alley songwriters), and performed with only the ease that Frank could give it. It’s a song that’s easy to love.rnrn6. “Touch the Sky” – Kanye West: The most recent song on the ten-song playlist and in rare form, Kanye sounds grateful for his success. It surely didn’t hurt his confidence to be mentioned by the first black President. Pretentiousness of Mr. West aside, it’s a dope track.rnrn5. “Sinnerman” – Nina Simone: A traditional spiritual that has lasted for over a century in multiple forms. A testament to the way music can be used to haunt as Nina’s ten-minute rendition pushes realization. Ms. Simone chants, as though begging to a force unknown, to grant her “Power!” and the snare drums kick: a black president in the White House.rnrn4. “Gimme Shelter” – Rolling Stones: Classic. Safe and timeless. A rough Stones explore the blues as Merry Clayton brings soul in the climax. Its a well-chosen rock tune and treads the ferocity of hard rock through the seductive path of gospel.rnrn3. “I’m On Fire” – Bruce Springsteen: Ahhhh yes… the artist of the working class! Bruce has the tendency to draw in American presidents like moths to a flame. The song, rich with impeccable lyrical soothing, echoes the enduring Americana. The video shows Springsteen as the prodigal mechanic dreaming of the new ‘someday’… The Boss – the ultimate hero of American hope.rnrn2. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye: Poignant. Well-chosen in a time when everyone is asking the same question. It’s nice to know the President is doing the same thing. In the preamble of the song we hear friends meeting up, welcoming joy, and a sax to lure into the soothing of Gaye – doing what he does best; bringing some loving to times that really need some loving.rnrn1. “Ready or Not” – Fugees: A gutsy choice for a top pick. Fugees have an afro-centric anti-fed cred, but they still maintain an ability to relate to the young disempowered of today. With Ms. Hill digging deep to bring the chorus and the beat hanging on without mercy, it encompasses the rallying disruption of the Obama campaign, and the modernity that this new presidency will bring; ready or not.rnrnHopefully the above tracks (and the rest of his iPod) are labeled correctly… if not then, Mr. President; know that we officially extend to you a free TuneUp Gold lifetime subscription!rnrn rn
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