(Play Playlist - Yahoo Music Unlimited)

"...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." -From the United States Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776

As we celebrate another Independence Day in America I wanted to create a July 4th related playlist. But instead of doing the traditional collection of overtures reserved for fireworks displays I thought I would look more to the spirit of the original event.

As you can see in the quote above from the Declaration of Independence the birth of America hinged on braking the chains of the crown. In music the independent musician could be compared to those early colonies and the major labels could represent British rule.

As the cost to record music has been reduced drastically by technology and the Internet has enabled instant and free distribution of musical works, the independent musician has acquired the tools to make a living without the help of major labels. This is something that was virtually impossible previously. Truly, a new world.

As independents began to break free and take on a DIY attitude a new genre of music was penned. And although "indie" music has now taken a path to the mainstream just as "alternative" music did in the 80s, the spirit of its birth is clear.

For this "independents day" playlist I have chosen songs by indie bands that refer to July 4th in someway.

Happy birthday America!

The Independents Day Playlist

Independence Day - Elliott Smith

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album XO
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Jesus The Mexican Boy - Iron & Wine

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album The Sea & The Rhythm
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Fourth Of July - Galaxie 500

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Copenhagen
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Firecracker - Nada Surf

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album The Proximity Effect
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Naked If I Want To - Cat Power

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album The Covers Record
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

4th Of July - Luna

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Live
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Star Witness - Neko Case

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Bottle Rocket - The Go! Team

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Thunder, Lightning, Strike
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Independence Day - Ani DiFranco

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Little Plastic Castle
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

4th Of July - Aimee Mann

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Whatever
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

This Time - Marvelous 3

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Ready Sex Go
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Fireworks - Aberdeen

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Fireworks & Other Singles
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Homecoming Queen - Sparklehorse

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31

Roman Candle - Elliott Smith

on Yahoo! Music JukeboxFrom the album Roman Candle
Last.fm page / Search for lyricsSongBlogger V1.31