Friday 6 January 2012

10 Slightly Alternative Anti-Thatcher Songs

This is a subject which has had a fair bit of coverage, but today sees the release of the highly critiqued The Iron Lady, and it looks like it's going to be one of those films you have to see whether you love (as if you could?) or hate Thatcher.

For years anti-Thatcher songs have been extensively discussed on websites and in forums, with the general consensus being that the best ones are popular offerings by the likes of Morrissey, Billy Bragg, Elvis Costello and The Specials. For that reason I have compiled a list of songs which don't always get the coverage they deserve, to help build the ultimate playlist for when the time comes to celebrate her final demise.

1. Pete Wylie - The Day That Margaret Thatcher Dies (A Party Song)
Maybe I am biased, but having seen this performed live in its full glory, its always going to be my favourite of anti-Thatcher songs. Powerful, captivating and definitely first song on my playlist for when she's finally gone.

2. VIM - Maggie's Last Party
Like dance music? Like taking the piss out of Thatcher? This one's for you. I guarantee, after two plays you'll be joining in with the genius sampling. Altogether now: "Rave rave rave, murder!"

3. Angelic Upstarts - 2 Million Voices
Formulaic punk protest chant attacking Thatcher's influence on mass unemployment, simple but gets the point whilst packing a pretty strong punch in yer lugholes. 

4. Kitchens of Distinction - Margaret's Injection
All the downbeat wailing about Thatcher, but without Morrissey.

5. Newtown Neurotics - Kick Out The Tories.
Another brilliant politically charged attempt from a seriously underrated punk band.

6. Madness - Blue Skinned Beast
Slightly toned down when compared to the lively Madness most of us are used to, but a brilliant and highly articulate criticism of Thatcher's handling of the Falklands war.

7. The Larks - Maggie Maggie Maggie (Out Out Out)
Based on the popular protest chant, this highly repetitive but incredibly infectious attempt captures the public's anger and thrashes it out in true punk style.

8. Fine Young Cannibals - Blue
Admittedly this is a rather tame choice compared to the others, and Roland Gift's unique voice is definitely not suited to everyone's tastes, but Blue criticises Thatcher's destroying of towns all across Britain, and also the Conservative party in general.

9. Attila The Stockbroker - Maggots 1, Maggie 0.
Like the John Cooper Clarke of the south, Attila the Stockbroker successfully combines this folk song with his ever-perceptive punk poetry to give one of his many takes on Thatcher's wrongdoings.

10. Chaos UK - Maggie
Slightly more hardcore choice and blunt offering of hatred towards Thatcher.

Don't forget you can always check her current status at Is Thatcher Dead Yet? See you when the parties start.

1 comment:

  1. Great list! And while it may or may not be your kind of thing, Frank Turner is an appropriately cynical musician who also covered this ;P

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1NyWbhCxZE

    ReplyDelete