The synthesizer brings a funk vibe that fits the “Psychedelic Shack” moniker better than the Temptations’ original. The percussion is less military-sounding and more bossa nova-esque, with the use of conga drums. They have a much different take on the song. They released their own anti-war song, 1984’s “Two Tribes,” with a cover of “War” as the single’s B side. Its success gave Starr the identity of a rabble-rouser he doubled down on that by following “War” with “Stop the War Now.”Įven the Brits weigh in on “War.” The ’80s British band Frankie Goes to Hollywood were no strangers to protest songs. After all, why kill a goose that lays golden eggs if you can teach another goose to lay them just as well? So they assigned the song to a lesser-known talent for the Motown label, Edwin Starr, then released the rerecording as a single. However, due to the controversial nature of the song, Motown didn’t want to expose their hit group to any negative fallout. The song was popular in its original incarnation, and fans wanted Motown to release it as a single. The Temptations’ version has the elements of a political statement, but they pull their punches. There are background marching instructions (“hup, two, three, four”) that don’t make it into Starr’s version, and the original de-emphasizes the “good God” exclamations. The instruments are all muted to keep the focus on the Temptations’ vocals. The percussion gives the song the military vibe, but the guitar is less pronounced than in Starr’s version. The Temptations’ original version starts a little milder, the grunts less forceful. “War” was originally released in 1970 by The Temptations, on the Psychedelic Shack album they recorded for Motown. However, it is thanks to the political nature of the lyrics that Edwin Starr got the chance to record the song in the first place. For example, after the September 11th attacks, Clear Channel Communications put “War” on a list of songs to be avoided for radio. Its message remains potent, its obvious political statement inspiring near-continual controversy nearly half a century after its release. The song was a massive success it was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The lyrics are not subtle, and Starr emphasizes each line without apology: “Induction then destruction / Who wants to die?” Starr’s powerful voice can stand up to the at times cacophonous instrumental accompaniment. Throughout, Starr mixes singing with screaming, matching the tone of the wailing electric guitar and the occasional sassy saxophone lick. After a drum roll, Edwin Starr launches into soulful protest: “War, huh, yeah / What is it good for / Absolutely nothing.” Hearing his hurt and anger, you can understand why the song resonated with the anti-war sentiment of the times. Most know “War,” the anti-Vietnam protest song, by its distinctive and aggressive opening.
0 kommentar(er)
