Various Artists - Stand Up And Be Counted (@256)
It's been exactly 40 years from possibly the bravest political statement in sports. Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 200m medal-award ceremony of the Mexican Olympics in 1968, raised their clenched fists in a black power salute as a stand against racial discrimination. As Tommie Smith later explained: "If I win, I am American, not a black American. But if I did something bad, then they would say I am a Negro. We are black and we are proud of being black. Black America will understand what we did tonight". Shouldn't we also forget, that, in support of Smith and Carlos, the second place finisher, the Australian Peter Norman, wore the Human Rights badge. For all three, the consequences of their gesture for their carriers and lives were enduring and devastating. Unfortunately, in today's society athletes are considered entertainers who are not "allowed" to express their beliefs on social matters. It is their popularity and influence they have on young people that make them "dangerous". But, as Smith himself recently said: "Athletes have a responsibility to speak because they are in a position to make a difference and they have a responsibility to make that difference".
Today's upload pays tribute to that historical gesture. "Stand Up And Be Counted" is a fine compilation with its front cover commemorating the salute and packed with powerful gems of the late 60's-early 70's which focus on social and racial issues.
Tracklisting:
A1-The Flames - Stand Up And Be Counted
A2-Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
A3-The Impressions - Mighty Mighty (Spade And Whitey)
A4-Billy Paul - East
B1-Mike James Kirkland - Hang On In There
B2-Esther Marrow - Things Ain't Right
B3-James Brown - Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud ( Parts 1&2)
C1-The Last Poets - When The Revolution Comes
C2-Pace-Setters - Push On Jessie Jackson
C3-Archie Shepp - Blues For Brother George Jackson
C4-Eddie Kendricks - My People... Hold On
D1-The Pharaohs - Freedom Road
D2-Kain - Loose Here
D3-Nina Simone - I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
album review link: here
download link: here
Fantastic, thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteA very cool album. Thanks!
ReplyDeletethank you both for your comments. glad you liked this post
ReplyDeleteI read about this historic moment. Decided to check out the music. Its such a cool kodak moment. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteIf, you don't mind me asking, what made you buy this album?
In a word, WOW! This album is awesome! The Music definitely represents what was taking place during the 60's & 70's. This album is timeless! I LOVE THIS ALBUM!! Again, thanks for sharing! ♥
Some how I made a mistake.
With such a front cover and such powerful array of songs was not difficult at all to decide to buy it . Glad you liked it. It's one of my favourite compilations as well.
ReplyDelete