A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
An apple farmer in New York, Les Rice, wrote The Banks Are Made of Marble in the late 1940s. Pete Seeger made the song famous (lyrics and album liner notes). Others, such as the Solidarity Singers below, have written lyrics relevant to their occupations. Some have messed with, and messed up, the melody. Yet others have added instruments not usually associated with folk music.
Contemporary protest singer David Rovics delivered a stirring, upbeat performance befitting the song at Occupy Memphis. The video is dark and the sound a bit harsh, but no matter: the power of the anthem transcends all. Seeger’s version lacks Rovics’ urgency, but still provides uplift. The Fulkinetic performance provides funk. And the Solidarity Singers — who may be part of the Solidarity Singers who hound Scott Walker in Wisconsin — well, they provide a trombone, a sousaphone, and tremendous enthusiasm.