State of the Union State of Mind

Date
November 6, 2012

Miracler
Ethan Prater

Location
San Francisco

What's this? Anther Miracling Debut?
That's right, luckies. AND, it's another FOD (Friend of Doug Patterson, of course). And if you've by now been "thoroughly funked" and have "shaken your sacroiliac" from last week's fantastic mix (technically still this week's) then you know that DP doesn't just pledge ANY new freshman into the Prodge. Case in point: check out what this week's Miracler has done with his calendarically opportune mix. We're putting it up a day early for fairly obvious reasons (thanks for sharing, Ahmed!): your own Miracling voting soundtrack. Welcome to the Prodge, Ethan: American/Patriot/Tastemaker.

Liner Notes by EP
Please be gentle. Doug Patterson is my Miracle Pledge Dad, so I know I’m starting from way behind.

With the US Presidential election looming - or having loomed, as it were - herewith some of its relevant states. Not just those polities that are (were) important to the outcome, but also the mindsets of the people who made the choices on Tuesday.

1. Orange Blossoms (JJ Grey & Mofro): This paean to our southeasternmost swing state captures Florida’s particular citrusy feel.
2. Goin’ Out West (Charley Horse): There’s opportunity everywhere in the USA, and Tom Waits nails the crazy bravado of those wanting to take advantage of the Louisiana Purchase. (This recent cover version gives you all the benefits of Waits’ writing with none of the agony of his singing).
3. Hurricane Party (James McMurtry): Not too far west, though. Hurricane Katrina still looms large in many voters’ minds. On this track the laconic James McMurtry makes his 3MPM debut and evokes American stoicism in the face of looming disaster. (Is there a better lyric than the opening couplet?)
4. Ohio (The Black Keys): Effectively the only state that matters in a Presidential election. I had to swap out The Low Anthem’s homage when another rookie Miracler grabbed it earlier. Let’s accommodate with this relatively little-known digital-only single release from Ohio’s native sons.
5. Youngstown (Bruce Springsteen): The critical swing state gets two songs. The Boss borders on treacle, but gets the point across..
6. Chicago (Sufjan Stevens): The political home of this election’s incumbent merits a shout-out. This alternate acoustic version is different from what appears on Illinoise.
7. What Would Jesus Do? (Chris Thomas King): Wears its feelings on its sleeve.
8. Let’s Make a Better World (Earl King): I wouldn’t please DP if I didn’t include a track from the ‘70s. Good-natured, while eerily prophetic of a campaign marked by, “You didn’t build that.”
9. Wisconsin (Bon Iver): On our way out, stopping through another swing state (and home of a VP candidate). The best song from Bon Iver’s debut album - I’m surprised it was available only as an iTunes bonus track.
10. So Much to Live For (The Lee Boys): A high-spirited leadout recalling the role of religion in this and all Presidential elections.

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