Sounding of a strange cross between Minnesota native and Urge Overkill frontman Nathan Katruud and Randy Newman, Dan Israel’s “Song For Africa” combines eerily RL Burnside-like slide guitar with equally haunting lyrics. Taling some of the disturbing realities that exist half way around the world Israel attempts to document the turmoil in Africa while bringing to light the utter hypocrisy of our collective indifference.
Enabling the track’s strength are a number of amazing local talents, just a few of the many who appear on Israel’s latest album Turning. Molly Maher’s slide along with Jancy Winterbauer and Andra Suchy’s late-stage backing vocals add a unique texture to the track that solidifies its place amongst the heavily Wilco-esque Turning.
Echoing a thought Henry Rollins dispensed earlier this week at his First Avenue show, we’re all hypocrites. Noting that a portion of the album’s sales will be dedicated to both Save Darfur and the American Refugee Committee Israel suggests something of equal value in the liner notes for the track - try to open your eyes every now and then and understand that the world is a lot bigger than you are; I for one need this reminder on a daily basis.
Dan Israel “Song For Africa” Lyrics:
I can’t believe the article I saw, what’s going on in Africa. Violence that’s enough to make you sick, murder, rape, disease you take your pick. This will be the shame that we leave, how we stood by no one will believe. They’ll just shake their heads and wonder why, we just simply let each other die.
Yes it’s, time we, all lost our minds. Yes it’s, time we, start hearing cries. Hell’s alive and well over there, might claim you too, it don’t care if you care.
Seems that we don’t mind the contradiction, just leave some people to their own extinction. While we grumble that our lives ain’t fair at least we were not born over there.
Yes it’s, time we, all lost our minds. Yes it’s, time we, start hearing cries. Now’s not, time for, knees getting weak. Now’s the, time to, make noise and speak.
We may all really, not have very long, before everything we love is gone. Sirens ringing loud inside my head unconfronted evil only spreads.
Yes it’s, time we, all lost our minds. Yes it’s, time we, start hearing cries. Gather ’round who’s able and willing, got to be some way to stop the killing.
“Song For Africa” is available on Israel’s recently released album Turning. I encourage all to hold off on making plans on the night of Friday, October 26 as Dan Israel and Stook! and the Jukes will be hosting a co-release party for their respective albums at The Varsity Theater. Also on the bill are Molly Maher and Martin Devaney who both contribute to on various tracks on Turning.
Dan Israel - Official Site
Dan Israel - MySpace Site
Dan Israel “Turning”
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