As Karl Marx never said, music is the opiate of the masses – but perhaps he would have, had he been alive today. Back in January 2014, a busker was taken to court after performing music containing anti-Tory themes, meaning it’s probably best to put your plans to form a modern punk anarchist band on hold.  Fortunately, we haven’t been banned from casually listening to anti-government music just yet. Here are 6 tracks we have selected from British artists to get you started on your playlist:
Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The UK
You can’t honestly say you weren’t expecting this one?
‘Cause I wanna be anarchy!Â
The Clash – Career Opportunities
Ah, a song from that time that the UK was struggling with the unemployment levels. No, not that time. No, the other one. Oh nevermind…
The offered me the office, offered me the shop
They said I’d better take anything they’d got
The Jam – Going Underground
The original song behind the parody ‘London Undergound’ that went viral circa 2005. Us Brits are renowned for our blinding sarcasm and this song exhibits that perfectly.
You want more money – of course I don’t mind
To buy nuclear textbooks for atomic crimes
Heaven 17 –Â (We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang
If your revolution doesn’t involve groovy 1980s tunes, then it’s probably time to re-think it. Seriously.
Have you heard it on the news
About this fascist groove thang?
Evil men with racist views
Spreading all across the land
Plan B – Ill Manors
Written in reaction to the summer 2011 riots, the painfully accurate lyrics can’t be ignored – even if the song as a whole doesn’t appeal.
We’ve had it with you politicians
you bloody rich kids never listen
There’s no such thing as broken Britain
We’re just bloody broke in Britain
What needs fixing is the system
The Kinks – The Village Green Preservation Society
I’m sure there are still many out there, like The Kinks, who wish they could return to more simple times, away from modern technology and mass urban construction.
Preserving the old ways from being abused
Protecting the new ways, for me and for you
What more can we do?
Happy playlisting! And remember:
Music is the opiate of the masses.
– Not Karl Marx.
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