It's been a long time since I listened to New Model Army.
I'm not even sure why. I'm even less sure now that I have this retrospective playing.
In the years when I was rabidly attempting to remain on the outside looking in they provided an agit-folkpunk soundtrack that mirrored my views perfectly. My political stance dovetailed with the lyrical content of just about every NMA track you could care to mention.
I may have been allied to a minority, but it was where I wanted to be.
Now all these years later these songs still manage to light a fire within me. As long as there is injustice in the world these tracks will remain relevant.
Is that a stupid statement? Is it ridiculous that music and lyrics can elicit feelings like that?
Personally I don't think so.
The disillusioned and disenfranchised need more than just political firebrands to rally round. They need the songs that will carry them through to the dawn. Songs that will give them hope and a… more »

It's been a long time since I listened to New Model Army.
I'm not even sure why. I'm even less sure now that I have this retrospective playing.
In the years when I was rabidly attempting to remain on the outside looking in they provided an agit-folkpunk soundtrack that mirrored my views perfectly. My political stance dovetailed with the lyrical content of just about every NMA track you could care to mention.
I may have been allied to a minority, but it was where I wanted to be.
Now all these years later these songs still manage to light a fire within me. As long as there is injustice in the world these tracks will remain relevant.
Is that a stupid statement? Is it ridiculous that music and lyrics can elicit feelings like that?
Personally I don't think so.
The disillusioned and disenfranchised need more than just political firebrands to rally round. They need the songs that will carry them through to the dawn. Songs that will give them hope and a lifeline that screams you are not alone. This is what NMA provided, and still do.
For those not familiar with the band then this is as good a place to start as any.

We are old, we are young, we are in this together
Vagabonds and children, prisoners forever
With pulses a-raging and eyes full of wonder
Kicking out behind us again