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Blowin' In The Wind

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It may not exactly be the 1960s, but when it comes to opinions on a possible war in Iraq, the music world is playing true to form. Folk singers and rappers are weighing in, predictably, with a chorus of pro-peace songs, while at least one country crooner is primed to search and destroy. Here's a roundup of the war tunes in the air.

JOHN MELLENCAMP
To Washington
Available at: Mellencamp.com

Sample lyric: "What is the thought process to take a human's life?/What would be the reason to think that this is right?"

Review: Spare folk arrangement fits the simple, evocative lyrics

BILLY BRAGG
The Price of Oil
Available at: Billybragg.co.uk

Sample lyric: "If it's freeing the Iraqi people you're after/Then why have we waited so long?"

Review: A slow, Guthrie-esque delivery makes the history lesson palatable

BEASTIE BOYS
In a World Gone Mad
Available at: Beastieboys.com

Sample lyric: "We need health care more than going to war/You think it's democracy they're fighting for?"

Review: With overexplicit lyrics and an unmelodic backing track, it's the Super Bowl Shuffle of antiwar songs

CLINT BLACK
I Raq and Roll
Available at: Clintblack.com

Sample lyric: "It might be a smart bomb; they find stupid people too/If you stand with the likes of Saddam, one just might find you."

Review: Belligerence that makes you long for the subtlety of Toby Keith


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