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The sounds of propaganda

Years ago, Ken Freedman at WFMU put together a compilation of propaganda recordings. Weeks ago, he posted the audio on his blog. Days ago, I got around to downloading. And today I'm suggesting that you do the same. 

The Happy Listener's Guide to Mind Control runs the gamut, from terrifying WW II-era knocks at the Japanese to the classic 1981 Quincy episode attacking punk rock. Some highlights:

The Exxon Singers - "Efficiency"
An anthem for the free-market.

Hank Levine and George Atkins - "The Trumpet"
From Sing Along with JFK, in 1962. Records like this were a fad for a while. Someone recently made a modern version about Bush (check "Commiserate Not Commiserate" from Songs in the Key of W), though it's not nearly as good. Maybe some day I'll post my sing along with Nixon a LP....

Byron MacGregor - "Americans"
Based on a 1973 radio speech by Canadian newscaster Gordon Sinclair. If this sounds familiar, it's because the text of this speech was widely circulated on the Internet after September 11 in an attempt to preach the selflessness of American foriegn policy. (Cough)

Victor Lundberg - "Open Letter to My Teenage Son"
It's okay to be a hippie, son, as long as you're willing to kill for it. (Be sure to stick with this one through the end.)