I caught a segment about the John Stossel program that will be aired on ABC. The snippet I saw was eye opening and down right scary!!! Hoping many reading this post on Iowa Defense will want to be enlightened!

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5985719&page=1

Maybe It's Your Civic Duty Not to Vote

Should Uninformed Voters Be Casting Their Vote on Nov. 4?

By JOHN STOSSEL
Oct. 9, 2008

We keep hearing how important it is for everyone to vote and that voting is our civic duty. Legions of uninformed voters could hit the polls next month.

Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Leonardo DiCaprio, Diddy and Dave Matthews urge everyone to get out and vote. And to help people vote, voter registration groups such as HeadCount deploy volunteers to sign people up.

Watch the story Friday on "20/20" at 10 p.m. ET and watch John Stossel's "Politically Incorrect Guide to Politics" at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17.

HeadCount focuses on registering young people at rock concerts and music festivals around the country. During the concerts, famous musicians such as Eddie Vedder and Jack Johnson implore their fans to sign up to vote. Marc Brownstein, the bassist for the band The Disco Biscuits and a co-founder of HeadCount, tells fans to "please participate this year by casting your vote!"

Brownstein and a friend, Andy Bernstein, co-founded HeadCount in 2004.

"We do this because we want the kids to be a part of the political process," Brownstein said.

Bernstein added, "We registered over 100,000 people. ... It is so imperative that this generation's voice is heard. And they are being heard."

But are these get-out-the-vote drives entirely a good thing? "20/20" asked some of HeadCount's newly registered young people some basic questions about our government.

Some people were knowledgeable. "There are two senators from each state, making a total of 100," one young voter said. Another knew that "the Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution."

But many of the young voters didn't seem very informed. Some didn't know how many states are in the U.S. or how many senators there are. Few could explain Roe vs. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court ruling upholding abortion rights.

"Roe vs. Wade is segregation maybe?" one new voter guessed.

Another asked: "Was Roe vs. Wade where we declared bankruptcy?" And still another wondered, "That was about a black person and a white person?"

Brownstein said, "There's a lot of uninformed voters out there."

So should those uninformed voters just stay home?

Healthy food, healthy children, the land around me, the people around me, the animals around me.  I buy from a local organic farm, I realize not everyone can do that, but small responsible family farmers need our help as does our mother.

Please listen to this clip from one of my long time favorite musicians/activists.

It is no secret that most Hollywood and music stars are liberals and have become a reliable source of campaign cash for Democratic candidates. So far according to the Center for Responsive Politics the music and entertainment industry has given over $ 5.6 million to the Obama presidential effort and donated $ 3.4 million to the Hillary Clinton campaign. How did John McCain fare you ask? His campaign has received $ 885,000, total.

Not included are many rap and hip-hop stars like 50 Cent, Chamillionare, Scarface, etc., because around 95% of their community supports Obama’s candidacy. To list them all would take forever. They support Obama by using clothes with Obama’s image on them on stage, by putting up Obama or Obama/Biden banners at their concerts, etc. Almost all speak favorably of the candidate and hope the more outspoken members of their community tone down their support for fear of alienating voters that do not understand what their music is about. Some artists have said they support and will vote for Obama because he is one of them. Others say he is the most qualified for the job with race having nothing to do with their decision. To say that they are excited about this election is an understatement!

Below the stars, more or less in alphabetical order, listed by their last name. Looking for Oprah? She’s under W for Winfrey. How about Jay-Z? He’s under C for Shawn Carter. Homer Simpson? Try S for Homer Simpson. Yes, even Homer tries to vote for Obama.

Enjoy. Or not.

Jeffery Jacobs Abrams (J. J. Abrams): Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Amy Adams: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Yolanda Adams: September 22, 2008 her song "Hold On" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Ben Affleck: July 2004 the actor said he became an Obama supporter after meeting him at the DNC in Boston. March 16, 2008 he and his wife Jennifer Garner hosted an Obama fundraiser in Boston. August 2, 2008 he gave a speech at a fundraiser supporting Obama. Has donated the maximum possible, $ 4,600, to the Obama campaign.

Jessica Alba: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by the speech he gave in Chicago. August 2008 she was at the DNC in Denver.

Tatyana Ali: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Byron Allen: Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Pamela Anderson: July 2008 she said, I love him.., I think he’s going to win. September 12, 2008 on her official website is information on how to help get Obama elected president.

Jennifer Aniston: February 20, 2007 she attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. She has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign. October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Adam Arkin: Has donated at least $ 250 to the Obama campaign.

Tichina Arnold: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by the speech he gave in Chicago.

Patricia Arquette: Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Rossana Arquette: Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Kevin Bacon: Has donated at least $ 2,200 to the Obama campaign. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Billy Baldwin: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Eric Balfour: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Tyra Banks: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Ellen Barkin: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Charles Barkley: 2007 he gives his full support to Obama saying, I support him wholeheartedly. August 2008 he was present at the DNC in Denver.

Angela Bassett: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Shane Battler: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jennifer Beals: June 24, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles.

Maria Bello: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video. She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Tom Bergeron: He has donated at least $ 1,750.00 to the Obama campaign.

Sandra Bernhard: September 5, 2008 she said she favors Obama and really likes Joe Biden. September 2008, the comedian said that it’s better that Sarah Palin not go to Manhattan because Palin could get gang-raped by some of Bernhard’s big black brothers.

Chuck Berry: June 11, 2008 he endorsed Obama and said, It's no question, myself being a man of color ... Definitely a proud and successful moment for all the people of this country, not just black people, but Americans in general.

Halle Berry: September 8, 2007 she attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign. October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Valerie Bertinelli: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jerome Bettis: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jessica Biel: December 10, 2007 she attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. 

Selma Blair: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Judy Blume: She has donated the maximum ammout possible, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Steven Bochco: He has donated the maximum ammount possible, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Jon Bon Jovi: On September 5, 2008 the singer and his wife Dorothea hosted over 100 guests for a $ 30,800 per person fund raising diner in favor of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Obama campaign. Obama gave an very short speech, about 8 minutes long, to the guests before mingling.

Andy Borowitz: He has donated at least $ 2,100.00 to the Obama campaign.

Kate Bosworth: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Russel Brand: September 7, 2008 at the MTV Video Music Awards besides insulting President Bush said, Please….elect Barack Obama.

Zach Braff: February 20, 2007 he attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Christopher Bridges (Ludacris): April 2008 in a concert the rapper said Obama had his unwavering support on his bid to become President of the USA. In July 2008 the Obama campaign has distanced themselves from Ludacris because of his song “Politics: Obama is Here” that contains some controversial material the campaign said was outrageously offensive, something akin to: President Bush is mentally handicapped, Vice President Cheney belongs in a wheel chair paralyzed, an Obama presidency is destiny, criticized Reverend Jessie Jackson, and called Hillary Clinton a b***h.

Steve Brill: He has donated the maximum ammount possible, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Christie Brinkley: She has donated at least $ 2,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

James L. Brooks: He has donated the maximum ammount possible, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Mehcad Brooks: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser.

Pierce Brosnan: September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Blair Brown: She has donated at least $ 500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jackson Browne: On August 14, 2008 he sued the Ohio Republican party (ORp) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) because the ORp used his 1977 song “Running on Empty” in a TV ad. The ad poked fun at Obama because of his comments to tune up cars and inflate their tires to make the US independent of foreign oil. Browne has been a liberal all his life and thought that if his music was used in Republican ads the public might think he endorses McCain. Since 2004 he has contributed at least $ 4,300 to Obama’s coffers. After the lawsuit was filed the ORp pulled the ad. Browne is asking for around $75,000 in damages. September 22, 2008 his song "Looking East" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Joy Bryant: August 2008 she was present at the DNC in Denver.

Warren Buffett: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Ken Burns: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

LeVar Burton: He has donated at least $ 300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Candance Bushnell: She has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Nick Cannon: December 10, 2007 he hosted the Obama fundraiser the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert. February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Kate Capshaw: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Shawn Carter (Jay-Z): March 3, 2008 an audio only voice recording made by the rapper is put out asking voters to vote for Obama on the Mar 4 Ohio Democratic primaries. The rapper has said he supports Obama for president. April 2008 after the ABC debate with Hillary Clinton, in a speech a few days later, Obama used the the motion of brushing dirt off his shoulder to make a point. Most people outside of the hip-hop community missed the significance of the gesture but it quickly became controversial. In a mater of days after the controversy that a presidential candidate for the first time ever used hip-hop inspired gestures during a speech had reached a crescendo, it was learned that the gesture could be related to a song by Jay-Z called “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”. The gesture meant shaking those that hate you off or getting rid of negative energy. Obama and his campaign have said that in his iPod Obama has songs by Jay-Z…. September 5, 2008 he performed at a concert to register to vote, and vote for Obama, in Miami.

Michael Chabon: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Don Cheadle: June 24, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles and said, He’s my candidate.

John Cleese: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

George Clooney: February 2007 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles. February 2008 he said that he had been supporting Obama for a year and a half and was very excited about his campaign. August 2008 he attended the DNC in Denver. September 2, 2008 Clooney was the main attraction at an Obama fundraiser in Switzerland where around 170 US Citizens that donated $ 1,000 heard his speech. Later on that night the actor headlined at an intimate diner style Obama fundraiser where 75 donors gave $ 10,000 each for the campaign. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Glenn Close: Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Cliff Collins: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Sean “Diddy” Combs: June 24, 2008 at the BET Awards show the rapper endorsed Obama for President saying that if everyone registered to vote Obama will be the first black president in the history of America, then chanted “Obama or Die”. On August 31, 2008 Diddy posted his video blog “Diddy Obama Blog # 16: Attention John McCain” saying he does not agree with McCain as he is making crazy decisions like choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate because, Diddy said, there are no crackheads, black people and not enough crime in Alaska. He added that instead of Palin, McCain should have chosen Michelle Obama as his running mate. October 2, 2008 on his new blog "Diddy Blog # 24: Sarah Palin Scares Me!!" the singer says, well, that Palin scares him.

Watch the Diddy Blog # 24:

Watch the Diddy Obama blog # 16:

Harry Connick Jr.: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Kevin Connolly: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Courteney Cox: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Cindy Crawford: September 8, 2007 she attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. June 24, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles. She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Sheryl Crow: August 25, 2008 she performed at the DNC in Denver. September 22, 2008 her song "Out of Our heads" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Alan Cumming: August 2008 he was present at the DNC in Denver. He has donated at least $ 500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jamie Lee Curtis: September 16, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. She has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Timothy Daly: August 2008 he was present at the DNC in Denver.

Matt Damon: August 2, 2008 he gave a speech at a fundraiser supporting Obama. September 2008 in an interview the actor compared Sarah Palin’s candidacy to a bad Disney movie and would like to ask her if dinosaurs were alive 4,000 years ago. He has donated the maximum, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Anna David: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Larry David: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Geena Davis: She has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Jonathan Davis (Q-Tip): February 4, 2008 he released a statement endorsing Barack Obama.

Rosario Dawson: August 2008 she was present at the DNC in Denver.

Antar Dayal: He is part of the group Artists for Obama who donate their work to the campaign so they can raise money and grow the Obama movement. His contribution is a print titled "Yes We Can".

Ellen DeGeneres: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Robert De Niro: December 8, 2006 when asked whom he would like to see as president the actor responded Hillary or Obama, one of the two. February 4, 2008 De Niro appeared at an Obama rally. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Kate del Castillo: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Danny Devito: He has donated at least $ 2,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Leonardo DiCaprio: September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video:

Taye Diggs: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Paul Dooley: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Michael Douglas: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Fran Drescher: August 22, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Jermaine Dupri: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser.

Jesse Dylan: February 2, 2008 he worked on the pro Obama video “Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. February 29, 2008 he worked on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech given by Obama in Chicago.

Anthony Edwards: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jenny-Bea Englishman (Esthero): February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Michael Eisner: He has donated at least $ 500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Hector Elizondo: He has donated at least $ 200.00 to the Obama campaign.

Omar Epps: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jennifer Esposito: December 10, 2007 she attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser.

Melissa Etheridge: August 2008 she was in Denver for the DNC.

Linda Evans: September 8, 2007 she attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Shepard Fairey: He is part of the group Artists for Obama who donate their work to the campaign so they can raise money and grow the Obama movement. His contribution is a print titled "Change".

Vera Farmiga: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Will Ferrell: September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Milos Forman: He has donated at least $ 3,050.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jodi Foster: September 16, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. Has donated at least $ 3,300 to the Obama campaign.

Michael J. Fox: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jamie Foxx: September 8, 2007 he attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. August 22, 2008 the actor attended a fundraiser for Obama in Beverly Hills with his daughter. August 2008 he was present at the DNC in Denver. September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Jonathan Franzen: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Morgan Freeman: February 20, 2007 he attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. 2007 he endorsed Obama but will not campaign with him. Freeman says he is an actor not a politician. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jim Gaffigan: He has donated at least $ 1,250.00 to the Obama campaign.

Troy Garity: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Jeff Garlin: He has donated at least $ 250.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jennifer Garner: March 16, 2008 she and husband Ben Affleck hosted an Obama fundraiser in Boston. August 2, 2008 she gave a speech at a fundraiser supporting Obama. She has donated the maximun, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

David Geffen: February 20, 2007 along with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg they hosted a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Richard Gere: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jamie Gertz: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Thomas Gibson: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jaime Luis Gomez (Taboo): February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a he gave in Chicago.

Fred Goldring: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Cuba Gooding Jr.: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Goo Goo Dolls: December 10, 2007 they performed at the Obama fundraiser the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert.

Berry Gordy: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Lou Gossett Jr.: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Topher Grace: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Macy Gray: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Brian Grazer: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Bryan Greenberg: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Kathy Griffin: August 22, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

John Grisham: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jasmine Guy: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Luis Guzman: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Tyrese Gybson: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by the speech he gave in Chicago.

Herbie Hancock: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Tom Hanks: February 2007 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles. May 4, 2008 in a video he endorsed Obama for president. Has given money to both Hillary Clinton and Obama besides many other Democratic politicians. Has donated the maximum possible, $ 4,600, to the Obama campaign.

Scott Hansen: He is part of the group Artists for Obama who donate their work to the campaign so they can raise money and grow the Obama movement. His contribution is a print titled "Progress".

Frances E. Harper (Hill Harper): February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Ed Harris: He has donated at least $ 2,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Emmylou Harris: She has donated at least $ 2,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Mariette Hartley: She has donated at least $ 250.00 to the Obama campaign.

Teri Hatcher: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Sean Hayes: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Dennis Haysbert: September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Heart: On September 4, 2008 a ”cease-and-desist” letter was sent by singers Ann and Nancy Willson to the McCain campaign because they were using their 1970’s song “Barracuda” without their permission. The sisters added that if the McCain campaign had asked for permission it would have been denied. Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s nickname in High School was Sarah Barracuda thus the use of the song. The campaign says they have paid all necessary licenses to ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and the song is available for public performances as long as the licensing fees are paid.

Christie Hefner: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Hugh Hefner: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jonah Hill: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Cheryl Hines: She has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Dustin Hoffman: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Susanna Hoffs: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago. She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Bruce Hornsby: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Djimon Hounsou: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Josh Howard: July 2008 at the Allen Iverson charity football game said, God d**m [the] national anthem. After someone said Obama 08 the player said, Obama and all that s***t.

Ron Howard: February 20, 2007 he attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Kelly Hu: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Phil Jackson: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Randy Jackson: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Samuel L. Jackson: February 24, 2008 the actor passed up an opportunity to present an Oscar at the 2008 Academy Awards because he was going to be at an Obama rally in Texas. June 24, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles. September 3, 2008 the actor and his wife La Tanya hosted guests at their home for a fundraiser in favor of the Obama Victory Fund, Michelle Obama was the headliner.

Cheryl James (Salt): February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired a speech he gave in Chicago.

Jay Jenkins (Young Jeezy): in July 2008 he said he is the Democratic party, he does not plan to vote for McCain and supports Barack Obama. He sometimes wears the message “My President is Black” during his appearances.

Joan Jett: She has donated at least $ 250.00 to the Obama campaign.

Billy Joel: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Scalett Johannson: December 10, 2007 she attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. September 3, 2008 she attended the fundraiser given by Samuel L. Jackson and his wife in favor of the Obama Victory Fund, Michelle Obama was the headliner. She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Kevin Johnson: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Magic Johnson: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Nasir Jones (Nas): June 2008 he was the first to come out with a song about Obama’s run for the presidency titled “Black President”. On July 24, 2008 Nas said he was not endorsing Obama but does believes in Obama and that Obama is hope, change and the smartest president[ial] [candidate] he’s heard speak ever since Jimmy Carter’s time when Nas started paying attention. On the other hand, he added that Conservatives are scared of young rappers and people like him who are changing the world with their music because they do not understand them.

Spike Jonze: He has donated at least $ 2,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Michael Jordan: He has donated at least $ 2,100.00 to the Obama campaign.

Ashley Judd: August 2008 she was present at the DNC in Denver.

Casey Kasem: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jeffrey Katzenberg: February 20, 2007 along with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen they hosted a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. September 16, 2008 he was present at an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Suai Kee: September 22, 2008 her song "Am I All Alone" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Garrison Keillor: He has donated at least $ 200.00 to the Obama campaign.

Video of Keillor endorsing Obama:

David E. Kelley: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Ryan Key: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired a speech he gave in Chicago.

Alicia Keyes: June 24, 2008 at the BET Awards show said black people should erase the word can’t from their vocabulary, together we can do anything, and Obama y’all.

Margot Kidder: She has donated at least $ 500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Anthony Kiedis: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Don King: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Regina King: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Calvin Klein: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Heidi Klum: June 24, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles.

Michael Kors: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Ed Kowalczyk: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Zoe Kravitz: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Ashton Kutcher: September 27, 2008 the actor along with his wife Demi Moore spoke at an Obama Rally in Iowa State University. They called President Bush an Idiot. Take a look at the video by Bill O'Reilly from The O'Reilly Factor that aired on Fox News. September 30, 2008 he and his wife Demi Moore made a video in favor of Obama, look at the video below. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Segment from The O'Reilly Factor:

Pro Obama ad by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore:

Another Ashton/Demi video in favour of Obama:

Cedric Antonio Kyles (Cedric The Entertainer): He has donated at least $ 2,500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Don LaFontaine (1940-2008): He has donated at least $ 3,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Christine Lahti: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jim Lampley: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jessica Lange: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

John Larroquette: He has donated at least $ 1,500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Cyndi Lauper: August 2008 she was present at the DNC in Denver.

Sharon Lawrence: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Shontelle Layne (Shontelle): September 22, 2008 her song "Battle Cry" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Norman Lear: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Spike Lee: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

John Legend: 2007 in an interview he said, [Obama] is the right man for right now. November 10, 2007 he performed at an Obama rally in Iowa. February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. April 14, 2008 Legend performed a song titled “If you’re Out There” in an Obama rally at Penn State. September 22, 2008 his song "Pride In The Name Of Love" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99. He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

John Leguizamo: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Sugar Ray Leonard: June 24, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles.

Andres Levin: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Adam Levine: September 22, 2008 his colaborative song with Kanye West and Malik Yusef "Promised Land" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Matthew Lillard: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser.

Laura Linney: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

John Lithgow: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Lindsay Lohan: September 14, 2008 she said, I believe Barack Obama is the best choice, in this election, for president. September 17, 2008 it seems the Obama campaign turned down the actresses offer to host events to get younger voters to vote for Obama because of her party girl image. September 18, 2008 Lohan’s dad, Michael Lohan, commented that Obama had done the same things his daughter has done when he was young and if Obama has gotten ahead he should give others the benefit of the doubt because if he could change his life so can others.

Nia Long: August 22, 2008 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Eva Longoria Parker: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video. October 4, 2008 she was in Colorado visiting college campuses telling students to resgister and to vote for Obama.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Los Lonely Boys: September 22, 2008 their song "Make It Better" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

George Lopez: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Jennifer Lopez: August 2008 she was in Denver for the DNC.

Julia Louis-Dreyfuss: She has contributed the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Sidney Lumet: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Erick Mabius: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Seth MacFarlane: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Bernie Mack: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Tobey Maguire: September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Norman Mailer: He has donated at least $ 200.00 to the Obama campaign.

Natalie Maines: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Barry Manilow: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Taryn Manning: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Stephon Marbury: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Branford Marsalis: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Dave Matthews: August 25, 2008 he performed at the DNC in Denver.

John Mayer: September 22, 2008 his song "Waiting On The World To Change"" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroos Movemet" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet at $ 24.99.

Auden McCaw: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Benjamin McKenzie: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

John Cougar Mellencamp: February 4, 2008 the singer was annoyed that the McCain campaign was using his music at their rallies so his representatives asked the campaign to stop using his music. February 8, 2008 the McCain campaign said they will stop using Mellencamp’s music at their rallies. Mellencamp is a long-time liberal and has played at John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Wesley Clark, Howard Dean and Barack Obama rallies.

Bette Midler: She has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Omar Benson Miller: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Buddy Miller: September 22, 2008 his song "Wide River" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Demi Moore: September 27, 2008 the actress along with her husband Ashton Kutcher spoke at an Obama Rally in Iowa State University. They called President Bush an Idiot. Take a look at the video by Bill O'Reilly from The O'Reilly Factor that aired on Fox News. September 30, 2008 she and her husband Ashton Kutcher made a video in favor of Obama, look at the video below. October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Segment from The O'Reilly Factor:

Pro Obama ad by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore:

Another Ashton/Moore video in favour of Obama:

Kevin Moore (Keb' Mo'): September 22, 2008 his song "America The Beautiful" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Esai Morales: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Toni Morrison: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Rob Morrow: He has donated at least $ 500.00 to the Obama campaign.

Anson Mount: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Alonzo Mourning: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Enrique Murciano: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Eddie Murphy: February 20, 2007 he attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Seth Myers: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Jeniffer Nettles: August 25, 2008 she performed at the DNC in Denver.

Paul Newman: Has donated the maximum, $4,600, to the Obama campaign.

Randy Newman: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Craig Newmar: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Austin Nichols: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Mike Nichols: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Leonard Nimoy: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Cyntia Nixon: He has donated at least $ 1,000.00 to the Obama campaign.

Amaury Nolasco: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Edward Norton: He has donated the maximum ammount, $ 4,600.00, to the Obama campaign.

Rosie O'Donnell: She has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adelo Samuel (Seal): June 24, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles.

Eric Christian Olsen: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Frank Oz: He has donated at least $ 2,300.00 to the Obama campaign.

Ozomatli: September 22, 2008 their song "Love & Hope" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Samuel Page: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Adrianne Palicki: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Nate Parker: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Mario Van Peebles: August 22, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Kal Penn: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. October 4, 2008 he was in Colorado visiting college campuses telling students to resgister and to vote for Obama.

Harold Perrineau, Jr.: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Ryan Phillippe: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Jesse Plemons: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Sidney Poitier: September 8, 2007 he attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama.

Natalie Portman: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Dennis Quaid: June 24, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles and said, [Obama is] the Superman for everyone.

Lonnie Rashied Lynn (Common): February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Ryan Reynolds: December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser.

Giovanni Ribisi: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Alfonso Ribeiro: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Lionel Richie: September 22, 2008 his song "Eternity" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Jackson Roach: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Eric Roberts: August 22, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Chris Rock: September 8, 2007 he attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama funraiser in Beverly Hills.

Adam Rodriguez: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. October 4, 2008 he was in Colorado visiting college campuses telling students to resgister and to vote for Obama.

Freddy Rodriguez: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Tracee Ellis Ross: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Maya Rubin: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Johnathon Schaech: February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Nicole Scherzinger: December 10, 2007 she attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Richard Schiff: August 2008 he was present at the DNC in Denver.

Jill Scott: September 22, 2008 her song "One Is The Magic #" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Kyra Sedgwick: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Noah Segan: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Sarah Silverman: September 16, 2008 she attended and Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. September 2008 she made a video asking young people to travel to Florida and convince their parents to vote for Obama. October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Homer Simpson: October 2008 Homer tries to vote for Obama.

Watch Homer trying to vote HERE.

Tom Skerritt: Has donated at least $ 1,000 to the Obama campaign.

Shaffer Chimere Smith (Ne-Yo): December 10, 2007 he performed at the Obama fundraiser the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert.

Will Smith: September 8, 2007 he attended the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. August 2008 the actor was present at the DNC in Denver. Has donated the maximum, $ 4,600, to the Obama campaign.

Steven Spielberg: February 20, 2007 along with David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg they hosted a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton. September 16, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Bruce Springsteen: April 2008 the Boss endorses Obama for president in a message to his fans. October 4, 2008 he performed at an Obama "Vote for Change" registration rally at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

Ken Stacey: September 22, 2008 his song "America" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Dave Stewart: September 22, 2008 his song "American Prayer" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Ben Stiller: February 20, 2007 he attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton.

Barbara Streisand: February 2007 she attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles. July 1, 2008 the singer endorsed Obama for President. September 3, 2008 she attended the fundraiser given by Samuel L. Jackson and his wife in favor of the Obama Victory Fund, Michelle Obama was the headliner. September 16, 2008 Streisand sang at an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

Ethan Suplee: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Christine Taylor: February 20, 2007 she attended a fundraiser for Obama at the Beverly Hilton.

Charlize Theron: August 2008 she was present at the DNC in Denver.

Michelle Trachtenberg: October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Kathleen Turner: September 21, 2008 she attended a women's rally for Obama in New York.

Aisha Tyler: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. August 2008 she was present at the DNC in Denver.

Usher Raymond IV (Usher): October 1, 2008 she appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Amber Valleta: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in News Hampshire.

Kate Walsh: October 20, 2007 she attended an Obama fundraiser at Hancock Park, California. December 10, 2007 she attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire. February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago. March 29, 2008 she helped Obama campaign in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Malcolm Jamal Warner: February 29, 2008 he appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by his speech given in Chicago.

Isaiah Washington: August 21 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills. Has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Kerry Washington: February 29, 2008 she appears on the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a speech he gave in Chicago.

Dereck Watkins (Fonzworth Bentley): February 2, 2008 he appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Kanye West: September 22, 2008 his colaborative song with Malik Yusef and Adam Levine "Promised Land" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Forest Whitaker: October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video HERE.

Olivia Wilde: December 10, 2007 she attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser.

Gene Wilder: He has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

WILL.I.AM (Black Eyed Peas): December 10, 2007 he attended the Los Angeles Generation Obama Concert fundraiser. February 2, 2008 he makes a pro Obama video titled “Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.  February 29, 2008 he makes the video tribute to Obama “We are The Ones” inspired by a line from an Obama speech given in Chicago after winning 14 states in Super Tuesday. The line was, We are the ones we are waiting for. June 24, 2008 he attended an Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles. He has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaig. October 1, 2008 he appears on the "Don't Vote (5 friends)" register and vote for Obama video.

Watch the Don't Vote video:

Benjamin Winans (BeBe): September 22, 2008 his song "I Have A Dream" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Oprah Winfrey: On September 5, 2008 the Drudge Report said that the show is receiving a lot of emails asking that Sarah Palin be on. Half of the staff really wants Palin to appear but that Oprah and a couple of her people do not because it might hurt Obama. In 2007 continues the Drudge Report, conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was not allowed to go on when he was promoting his book. Later on September 5, 2008 Oprah stated to TMZ that she would love to have Palin on, after the election, as the staff had not discussed the Palin appearance and she had made the decision not have her show become a platform for candidates. Oprah has said about Obama: That would be my favorite guy, ….I know him well enough to believe in his moral authority. And that is the number one reason why I am supporting him, ..my Senator, my favorite Senator, and my choice. He appeared twice on Oprah, in January 2005 and October 2006, before she gave him her formal endorsement. On September 25, 2006 Oprah, on Larry King Live, said she hoped Obama ran for President. May 2007 Oprah formally endorses Obama for President. September 8, 2007 Oprah hosted an Obama fundraiser for 1,500 guests, each one donating $ 2,300 to his campaign. From November 2007 to February 2008 Oprah campaigned with Obama in Iowa, South Carolina, New Hampshire and in California. Many opine it was Oprah that introduced Obama to white American women and because of her active support suffered a huge backlash that continues to these days. August 2008 she was at the DNC in Denver praising Obama’s acceptance speech. September 2008 two University of Maryland economists say Oprah’s endorsement has given Obama approximately 1 million votes he would not have gotten otherwise. September 2008 she asked her viewers to support Senate bill 1738 proposed by Senator Joe Biden and endorsed by Senator Barack Obama. September 2008 Oprah again said her staff had not brought up having Sarah Palin on her show but would like to have her on after the election. She has donated at least $ 2,300 to the Obama campaign.

Steve Wonder: September 8, 2007 he performed at the fundraiser Oprah Winfrey hosted for Obama. August 28, 2008 he sang the song “Signed Sealed Delivered” at the DNC in Denver. September 22, 2008 his song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Joanne Woodward: Has donated the maximum, $ 4,600, to the Obama campaign.

Sarah Wright: February 2, 2008 she appears on the video ”Yes We Can” inspired by a speech given by Obama in New Hampshire.

Malik Yusef: September 22, 2008 his colaborative song with Kanye West and Adam Levine "Promised Land" forms part of the album "Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement" the Obama/Biden campaign is selling over the Internet for $ 24.99.

Last week, I had asked all of my students to come up with a musician (in any genre) whose stage presence they admire. The example that I had given was Dave Matthews. Mostly because I envy his moves. Man that boy can dance! However, I had asked the kids to put a great deal of thought and time into their answer (not like my made up on the spot answer). I wanted to know what they liked about the performance, and how they could bring some of it into their own playing. I got answers from all across the board. At least half are musicians that I have never heard of. Will be spending some time, listening to the radio - and hanging out on itunes - so I can get familiar.

One of my students stuck to the classical guitar realm and gave the name, Shin-ichi Fukuda. A guitarist who I know mostly from his arrangements, and not so much from his performances. I have only heard a few recordings of his. Mostly he plays music that I don't keep in my repertoire, and don't enjoy listening to - so he kind of stays beneath my radar. When I asked the kid about this artist, and what he liked about the performance. He said he liked his mystery. That he played everything so straight-laced, but then a sly little smirk would appear, or his head would move slightly - but his hands weren't let in on the joke. I think his observation is genius.

I found a video of Fukuda playing Giuliani's Grande Overture op 61. I am not a fan of Giuliani's music in the slightest.  But I did enjoy watching this performance.  The quality is not fantastic, but he brings his message across.  Enjoy!

Dave Matthews Band cerró la quinta jornada del Pepsi Music

Dave Matthews, el plato fuerte para una nueva noche de rock

Es uno de los músicos más originales e inquietantes de la escena estadounidense actual. Y un paradigma de la experimentación y la independencia. Hoy a las 21.45, en el Pepsi Music, en el Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

También se presentaron Fito Páez junto a los Killers Burritos, La Portuaria, El Bahiano y Gillespie. El festival se realiza en el club Ciudad de Buenos Aires y reúne a 160 bandas.

Dave Matthews Band (también conocidos por el acrónimo DMB) es una banda de rock y jazz rock formada en el año 1991 en Charlottesville, Virginia, por el cantante, compositor y guitarrista Dave Matthews.
Son miembros de la banda el saxofonista LeRoi Moore (ya fallecido), el bajista Stefan Lessard, el violinista Boyd Tinsley y el baterista Carter Beauford. Desde 1998 hasta mayo de 2008 la banda contó con la presencia del teclista Butch Taylor durante las presentaciones en vivo y en el año 2006 se integró el trompetista Rashawn Ross, aunque ambos músicos no están incluidos entre los miembros oficiales del grupo.
De acuerdo a la RIAA, Dave Matthews Band vendió alrededor de 31 millones de unidades solo en los Estados Unidos, lo que los coloca entre los 100 artistas más vendidos de la historia.

En noviembre de 1990 David John Matthews trabajaba como bartender en el bar Millar, de Charlottesville, lugar donde conoció al abogado Ross Hoffman, quien era dueño de un estudio de grabación. Matthews, un tanto reacio a tocar en vivo, fue convencido por Hoffman para completar algunas canciones que tenía inconclusas y grabar un demo.

En 1991, después de grabar «Recently», «The Song That Jane Likes», «I’ll Back You Up», y «The Best Of What’s Around», Dave Matthews se contactó con los músicos de jazz LeRoi Moore y Carter Beauford para grabar otro demo, ambos aceptaron la propuesta de Matthews y comenzaron a trabajar juntos en sus tiempos libres.

John D’earth, un músico local y director de la orquesta de la Universidad de Virginia que había tocado junto a Moore con anterioridad, recomendó para la banda a un joven bajista de 16 años, alumno suyo en el Tandem Friends School, colegio en el cual D’earth daba clases de música. Stefan Lessard, el joven en cuestión, aceptó colaborar en la grabación del nuevo demo.

Peter Gresier, empleado en el mismo bar que Dave, que también formaría durante algún tiempo parte de la banda, sería el siguiente en unirseles como tecladista, una vez en que el bar había quedado vacío debido a una inspección y la banda lo utilizó para practicar. La última vez que Peter estaría en un show con ellos sería en marzo de 1993. Boyd Tinsley fue el último en unirse a la banda. No contaba con mucho tiempo para ella ya que manejaba otras también. Aún así confirmó su participación al grabar junto con el resto de la banda, menos Peter, el demo. Boyd tendría tiempo completo para la DMB tan solo a mediados de 1992. Desde ahí empezarían con los trabajos más serios. Un miembro no reconocido de la banda es Butch Tylor, quien hace de tecladista, desde que Peter abandonó la banda.

El primer demo, que constaba de las canciones The Song That Jane Likes, Recently, y Triping Billies, estaría listo a principios de 1991, con la participación de todos los integrantes, excepto Peter. Boyd, sin embargo, solo participaría en Triping Billies.

Wikipedia

Twitter, I've discovered, has a sibling photo application called TwitPic that allows people to post links to photos through their tweets.  Dave is using TwitPic liberally, posting photos of what I assume are his original works of art, plus travel photos.  He also posted a photo of himself looking so redneck that I laugh every time I think about it or see it.

Here it is:

He reminds me of one of those curmudgeonly old farts who yells for the wife to get him a beer while simultaneously trying to get the grandchildren to pull his finger. After having heard him on the song "Cornbread," I think he's actually trying to achieve grumpy old man status. (And I know full well he's not that old yet. Jeebus! The guy's my age!)

Segue: Cat Power, com "Stuck in the middle with Memphis Blues again",

Ryan Adams "Isis",

o recente Dave Matthews Band ft. Ben Harper "All along the watchtower" e

Dylan com "Something", "Hallelujah" e "Yesterday".

[dailymotion id=xtk92]

Video Clip : Mother, Father

Singer : Dave Matthews

Read the entire letter here

Although she doesn't have to wait too long, as I'll be there in time for dinner.

Meanwhile, I can't remember if I told you this already, but my iPod wigged out somewhere around Ireland. Since then, I have been reduced to a crazy and highly selective mishmash of music. Of 725 songs in its memory, it chooses to play only around two dozen of them. Truthfully, I find the particular lineup mysterious. Is my iPod trying to TELL me something???

Anyway, I used to have playlists to avoid such juxtaposition as Patty Griffin's heart-breaking “Top of the World” fading into the rocking guitar intro of AC/DC's “Shook Me All Night Long”. Now such moments are common place.

There are artists I miss that my iPod has decided I didn't need to be listening to anymore – Ani DiFranco, Tom Petty, Damien Rice, Kathleen Edwards, Bob Marley. Of those it will play, I am allowed only one little taste. However, it has magically preserved some of my favorite songs like Goodnight Elisabeth by the Counting Crows, Ootischenia by The Be Good Tanyas, and Pale Moon by Shannon McNally. For those small wonders, I am grateful.

At the same time, as this short list is in regular rotation, I get plenty of chances to really hear each and every word. Again and again and again. Maybe this is just the madness talking, but it's funny to me how some of the lyrics seem really apropos to me and my life right now.

• “I was wasted in the afternoon, waiting on a train.” Granted, I'm almost never wasted in the afternoon and certainly haven't been on this solo journey, but I do wait on a lot of trains.

• “Little sad with everything around me. I hit the floor and my feet kept moving. I look forward, and never backwards. I was out the door like a Roman soldier.” (Kind of like this trip)

• “She had sightless eyes, telling me no lies, and knocking me out with those American thighs.” (kidding about that one – although climbing four and five flights of stairs with a giant backpack is good toning for the American thighs)

• “Where are you going? Where do you go? Are you looking for answers to questions under the stars?” (This is when one of my less-aware multiple personalities tunes in and is like, “What the f**k are we doing in Slovenia?”

• And from Billy Joel's Vienna, “Slow down, you're doing fine. You can't be everything you want to be before your time.” and “And you know that when the truth is told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old.” (These are the kinds of things I tell myself when I get to worrying about the future or 'should I have left my job working for the biggest dickhead in America? Except for maybe Rush Limbaugh. And Dick Cheney. And Michael Vick. And Larry Craig. And, the big kahuna, George Bush.' I don't worry as much as some people, because I'm easily distracted.)

On the other hand, maybe I'm getting all deep about these song lyrics because it's all I have to drown out the sounds of all the loud talkers. Good lord, in what twisted laboratory are they breeding these people?

I can tell you for sure that there's one in Greece. On today's train from Ljubljana to Maribor, near the Slovenia/Austria border, there were two Greek guys (according to them) who carried on so loudly that I thought maybe it was performance art. One of the guys was named “Alexandre”. I know this because the other would open every sentence by more or less screaming this and waggling a finger at him. He also gave him the 'evil eye' for like three hours. I don't know what they were discussing (it was Greek to me! Ha ha), but they seemed so furious at one another, I couldn't really fathom why they were traveling together. Thus I figured they had to be related.

Meanwhile, despite the infernal ruckus (even with my 20 songs – detailed above – playing at levels certain to damage my eardrums and render me deaf long before my time), the other thing that made these two buffoons a particular spectacle was that the primary screamer was also a big eater. A big - no HUGE - eater endowed with what seemed an endless supply of pastries and Red Bull. It was like the Mary Poppins bag. He kept reaching in, and stuff kept coming out.

Thus, he would cram an entire croissant in his mouth and then pound his fists and scream (as much as you can with a face full of dough) at the other guy. I actually took a short video of this it was so disturbing...and yet compelling. It was definitely a moment you wish you had someone there to nudge and say, “Hey, get a load of the furious primate with half a bakery spewing out of his mouth...”

Finally, a big thank you to all my friends who so kindly and generously offered to wire me money during my Bank of America ATM non-working debit card nervous breakdown. I am relieved to report that I actually spoke to a real, live human today and (theoretically – I didn't do a trial withdrawal) the problem is solved!!!

However, please make a note that my birthday is less than two weeks away – October 13^th - and don't feel shy about lavishing your beloved friend on the occasion of her birth. True, she's a little horrified about the number associated with this birthday, but such is life. Nevertheless, perhaps a little something something at the Western Union office or direct deposited into her bank account might help heal her pain? Or fund an evening drowning her pain in booze? Either way. It's all good...

Em sua turnê pelo Brasil neste 2008 já esteve em Manaus e em São Paulo e estará hoje, 30/09, no Rio de Janeiro. A julgar pelo show de São Paulo, será imperdível.

Aproveito para prestar uma homenagem a LeRoi, recentemente falecido e ex-saxofonista da banda, e para lembrar que os músicos da banda se apresentaram de preto.

Sobre a música, Dave e banda estiveram impecáveis com improvisos que são de seu costume e sem repetir set list. Os shows de Manaus e São Paulo variaram músicas e versões e o público do Rio pode esperar o mesmo. Torço para que a homenagem para o LeRoi dê certo lá. Ela está sendo organizada pela DMBrasil, um site brasileiro sobre a banda que acompanho há 7 anos, desde que ele existe.

O show foi feito em um festival de música que ainda compareceram, para citar alguns, o Ben Harper, Seu Jorge e Vanessa da Mata. O festival leva o nome de About us e foi, afora os imperdíveis shows, uma das coisas que me chamou a atenção. Já ouviu falar em evento ecologicamente sustentável?

Pois bem. Ingenuidade seria se eu acreditasse que os presentes quisessem limpar o planeta. Não queriam. Estavam todos ali para ver as bandas. Mas é que mesmo assim, pude presenciar cenas raras. Um evento com trinta e cinco mil presentes e pouquíssima sujeira no chão ao fim da festa. Quase não era possível achar uma bituca de cigarro. Organização do evento?

Sim e não. Claro que a preocupação deles com o bem estar do planeta foi determinante. Mas mais do que isto, idéias realmente simples fizeram a sujeira ser reduzida. Bituqueiras de cigarro eram gratuitamente distribuidas e feitas de materiais já reciclados. Grandes latas de lixo perto de locais imprescindíveis. E muita propaganda no telão. Em verdade, a propaganda no telão só me chamou a atenção pelo fato de que ninguém dava bola para ela. Há muito já me convenci de que se conscientização fosse suficiente, a humanidade já teria se salvado. Como assim?

Desconheço qualquer pessoa que não tenha vícios. Em absoluto. Não raro ouço que Sou viciado em pizza, I'm addicted to Simple Plan, Não consigo parar de mexer a perna, Fumar é meu vício, Não consigo parar de mentir, Não sei porque, mas café... não passo sem. E é este Não sei porque que vai me ajudar a responder a pergunta acima, Como assim, para o porque de a conscientização não salvar a humanidade.

Não sei porque sempre surge, reparem, para coisas que, mesmo que usemos a consciência, não conseguimos fazer diferente. Assim, o sujeito pode ter vários problemas sérios de estômago ou pulmão e ter sido alertado diversas vezes para parar de beber café ou fumar que ainda assim achará bons argumentos para manter-se na mesma situação anterior. Pois é, há muito Freud nos alertou de que não temos em nós mesmos o controle sobre nós. Uma maneira simples de vê-lo falar disto é ler as Cinco lições de psicanálise. Os exemplos que dou aqui são bastante simples comparados aos que ele dá nos textos, mostrando de maneira fácil que, em verdade, não nos governamos.

Não que as esperanças acabaram. E a About us me relembrou que não acabaram mesmo. Mas é que ainda teimamos que o simples conhecimento de algo nos tornará imunes a ele. Quer ver?

Frases recorrentes em minha vida de psicólogo, Você tem que se tratar, como vai conseguir tratar dos outros sendo louco, Você que sabe bem disto, não poderia agir assim, Como é que você, um psicólogo, pode pensar assim, Isto é repressão e você deveria saber disto. Para todas estas frases, duas coisas. Psicólogo não deixa de ser um humano. E o mais importante para este texto, também não sabemos porque fazemos certas coisas, justamente pelo fato de sermos humanos. Por isto, apenas saber não salva a humanidade.

Mas não temos controle sobre nós e a esperança por um mundo melhor não acabou, como ela se sustenta?

Pois é, como? Não sei. Posso arriscar que seja o amor, o trabalho, a cooperação, a arte... Esta tal esperança nos ocorre, também, fora dos limites de nossa vontade. E apesar de eu ter ouvido de todos que os vídeos sobre ecologia estavam uma chatice e todos xingarem a mocinha no palco quando falava de evento sustentável, foi um dos eventos mais limpos que já presenciei. A minha esperança veio daí. E de ver artistas de alta qualidade, como Dave Matthews Band e Ben Harper, tocando nossos corações com músicas da mais alta qualidade. E de ver trinta e cinco mil pessoas em favor de se divertir sem, pelo menos que eu tenha visto, nenhuma briga.

E a sua, vem de onde?

So as a consolation to the friend who issued the challenge (who just had a birthday, so I need to do something special), I'm going to try my Nick Hornby High Fidelity best to make a Top Ten Songs I'm Obsessed With Right This Minute--the songs that, for whatever reason, I just can't stop listening to this week (and I'm only giving the downloads to her, so the rest of you will have to go out and find these gems on your own).

10.  "Impossible Germany"--Wilco (Album: Sky Blue Sky) 

I have no idea why I love this song so much. All I know is that when I listen to it, I'm in a good mood. And some days, that's really all I need to know. But I also know that this song has some amazing guitar work, and some days, that's all I really need to know as well.

I'm a relative late-comer to Wilco, although I've been aware of them since they were formed in the mid-'90s from the ashes of Uncle Tupelo. And frontman Jeff Tweedy and I grew up in towns that are an hour apart and have a teeny-tiny, so-infinitesimally-small-that-it-doesn't-really-exist connection to each other that's a long story for another post. Anyway, Wilco = awesome, and I'm glad I finally came around to them.

9.    "Euro-Trash Girl"--Cracker (Album: Kerosene Hat)

I'd forgotten that this song even existed until a friend (the other friend who was dared to put together a Top Ten of All Time list, actually) reminded me. I think I heard this song on the radio so much in 1993 that once its popularity faded away, my memories of it faded as well. But I probably appreciate "Euro-Trash Girl" even more now than I did then. I don't know if that says something about the song or something about me.

"Euro-Trash Girl", about what sounds like the craziest European backpacking trip ever, is just awesome from start to finish. Personal highlights for me are the guitar solo (listen at about 5:40) and the lines "Called my mom from a pay phone/Said I'm down to my last/She said "I sent you to college"/"Now go call your dad." Just terrific.

8.   "All I Need"--Radiohead (album: In Rainbows)

I've waxed enthusiastic about In Rainbows before, and I still can't stop listening to it. In fact, it's nearly impossible for me to choose a favorite song from this disk because it's practically flawless from start to finish. But today, "All I Need" is the winner. Today. Tomorrow, something else perhaps. 

"All I Need" is one of those songs that I put in the category of "Songs You Think Are Gonna Be Love Songs But Turn Out to Be Something Very, Very Different" (the two best songs in this category being The Police's "Every Breath You Take" and Elvis Costello's "I Want You"). "All I Need" is a beautifully sad song that builds to an even more beautiful, crashing climax. And I'm a sucker for a beautiful, crashing climax.

7.    "Train in Vain"--The Clash (album: London Calling)

Perhaps one of the most upbeat songs ever written about getting dissed by someone you love, "Train in Vain" is one of the songs on this list that would probably make my all-time Top Ten list. I've loved this song since I was a kid, and I love it so much that I even gave it a role in my first-novel-that-will-probably-never-exist-anywhere-other-than-my-computer's-hard-drive.

One thing in particular that I love about this song is that the drum beat actually sounds like a train chugging down the tracks, and I just think that's cool. And the drum track is the backing loop to another song I was obsessed with for a time--Garbage's "Stupid Girl" (a song I was obsessed with for reasons that should be obvious, given the title). And I think that's cool, too.

6.   "On Your Side"--Pete Yorn (album: musicforthemorningafter)

For me, trying to choose a favorite Pete Yorn song is like trying to choose between my favorite kinds of ice cream--it just sort of depends on what I'm in the mood for at the time. But "On Your Side" is a song I always come back to.

Some songs evoke memories or landscapes, and "On Your Side" always evokes clouds and rain for me because the first time I heard this song was on a rainy day. I can listen to this song when the sun is out, but somehow the song doesn't have the same effect on me (and I can listen to the live version of this song at almost any time and not be moved in quite the same way as I am when I hear the recorded version-weird).

5.    "Two Step"--Dave Matthews Band w/Tim Reynolds and Bela Fleck (Worcester's Centrum Center, Worcester, MA, December 7, 1998)

Please--you knew I wasn't going to get through this list without including at least a few DMB songs, right?

If I showed up at a DMB show and found out that they would be playing the same song over and over for three hours, I would vote for "Two Step." And if I could go back in time to witness one version of this song, I would vote for this version.

This "Two Step" is so good I hardly know where to start. I love the fact that the mix is such that you can hear the crowd singing along. And a definite highlight of this sixteen-minute-plus behemoth is the guitar/banjo duel between Tim Reynolds and Bela Fleck that begins at about the 7:30 mark.

But if you're in a rush and can't listen to the entire song, then listen to about the last six minutes or so. I can't even begin to know how to describe them--they just fall into that category of ineffable music moments that have to be experienced to be understood. I'll just say that the first time I listened to this version of "Two Step," I thought those last six minutes were going to take my head clean off, they're that good. And then at the end, Dave just calmly says "Thank you very much" as if he has no idea that he and his band and his guests have just totally fucked everyone up.

4.    "The Grudge"--Tool (album: Lateralus)

Man, I love me some Tool. And I want to emphasize that "The Grudge" is currently my favorite Tool song, which is sort of like saying that "My second child is currently my favorite child." Because all of Tool's angry little children are good, but the "The Grudge" is the one that's showing up the most on my iPod at the present moment.

This song, which opens Lateralus, is so musically and lyrically phenomenal that most of the time I forget that there are twelve other songs on this album (And what songs! "Schism." "Parabola." "Ticks and Leeches." This album is just a freaking beast.). And if you've ever held a grudge against someone, the kind of grudge that slowly eats you alive, you'll be convinced that Maynard James Keenan is looking into your soul.

3.    "It's a Lie"--Fiction Plane (album: Left Side of the Brain)

Fiction Plane is one of those bands that was pretty much screwed from the beginning, because even though they started out as a four-piece band, they eventually evolved into a three-piece and lead singer/guitarist Joe Sumner assumed the role of lead singer/bassist. While their mere evolution wouldn't be enough in and of itself to doom a band, in this case, Joe Sumner is the son of Gordon Sumner, aka Sting, who was also the lead singer/bassist of a little band that you may have heard of. I don't know if Joe's familial connections are what's keeping Fiction Plane from reaching critical mass or not, but I'm guessing that some people can't get past the relationship. Plus, Joe Sumner happens to look and sound a lot like Sting (Some people don't agree with me on this. These people are wrong.), which probably doesn't help matters much.

I'll be honest--part of the reason I like "It's a Lie" is that it's a bit filthy. Sample lyrics: "Wish I could tell you I'm a better guy/That love is all around/And only real men cry/But all I wanna do is jump your bones/Slam dance all night to the music of your moans. So we're not exactly in "Every Breath You Take" territory here. Actually, I can think of a few relationships I had back in the '90s that would have gone a lot better had the guys in question gotten the previous sentiments out on the table right when we first met--stories that are perhaps best left for another time.

And whether or not he sounds like Sting, I have to admire Joe Sumner's use of "jump your bones" in a song released in 2007. I don't think I've heard that phrase since college, and I'm assuming all parties involved were very, very drunk at the time. 

2.    "American Baby Intro"--Dave Matthews Band (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte, NC, September 19, 2007)

I hate to be one of those DMB fans who always says stuff like "Dude, you so had to be there to appreciate this version of the song." But, Dude, you kind of had to be there to appreciate this version of "American Baby Intro." And I was.

"American Baby Intro" is a neat little summation of what people both like and hate about DMB. The song has almost no lyrics (She said a hundred times/She said a thousand times/Yeah...) and is rarely followed live by the song that it is an introduction to. And this particular version of the song was the longest ever played at that time (nearly twelve minutes), while the version of the song on Stand Up clocks in at just over two minutes--so, yes, they jammed it out to nearly six times its original length. The song, on its face, is so worthless that even some of the DMB hardcore can't stand to hear it live.

But on this particular night in Charlotte, "ABI" was the first song of the encore to one of the best concerts I'd ever seen, hands down. I have a theory that if early on in the show, you can see Dave, Boyd, and Carter looking at each other like they want to rip each other to shreds, then you're in for an intense DMB experience. And on this night, the three of them kept exchanging looks that clearly said, to me, anyway, "Bring it, motherfucker." The show was wall-to-wall intense, with a setlist to match (seriously, add in "#41" and "Grey Street" and I probably would have peed myself right there in front of everyone). By the time "ABI" came around, the band was on fire and so was the crowd.

This "ABI" rises and then slows, and then rises and slows again (thus making it the perfect workout song--I'm just saying). The first rise culminates in a heavy metal scream from Dave (at about 3:27) that was truly one of the most bizarre things I'd ever seen (his mouth was open so wide that I thought his jaw was going to unhinge and then swing around and swallow the rest of his head--that's the only way I know how to describe it). And by the time the second rise climaxed, I felt as though my feet had left the ground several times, carried on the swirl of the music. This occasion was the only time that I can recall feeling literally lifted by music, and I was exhausted by the end of the song. The only thing that even comes close to ruining this version of "ABI" for me is the guy on the tape who keeps yelling "#41!" the whole time. I truly hope someone punched him in the face, because that's what I would have done had he been sitting anywhere in my vicinity.

So I fully expect that almost no one will get my love for this version of this particular song unless they were in Charlotte that night (and the friend who dared me to put together my all-time Top Ten was, so the song has nice memories on another level as well). I can only hope my description has done the atmosphere that night just a little bit of justice.

1.    "Loving Wings"--Dave Matthews Band (Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga, NY, August 27, 2003)

This song is really two songs in one. The first four minutes is a beautiful little love song with a hypnotic little guitar part repeating in the background. The next five minutes, however, build into an amazing instrumental jam featuring drummer Carter Beauford and late saxophonist LeRoi Moore at their absolute best (and I can't help but feel a little pain when hearing this song, knowing that Roi will never play it again). "Loving Wings" is one of those songs that makes me appreciate the amazing level of musicianship in this band.

Unfortunately, this song has never been recorded, so the only versions are from live shows. Which means that no version of this song exists that doesn't have thousands of drunk people in the background screaming "Wooo!" and "I love you, Dave!"  Try to block that out and enjoy the ride that is "Loving Wings."

Bonus Track (because every good playlist deserves a bonus track): "Spilt Needles"--The Shins (album:Wincing the Night Away)

This song has many memorable lines, but my favorites are: It's like I'm perched on the the handlebars/Of a blind man's bike. I swear I feel this way at least once a day, but no one has ever quite put that feeling into words so eloquently.

The stars were chosen because they have either been recently in the news or were run across in my non-scientific Internet search. A short explanation is given about some of their comments or actions in favor of Obama but please take it with a large grain of salt as it is in no way complete. In case someone asks, of course there are a small number of stars that support the John McCain / Sarah Palin ticket like Sylvester Stallone, John Voight, Ted Nugent and