Originally formed in 1997 for Easy Star Records’ first recordings, the All-Stars primarily existed as a studio entity until releasing Dub Side of the Moon. The success of that album led to the formation of a touring version of the collective. The core of the touring line-up has remained relatively intact, including Ras Iray (bass/vocals), Junior Jazz (guitar/vocals), Ive-09 (drums) and Jeremy Mage (keyboards) in the rhythm section. Tamar-kali and Menny More provide additional lead and backing vocals, while the group is filled out by the Chronic Horns (Jennifer Hill on saxophone & flute and Buford O’Sullivan on trombone). The band is always mixed live by a dub engineer, usually Marcos Ferrari or Jocko Randall (of John Brown’s Body). Other members of the musical collective, such as Victor Rice (Victor Rice Octet, Version City All-Stars and bassist on Dub Side of the Moon), reggae legend Ranking Joe, trumpet player Pam Fleming (of the Burning Brass), singers Kirsty Rock (of Trumystic) and Stephanie McKay, Groove Collective’s Jay Rodriguez, Antibalas’s Stuart Bogie, John Brown Body’s Josh Driscoll, and even Ticklah and Michael G join the All-Stars on specific gigs, adding their abilities to the already talented ensemble.
The Easy Star All-Stars—in any combination of members—have been a resounding success. The band has played at numerous major festivals or headlined their own shows in the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Chile, Poland, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina, Israel, Croatia, Ireland, Egypt, Brazil, and beyond.
As individuals, the band’s vocalists and instrumentalists have toured and recorded with Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Gil Scott-Heron, The Toasters, The Meditations, Bernie Worrell, DJ Logic, MC Solaar, King Django, Antibalas, The Scofflaws, Diana King, Dennis Brown, Monty Alexander, Sister Carol, and many others. Each of these musicians gets a chance to shine in the typical Easy Star set, whether it is through soloing, composing, or singing, or simply through playing an essential part in this tight-knit collective. Each line-up may result in slightly different sounds for this unique reggae band, but regardless of who plays, the one thing that never changes is that the Easy Star All-Stars deliver a fun, exciting, and different show every time out.
Electioneering
Easy Star All-Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say the right things when electioneering
I trust I can rely on your vote
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
[Incomprehensible]
Riot shields, voodoo economics, yes
It's just business, cattle prods and the I.M.F.
I trust I can rely on your vote rockas
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
Rockas
The song "Electioneering" by Easy Star All-Stars talks about the common practices of politicians during their election campaigns. The lines "Say the right things when electioneering, I trust I can rely on your vote" indicate that the politicians are willing to say anything to get elected and they expect the voters to be swayed by their words. The line "I will stop for nothing" shows the unscrupulous nature of politicians who would do anything to win an election.
The verses talk about different aspects of an election campaign such as using riot shields, voodoo economics, and business tactics to sway the electorate. The line "cattle prods and the IMF" indicates that even international organizations have a role to play in electioneering. The use of "rockas" at the end can be seen as a sarcastic comment on the way politicians use popular music to appeal to the youth vote.
The chorus presents a contrasting image of the politicians and the voters going in opposite directions but still meeting somewhere. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the fact that politicians and voters may have different goals and objectives, but they still have to interact and coexist in the same society.
Line by Line Meaning
I will stop, see I will stop for nothing
I will not let anything or anyone stop me from achieving my goals, even if it means going against my morals.
Say the right things when electioneering
I will manipulate and fake my way through political campaigns by carefully choosing my words and convincing people to vote for me.
I trust I can rely on your vote
I am confident that you will vote for me and help me win this election, no matter what it takes.
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
I am determined to move forward with my agenda, even if it means others have to suffer or take a step back. Eventually, we will see the consequences of these actions.
[Incomprehensible]
This line is intentionally unclear or muffled to convey the idea that politics can be confusing or disorienting.
Riot shields, voodoo economics, yes
It's just business, cattle prods and the I.M.F.
I am willing to use extreme force or manipulate economic systems to get what I want. To me, it's all just business and I will do whatever it takes to stay in power.
I trust I can rely on your vote rockas
I am repeating my confidence in your vote, but the addition of 'rockas' at the end implies a laid-back or casual attitude towards politics, as if it doesn't really matter.
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
When I go forward you go backward
Somewhere we will meet
Rockas
This repeated chorus emphasizes the idea that all actions have consequences, and that eventually, even those who have been pushed aside or wronged will meet those who caused the harm. The addition of 'rockas' again implies a disregard for the weight of these actions.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matt
This coming out actually made me go back and revisit listening to Radiohead again which in turn made me enjoy this more. You can't lose.
Probably one of my favourite albums, definitely some of my fave covers.
Bromar Vids
Always thought paranoid Android and climbing up the walls were my fav covers of this album, but this is so sick! I mean airbag, let down and karma police are also sick. It's just awesome.
TUFF GONG GB
SOULJAH ROCKER
roger waters
Agreed
Tyler Flowers
Easy Star All Stars- turning decent music into amazing music!
EpiRooT
It rocks, great cover , 5 star material.
Ray Dio
Prolly one of the best Radiohead covers in the universe!
Cristopher martinez hernandez
epic álbum ❤
Michelle Ceballos
definitivamente es mi album favorito de easy
Sha Sha
I don't think there can ever be an album classed as "one of the best ever" without someone thinking it's overrated