Usually, an album is a collection of songs by one artist or band; there will be a connective vibe, such as a story, or signature sound that runs through everything, a definable quality or sonic sentiment that acts as the glue. But Big Hopes of Mid-America Vol 1. comes from a different place; it is less about the songs themselves telling the story here, and more about why the album exists in the first place, which is key.
When any community feels the force of oppression bearing down on it, its response is to circle the wagons, link arms, stand firm, and to, as John Lennon put it…come together, which is exactly what the cities and communities of Minnesota have been forced to do for well over a year now, incredibly in the face of threatening forces sent by their own government. Their fights and frustrations have been well documented through the media, and this album is the soundtrack to that struggle.
The album’s tag line is “ a compilation of protest songs and music of dissent created by Minnesota artists determined to turn frustration into action — and community into momentum.” And of course, the most important aspect of this musical project is that action, that momentum that has been instigated, the sense of support, community, compassion, altruism, and respect that lies between every note, every beat, every word found here.
With thirty tracks, it would be pointless to talk about every song. I’m sure that the artists themselves would agree that this is an album more about why it exists than what it sounds like, and we should salute everyone involved, but here are a few of the selections found on the aptly named Big Hopes of Mid-America Vol 1.
“Meric’” kicks things off with Dumptruck’s blend of country kick and low-slung Petty-esque rock and roll, and by the time we get to The Heavy Sixers and “Long Way To Go” we seem to be locked into a 60-infused, psychedelic fever dream.
“God Damn The Man” from Parishes is a blend of blues, beat, trippiness, and space, and the title says it all; its groove erring on the primal and ritualistic thanks to those hypnotic, relentless, beguiling drums. Mary Strand joins Mark Wade for “Ditch Your Faith,” a song about finding the you that you want to be, not just personally but as a collective force, a call to be welcoming, open, understanding, and maybe a better world builds itself around you; travel, open your eyes, look around you, and bring those new experiences back home and let them take root. Let go of the past, build your own new future.
And if “Burning Bridges” isn’t the sound of “Amerikan Junk” reigniting the torch, both sonically and spiritually, that MC5 helped carry fifty years ago and only a couple of states along, then I don’t know what is.
As I said, there was no way I could review even a fraction of the great music found here, but that was never the point. I think the point is that if you have read this far, of what turned out to be a longer-than-expected write-up, Big Hopes of Mid-America Vol 1., is definitely something you need to buy.
It’s the sound of artistry and altruism, community and creativity, and collaboration all working in perfect harmony.
