I don’t think there is a single album more important to society today than Chords of Fame. Phil Ochs’ topical songs, such as I Ain’t Marching Anymore and Love Me, I’m a Liberal preach about disillusionment within the working class in a government that has long since stopped caring about the needs of its people. As we approach a similar state in the 21st century, the songs that Phil Ochs wrote are especially potent. Although his issues were centered around Vietnam, Richard Nixon, and socialist movements of the 60s, there are many parallels that can be drawn to modern day America, and inspire some hope within me that we can work together to fight it. 

I believe that if there is an afterlife, Phil Ochs is looking down at us, laughing at how much worse things have gotten since he left the world. So many people ignored his messages, and now this is the situation we’ve gotten ourselves in. However, if you feel the need for some inspiration to stand up, Chords of Fame is a great place to start.