It’s the fifth episode of a six-part miniseries that examines the books, movies, music, comics, and other popular culture that directly addresses or is about the attacks of September 11, 2001. In this episode, I look at music, covering the music that was popular on the charts in September 2001, songs that had a resurgence because of the patriotism following 9/11, the infamous Clear Channel “don’t play” list, and songs written in response to 9/11. These include pieces by Alan Jackson, Tori Amos, the Beastie Boys, and a lengthy review of Bruce Springsteen’s album The Rising.
A quick content warning: Though these events are now 20 years in the past, they are still traumatizing to many, and I also discuss some of my personal feelings and views, so listener discretion is advised.
Finally, I will be including a feedback section in the sixth episode of the series, and would love to hear what you think, so leave comments on the Pop Culture Affidavit Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or email me at popcultureaffidavit@gmail.com.
The deadline for feedback will be Tuesday, September 7, 2021 if you want it read on the sixth episode.
Here’s where to listen:
Apple Podcasts: Pop Culture Affidavit
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Some extras for you …
The Billboard Hot 100 for 9/7/2001 and 9/14/2001, the charts immediate preceding and following the attacks.
The Wikipedia page for the Clear Channel memorandum, which includes the complete list of songs.
Whitney Houston’s performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV:
Lee Greenwood, “God Bless the U.S.A.”:
Jeff Buckely’s cover of “Hallelujah”:
Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”
Paul McCartney’s “Freedom”
Tori Amos, “I Can’t See New York”
Beatie Boys, “An Open Letter to NYC”
A 2016 post I wrote about “The Rising”
Bruce Springsteen performing “The Rising” at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards
Bruce Springsteen’s album The Rising on Spotify:
Pop Culture Affidavit 