A perfect playlist for your Fourth of July

Independence Day doesn’t always have to mean the music of “The 1812 Overture” blasting over an exploding sky or sitting through a selection of old-timey marching band tunes. Instead of those old standbys, here’s a playlist for your Fourth of July party that sums up the good, the bad and the glory of our country.

“Living In America” by James Brown

South Carolina’s own Hardest Working Man in Show Business kicks off your Independence Day playlist with a blast of brass, funk and gospel-style shouts exhorting the band. A massive comeback hit for James Brown in 1985, “Living In America” peaked at #4 on the pop charts. It’s a celebration of the country from coast to coast with enough Southern grit to keep away the kitsch.

“American Idiot” by Green Day

Green Day’s 2004 hit “American Idiot” is a great second track, with a brisk punk-pop beat, an irresistible melody and loud guitars. It can also serve as a great bit of nostalgia for a time when we all thought American politics were as bad as they were ever going to get.

“Rockin’ In The Free World” by Neil Young

Since we’ve cranked the amps, why not let a Canadian plug in and hit us with a dose of reality? One of Young’s most ferocious rockers (and perhaps his most basic), the song is a broad overview of America in the late ’80s, including portraits of drug abuse, homelessness and environmental ruin. It’s a sobering song that somehow still feels like an anthem thanks to a snarling riff and Young’s soaring chorus.

“Born In The USA” by Bruce Springsteen

Speaking of songs that sound more patriotic than they are, Springsteen’s gigantic 1984 hit is up next on the playlist. The booming drums and unforgettable keyboard riff have made this song a beloved classic. But one wonders if his lyrics about a veteran with PTSD and no prospects STILL don’t get the attention they deserve, even after 40 years.

“Banned In The USA” by 2 Live Crew

Speaking of Springsteen’s ’s keyboard riff, here’s a quick 1990 reminder of the power of the First Amendment. Springsteen let the Florida rap group 2 Live Crew use his music to protest a Florida ban of the group’s X-rated rap, a ban that was soon ruled unconstitutional. It’s a surprisingly effective bit of activism for people who typically rapped about nice butts, and leader Luther Campbell’s scorched-earth monologue about the First Amendment is genuinely stirring.

“Fight The Power” by Public Enemy

For better or worse, Americans sure do love extending a middle finger to people trying to cramp our style. Or in the case of hip-hop icons Public Enemy, flipping that finger to the oppression and racism in the American system. This is a call to arms, an eff-you for the ages and a killer dance track all in one, it’s probably Public Enemy’s single greatest moment.

“Fourth Of July” by The Blasters

Let’s move to some dark-hued roots-rock courtesy of the California band The Blasters. Songwriter and guitarist Dave Alvin wrote a heartbreaking song for his brother Phil to sing. It’s about a couple on the edge of ending their relationship. They’re so engrossed in their fight that they don’t even know it’s the Fourth of July until some Mexican kids start shooting off fireworks. Outside his apartment, the protagonist sits on the steps, smoking a cigarette alone, wondering where it all went wrong as the sky lights up.

“Heartland” by Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson

Spare a thought for America’s farmers as fireworks time gets closer. Listen to Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson battle over who’s more grizzled on this 1993 tribute to struggling farmers across the country. Dylan and Nelson co-wrote the song, and it solidified their longtime commitment to the annual Farm Aid benefit concert.

And for when the fireworks start:

“The Star-Spangled Banner” by Jimi Hendrix

At around 9 a.m. on Aug. 8, 1969, Hendrix stood on an outdoor stage in Woodstock, N.Y., in front of about 25,000 hippies. He was the last act on the Woodstock festival schedule, the headliner, and production delays had pushed his show from Sunday night to Monday morning. All that Hendrix, an Army veteran, did with that sloppy setup was unleash perhaps the most violent, graceful, searing and sincere version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with just him and a blazing electric guitar.

The Star-Spangled Banner” by Marvin Gaye

On Feb. 13, 1983, Marvin Gaye stood center court at the Forum in Los Angeles before the NBA All-Star Game. With impeccable style and grace, Gaye dove into our national anthem. Over skeletal electronic percussion, his interpretation went from the battlefield to the club to the church in just a few minutes, capped off with a lilting “home of the brave” that brought the crowd to its feet.