30 Day Song Challenge - Day 15

A song you like that's a cover by another artist.

Leon Rosselson is an amazing songwriter but he can't sing for shit. Thankfully, Dick Gaughan can sing and his version of Rosselson's 'Stand Up For Judas' is brilliant:

If I was in London right now . . .

. . . I'd be attending this meeting:

Talk on Politics & Song

Wednesday, November 10

Time: 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Location: Housmans Bookshop

5 Caledonian Road - Kings Cross

"Starting out writing satirical comedy songs for BBC’s ‘That Was the Week That Was’, Leon Rosselson has branched into different music genres and experimented with multiple influences.

His songs are loved by many, his innumerable fans include Billy Bragg and Dick Gaughan, who have both recorded his most famous song, ‘The World Turned Upside Down’. Described by Record Collector magazine as defining the ‘power, musical eloquence and history of politicised song’, his songs seek to challenge received opinion.

Both as a singer and demonstrator, Leon Rosselson has inspired many to the political cause. An internationalist, he believes in the fight for justice, equality, and civil liberties, seen in his biting ‘Ballad of a Spycatcher’, ridiculing the Thatcher government’s censorship of the book. One of his most recent albums, ‘The Last Chance’ donates all proceeds to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Leon Rosselson discusses his politics and music at Housmans, and will make a brief performance of some of his songs."

Rosselson's voice is an acquired taste but he's got to be one of the political songwriters of the past forty years. If you've not heard his material, YouTube Dick Gaughan singing Rosselson's songs for a real treat.

Here's one to be going on with: