Singer/songwriter James McMurtry is once again making a political statement through his music. On his new song “Cheney’s Toy”, McMurtry picks up where he left off with his controversial anthem “We Can’t Make it Here.” “Cheney’s Toy” reminds us that the war in Iraq is still going on — with veiled references to Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib and the stark image of a soldier who returned from the conflict, blind and brain damaged.
In order to make sure people get the message, McMurtry is giving away the song for free on February 4 exclusively through eMusic’s Daily Download. On the Super Tuesday primary day (February 5) fans will be able to download the mp3 from McMurtry’s MySpace page and Lightning Rod Records’ website (links below).
McMurtry and Lightning Rod Records are encouraging fans to use the free mp3 to create their own videos and post them online. McMurtry will choose the best videos and post them on his official MySpace page and website. If needed, fans can create videos using slideshow applications at RockYou.com. Creators of each of the top five video creators will receive t-shirts and autographed copies of McMurtry’s new album, Just Us Kids (in stores April 15, 2008). McMurtry’s choice for the best overall video will also receive an 8 Gb Apple iPod nano with video capabilities. Fans can send links to their videos to [email protected].
“We Can’t Make it Here” reverberated wildly across the internet and the airwaves, igniting a grassroots firestorm that has brought legions of new fans to the singer/songwriter’s work. Fan-made videos of “We Can’t Make It Here” have been viewed more than 170,000 times on YouTube.
Cheney’s Toy” at eMusic: http://www.emusic.com/album/11149/11149934.html
James McMurtry’s MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/jamesmcmurtry
