A bit punchy, are we? Or punch drunk?

Okay, I didn’t pick this months selections. But as folks have told me when I mentioned this month’s topic to them, this is “definitely a theme chosen by a guy.”

Yup, there’s testosterone all over this theme, and I’ve tried to find truly angry stuff in my collection.

And there isn’t much, at first glance. But I knuckled down and found these for your perusal. And yes, there’s one angry chick in the mix (a word of warning: said track is extremely explicit - you’ve been warned).

1. “Run Like Hell” - Roger Waters (from The Wall: Live In Berlin 1990)
   This song is straightforward: a general, egging on his followers to get with the program or run for their own survival. I chose this version because Waters really pours himself into the verses, which were traditionally a two-vocalist setup with Pink Floyd (even the Gilmour-led Floyd had Dave singing this part with Guy Pratt, Waters’ replacement on bass).
2. “Angry” - Paul McCartney (from Press To Play)
   Yup - Paul is rip rarin’ mad in this song, which is a bit of a departure for him. Where his earlier songs of distress - “I’m Looking Through You” being the classic one - were a bit more obtuse, this one is direct: he’s angry at you and ready to take it to the ring.
3. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” - Elton John (from Greatest Hits or Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road)
   The title says it all, really.
4. “I Will Not Go Quietly” - Don Henley (from The End Of The Innocence)
   Don Henley is known for being passionate about his causes (e.g. the preservation of Walden Pond and its surrounding woods), and this song clearly states that he will not stand down. Note the harmonies from the then-hot Axl Rose.
5. “Natalie’s Rap” - The Lonely Island (feat. Natalie Portman) (from Incredibad)
   This is the song I warned about. Originally aired on Saturday Night Live, the “interview” in this song is performed by former SNL cast member, Chris Parnell, while the rapping and singing are handled by Natalie Portman and Andy Samberg. It’s definitely not what you expect to hear from Ms. Portman (namely, that she’s a violent woman), and this version lacks the censors’ handiwork. Like I said: you’ve been warned.
6. “Run For Your Life” - Cowboy Junkies (from This Bird Has Flown: A 40th Anniversary Tribute To The Beatles’ Rubber Soul)
   One of John Lennon’s more misogynist and overtly disturbing songs, Cowboy Junkies slow it down, change the sexes of both protagonist and antagonist, and in the process make it a far more disturbing outing. You feel a bit creeped out by Margo Timmins’ vocals by the end.
7. “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love & Understanding” - Elvis Costello & The Attractions (from Armed Forces)
   This song is a response to the others: can’t we all just get along?

Download: “Run Like Hell” - Roger Waters (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: “Angry” - Paul McCartney (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” - Elton John (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: “I Will Not Go Quietly” - Don Henley (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: “Natalie’s Rap” - The Lonely Island (feat. Natalie Portman) (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: “Run For Your Life” - Cowboy Junkies (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love & Understanding” - Elvis Costello & the Attractions (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)