ALAN EISENSTOCK’S PLAYLIST: Conspiracy Theory Songs

Editor’s note: When Palisadian Alan Eisenstock is not researching and writing one of his nonfiction books (18 thus far!), he pursues what he calls “a crazy labor of love side project” that he started in mid-March: sending a weekly Covid-themed playlist of songs to his family and friends. These playlists (which can be downloaded on Spotify CLICK HERE span rock ‘n’ roll and pop music from the 1950s to 2020, and Eisenstock adds one or two lines of commentary about each song that is clever, amusing and informative.)

Hi, Everyone,

They believed, “Covid is a hoax,” “Very fine people on both sides,” “We won the election in a landslide.” Then, after these domestic terrorists attacked the U.S. Capitol, he told them, “Go home. We love you. You’re very special.” Who are they? Among others, many conspiracy-theory believers. What to do? Idea! Here are 21 “conspiracy theory” songs. Listen up!

“What a Fool Believes” The Doobie Brothers. #1 hit from 1978 written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. On January 6 that title came alive in images I’ll never forget.
“I’m A Believer” The Monkees. TV stars and rock megastars. Neil Diamond wrote this hit in 1966. The mother of Monkee Michael Nesmith invented Liquid Paper.
“You Make My Dreams (Come True)” Daryl Hall & John Oates. Super pop duo from Philly. Daryl sang lead on most of the songs, John played electric guitar and sang backup. This 1981 title could be a rallying cry for the T***p base.
“Fake Empire” The National. My favorite band. I LOVE this song from their seminal 2007 album Boxer. “We’re half-awake in a fake empire.”
“Goin’ Out of My Head” Little Anthony & The Imperials. R&B faves from Brooklyn sing this 1964 hit written by Teddy Randazzo and Bobby Weinstein. Describes love affair with T***p and his rabid followers.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” Journey. 1981 hit by this San Francisco progressive rock band with lead vocals by Steve Perry. “Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard…” They were massed outside the Capitol and then the WH cops said, “Okay, come on in.” I once went to the Capitol to lobby and practically got strip-searched.
“I’m Not the Only One” Sam Smith. Megastar Brit singer/songwriter. No, Sam, you’re not the only one. Seventy-five million people voted for this guy. LOVE this song.
“God Only Knows” The Beach Boys. From the definitive 1966 Beach Boys’ album Pet Sounds. Known for lush harmonies, baroque style, written by Brian Wilson and Tony Wilson. “God knows what I’d be without you.”
“Believe” Mumford and Sons. Brit Marcus Mumford et al formed this folk band in London. This was the single from their 2015 album Wilder Mind. Serious question:Believe in what?
“Hero” Family of The Year. L.A. indie band. This 2012 smash was written by Joe Keefe and featured in Richard Linklater’s tremendous film Boyhood. No explaining why T***p is a hero to anyone.
“Just My Imagination” (Running Away With Me)” The Temptations. Great song from 1971 written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong with Eddie Kendricks singing lead. Removal from office now. Being led out of the Oval in handcuffs. An orange jumpsuit matching his orange hair. Sorry. It’s just my imagination running away with me.
“Creep” Radiohead. Great English alternative rock band led by Thom Yorke. My son introduced me to them. We saw them in person at the Hollywood Bowl, one of the greatest live concerts ever. The title is self-explanatory.
“Everybody Knows” Leonard Cohen. LC’s 1988 song is typically dark and pessimistic. “Everybody knows the dice are loaded…everybody knows the good guys lost.” Sorry. My mood.
“Lyin’ Eyes” Eagles. LOVE this 1975 Don Henley-Glenn Frey song with Glenn singing lead. As of now, DT has told more than 30,000 lies, averaging 50 a day. Got to have one song about lying.
“The Sound of Silence” Simon and Garfunkel. Folk music icons’ first big hit from 1965. Until this week, this is what we heard from Republicans. Nowthey’re starting to see a problem? Great. That’s like saying, “We’re down by thirty with a minute left. I got a feeling we might lose.”
“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Canadian rock band from Winnipeg. Randy Bachman, former member of the Guess Who, left that band to join his brother and–I’m guessing–a guy named Turner. Big hit from 1974 and the title describes my biggest fear.
“The Joker” Steve Miller Band. Love this 1973 hit from the San Fran rock/blues and sometimes psychedelic band. Boz Scaggs was an early member. Not thinking “Joker” as in ha ha funny. Thinking “Joker” as portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in the movie that I could see inciting violence.
“Maybe I’m Amazed” Paul McCartney. Great Paul song from 1970. “Who didn’t see this coming?” I keep hearing and reading that and I have to answer, “Me.” I guess I should’ve read more conspiracy theories.
“Wild Night” Van Morrison. Northern Ireland’s own belts out this opening track from his 1971 Tupelo Honeyalbum. “The people passing’ by stare in wild wonder…”
“Madman Across the Water” Elton John. 1971 song from the album of the same name. What every European saw this week.
“It’s the End of The World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” R.E.M. From 1987. A signature song. In all these playlists, I don’t think I’ve ever included this song. It certainly seems appropriate today. Although I don’t feel remotely fine.