One Track Mind: Rowdy House, "Don’t Let a Liar Lead You" (2012)

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Rowdy House, a group of anonymous non-partisan roots rockers, returns with another cautionary tale – this time, for those who think elections don’t matter. Despite all of the political theater associated with these annual exercises, Rowdy House reminds us that there is more at stake than late-night talk show gags.

“Don’t Let a Liar Lead You” opens with a ruminative riff and a gurgling bass signature, before an Eagles-inspired country-rocking vocal begins to build the argument for becoming involved in the process – especially “when there’s lies and corruption, and the economy’s not right.”

Soon, Rowdy House has caught a muscular groove, and the looming dangers of apathy toward miscreant politicos becomes clear: “He’ll lie to you to keep his job, so his friends can steal some more. … The ruling class will pass a law to steal your freedom – and sell your rights.”

The track is very much in keeping with earlier awareness-raising efforts by the same group, including “I Won’t Comply,” which focused on defending the Constitution; and “Family Farm,” an angry lament over the way multi-national agricultural firms have changed that industry.

“Don’t Let a Lair Lead You,” members of Rowdy House are quick to point out, is not directed at a specific standing government representative so much as any politician who skirts the truth. Inspired by author Andy Andrews, whose book “How Do You Kill Eleven Million People?” serves as a fiery demand for government accountability, the song represents the best of what protest music has always offered: A universal message to get our act together.

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Nick DeRiso