“Remember Dorothy” - Linda Sussman: An Anthem of Quiet Courage
Artist: Linda Sussman Single: Remember Dorothy Genre: Americana, Folk, Acoustic Release Date: February 16th, 2024
Linda Sussman’s “Remember Dorothy” feels like a quiet anthem for today’s complex landscape. It's not loud, but it doesn’t need to be. The song, rooted in simple acoustic slide guitar and Sussman’s unvarnished vocals, speaks to the necessity of courage in the face of societal pressures. There’s a directness in her delivery that brings to mind the classic folk-blues era, where the music’s power lay in its message, not its embellishments.
In the context of modern-day sociopolitical struggles, "Remember Dorothy" takes on a fresh significance. It taps into a sense of collective exhaustion, a feeling familiar to anyone who's spent time on the sidelines watching the world unfold. Yet, the song pushes back against that fatigue, reminding us that real strength comes from stepping out of the shadows. The line "It wasn’t poppies set you free" grounds the track in the imagery of The Wizard of Oz, but Sussman repurposes it as a call to action. Freedom doesn’t come from escapism, but from facing the storm head-on.
The subtle nod to the LGBTQIA+ community adds another layer, positioning the song as a reminder that visibility and self-acceptance are powerful tools for change. The closet Sussman references isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a lived reality for many, making the song feel deeply relevant in an era still grappling with identity and justice.
"Remember Dorothy" isn’t a protest song in the traditional sense. It’s quieter, more introspective. But in that simplicity lies its strength. In a world where the noise of headlines often overwhelms, sometimes all you need is a guitar, a voice, and a few well-chosen words to spark a change.
“Remember Dorothy” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New MusicWe discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
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