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Mike Toschi:
Mock Democracy
Those familiar with Mike Toschi's political views won't be surprised by this collection of protest songs done up in folk-rock fashion through the use of the singer-songwriter's hazy voice and sporadic guitar strumming. Each song on the album takes on a different political tyrant or corporate giant, and by the end of the album, you are left to wonder if you have ever listened to a more depressing recording. Toschi has proven himself as an effective communicator throughout his career, and the goal with this record is to raise awareness of social and political injustice. Most notable is that this album was released in June of 2000, and since then it seems as though every record that comes along includes some plug for one cause or another. These days, its nearly impossible to find a band that will play in concert without saying "Fuck Bush," but Mock Democracy comes across as too tongue-in-cheek despite blatantly attacking Coca-Cola, Starbucks and General Electric in the song "Ernesto." The current state of music has everyone pegged as an activist of some sort; so this album suffers, ironically, because it has done its job of spreading awareness. Sadly, Toschi's despair must continue to this day because his fears of widespread ignorance in America are still not quelled. This record can be regarded as an archetype for providing college kids Politically Correct ideologies, but Toschi might possibly leave a soapbox-derived taste in the mouths of most.
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