Political Song Collection

The Political Song Collection is a major collection relating to political song and songs of social justice hosted at Glasgow University.

The Janey Buchan Political Song Collection comprises some 7, 000 songs, together with associated materials. / The songs cover themes from across the political spectrum, from all continents, and from 1250 BC to the 21st century. All genres of of song and music are present, held in print, a range of audio media, and digital formats. Some of the collection has been digitised and can be searched on-line.

https://www. gla. ac. uk /schools /cca /research /music /projectsandnetworks /jbpsc /

To demonstrate the wide range of recorded materials, we have two 1954 78’s of the Glasgow Young Communist League Choir, and, by absolute contrast, a CD from Riot Grrrl group Bikini Kill!

The collection contains campaign songs, as well as anthems and songs of wider political significance. Some exist in multiple forms and versions; a good example being The Internationale with recordings by Billy Bragg, Alistair Hulett, the Workers Music Association Centenary Choir, and the Red Army Choir, as well as some 25 or more versions existing as sheet music.

The collection is not closed, and is still accruing songs; deposits of relevant materials are more than welcome.

Information about the Collection’s holdings, and about Janey can be found on the University of Glasgow School of Culture and Creative Arts’ website at www. glasgow. ac. uk /jbpsc

The collection is open to all; for access and further enquiries pleas contact the Curator, John Powles at John. Powles@glasgow. ac. uk