Some Great July 4th Music

Even the wonkiest among us need to kick back and crank up the stereo sometimes. So here are five great songs (and a bonus track) for the Fourth of July:

1. Bruce Springsteen, "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)"
A close to perfect song about growing up on the shore from his second record, The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle.
2. Dave Alvin, "Fourth of July"
A heartrending song about personal pain on our national holiday from King of California.
3. Neil Young, "Captain Kennedy"
A folksy, surreal take on American mythology from Hawks and Doves.
4. The Waterboys, "Has Anybody Here Seen Hank?"
From Scotland, a tribute to Hank Williams from Fisherman's Blues.
5. Ray Charles, "America"
Simply the most soulful, stirring version of any patriotic song ever.

Bonus track: Jimi Hendrix, "The Star Spangled Banner"
For those who remember when our national anthem was adopted as a protest song. The Woodstock verson is the best known, but his studio version from Rainbow Bridge showcases his creativity and virtuosity on electric guitar.