Any Genre.
Anything that celebrates America in some way, shape, or form. It doesn’t need to be blatantly flag-waving, though it can be. But I definitely don’t want treacly sap like God Bless the USA.
Some jumping-off points:
John Mellencamp - R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.
Charlie Daniels Band - In America
Blasters - American Music
Thanks!
Only In America by Brooks and Dunn.
America the Beautiful by Ray Charles.
There’s a Jimmi Hendrix guitar version (instrumental only) of the Star Spangled Banner that is pretty awesome. I’ve got it in iTunes as part of the big U2 package Apple was selling a few years ago.
“My Land is a Good Land” by Eric Andersen
“Back in the USA” by Chuck Berry
“This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
'Merican by The Descendents.
America Fuck Yeah from the movie Team America World Police
Pretty much anything on Mannheim Steamroller’s American Spirit CD.
Oh, and Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown”. You know, the song from those Beef commercials.
I had a similar idea a couple months ago, but never followed through, anyway, here’s some thoughts:
Iced Earth’s “When the Eagle Cries” - Maybe not quite the sound you’re going for, but Iced Earth has done a number of very patriotic songs. I’m not a huge fan of their stuff with Ripper Owens (of Judas Priest fame)–I like Matt Barlow’s voice a lot better–but this song is their response to the 9/11 attacks and I do find it rather moving and I think it does a good job of embodying the general feel of the several following months. FWIW, there’s an acoustic version if that fits your mix better.
I also have to second the recommendation of Jimi Hendrix’s version of the Star Spangled Banner; I couldn’t imagine doing a patriotic mix and not including this.
“Thunder Road” - Bruce Springsteen.
“America” - Simon and Garfunkel.
Boys on the Docks - Dropkick Murphys
Ashokan Farewell–by anybody.
Speaks to the American soul.
Doug Smith playes Guy Van Dusar’s arrangement of "The Stars and Stripes Forever " for solo guitar
“The Preamble Song” - Schoolhouse Rocks
You Tube Link in you’ve never heard it:
One Time, One Night-- Los Lobos
Friday Night in America by New Grass Revival
I challenge you to find a copy of the song “The kids American” by Matthew Wilder
(and if you find it could you send me a copy)
“Asshole” – Denis Leary
“The Patriot” – Rodney J/ElleDark
The video and song are on YouTube.
I’m fond of Rob Carriker’s performance of The Battle Cry of Freedom.
New World Man by, I think, Rush