Gilad Shalit: 5 Songs for 5 Years in Captivity

At 19 years old, I'm free to enjoy summer with my family and friends. The sun in shining, music blasting, life is good. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be Gilad Shalit, who at age 19 was kidnapped by terrorist group Hamas and has since been held hostage in an unknown location, denied contact with the outside world since 2006. Who knows what kind of mental and physical abuse he's been facing?

Today marks Gilad's 5th year of torture. In his honor, I've put together 5 songs that try to help us understand the idea of captivity, desperation, and descent into darkness. Please keep Gilad in your mind and heart as you listen to these lyrics.

Amazon - M.I.A.
Stockholm Syndrome - Blink 182
One - Metallica
Climbing up the Walls - Radiohead
I Was a Lover - TV on the Radio





FREE GILAD


I'm sure there are so many songs out there that would better fit this list. Please comment with a song that's explicitly about being held prisoner or makes a good attempt at explaining the feeling.

I <3 A'ccapella

What's My Age Again - Blink 182

BLINK IS BACK!

[photo by Kevin Winter]

Glory Halleluyah. Somebody up there loves me. First No Doubt, and now Blink? Is this actually happening? And is it a coincidence that my two favorite bands that I last saw in concert together are reuniting in the same year? The same, previously sucky year? Does Obama have something to do with this?? Life just got so much brighter...

Their official statement:

"Hi. We're Blink-182. This past week there've been a lot of questions about the current status of the band, and we wanted you to hear it straight from us. To put it simply, We're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy. Summer 2009. Thanks and get ready."

At the Grammys tonight, Mark, Travis, and an awkward Tom hit the stage together for the first time in 4 years to present Best Rock Album to Coldplay. Seeing the grown, ex-best friends in their familiar threesome (ha) almost brought tears to my eyes. Look out for the crazy trio in the summer... until then, I'll be tracking their whereabouts like a bloodhound. So check back for updates.


"... and that's why comebacks are having the Best Week Ever!"