The Force of Life

The Red Star Singers were a San Francisco Bay–area group formed in 1971 “out of the needs of four individuals to unify, share, and socialize our personal experiences as musicians and revolutionaries.” Members were Gary Lapow (guitar and lead vocals), Ron Rosenbaum (guitar and vocals), Mike Margulis (bass, French horn and vocals), and Bonnie Lockhart (percussion and lead vocals). This 1974 release, their only album recording, reflects their views of the social and political events of the period (Vietnam, Watergate, mine workers’ safety). Although recorded in a sound studio, the band invited friends to sit in for several of the selections, most notably for the performance of “Pig Nixon” and “The Force of Life.” The liner notes provide a brief biography about the group, the story behind the recording, and the song lyrics with music notation.

Track Listing

101	Still Ain't Satisfied Red Star Singers	02:30
102	Sunshine Silver Mine Red Star Singers	05:41
103	I Won't Go Red Star Singers	03:08
104	Can't Be Free Till Everybody Else Is Red Star Singers	04:56
105	Vietnam Will Win! Red Star Singers	05:52
201	Belly of the Monster Red Star Singers	08:04
202	A Women's Health Song Red Star Singers	02:08
203	Pig Nixon Red Star Singers	04:42
204	The Force of Life Red Star Singers	05:36