Make a quirky Sousa-free Fourth of July playlist

There are Christmas music compilations but no Fourth of July compilations. Why is that? (I'm assuming it's the same reason there are no Thanksgiving Carols). Anyhoo -- I'm a big fan of the customized playlist as anyone who has received one of my mix CDs can attest. I’ve always been intrigued by the number of songs that use Independence Day as a metaphor for spectacle or change – or the lack thereof -- in their lyrics. It's surprising how many are brooding or even a touch sad. Here's a selection -- check'em out. They might make for a fun CD you can give to whoever is kind enough to host you this weekend. Feel free to add others you know in the comments.

(Disclaimer: All songs below are marching band free. While not all of the songs are expressly about The Fourth, many evoke it through talk of fireworks and sparks and work for this type of list.).

Fourth of July, Aimee Mann

Independence Day, Ani Difranco

One Headlight, The Wallflowers

Fourth of July, Asbury Park, Bruce Springsteen

Independence Day, Elliott Smith

4th of July, Soundgarden

Ashes of American Flags, Wilco

Good Love, Prince

Firecracker, Ryan Adams

Fireworks, The Tragically Hip

Fireworks, Siouxsie & the Banshees

Indoor Fireworks, Elvis Costello

Just Watch the Fireworks, Jimmy Eat World

Almost Independence Day, Van Morrison

New York, New York, Ryan Adams

These don't have to do with Independence Day necessarily, but would work well on a quirky Fourth of July playlist:

America, Bree Sharp

Robot Parade, They Might be Giants (just for fun)

The Star Spangled Banner, Jimmi Hendrix