Can you honestly believe it has been 20 years since the classic 'Diesel & Dust' was released to critical acclaim?! My goodness where has the time gone?

For those not in the know, Midnight Oil are one of the most politically conscious bands in rock, singing about the political climate in their native Australia. In fact, lead singer Peter Garrett was an elected member of his country's government! 'Diesel & Dust' was their breakthrough album in the US and it spurred on by the driving single and lead track "Beds Are Burning". That song, propelled by its powerful horn section, is about the plight of the Aboriginal people of their homeland.

The other nine tracks all take on some sort of political bent. They show that one can make good music, make a statement and not come off as preachy or pretentious. "Put Down That Weapon" is a track that simmers along while "Dreamworld" is a frenetic rocker. "Whoah" & "Bullroarer" are calls for change. The album's centerpiece and one of the best songs to be released in the last twenty years is "The Dead Heart". The song has a majestical sound with kettledrums pounding through and a riveting doo-doo chorus, it is an unforgettable and powerful song.

Midnight Oil sings about subjects that we in America may not fully understand, but they convey the true power that music can be, because you find yourself pausing to think and hoping for change.