Barack Rocks -Obama Opens his iPod Playlist

Barack Obama showcased his musical taste In a cover-featured interview with Rolling Stone magazine, to be published this Friday, ranging from Bob Dylan to Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen, after revealing the playlist on his iPod.

Obama said he had "pretty eclectic tastes," ranging from the Rolling Stones, with Gimme Shelter his favorite, to Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and Ludacris. Dylan leads the playlist with 30 songs, with Maggie's Farm an alltime political favorite.

Dylan recently said he believed Obama was redefining politics in the US and could bring much needed change.

Obama said that, growing up, he listened to Elton John and Earth, Wind & Fire but that Stevie Wonder was his ultimate musical hero during the 70s. Jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker were also included in the compilation.

"I've got to say, having both Dylan and Bruce Springsteen say kind words about you is pretty remarkable," Obama said. "Those guys are icons."

Obama said he had not met Springsteen but that the two had talked over the phone. "Not only do I love Bruce's music, I just love him as a person," Obama said. "He is a guy who has never lost track of his roots, who knows who he is, who has never put on a front."

He added that, when speaking to the singer, he addressed him by his moniker the Boss. "You've got to," Obama said.

Obama believes rap music was also helping to break down barriers within the music world. Indeed it was reported last month that Obama will make a cameo performance on the rap singer Q-Tip's next album.
He expressed concern, howver, over his daughters – Malia, nine, and Sasha, seven – listening to some rap songs.

"I am troubled sometimes by the misogyny and materialism of a lot of rap lyrics," he said, "but I think the genius of the art form has shifted the culture and helped to desegregate music."

He said the hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and the rappers Jay-Z and Ludacris were "great talents and great businessmen".

"It would be nice if I could have my daughters listen to their music without me worrying they were getting bad images of themselves," he added.

Earlier this month, Dylan said he believed Obama was redefining politics in the US and could bring change to a nation in upheaval.

Posted by Casey Kazan.