Aw, snap. It’s time for a leisurely stroll down memory lane with Flashion Backward. Let’s wander through UI’s archives and see what ancient creaking box of treats lies in wait for our greedy pawing pleasure. Today we’re chatting with Amy Ray, a woman for whom self-expression and tellin’ it like it is is more than a way of life–it is her life.

As 50 percent of the now-legendary folk-singing, guitar-strumming, artsy, vaguely fartsy Indigo Girls, Amy Ray has always managed to distinguish herself through solo albums (which are increasingly getting a more positive critical reception after years of eye-rolls), a record label, collaborations with punky The Butchies and hardcore political and social activism.

And while Amy Ray is probably not going to make any fashion’s designer wet dream must-dress list for the Grammys (or any public events for that matter), that’s kinda the point. She straps on blazers, sensible shoes and trousers that look like they’d be abfab for shoveling shit if need be. Instead of fussing over aesthetics, she gets down to the nitty gritty of life and attempts to make this world a better place, God bless her.

Someone’s gotta do it. (I’m too busy shopping). Below, check out Ray’s mellow, restrained, but resolute diatribe on censorship, hypocrisy and the continuing struggle of being a gay performer in the U.S. of A.

Whether you voted for him or not, you can’t help feel tingly all over about January 20^th 2009 when Barack Obama is sworn is as the 44^th (and, more importantly, first black) President of the United States. The entire world will be watching as we say BYE BYE BUSH and HELLOBAMA. (Or at least our Interviewees, will, as evidenced below.)

There will be a celebration across the nation, and there’s no better way to commemorate while we inaugurate than by giving you our list of the 10 bands we wish, in a perfect world, were kicking off Obama’s presidency at the kickoff.

What time of year is it? That’s right! It is the time to watch every iteration of A Charlie Brown ­_______ (insert holiday here) and reflect upon the true spirit of the season. Personally, I’m still waiting for one on Festivus. It’s the time of year to start worrying about how much of your inner fatkid (no pun intended) you are willing to let out. It’s the time for making lists and writing down “What we have to be thankful for?”

For this post, we reflect on the holiday season and the recently passed commemoration of Thanksgiving, and offer (via helpfully relevant clips from UncensoredInterview.com) 10 things we found ourselves especially grateful for in the last handful of weeks. Even the pilgrims couldn’t have made a list this good.

10. We’re thankful for reasons to celebrate.

Uncensored Interview had its first birthday on November 6. Did you know that in some Asian cultures, when a child turns one year old, it is cause for a large, sometimes ceremonious celebration? So what did we do? Well, actually, I think we were working. Nevertheless, it gave us great opportunity to bring to you ­­­inspiration from the likes of The Watson Twins.

9. We’re thankful for some functional democracy.

It is an election year, and there is no greater culmination of democracy than the day we get to exercise our right to choose. It’s a privilege to get to voice our opinions, and no one knows that better than our artists. This is what November 4th is really about.

8. We’re thankful for famous friends.

Everybody Loves Ray…Amy Ray that is. If you don’t believe me, try resisting her hypnotic awesomeness.

7. We’re thankful for sound financial advice.

Who couldn’t stand to learn a few money saving tips nowadays, especially in the financial black hole of indie music? Magnetic Morning knows how to make the money stretch when you’re working for peanuts…or beans.

(MORE UNCENSORED THANKS, RIGHT HERE)

I realize it has been days since the presidential election; the feeling of elation will simply not subside. And this isn’t just your average, every day type of feel good. This is pride. This is purpose. This is empowerment and change. This is a sense of connection to a collective ideal. This is simply phenomenal, and here is why:

I’m going to have to second Melissa Young’s sentiment right there. Can I even recall the last time I was so moved by a leader’s sense of purpose? Not exactly, but you can be damn sure that it’s been at least eight years.

Thus, this is my mini-UI-indie homage to President-Elect Barack Obama, compliments of Falu, Priscilla Ahn, Amy Ray, Brendan James and Magnetic Morning, just to name a few. (So click on the hyperlinks).

This is also homage to all those out there who came together and decided to cast a vote for change, including my 65-year-old or older former music theory professor who was so proud to have “voted with the kids.” Let it be said again: Yes, we did!

Some things I’ve been pondering (and now you can too) over this crazy (but hopefully fruitful) Halloween-Election Weekend.

Why is it OK for a plumber to talk politics but not a musician?

You wouldn’t know it by his modest, everyman’s apparel, soothing storyteller’s voice, or stellar catalog of acoustic folk hits, but as a youngin’, Shawn Mullins was far along the path to becoming a punk rocker, until he had a chance meeting with an Indigo Girl:

Man, can you imagine Shawn Mullins, the guy who wrote folk-pop classics the likes of Lullaby and All In My Head as a tattooed, orange-mohawked, tight leather pants wearing punk singer? For some reason, my mind just completely blocks it out. It’s like trying to imagine your dad getting beat up in a fight, or non-existence. Some things your mind just refuses to let you visualize.

But if Shawn did wind up ditching his folk career one day for whatever reason, I know what his new calling should be – narrator. Specifically, of my life story. Listen to his voice, you can’t tell me the metered, soothing calmness of it doesn’t put you into a hypnotic trance. I could listen to Shawn read an expletive-laden divorce notice from my wife and I’d still have a great big smile on my face at the end of it. The man just has that power that only your grandpa and Mr. Rogers seem to have, to completely entrance you with whatever they’re saying. Luckily, we have 27 more clips of Shawn over at UncensoredInterview.com, covering everything from to his Crazy, Booze-Filled Run-in With The Australian Police, to the time He Helped Get John Mayer Signed. My suggestion is to watch one a day, and then take several hours at your leisure (work won’t mind, trust me) to reflect on what Shawn just said. While reflecting, feel free to also sleep, play video games, or add new Facebook applications to your profile, as these all enhance the effect, especially when you’re at work.