In 1807, Ludwig van Beethoven originally dedicated his third symphony to Napolean Bonaparte. However, when the diminutive Frenchman declared himself emperor, the tribute was rescinded. This may well be one of the first recorded examples of the union of music and politics, unlikely bedfellows that have lain alongside each other ever since. Whether it's the folkies of the 60s, the punks of the 70s or the purveyors of hip hop that punctuated the 80s, music and politics have never been far apart. Who can forget the enduring image of a victorious Labour Party busting some moves to D:Ream's hit 'Things Can Only Get Better'?

Political expression in music has been around almost as long as musical instruments, whether in the form of protest songs or patriotic anthems. Literally thousands of artists from Dylan to the Dead Kennedys, Billy Bragg to Public Enemy are known for incorporating their politics into their musical output. As the United States of America prepare to take to the polls to vote in their 44th President, it is almost a requirement for any self respecting musician in the public eye to come out and declare their support. Most seem to favour Obama, less favour McCain and a few don't really seem to know anything about it but it's still, like, important to, you know, go and vote and stuff.

In the hysterical build up to Tuesday's election, Barack Obama has been able to count on the support of Will.I.Am of **The Black Eyed Peas* who has written one of his campaign songs; Bruce Springsteen who has performed and raised money in his honour; Morrissey who has sported a t-shirt picturing himself and Obama together; Stevie Wonder who has attended rallies for Obama, as well as many, many others. The list goes on. McCain can count Jessica Simpson and Kid Rock amongst his supporters. You'd really think it would be a foregone conclusion wouldn't you?

The fact is that the advent of the potential first black President in history, coupled with the events of Bush's last two terms have made this the most interesting election in history culturally, and this is reflected in the music that is being associated with it. With the likes of Jay-Z and Nas supporting Obama through song (Jay-Z with his take on Lil Wayne's 'A Milli', retitled 'A Billi' and Nas on his track 'Black President'), it is inevitable that more people are going to take an interest than in previous campaigns. People who previously really didn't give a fuck and felt that American politics was nothing to do with them (minority voters, the disaffected youth, stoned students etc) are now feeling that they are being reached out to and see that their involvement now is important if they don't want another moron in the White House.

Aside from the songs of support that have emanated from the election campaigns, there is also the thorny issue of the official campaign music. This is another area that has seen McCain take a battering as more and more artists queue up to condemn his party's use of their songs. Jackson Browne has taken things a step further by actually attempting to sue the Republicans for the appropriation of one of his tracks, while Foo Fighters, Heart and John Mellencamp have all spoken out against the party using their tracks. I can't understand it myself, it's like people are actually saying that associating with a 72 year old redneck isn't cool...

So, what'll it be on Tuesday? I've got a horrible feeling that things aren't going to be as clear cut as they should be, but hopefully come the end of the election, we'll be hearing the sounds of Will.I.Am (there's a sentence I never thought I'd write) and Jay-Z. If the unthinkable does happen, I'm not sure what song McCain and Palin will be taking the stage to, but for some reason, I think 'Duelling Banjos' would be perfect...

Suggestions anyone?