New Radicals Return to Cover “Murder on the Dancefloor” and Pen Open Letter to Doug Emhoff

New Radicals are back: After their 1998 hit “You Get What You Give” became an emblem for leading Democrats, including Joe Biden and Doug Emhoff, in recent years, frontman Gregg Alexander has reformed the group to record a pair of covers. Below, listen to their version of “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which Alexander wrote for New Radicals in the early 2000s before handing it off to Sophie Ellis-Bextor to complete and make famous. They’ve also shared a version of the Begin Again song “Lost Stars.”

Alexander used the occasion to pen an open letter to Emhoff, after the second gentleman met with him in June to discuss political matters (largely pertaining to music). In the letter, Alexander expresses gratitude to Emhoff for using “You Get What You Give” as his walk-on music at rallies, as well as inviting the band to perform at the Democratic National Convention—as the group had for Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

The letter goes on:

I’m writing this letter to you to send out an S.O.S. to all the artists and music people across America that the clock is truly ticking for us to save our democracy.

The time is clearly NOW for all to jump in and use whatever influence for the greater good and endorse the candidate who doesn’t “weirdly” (love that Coach Walz!) advocate taking away women’s rights and everyone’s freedoms. Or brags he’ll cancel America’s Presidential election in 2028!?
[…]

When we spoke in NY, it was clear that you’re a family man of conscience who cares about his country and its people. It’s what makes Kamala and you true “new radicals” of the best kind. And anyone knowing Hall & Oates covered our “Someday We’ll Know” or king of critics, Robert Christgau, gave our album an “A” is pretty cool in my book!
[…]

For the record, New Radicals turn down every request from drug companies or anyone asking to change our lyrics (never!) and our publishers support that by saying “no problem.” We’d never morally support any type of industry that might contribute to an opioid epidemic that has already killed a million Americans.

Doug, I wonder what song these Silicon Valley jingle masseuses will try diseasing next, “Celebrex Sadness”? Well just a month past our July 12th, 25th anniversary — to any FDA Big banker Pharma’s out there…come around we’ll STILL kick your ass in!

We’re grateful our music is still inspiring some young “new radical” athletes and musicians who are jumping in too. Like BRAT Charli XCX who loves Kamala’s politics (and we beyond love Charli’s “1999” New Radicals video homage!), or Travis Kelce who tweeted “I’ve got the Dreamers Disease!”, which choked me up because that just means fighting for what you believe!!

Read the full letter at Billboard.