Interesting to see a sympathetic portrayal of Trotsky’s life in popular culture. It is bizarre how such a significant figure in modern history has been confined to relative obscurity. Whenever Trotsky is considered at all, his role is usually minimized and his person demonized. It is not hard to understand why. Between imperialism and Stalinism, he represented a serious political challenge to the forces of world reaction and embodied the power of political consciousness in the working class that reverberates to this day.

As charming as the album is (I gave it a few listens through) I would say it is not without serious problems. Despite the obvious sympathy and admiration for Trotsky, it gives the feeling of a well intentioned though ill-fated struggle of a lofty idealist who was ultimately powerless to stop the descent into the bloody grip of Stalinist reaction. In the end, we are left with impression of an exuberant and violent affair that ended in bloody ruin. What is there to admire or desire to repeat about that?

It also focuses too narrowly on the political turmoil within the Communist Party in the Soviet Union, while Trotsky’s Theory of Permanent Revolution emphasizes the primacy of the international situation in determining political programs and analyses. Entirely missing from the narrative are the development of the International Left Opposition, the experience of the Spanish Civil War, the struggle for a revolutionary program against the Nazis in Germany, and founding of the Fourth International, which are essential moments in the fight back against Stalinism.

The music is catchy and shows a range of stylistic expression. The political understanding of Trotsky leaves much to be desired.