Reviews (1)

Not yet....
I don't own this album yet, but it's on my wishlist, and let me tell you why. I've attended the Telluride Bluegrass Festival twice, 1986 and 2002. After going last year, I wondered why I waited so long to go back, and I have ordered my tickets for 2003. Telluride is a magical place, and they focus on TALENT. This album features songs by the late John Hartford as well as by Doc Watson who is a national treasure. There's only one song by New Grass Revival, though, and they have been the backbone of this festival over the years. Though they have disbanded, former members Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, and John Cowan can be counted on to attend and jam with almost everybody. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Fresh Look for Phil Ochs
I love Phil Ochs's voice, message, tempo and guitar playing. But that does not stop me from thoroughly enjoying this album wherein his songs are performed by various artists. These performers have given Phil a fresh new look, yet remained true to Phil even as they add some of their own style to the songs. Some of the songs on this album are so beautiful they made me weep (Jim Dean of Indiana, Colors). Listening to Phil's music performed by these artists should not be missed!

Buy a Phil Ochs CD, don't waste your money on this.
The title of this cd should be "How to waste $30.98". It seems that all the artists on this cd decided to slow down the tempo on all the songs to make them sound as dreary as possible. I would describe the singing as labored. Like they are trying to squeese more meaning out of the song than it has. I've been listening to Phil Ochs music for 40 years and was very disapointed with this collection. If you want to here the music of Phil Ochs, buy a Phil Ochs CD.

The fourth side ALONE is worth the price of this CD!
Crucifixion by David Massengill is simply astounding.

And so, so, so true today.

Incredible (coming from a 15 year-old!)
I saw these artists preform this album live at a local coffee house. I had never heard of Phil Ochs before, but we usually go and see the shows at this coffee house anyway. I was very impressed at the talent I witnessed that night. I am not lying when I that EVERY song and EVERY artist was amazing. I was deeply moved by the music I heard that night and am very excited to buy this CD. I hope you can have the same experience.

Eclectic Encomium
This is a wonderful collection of great musicians doing their part to honor one of the great folksinger/songwriters of the 20th century. With a variety of performers ranging from Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary to an incredibly powerful performance by the modern folk-rocker Sonia Rutstein, this collection has something that will appeal to all those who love folk music. Some tracks are better than others, but all the performers really love the music they're playing, and that love comes through in the recording. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best
This is probably the best and most authentic renditions of music from the era of the Civil War that you will ever hear. Forget the country music versions, if you want to hear the songs the way they would have sounded this is it. I cannot say enough about this album. For the true belivers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fine collection of train songs
This compilation relies heavily on country music but is not limited to that genre, as the inclusion of Howlin' Wolf (Smokestack lightning), Johnny Burnette (Train kept a-rolling), Junior Parker (Mystery train) and Blind Willie McTell (Broke down engine) proves.

The set opens with Merle Haggard singing My love affair with trains, a song written for him by Dolly Parton, who never actually recorded the song herself. It is an appropriate song for Merle, who has been a train enthusiast from an early age.

The singing brakeman (Jimmie Rodgers) is represented by Train whistle blues - not his most famous train song, but an excellent choice. Johnny Cash, who has also recorded many train songs, sings Blue train. Another prolific recorder of train songs, Hank Snow, is not represented directly but the Horse Soldiers do a fine cover of his Golden rocket.

This is an excellent collection of train songs, mixing the famous songs with the obscure, complete with interesting liner notes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Music from the heart
I've played this CD over and over and still love every minute of it. The music is so varied, so beautiful. I now want to get other albums recorded by Alan Lomax, a genius for recognizing and recording great music. Highly recommended for anyone who loves uncommercial melodies and pure voices.

Recognize the jazz, hiphop, rockabilly, and blues roots
Truth be told this disc is not for everyone and I hope that this description will help those interested in hearing the ancestors of many major music forms find a good listen. Alan Lomax made an attempt to record the provincial musical styles in their home and on the participants own terms. What you get are real individuals singing and playing instruments for reasons that no longer exist today; to pass the day at work, to pass along local stories and traditions, to pass the time in jail, to provide expression for small communities, and to praise their gods where the lived and breathed. There was not a dollar to be made for any performance on this disc, and though we pay to hear it now, it had an effect on the musicians and singers. This music is not polished but it is a fantastic cd based on its content and not its production value. You won't hear music like this often in your life. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Superbly packaged and lovingly annotated, the five-discArhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection distills four decades of musical passion into six hours of highlights. The passion is that of Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz, a German immigrant and former California schoolteacher whose label reflects a devotion to American roots music at its most vital and varied. Southern bluesmen Mance Lipscomb and Fred McDowell, Louisiana zydeco kingpin Clifton Chenier, and Tex-Mex conjunto accordionist Flaco Jimenez are just a few of the regional mainstays to achieve national renown through Arhoolie, and all of them are represented here.

The spirited diversity of the 105 selections (including 13 available on CD for the first time) finds the label extending its reach from string-band country (Hackberry Ramblers) to hard-driving jazz (Jerry Hahn Quintet) to New Orleans brass bands to more recent forays into "sacred steel," featuring gospel music with pedal-steel guitar. Where so many folk preservations might as well be embalming musical relics, Arhoolie champions "vernacular music": music that retains a strong, integral connection to its community and gets people clapping, stomping, and dancing. Throughout the set, the immediacy of the performances transcends trendiness or timeliness, showing how America sounds beyond the plasticity of popular culture. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great set and great value for money
This is a truly wondrful set that works on every level.

Beautifully presented with a very informative book and five high quality CD's.

The sound quality is superb as are all the production values.

The mixture of world music, old-time music and American regional sounds, as repesented in the output of Arhoolie Records, works extremely well here.

I found my self playing all 5 CD's one after the other without strain and enjoying them all.

Once having heard many of the artists for te first time the search wil then commence for solo albums if they exist, and they probably do in most cases.

If this were a "Bear Family" set there would certainly be another $... on the askng price.

If you are already a fan of this type of musci or are looking to explore it furter this really is THE set to buy as a starting point.

All the tracks are strong and there is no "padding" at all.

Combine this with a quite outstanding book giving full details on the artists and the history of Arhoolie and this is a set that will be cherished for years to come and played with great regularity.

Highly recommended.

A Treasury of Obscurities
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this box set when I bought it because I had never heard of most of the artists. When I first obtained it, I listened through once then put it on the shelf. On a recent road trip, I decided to put all 5 CDs in my CD changer to listen to in sequence and lemme tell you, am I ever glad to have done so.
The Journey of Chris Strachwitz is a musical journey through parts of America most of us never see or hear. There is Cajun, Zydeco, country, Tejano, blues, gospel and more. There is not the polished, overproduced kind of music one often hears on the radio, but rather the raw authenticity of music being played straight from the heart. Most of these musicians have made very little money in the business and are forced to do other work in order to make ends meet. Its a shame because just the small sampling here shows me that most of these artists have more talent than an army of top-40 schlocksters like Backstreet Boys and Madonna.
I am not equally enthusiastic about every song, but I was introduced to many performers from whom I want to hear more. Its hard to choose favorites, but I was impressed with Mance Lipscomb, the Reverend Louis Overstreet, Lydia Mendoza, Valerio Longoria, Omar Sharriff, Chatuye, The Campbell Brothers, and Aubrey Ghent in addition to more familiar performers like Clifton Chenier, Charlie Musselwhite, and any of the Jimenez clan. The worst song on the album is more pleasurable listening than most of the vapid pap served up on commercial radio.
With the CDs comes an informative booklet, filled with photos and stories of the performers and the sometimes serendipitous ways that Strachwitz hooked up with them.
If your musical taste runs the gamut, you should like this fairly priced box set. Chris Strachwitz did American music a tremendous turn when he set out to capture the sound of the folk before it was lost to us forever. I give this treasury of obscurities my heartiest recommendation. You won't be sorry you bought this!

a real summer journey
This is a really strong collection of hard to find artists that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of American music and culture. The blues is incredible. The cajun and zydeco numbers are unbeatable. Same is true of bluegrass, texmex, gospel. Where did rock get its start? Forget the name artists who've received all the accolades, these are the artists that influenced the names. The real deal - presented in its raw format as much as possible. Despite 5 CDs of material, weak tracks are hard to find.

an absolute must have
I could not agree more with the previous reviewer. This box set is perhaps the finest collection of American roots music, and much, much more, on the market today. Chris Strachwitz deserves our gratitude for bringing us forty years of top quality music, and for distilling his recordings down to this package, which could not possibly be better. Turn off your radio and turn on this goldmine of treasures from four decades of one man's undying love for the music that made this country great. Worth every penny, even at twice the price.

American Music 101
If you're looking for a place to go to get a comprehensive lesson in the finest in American roots music spanning blues, cajun/zydeco, gospel, bluegrass, tex/mex/conjunto, barrelhouse rock'n'roll, etc, look no further than this amazing collection. Intended as a "scrapbook" of label owner Chris Strachwitz's 40 year journey traveling across the hinterlands collecting and annotating the mostly obscure(though not all) raw sounds that he has had the pleasure of offering to us, the listening public, through Arhoolie. I like to think of it as a nice side companion to the Harry Smith collections. Including an amazing thick photo/essay book that makes this worth the price alone, this is as important release to serious music lovers as the recent Louis Armstrong box. WORTH EVERY PENNY! ... Read more

Album Description

What do you listen to during Shabbat (Sabbath) evening dinner with your family? Shabbat Shalom! will set the perfect mood for you, enhancing your Shabbat family experience. This collection of blessings and original songs by original artists is also an excellent learning tool for blessings. Suitable for 0-6 year-olds. ... Read more

Album Description

The sounds of Hawaii are as beautiful as the islands themselves. This collection of Hawaiian music captures the sweet smell of tropical flowers, the soft breeze of the trade winds, the beckoning call of the Pacific Ocean, and the warm compassion of the aloha spirit. Listen as ukuleles, slack-key and steel guitars, and world-renowned singers bring to life the enchanting sounds of the islands. ... Read more

Album Description

Four of the giants of folk music and sociopolitical activism – Pete Seeger, Holly Near, Arlo Guthrie and Ronnie Gilbert – assembled in 1984 for a handful of concerts that were recorded and released as a 13-song album called "HARP" (an acronym of the first letters of each musician’s first name) on Near’s Redwood Records in 1985. Near’s recent discovery of a trove of unreleased songs from these performances has led to this expanded and remastered 26-song, 2-CD reissue, now subtitled "A Time to Sing!"

Former Weavers Seeger and Gilbert, the irrepressible Guthrie, and Near had previously played together in various configurations, but never as a quartet, so there is much unique musical and personal interaction captured here. Each musician brought original, traditional, or contemporary songs to perform, which led to an entrancing program of folk favorites. The repertoire includes old favorites such as "Wimoweh," "Guantanamera," "Twelve Gates to the City" and "The Water is Wide," cover tunes ranging from Bob Dylan’s "Mr. Tambourine Man" (with riotous deadpan commentary by Arlo) to Steve Goodman’s "City of New Orleans" to Marvin Gaye’s "What’s Going On," and trademark originals by Near ("Singing for Our Lives," "Emma," "Singing with You") and Guthrie ("You and Me," "All Over the World," and the hilarious "Oh Mom"). Political and social commentary are the underlying texts in many of these songs, recorded amidst the havoc of the Reagan administration. "These were very intense times," remembers Holly. "There were wars raging all over the world. The women’s movement was reeling from the defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment. AIDS was new and frightening. The gay rights movement was in full force. Here are four singers, different styles, different generations, same tradition. This [CD] is live and raw and real. And when I think about how spontaneous this recording is, I am impressed by the skill of this quartet. These are people who know how to sing and what to sing about."

With primary instrumental support by Pete, Arlo, and pianist/composer/arranger Jeff Langley, the four voices can be heard in varying combinations, sometimes uniting in a multi-generational rainbow of brilliant harmony. It was a time to sing and to sing out, captured for the ages on this invigorating and historic release. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Okay the recording company outwits me ... who cares?
I have the original release of HARP; this album is a reissue with a significant (13) number of new cuts. HARP consists of Holly Near, Arlo Guthrie, Ronnie Gilbert and Pete Seeger. Although they had not performed together prior to the concert series recorded on these cd's, their common footing in the folk tradition results in an excellent blending of voice and style.

I would have thought that the dialogue between the songs and the political content of certain songs would make the recording seem dated. Woodstock, Reagan, the Chilean overthrow ... are decades away from September 11, Kosovo, Jenin. But the concerns of the songs, the peace and social justice issues implicit in the repetoire is still relevant and living.

As on the original release "Pallet on the Floor" is a favorite - I song I suspect is Depression Era. The vegetarian fox Lebanese song "Ghannu Ma'i" is a wonderful cut that is only on this reissue.

This is an excellent release - as timely now as when it was originally issued. I dare you to listen without joining in on at least one cut. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

How Can You Resist the Name of this Album?
I heard "Nervous Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" on night on a folk music progam and fell in love with the name of the group. This was the first album of the 4 Bitchin' Babes that I bought, and since then I've gotten three more. Everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when they see the albums on my desk at work, but a few minutes listen usually has them at least chuckling. I listen to cheer myself up on a regular basis. I find these Bitchin' Babes to be Prozac for the spirit. Thanks Babes!

Classic Bitchin' Babes
OK, I'll admit it. I bought this CD, a few years back, for the cover title, the cover art, and the song titles (including "Prisoners of Their Hairdos," "Not Bad for a Broad," and "Sensitive New Age Guys.") I thought it would either be terribly funny or the gals could really sing. A "10" on both counts. Loved this CD so much I bought all the other "Bitchin Babes" CDs. Guess that makes me a virtual Babehead. ... Read more

Album Description

NEWLY REMASTERED EDITION NOW AVAILABLE! ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES DISCOVERED AND DIGITALLY TRANSFERRED FOR SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY.

The long-awaited collection of the seven original North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) recordings is finally here! Includes 28-page full-color booklet with complete album histories, a historical essay from NFTY-ite Elyssa Mosbacher and track/songwriter information. Discover the rich history of NFTY and liberal Jewish camp music - a little bit of Jewish liturgy, a little Israeli folk and some American folk music all mixed into one. This is the only collection of its kind. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

WOW!
I completely agree with the other esteemed reviewer of this fabulous product. This is, hands-down, the finest example of Jewish musical artistry that i have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Keep up the excellent work, NFTY, and I can't wait to see more. Shout out to Kutz!

NFTY, You Did It!
This is, quite simply, the greatest, most comprehensive album in the history of NFTY, and perhaps the history of Music entirely, as we know it.I simply throw on any one of these timeless tunes, and instantly I drift back to the days of old.Now I'm hooked, and I can only count the days until RUACH 2005!THANK YOU, NFTY! YOU DID IT!KOL HA-KAVOD!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The feminine side of the coal camp
This is an excellent, raw and emotional compilation of both classic and newer material. It captures well the UMWA organizing and wildcat days as well as the despair of the people in the mining camps-yesterday and today. As someone who has spent 12 years in coal mining, this reviewer is familiar with several of the songs and half the singers. This is not an entertainer CD. This is a cry of the stripped out, black lung'd and worn out miner and family, male and female. Sarah Ogan Gunning is another Mother Jones -synonymous with union organizing songs of the broadside type in the 30's. Hazel Dickens' plaintive voice on "Black Lung" makes your skin crawl. The other singers do equally well in painting the picture of Appalachian coal and it ain't pretty. These are my people and this reviewers heart was tugged by these sad songs. If you want background music, forget this CD. If you want to understand the heartache of the miner then buy it!

Buy this now -- your soul depends on it.
This is an unbelievably dark and soulful album. The tragedies and the lives that are dealt with in these songs are rendered in a relentlessly clear-eyed fashion. This music is so deeply American that any "real" American should own a copy. I say real American because these are songs about people who are mostly hidden from main stream America, because they are too poor, mostly invisible, and so frequently silenced. These are people who just want the U.S. to live up to its own ideals. It is music so closely tied to the lives of people who just struggle to live decent lives that it really makes the listener want to build a more equitable nation. In short, it's music that is good for what ails you. Buy it now!!!! This is punk, this is soul, this is every kind of music which asked "will you be a gun thug or will you be a man" (women are included in this equation too). Its both deep blues (or deep hill music), and political statement

Everyone in this album turns in terrific performances. Some of which involve spontaneous harmonizing to deeply felt solo acapella performances -- very scary stuff indeed. Which side are you on? If you can't make up your mind after listening to this album, you have no soul!

Great Songs, Great Vocals.
I bought this album 10-12 years ago (vinyl) and I still listen to it monthly. It's a must have for anyone collecting mining songs. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

wonderful, but for specialists only
I like the Lomax disks, I like real folk, country, and bluegrass music, and I usually like less polished music by early, uncommercial artists. Nevertheless, I don't listen to this disk much. The problem isn't the quality of the music, which is high. But it's not just less polished, it's totally unpolished. I think you really have to be searching for the roots of just this type of music to appreciate this disk.

A Treasure Of American Music
This Cd represents a treasure of american music and lets one know that what this music really is is a mixture of european and african influences. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

For All of You Christine Lavin Fans...
I bought this CD because I have enjoyed Christine Lavin ever since I heard her song, "Planet X," about astronomer Clyde Tombaugh and Pluto. It was funny, witty, and insightful. Here is a person who knows and cares something about planetary astronomy! I have also liked "Four Bitchin' Babes" since my wife bought me one of their CDs. This CD combines the best of both, Christine Lavin as one of the "Four Bitchin Babes." I like the humerous songs best. "Bald Headed Men" is a tribute all those so challenged, singing the praises of the likes of Yul Brenner, Patrick Stewart, and Michael Jordan. "Butter" is an ode to fattening foods of bygone times. Other cuts are not quite so memorable, but the album is always entertaining.

4 bitchin babes
if you can only buy 1 of the 4bitchin babes cd this one is it .check out the julie gold single good night new york and from a distance. bald headed men is for anyone who is in love with a bald headed man. the more you play this the more you fall in love with every song.

Songs that stay with you!
I could listen to this album a hundred times (in fact, I probably have!). I originally bought the tape and, when I finally got a CD player, had to get the CD too. Songs on this CD, like "As Close to Flying" and "Graceful Man" stick in your head. I've even caught myself humming "Oh Great Spirit" to myself from time to time. "Bald-headed Men", "Butter", and "(Fun to Be) Perfect" are good, comical foils to the more serious songs on the CD. It's a must-have for any collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Historically, a broadside was a song (without music) or poem printed onone side of paper, dealing with a topical issue that usually was of a politicalnature. Itinerant writers peddled broadsides for a few cents, and their messageserved to spread the news or perhaps create a controversy about a currentevent.

In 1962 Sis Cunningham and Gordon Friesen began publication ofBroadside, a topical song magazine that quickly would help to start anational movement. After the cold war '50s, a social, cultural, and politicalrevolution was in the air. Broadside began publishing hundreds of songs ofsocial dissatisfaction by musicians who later became the leading lights of thefolk and protest movements.Bob Dylan,Phil Ochs,Tom Paxton,Pete Seeger, and dozensmore all had their songs first published in Broadside.

This five-CD set is a marvelously comprehensive document of the magazine's songsand songwriters, all of whom were recorded by Folkways Records. The lyrics ofeach song are printed and extensive information is given about the context inwhich the song was created. Background material is provided on all of thesongwriters, too.

The discs are compiled primarily around the main topics: labor, nuclear weapons,social injustice, Vietnam, civil rights. Eighty-nine songs in all are featured,most of which loosely could be termed "folk music" in style: basic rhythms,acoustic instruments, spirited singers. Listening to the songs and following theannotations serve to remind one of an era of potent protest in this country whenmusic really mattered, and the songs themselves were the primary means ofexpressing dissatisfaction and disillusionment.

Broadside was a small publication, primarily a labor of love, but itshistoric legacy looms large when all of its material is brought together in sucha well-researched, well-presented compilation as this one. --Wally Shoup ... Read more

Reviews (4)

wonderful collection!!!!!
This collection of music is incredible - I have enjoyed every song...from hearing Phil Ochs to Peter La Farge and then some!!!!I thank these folks for compiling this collection - I used to read Broadside in Cambridge Massachusetts which was a similar publication and am thankful that no one has forgotten the spirit of the times!!! The music is very beautiful and topical....Thanks again Sis and Gordon!!!!

Superb slice of history
I am sure I would have loved The Best of Broadside even if had been less innovatively packaged, but the scrap-book format is an excellent idea, and the essays, notes, lyrics and discographies leave nothing to be desired. (I have to confess, though, that I'm a wee bit concerned about the way the CDs are housed - I'm not too hot on the idea of jewel boxes, so their absence doesn't bother me, but some sort of protective sleeves for the discs would probably have been useful.) The real treasure, of course, is contained in the five discs, with their broad range of topical songs from Broadside recordings supplemented by a handful of appropriate tracks from other sources as well as a sprinkling of previously unreleased numbers. The likes of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs are well represented and there are a number of fascinating contributions from the young Bob Dylan - but even more valuable are the songs by artists whose works would be hard to come by elsewhere, such as Sammy Walker, Len Chandler, the Rev Kirkpatrick, Thom Parrott and even Sis Cunningham herself. This box set is a worthy, loving and superbly produced tribute to Broadside magazine. And as a slice of American social history that captures the spirit of the times, it is absolutely indispensable - both on its own, and as a companion volume to the exhaustive (but less affordable) Songs For Political Action. Don't think twice - just get a-hold of it!

An amazing achievement - worth 10 stars if possible.
This is one of the classic box sets of all times and is most definitely a "celebration of songwriters and their songs." It is thoroughly researched, contains a stellar collection of the classic songs that defined the times, and is presented in a wonderfully creative format that captures the spirit of the Broadside magazine. The 89 cuts on the 5 CD's are a treasure trove of songs by all the well-known and lesser known folk heroes of this very special time. Be prepared to spend many enjoyable hours listening to some of the finest early recordings from Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, and many others.

I ordered this set sight unseen, and I was not really expecting to be blown away by it. I currently own a number of Bear Family box sets and other Smithsonian sets. If I arranged all these sets by quality, this set would not only be at the top, but would be a good distance beyond that. The couple of friends I have shown it to have echoed my feelings. In fact, I am seriously considering ordering two more sets before they go out of print in order to stash them away for my future grandchildren.

Even if this set were selling in the $100+ range, this set would still be a phenomenal bargain!

An Altogether Beautiful Package
Box sets can be like Christmas presents. Some of them are like that great new book you have been wanting. Or that video game. Or really cool and unusual stocking stuffers. And some are just like socks. Or underwear. Sort of practical, but nothing you wanna write a thank you card about. This box set definitely falls into the treat category.

I grew up with an Irish mother who hummed traditonal folksongs while she worked around the house. Maybe that is why I felt right at home listening to these indispensible songs. Sure, some of the lyrics are completely, shall we say, emeshed in their time, some almost border now on kitsch, but taken as a whole, the music here is a powerful testimony to the ability to use songs as something more than fodder for product-pushing. There is power and compassion and passion and grit and resignation and tenacity and a whole thesaurus more of emotions and feelings crammed into these five disks. I love humming some of these songs at work under my breath, while I grit my teeth and earn my daily bread. Good way to keep sane.

And the packaging! A good many box sets are somewhat tarnished by their disappointing packaging (the Emmylou Harris box comes to mind; stupendous music, anorexic liner notes). But the Smithsonian has done its usual superb job of putting together a package to write...well, if not home, about, at least a review in Amazon. The Amazon review details all the goodies, but the package itself should be commended for its thoroughness and sheer cunning ingenuity (it opens like a Broadside magazine). I predict at least two Grammy nominations if not outright trophies for the liner notes and the packaging.

I have enjoyed the Harry Smith boxes previously put out by The Smithsonian Folkways people tremendously. If you liked them, I can highly recommend this. The two packages compliment each other nicely.

Now, if only we could get the Britneys and Christinas and Hokus and boybands and all the teenyboppers who are currently ruling the airways to listen to this, then they would know that the power of music is not in the number of units pushed but in the passion and commitment of the artist and his/her song.

Thanks Smithsonian for yet another treat. ... Read more

Album Description

On this album we have collected some of the most powerful and evocative music to emerge from Scotland, which can best be described as anthemic - the call of a nation reaching deep into the hearts and minds of its people. Inspiring pride, courage and conviction in all those who hear these powerful Scottish songs. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A powerful album, indeed!
As I listen to this album over and over again, each track grows on me and adds to my pride in being of Scottish heritage. "Caledonia," "Hector the Hero," "Slangeva" ("Cheers" in Gaelic), "Always Argyll" (even though I am a MacDonald of Glencoe descendant), "Highland Cathedral," "The Flower of Scotland," "Will Ye No Come Back Again" and "When the Pipers Play" are particular favorites but there is not a weak track in the album"s 17 selections. I am ordering additional copies as gifts for relatives. If you are a Scot, or simply love inspiring music, you will, too!

A Powerful & Stirring Album
I was lucky enough to be at Hampden Stadium for the final of the NFL European Championship. Despite the final being between two German sides, the crowd were suitably entertained by some great Scottish music. Fish, ex of Marillion, sang the Frankie Miller classic Caledonia, which went down very well. Immediately afterwards the Scottish Claymores' cheerleaders came on to a piece of music that just made your hair stand on end. They danced to the track called The GAEL which is featured on this album. It is quite simply the best and most powerful piece of Pipe Band music you'll ever hear. Play it loud, play it proud. A wonderful tune, performed brilliantly by the massed bands of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Great Stuff! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best collection of basic American music yet compiled.
If you have to listen to any music, this is the collection to listen to. It covers all the basic beginnings of American Music and leaves you with a want for more. You will have all the tracks memorized and will be playing the CD even after the machine is shut-off. The CD shows the incredible range of American music. This is the BEST. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you just couldn't get enough of The Anthology of American Folk Music, here's the perfect companion CD. The Anthology is, of course, the celebrated 1997 reissued six-disc box that became the touchstone for modern folk music when it was originally put out by filmmaker and record collector Harry Smith in 1952. The Harry Smith Connection is culled from two October 1997 concerts at which performers tackled tracks from The Anthology, which consists of 84 recordings made between 1926 and 1933. Contributors include Roger McGuinn (backed by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett and sounding great), Dave Van Ronk, Ethel Caffie-Austin, and the New Lost City Ramblers. The affection the performers feel for these earthen songs is palpable. The songs themselves are unassailable. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A labor of love
These live recordings of songs from the AAFM offers warm, loving renditions of a handful of the armload of American musical heritage sent through the years to us by Harry Smith. It's yet another reminder of how important Smith's contribution was. Peter Stampfel's ode to Harry makes me want to hear the rest of the epic and "Nothing" by the Fugs is nothing short of wonderful.

Not enough Roger McGuinn
Roger McGuinn is the shinning light of this CD. There should be more selections by him offered in this collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A towering figure in folk and world music, Alan Lomax is best known for collecting the sounds of everyday people singing the songs of their native lands. This volume is a sampler that just scratches the surface of a massive re-issue project that makes all of Lomax's archival material available on compact disc--the broadsides and ballads, work chants, and dances Lomax recorded on journeys through America, Europe, and the West Indies. The selection, of course, is as varied as his library--Irish reels, Delta blues, and Caribbean calypso as well as songs sung, literally, by fisherman, preachers, and chain-gang prisoners. Be warned, this insightful collection may well start you on a long musical journey of your own. -- Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good, for what it is.
If you've never heard of Alan Lomax, this CD is a great place to start, with bits and pieces of several collections of his field recordings. It touches down in Spain, Italy, the British Isles, the Carribbean, the deep South, the Appalachians, and a few other places, too. But keep in mind that it is a *sampler* album. Many of the tracks are faded out well before the end of the song in order to fit so much onto one CD. Think of it as a catalog: if you hear something you like, you figure out which of the other CDs it's from and go buy it so you can hear the rest. It's fun to listen to by itself, too.

[...It is a document of our history....]
...This is an excellent collection of field recordings, in fact just one more piece of America's heritage that Alan Lomax has preserved, thankfully. Alan Lomax filled a pivotal role not just in America's musical history, but in history in general. He recorded, archived, and preserved the music of early America in a record that would have otherwise been lost. Forgive the lo-fi nature of it; it is a document of our history and of American music in general. As such, I would hesitate to call it a good introduction to American music's roots, but it is a valuable source for further exploration.

I'll use my sound clip option...more often
After ordering General's Daughter (love the CD) this title was listed as one that I my like. I knew that the songs would not have the heavy mix as those in General's Daughter. These songs are "FIELD" recordings. Again I blame myself for not researching a little deeper.

Essential introduction to roots music
If you are trying to get started learning about roots music (also known as "real" music), please buy this CD and support a great record label (Rounder Records). The tracks are all remarkable in their own way. If you have any interest in folk or indigenous music, this recording (and all the rest of Lomax' collections) is essential.

Highly Recommended for all Music Lovers!!!!
This sampler is a wonderful gift for anyone who has an appreciation for the roots of American music. This is a great introduction to the Alan Lomax Collection. Alan Lomax was a musicologist who recorded and collected indigenous music from regions all over the United States.I have several other c.d.s from the collection and they are all wonderful. ... Read more