Customer Reviews

Allen Ginsberg CD Poetry Collection

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A new years present to myself and I've listened through three times already. Inspiring, makes me want to write and move to California or New York or Europe. Well-packaged, though some typos, and great booklet, 60 pages, with interesting design. Recommended. It's creepy to hear Ginsberg's voice, knowing this was his last major reading of his works. Very good CDs.

A wonderful recording, with Ginsberg's voice loud and clear for all those who ever heard him, or missed his readings. A chronological recording of his major works, spread out across three CDs, which really works as a format: put one on, then the next, then the final, and get a tour of Ginsberg's poetic works over nearly half a century. The progression is noticeable. A great document of American literature, really pleasurable to hear. Comes with a massive booklet, 70 pages or so, with the poems all printed out so you can read along or just skim through it without the CD, including some musical notations. A nice little essay by Stephen Taylor explains the reading format, and another by Geoff Manaugh, who read with Ginsberg during these nights, gives a nice feel for the evenings these were recorded. Each worth reading; each adds to the intimacy of the recordings, I think, hearing from Ginsberg's friends. Could have used more of that, in fact, but that's a minor quibble. An introduction by Bob Rosenthal, as well, who works for the Allen Ginsberg Foundation. They apparently put this out.
Recommended. America's bard still lives...

Just picked up a copy of this from a publishing friend, topnotch CDs, great package as well. The CDs have drawings by Ginsberg printed onto them, and the cardboard sleeve has filmstills from the readings these are taken from at the Knitting Factory. The booklet is lengthy and detailed, with some short pieces by different writers, but they're rather short. One apparently read with Ginsberg these nights; would like to have read more, perhaps? But a great pleasure, to hear these poems in order, great sound quality. Listening to it right now.

I was lucky enough to have gone to three poetry readings held in Harvard Square, Boston, Massachusetts in the late 1970's. The last one I recorded "Contest of the Bards" and Allen requested a copy of it, of which I sent it to him promptly the next day. Allen Ginsberg is an excellent 'orator' and new age poet lauriat of his age and the future ages. He certainly does not have to read like and to sound like previous poets in their delivery style nor in any other 'academically' trained style of delivering 'speak-a-forth-the-naked-truth' enumerations from within, soul strength held. I love this collection and the poet for his strength and style and what he adds to those of us who love the english language.

The Allen Ginsberg CD Poetry Collection is a must-have for anyone interested in mid-20th century popular culture in general, and Beat writing in particular. Its poems hold within them the memory of where an entire demographic has come from. For three hours Ginsberg's voice brings his work to life. Among other things, it reminds us that poetry needs to be heard and not simply read. It also reveals the character of the man himself. He must have been a beautiful guy. A radical, a romantic, a peacemaker, an explorer, a truly passionate eccentric, a pain in the [...]. If our time still produced people (and words) like Ginsberg then our lives would be so much richer.

great listening. every poem inspires a new poem to be written. could listen to this for hours and hours. beautifully packaged too, a testament. very inspiring.