Customer Reviews

American Favorite Ballads 3

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Since my youth I have had an ear for roots music, whether I was conscious of that fact or not. The original of that interest first centered on the blues, then early rock and roll and later, with the folk revival of the early 1960's, folk music. I have often wondered about the source of this interest. I am, and have always been a city boy, and an Eastern city boy at that. Nevertheless, over time I have come to appreciate many more forms of roots music than in my youth. The subject of the following review is an example.

I have done reviews of Pete Seeger's more political albums and need not address those issues here. These volumes of American classics with Pete and banjo are the songs you learned mysteriously in your youth, apparently by osmosis. As each song goes along you find yourself singing along to at least part of the song. These songs go deep into the popular culture and the roots of what makes those of us who were born here conscious of the musical influences that formed our lives. You may not like every song but the total effect will grab you. The Titanic and No Irish Need Apply stand out in this volume.

As a boomer I was fortunate enough to see Pete Seager in concert on three occassions. Music about the stuggles of workers, the poor, and the historical tunes of this country and other English speaking lands tell stories which make the past come alive. I would suggest that you review the titles or song clips from all the CD's in this servies and select those which interest you best. Pete's children's songs I taught to my own children to their delight. As I await the birth of my first grandchild I look forward to singing and teaching them again to another generation. Sixties fans: Pete lead the way for Dylan and Baez. " She'll be commin' round the mountain when she comes..." so grab onto your heritage and enjoy the ride. I do.