Customer Reviews

The Bell

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The war drums are beating. Many voices for peace are being heard but we need many more. Musicians who have passed on would be singing "The Bell" today. People like Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Phil Ochs, Malvina Reynolds, Richard Farina, and John Lennon.

Down with apathy and up with activism!

I believe these lyrics will inspire you as they did me. "The Bell" is already playing on public and college radio stations across the country. The New York Times called it "one of the first major songs to directly address the nation's stance toward Iraq." Still, some big chains refuse to sell it. Show them theyıre wrong!

Also, call your radio station!

Make "The Bell" an anti-war story the media can't ignore. Profits from sales will go to United for Peace and Justice, a national campaign that is helping coordinate work against a U.S. war on Iraq. For more information, you can go to Stephan's website, [...].

Keep On!

Stephan Smith's CD single, The Bell, contains the title track - a fable about resisting a war that will bring the nation into a horrible trap - as well as contributions from artists ranging from Pete Seeger to DJ Spooky. The accompaniments are beautiful and haunting, especially Smith's fiddle playing (Smith grew up judging fiddle competitions) and the guitar work. My favorite track is DJ Spooky's Paranoia Network Remix. Tara Nevins's cover is poetic and graceful, like a ballad from "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?".

One of the amazing things about the CD is that it shows how diverse the anti-war movement is. Also, it fearlessly proclaims what many people (this reviewer included, who is, like Smith, part of Generation X) believe: that a war in Iraq is being planned by military bureaucrats out of touch with reality who will never have to face the dangers of combat firsthand, and that true patriots should resist the latest call to war.

"The Bell" is hands down the best anti-war song I've ever heard... I also heard an advanced copy of his newest cd "Slash & Burn" (title ?) due out June 8th at a friends place - and it is simply amazing... I also saw Stephan Smith perform at Miami FTAA Legal Defense Fundraiser a while back - and he is really good live - so if you get a chance see him live - as well as pick up this awesome anti-war song - Amor y Paz - Savannah Skye...

The CD comes in a great insert, with the song lyrics of "The Bell".
There are quite a few versions of the song, plus other songs by Stephan which are awesome. I understand he's working on a new CD at the moment, and I look forward to it greatly. His music is so timely, great to sing to, and a must have.