Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939

Jamie O'Reilly & Michael Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 15, 1997)
• Original Release Date: July 15, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bird Avenue
• ASIN: B000058AJW
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #360,242 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Tu Que Brillias

2. Quinto Regimiento

3. Song of the United Front

4. Peat Bog Soldiers

5. Song of the American Consul/Quartermaster Song

6. A Gunner Name of Bill

7. Cook House/The Young Man From Alcala

8. En La Plaza de mi Pueblo

9. Viva la Quince Brigada

10. Bon Cop de Falc

11. Freheit!

12. Los Cuatro Generales

13. Si me Quieres Escribir

14. Asturias

15. Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejias(Lorca)

16. Rozhinkes mit Mandlen

17. Song of the International Brigade

18. Beloved Comrade

19. Los Marineros

20. Jarama Valley

Editorial Reviews

Singout Magazine

“they’re not just going through the motions,every song receives a passionate treatment worthy of the subject.

Product Description

"Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939" Michael Smith , Jamie O'Reilly with Katrina O'Reilly

"It is more than glorious music they offer us; it is our history that would otherwise be forgotten. At a time when passion is so lacking in our lives, these two artists set our hearts on fire! Viva Jamie and Michael!" -Studs Terkel

Created as a folk-cabaret, with input from Spanish Civil War heroes and historians, and now a CD sold worldwide, this recording includes 20 stirring songs, sung in 6 languages, that spotlight a powerful period in human history. What distinguishes this CD recording from others is the passion and commitment with which these top-notch performers perform the songs, honoring the stories of the International Brigades and Spain, (many told to them first-hand) and replicating the complex and varied musical styles of the era. Simple translations and program notes by Studs Terkel in a color booklet are included.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History come alive!, March 21, 2001

By 

John Wagner (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 (Audio CD)

For anyone who knows or has heard of the egalitarian ranks of the freedom fighters of the Spanish Civil War, this international collection of fiery, heartfelt songs from the men and women who were first to fight fascists in the 20th century will fire your heart and cause your fist to fly up in glorious solidarity and brotherhood!. Not only are these songs taken from the original, traditional words and tunes of over sixty years ago, but they are arranged and performed as though you are there, listening to the actual music of this frightening and rousing time. I was fortunate enough to see Smith and the O'Reillys in concert (February, 2001 at the yearly Volunteers of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade gathering in Oakland, CA) and can't help but feel sorry for those who have not yet seen these magnificent and talented musicians re-create one of the most powerful musical moments of American and world history. Buy this album and join the battle!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cabaret version of politics, July 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 (Audio CD)

The disc features songs of political passion turned into a cabaret performance. It reminds one a little of listening to the "Star-Spangled Banner" as delivered at a football game by a narcissistic rock star. The German, Spanish and French lyrics are mis-pronounced, the period music is turned into folk rock cadences and the presentation is anachronistic. Try Paul Robeson.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939, March 1, 2001

By 

Richard Ingle (Berwyn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 (Audio CD)

This CD is a true gem! It captures all the intensity and emotion that is such an important element of the songs in this show. I can think of no other voices other than Jamie O'Reilly and Michael Smith who could have done it better. If you've been lucky enough to see this show, this CD is a must! If you haven't seen the show, it's even MORE of a must!