Customer Reviews

Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939

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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!

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.

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!

Jamie O'Reilly's voice gives a heartfelt earnestness to this re-interpretation of the well known Spanish Civil War repertory. The ensemble is tight and introduces interesting rhythms to the songs. Many people have asked me how to purchase this CD but i think it is no longer available.

This CD is really amazing. The songs are so powerful and are sung just beautifully. In response to "A Music Fan from Israel," I'd just like to say that the CD's subtitle is "Songs of the Spanish Civil War," not "Songs from..." and I'm sure that the title was not meant to be "decieving." "Pasiones" is a wonderful mix of languages and I enjoy the contrast between songs about the War and songs that were sung by the soldiers. This is a really wonderful CD.

The title "Songs of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939" is deceptive and deceiving.
Several songs in the album seems to be, at best, ABOUT the war. Others (6, 18) were written by English/American including music by Michael Smith, the performer. Hardly a Spanish song or lyrics.
Rozhinkes mit Mandlen (20), is to the best of my knowledge an Eastern European (Jewish?) song. I wonder about its relevance to Spain.
Worst of all, all the songs are performed a'la the great American folk style of the 60'. I was looking for Spanish songs with Spanish flavor and rhythm not to Peter, Paul & Mary.