Customer Reviews

Songs Of Conscience & Concern: A Retrospective Collection

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The idea behind "Songs of Conscience & Concern" is Peter, Paul & Mary sang lots of other great protest songs besides their popular hits "If I Had A Hammer," "Blowin' In The Wind," and "Where Have All The Flowers Gone." I might not have heard PP&M sing many of the songs included in this retrospective collection, but several of them are quite familiar from all the folk music I have been listening to this year. The album begins with the Weaver's "What That A Time" and Woody Guthrie's "Pastures Of Plenty," two songs I have recently discovered and greatly admire. The issues covered in these songs stretch from the Great Depression to today and the songs come from a dozen PP&M albums, although it is not surprising that three of the songs come from their "Flowers and Stones" album. One of the things I really noticed on this album was that they reflect not only the graceful harmonies of the trio, but that the instrumental work on some of these songs is as good as anything we have heard them do. With their successful holiday concerts and the enduring legacy of "Puff the Magic Dragon," it is important sometimes to remember that Peter, Paul & Mary were folk singers, and that once upon a time folk singers were the social conscience of this nation. This album is a remember of those times.

I've been a Peter, Paul and Mary fan since their first concert I attended in high school in 1969. They always entertain you, but leave you thinking about our society. This is my favorite recording and Danny's Downs is an exceptional song. I have given this to many of my friends and will continue to.

I was reluctant to buy this CD because I had all the cuts, except their latest, on other CD's and albums in my collection. I have to say now that the recordings are all exceptional performances and "Don't Laugh at Me" alone is worth the price of the CD. Don't wait . . . don't hesitate to invest in a copy of this CD for yourself.

PPM have been my favorite group ever since my parents bought us their first albums in the early sixties. I have also raised my now college-aged kids on PPM. I thoroughly enjoy this CD, even though I have all the songs (except the new one) on my other PPM CDs. My favorite titles are "Danny's Downs", "Home is Where the Heart Is" and "Don't Laugh at Me". They make us "conscience" of social issues that affect all of us here and now. It is great to have most of my favorite PPM songs on one CD. It is great to see that after 40 years they are still giving us great 'G' rated music.

Most performers thrive on repeating their oldies and trying hard to get hard core fans to appreciate the newer stuff. But from their very first hearing, the newer songs on this collection (Don't Laugh at Me, Danny's Downs, Home is Where The Heart is, etc.) have Peter Paul and Mary's amazing ability to simultaneously make you cry and lift you up... but most importantly they make you want to sing along and share. And the oldies never disappoint. We're making this our Millenium Holiday Card / Gift for everyone we love.

I first heard Peter, Paul and Mary back in 1961 at the University of Michigan. I was a freshman engineering student and they were touring the U.S. promoting their first album with free concerts. Hearing them then I experienced a love of their music that has stuck with me for life. Their blend and arrangements combined with their individual skill as artists enhances the beauty and message of this selection of wonderful songs. Listening to their interpretation of the current country hit "Don't Laugh At Me" demonstrates that they have lost none of their ability to take a good piece and make it great.

This is a *great* collection of songs. I enjoy the whoooole thing! I'd have to say that my personal favorite is tne newly recorded "Don't Laugh at Me" which made me cry because it was so familiar. I also liked "The Great Mandala" as it puts an interesting twist on PPM's traditional anti-war songs. "All Mixed Up" is exactly how I like my world! "Power" is catchy for an anti-nuclear song and...I could go on and on, but I'd rather not. :)

Peter, Paul and Mary helped bring protest music to the fore by recording Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" back in the day. But, they also went back to Depression Era and did Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty" and helped bring attention to this hugely talented songwriter. Their version of "El Salvador" still applies, sadly. The voices and instruments on this recording are beautifully done and back in the era where there is still true stereophonic sound. This collection is well worth owning for a listen.

Rebecca Kyle, August 2009

I started playing the guitar in the early 60s, and most of what I played and sang was folk music - Joan Baez, PP&M to name two. This CD is absolutely inspiring. It reminded me of how committed I had been to a better world. I'm ashamed to say that I drifted away from this music, but I still have my guitar, so it's time to get back on board and work towards freedom, peace and justice.

This Peter ,Paul and Mary Cdis a dimaond in the ruff.It contains all lesser known songs.So if you want there famous and best songs you won`t find them on here .However the song EL SALVADOR takes us back to the Reagan presidency and wonders why are troops are there?But the one song that made this album a must by for me is DON`T LAUGH AT ME!...THIS SONG WILL SIMPLY TOUCH YOUR HEART!The song reflects on all the kids and people who are always ridiculed for there awkward appearances or social status.Maybe every cruel kid who tortured another kid as a child should listen to this song?As the song says in the end we all will get our angel`s wings.We are truely all equal in the eyes of God.If you wish to teach your kid about life ,buy this cd and listen to this song!