Customer Reviews

Southern Journey, Vol. 5: Bad Man Ballads - Songs Of Outlaws And Desperadoes

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Alan Lomax recorded these folk songs during the late 1950's in people's houses and in prisons. Incredible to have recordings of prisoners singing to the beat of their axe strokes as they work. Housework seems less mundane when doing it with this music on. Wide range of music represented here, but many of the songs in this volume are concerned with crime, especially murder, and prison life. Two (actually three) great versions of Po' Lazarus, and an interesting John Henry. I would have given it 5 stars except there's 1 track I hate and two others I don't care for. That leaves 14 great tracks.

While you can certainly buy music with better production (these songs were produced "on the spot" in sometimes less than ideal conditions),better musicianship and more competent vocals, you would be hard pressed to find a contemporary collection that is more heartfelt and stirring as the one offered here. This music embodies our past ~ the roots from which grew blues and bluegrass. The "artists" represented on this CD are just plain folks that learned their instruments and songs from family and friends,passed down from the preceding generations. When taken within the context of the collection each selection is a gem on its own. Among these gems, many have a rare and haunting beauty. You should buy this CD if you have even a passing interest in American roots music