Customer Reviews

Taking Woodstock

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

 

 

This CD starts things off right with a brand-new recording of Richie Havens' "Freedom 2009," which is a little slower and more deliberate in approach and attack than the original version from 1969 that Mr. Havens totally improvised in the moment - but I think the slightly slower rhythms of this new track give everything an extra shade of contemplation . . . which is what Ang Lee's new film invites as well. Folks who attack this disc because a few of the tracks are not directly from Woodstock miss the point (and they can simply buy the actual Woodstock CDs if that's what they're looking to get) . . . this CD captures the spirit and the groove of the times (along with some well-placed new music tracks from film composer Danny Elfman, the "Main Titles" being my favorite of those offered) . . . use of the song "Maggie M'Gill" from THE DOORS' Morrison Hotel is a little anachronistic because the song wasn't released until 1970 (months after Woodstock happened) . . . but so what? Again, it's about the feeling of those times . . . and it was (and IS) a good feeling . . . isn't it nice to feel good about something these days?! This CD puts across a good feeling all on its own, and it's an especially nice counterpoint to the film (and this CD's live track of Grateful Dead's "China Cat Sunflower" kicks much jammin' ass - with an especially sweet tone on Jerry Garcia's leads) . . . Enjoy this CD, and then see the movie and read the book on which it's based . . . there's a lot of America to find in there.

What was missing from the film 'Taking Woodstock' was the music. The wonderful music that rocked us all. What we got was snippets of the sounds. This CD of the soundtrack is slightly better.

What I have garnered is that Ang Lee could not or did not want to get the rights to the songs from the Woodstock of 40 years ago, so what we have are tunes done over, 30 sec snippets of the original sounds and songs written by Danny Elfman. He is a very talented musician, but he cannot make up for the sounds we miss, the Dead, Grace Slick and The Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and all of those fabulous musicians.

The CD starts with a new take of Richie Havens 'Freedom'. This is a rich and strong sound.
Danny Elfman intersperses his music in and around the snippets of tunes of the greatest.Crosby, Still and Nash sing 'Wooden Ships'. The Dead sing a new rendition of 'China Cat Sunflower' that is passable. How 'The Doors' and 'Maggie M'gill' became a part of Woodstock is a mystery but I love that particular song. The Doors were invited to Woodstock but refused- it is said that Jim Morrison did not like performing outdoors. 'Coming Into LA' by Arlo Guthrie is a tune we should all hear again and again. Country Joe McDonald and his 'I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag' is the theme song of that decade. 1-2-3- what are we fightin' for? Canned Heat, Janis Joplin, Melanie,Jefferson Airplane and The Band are all the 30 sec snippets of those great singers songs. It gives us a taste but not what we need and want.'The Red Telephone' by Love did not play at Woodstock, but they were a great 60's group. 'One More Mile' by the Paul Butterfield Band is a blast from the past.

For a list of the groups, bands and artists who appeared at Woodstock, 40 years ago, go to
the Official Woodstock blog-http://the60sofficialsite.com/Woodstock_Rock_Festival.html
They also give a good history of Woodstock and the artists that did not appear and the ones who were asked but refused.

This is an OK, soundtrack- it does not bring back the original Woodstock music, nor does it make up for the lack of music in the film 'Taking Woodstock', but it is a much better CD than film.

Recommended. prisrob 09-07-09

Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 1: Film & Television Music

Serenada Schizophrana

Woodstock: 40 Years on: Back to Yasgur's Farm (6CD, Limited Edition)


1. Freedom - Richie Havens
2. Taking Woodstock Titles - Danny Elfman
3. Wooden Ships - Crosby, Stills & Nash
4. China Cat Sunflower - Grateful Dead (live)
5. Maggie M'gill - The Doors
6. Elliot's Place - Danny Elfman
7. Coming Into Los Angeles - Arlo Guthrie (live)
8. I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag - Country Joe McDonald (live)
9. Going Up the Country - Canned Heat (live)
10. Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) - Janis Joplin (live)
11. Happening, A (Office #2) - Danny Elfman
12. Red Telephone, The - Love
13. Beautiful People - Melanie (live)
14. I Shall Be Released - The Band (live)
15. Perspective Extended - Danny Elfman
16. One More Mile - Paul Butterfield Blues Band
17. Volunteers - Jefferson Airplane

This is an awesome soundtrack it was enjoably and fun to listen to. the best songs on this disc are all of them

So what exactly does the Grateful Dead (with Keith Godcheaux on keyboards????) version of China Cat Sunflower from Europe '72 have to do with Woodstock? Cause that's what you get here folks.