Under American Skies

Tom Paxton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Appleseed Records
• ASIN: B00005LN4W
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,379 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Protest songs were a staple of the early '60s folk movement, and while most of them have been forgotten, the best survived long after the events that inspired them faded from the news. On Under American Skies, Tom Paxton, one of the best songwriters to emerge from the folk revival, and Anne Hills, a younger singer who is carrying on some of the same traditions, revisit some of their favorite topical songs from the '60s and '70s. Hills and Paxton harmonize on a well-chosen collection of songs including Richard Fariña's "Birmingham Sunday," Bob Gibson's "Well Well Well," Malvina Reynolds's "God Bless the Grass," and Kate Wolf's "Links in the Chain." They are backed by guitarist Al Pettaway, an excellent player whose inventive arrangements are a reminder that the music is as important as the message in a topical song. Paxton and Hills help keep the protest-song genre alive by contributing a few new songs of their own, including the title track, which they composed together. Because of the number of older songs here, this CD has a slightly nostalgic feel at times, but the new songs keep it from becoming a wallow in the past. --Michael Simmons

Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

"A stirring recording, guaranteed to inspire those who fight for and believe in a more just world."

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tom and Anne ... at last!, May 27, 2002

By 

Richard A. Lovett (West Coast, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under American Skies (Audio CD)

Nearly two decades ago, Tom Paxton, Bob Gibson, and a newcomer named Anne Hills formed a short-lived trio called "Best of Friends." I caught one of their few concerts (one of the best musical experiences of my life) and spent the next several years hoping they'd cut a trio album.

Well, two out of three of the friends ain't bad. This album gives us Paxton and Hills singing (mostly) protest songs that show (unfortunately) how little some things have changed since the 60s and '70s. The songs aren't so much nostalgia as a continuing challenge for the 21st Century, and in resurrecting them Hills and Paxton have given them modern settings quite different from the voice-and-guitar standard of 35 years ago. There's a lot of piano on this album, for example. It works well but may be offputting to some folk purists. Most of the performances are also bit (but not a lot) bluesier than the protest performances I remember from the '60s, but that also makes them fresher.

Vocally, Hills is the stronger of the pair--but then she's one of the finest vocalists in contemporary folk. Paxton, of course, has reached that category known as "living legend," and his gentle personality shines through again and again. And his vocals are perfectly adequate.

If I had a quibble, it's that I'd like to see more songs on which Paxton and Hills let their voices interweave (as they do on about 1/3 of the numbers), rather than simply trading leads and backup-vocal responsiblities. Hills is a stunning trio and duet singer (as she's revealed in her women's albums), and on the songs where she and Paxton do let their voices merge, he rises brilliantly to the challenge.

With some hesitation, therefore, I'm giving this four stars, rather than five. I'd prefer to give it 4 1/2, but that's not an option, and I'd rather save top raves for Hills' other ensemble work.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talent defined, September 17, 2001

By 

Charles Lepore "Winewizard" (Westfield, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Under American Skies (Audio CD)

If Tom Paxton's name is on it, I'll buy it...I am a long time fan of Tom. The duets with Annie are beyond fine...this cd is a gem, and Tom Paxton is a national treasure - Also try to find a copy of Tom Paxton's album called Seven. If you remember protest songs (or if you've just heard about them) look into Paxton's song "Jimmy Newman". Once you have heard that you will have an excellent perspective of the genre which is defined by this tune. Regardless of your opinion, the content is incredible. Then cheer up with Tom's song "Wasn't That a Party" guarantee you'll smile at this one (Both these songs are on the cd "The Very Best of Tom Paxton"). And, while I have your attention; listen to a Harry Chapin song called "Flowers Are Red" (contained on the cd : "Gold Medal Collection"). I mean really hear them. Also try a Doctor Hook cd called Sloppy Seconds. Concentrate as these songs operate on two levels. Now, aid the economy and go shopping...