Customer Reviews

War War War

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Most people these days, if they know Robert W Service's name at all, know him as the author of either "The Cremation of Sam McGee" or "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" (or both); both ironic and very funny pseudo-epic pieces from his time in the Yukon.

But there is another side to Service's work; he was a war correspondent and ambulance driver in World War One, and he wrote some truly harrowing poetry inspired by the experience.

And from those poems, Country Joe McDonald has chosen eight (and a ninth -- "The March of the Dead" -- from the Boer War), setting them to a perfectly-realised sparse acoustic accompaniment featuring just 12-string guitar, harmonica and a touch of organ, which sets off Joe's slightly nasal, somewhat reedy voice excellently.

The standout piece is "The Ballad of Jean Desprez", a nine-and-a-half minute account of reprisals and counter-reprisals in a small French village; Jean Desprez is a nine year old peasant boy who finds himself in the middle of events beyone his control or even comprehension, and proves in at least one way equal to the moment. It builds to an inevitable, tragic-heroic conclusion.

Other songs:

"The Munition Maker" -- a man who has become "rajah-rich" through arms sales... but who knows "...there are no pockets in a shroud..."

"War Widow" -- bitterly ironic little ditty that explains how war is a Good Thing because it keeps the population down (resonates with Joe's own "Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag" -- "War's good business, invest your son!")

"The Man from Aphabaska" is a trapper from backwoods Canada who's an "exhibition sniper" in the trenches, holding his fellow poilus spellbound with stories of the wilderness.

"The Twins" summarises the lives of twin brothers, one of whom is a Good Soldier, one of whom is a shirker and profiteer. Guess which lies in the Potter's Field?

Brilliant, spare and moving.

Worthy of your attention.

This is one of the best albums of all time ! Why hasn't it been reissued ? I understand the laws of supply and demand but I would rather buy it at a more reasonable price . Come on Joe , lets get this back in print.

WoW! what can I say this is possibly the most imporatnt anti-vietnam (all war) album evr released! I heard this album for the first time way back in the 11th grade, I had a teacher who played it for our class, I went out that night to the record store and bought it for myself. For me the greatest track is by far Jean Duprez, but to each his own. Joe's vocals are so raw and plaintive. The guitar (12 String) is wonderful and lush with just enough edge to blow the mind. And the fact that every once in a while you can actually hear him stamping his feet just brings out more of the raw power that is this album. Plus, now that its available on CD! If you have children stop playing them Raffi and start playing them WAR WAR WAR!

The poetry of Robert Service and the music of Country Joe and the Fish - who could ask for more. Not many people know of Robert Service's anti war sentiment, but it was very strong and well expessed. When combined with music , it makes a fine and very moving experience.

This is an album I listened to a hundred times as an adolescent, as it belonged to my sister, who was a product of the 1960's (and alot older than me!). The songs were touching, poignant and full of the futility of war, as seen from the angle of the soldier fighting in the trenches of France in the 1st World War. Can't wait to receive my CD and relive the experience!

I am apparently one of the unusual owners of one of he original 100,000 copies of the original Vanguard LP, carried from abode to abode during a long career as musicican, academic, and writer. It is one I still cherish from the Vietnam era, in which I was one of the last of the draftable. I had interviewed Country Joe for my High School newspaper after a solo concert. I knew that his intellect and depth were far broader than exemplified by the more famous anti-war music of the period. When I bought this album, I had no idea who Robert Service was, or that I would consider it one of the best LPs in a large collection amassed mainly during the late 1960s and 70s.

But there it is, and I know that a new CD of a live performance has become available. Apparently there are some copyright wranglings involving this album. However, if you chance to obtain a copy, do it! You won't be disappointed. I have read Service's poetry now, including the "Red Cross Volunteer" series. However, there is no doubt that Country Joe has really added something to the poetry with his musical talent and skills that put him far above most of the singer-songwriters of this or any period that I'm aware of.

This is a classic Viet Nam era album that utilizes the vintage anti-war poetry set to music. McDonald plays a very powerful 12 string acoustic guitar with lyrics from Robert W. Service, a WWI era poet who is famous for his wilderness poetry and less for his anti-war stance. Truly a rare look into another time about a timeless problem.

This CD, with lyrics by Robert Service, who witnessed the horrors of war up close, and music by Navy veteran Joe McDonald, is a stark reminder of the true costs of war. It couldn't be more timely.

A truly awesome record that will stay with you forever.Equal to Joe Walsh Barnstorm as a great unheard treasure.Probably my all time favorite folk album.Don't be jealous that I bought this CD for 1.99 in the clearance bin about 10 years ago.I had also bought the original LP in the cutout bin back 30 years or so ago.Don't ley that fool you.This is a truly great one.

I have always appreciate Country Joe McDonald for his creativity and insight on many levels. I originally purchased this album because it was another Country Joe album. This is a haunting album that Robert Service's words and McDonald's music bring alive.

All the fears, hopes, smells, disappointments, sighs and viewsheds come through loud. The more you listen you find yourself standing in rural Canada or rural France. Joe did this as an outgrowth of concerns about Vietnam, but the mustic applies to any violent conflict - Middle East, Iraq, Iran, Kosovo, Falkland Islands, western Europe, Africa and civil rights around the world.

This makes you want to hear more of McDonald and read more of Robert Service. This is hauntingly magic.