Customer Reviews

We'll Pass Them on

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My only real complaint about We'll Pass Them On is that it's uncharacteristically "modern" sounding. That's not really a bad thing. It's just that the crystal clear, echo-laden production takes away the wonderfully rustic quality of Sally Rogers' earlier albums. But then, she clearly wasn't aiming for the same sound here as there. It's obviously supposed to be more contemporary, and it is.

Not that she's abandoned the classics or anything. As usual, there's a nice serving of traditional fare, such as "Blackjack Davy" and the opening track, "Across The Blue Mountains." Among the originals, the lovely "Home Again" is definitely a standout, with "Mother Courage" a close second. Last but not least, the political songs with reworked traditional melodies are as unsubtle as ever. "Gone to the Dogs" is as timely as ever for a call to arms over the polarization of America, while "Hard Work" is an amusing look at a reformed male chauvinist who has suddenly found himself wearing the house dress in the family. (Some will surely accuse Rogers of hating men, but only if they don't really listen to all the words!)

Well crafted as usual. Just don't expect this one to sound like it was recorded in her living room (as her first album was!).

I became interested in finding this CD when I purchased the sampler from Red House Records that contained many of its folk artists. On it, Sally Rogers did a rendition of Black Jack Davy, which is found on this album. It is by far the strongest piece. Her voice is pleasant and straightforward, but lacking in character. Her choice of selections are also pleasant - my daughter enjoys Mother Courage and Home Again. There is a liberal (pun intended) dash of leftist politics in Gone to The Dogs, and some politically correct gender equality in Hard Work. Still, there are some lovely pieces here that deserve a listen. Listen to it on the way to the peace rally.