What's That I Hear? The Songs of Phil Ochs

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 10, 1998
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sliced Bread Records
• ASIN: B00000670Y
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,440 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #74 in Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > Urban Folk

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Power and the Glory

2. Boy in Ohio

3. Jim Dean of Indiana

4. Chords of Fame

5. There But for Fortune

6. Flower Lady

7. I Ain't Marching Anymore

8. Is There Anybody Here?

9. Draft Dodger Rag

10. Changes

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. What's That I Hear?

2. Hands

3. Bracero

4. Sailors and Soldiers

5. The Highwayman

6. Gas Station Women

7. Outside of a Small Circle of Friends

8. Crucifixion

9. Here's to the State of Mississippi

10. Freedom Riders

See all 13 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive review of this eclectic version of covers, December 16, 1998

By 

Deborah Kanter/ partners@kanbatecommunication... (Bloomfield, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What's That I Hear? The Songs of Phil Ochs (Audio CD)

"What's That I Hear?"-- The Songs of Phil Ochs, is a seminal anthology of covers of the music of this master of songs of protest and poetry of the heart. If you are a Phil Ochs purist who has avoided purchasing this two CD collection, you will revel in many of these interpretations. If you are unfamiliar with the words or music of this recently reclaimed legend, you will benefit from a most stimulating introduction.

Most of these covers are innovative but true to Ochs'sardonic, poetic style. What's best? Perhaps John Gorka's stinging "Bracero," Rod MacDonald's piercingly beautiful "Pleasures of the Harbour", or David Massengill's biting version of "Crucifixion."

Ochs is probably best known for his songs of political protest and rage against social conditions. His contemporaries include Tom Paxton who performs "Draft Dodger Rag" with acknowledgement of Ochs' sense of humor; Dave Van Ronk who almost joyfully belts "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends" and Arlo Guthrie's cover of one of Ochs' anthems--" I Ain't Marching Anymore."

Yet, it is not always the political or social Phil Ochs which manages to bring that wince, that almost tear and that after sense of exhiliaration to the listener. Among the fine covers of the autobiographical/ personal aspect of Ochs are David Buskin's haunting "Boy in Ohio," Eric Andersen's reflective version of "When I'm Gone," and the stunning interpretation of his love song, "Changes"--- a personal favorite!

If many of us know all or most of these songs, are there any revelations or surprises. Yes! Three songs not recorded on any previous albums appear here: Pat Humphries, " Hands" (another new favorite), "Sailors and Soldiers", interpreted by Sid Griffin and Billy Bragg and the powerful ballad "Freedom Riders" sung by Kim & Reggie Harris and Magpie.

Occasionally a song will stumble into the overdone or come too close to pathos. However, that is the true exception.

If you are looking for a collection which will make you think as well as please you acoustically, I suggest "What's That I Hear?" on Sliced Bread Records. It is the music of Phil Ochs.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eclectic Encomium, February 2, 2001

By 

Daniel Mintz (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What's That I Hear? The Songs of Phil Ochs (Audio CD)

This is a wonderful collection of great musicians doing their part to honor one of the great folksinger/songwriters of the 20th century. With a variety of performers ranging from Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary to an incredibly powerful performance by the modern folk-rocker Sonia Rutstein, this collection has something that will appeal to all those who love folk music. Some tracks are better than others, but all the performers really love the music they're playing, and that love comes through in the recording.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 50 Phil Ochs fans can't be wrong!, January 24, 2000

By 

"warrenius" (Neon Wilderness) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What's That I Hear? The Songs of Phil Ochs (Audio CD)

This is an extraordinary collection of the songs of Phil Ochs. One of a kind, excellent, stupendous, great, wonderful, you name it, I'll probably take it.

Even though Phil sadly died in 1976 in suicide, his songs live on through the songs of these wonderful and talented preformers that preform some of Phil Och's best. The classic song "Tape from California" is taken to new heights, which makes it an exhiliarating song. Other songs like "Outside a Small Circle of friends" are given a new life and new meaning as the ideas and beliefs of Phil's age meet ours. But there's no war, for "the war is over."

You could almost call this the "perfect" introduction to Phil Ochs ( along with Phil Ochs: Greatest Hits ) because it combines all areas that Phil sang about and turns it into a flambouyant journey that will leave songs stuck in your head for a very long time, and you'll be glad for that, I can tell you that.

If you happen to see this collection anywhere on this site or at your local CD store, then you should get it. Don't pass it by, because if you do, then there will be "No More Songs." But get it! Do it! 50 Phil Ochs fans can't be wrong!