Customer Reviews

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

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"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.

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.

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!

The title of this cd should be "How to waste $30.98". It seems that all the artists on this cd decided to slow down the tempo on all the songs to make them sound as dreary as possible. I would describe the singing as labored. Like they are trying to squeese more meaning out of the song than it has. I've been listening to Phil Ochs music for 40 years and was very disapointed with this collection. If you want to here the music of Phil Ochs, buy a Phil Ochs CD.

I saw these artists preform this album live at a local coffee house. I had never heard of Phil Ochs before, but we usually go and see the shows at this coffee house anyway. I was very impressed at the talent I witnessed that night. I am not lying when I that EVERY song and EVERY artist was amazing. I was deeply moved by the music I heard that night and am very excited to buy this CD. I hope you can have the same experience.

One of the best tribute albums. Great versions of "Pleasure of the Harbor," "Hands," and "When I'm Gone" (the last by Eric Andersen). Any fan of Phil Ochs will love it.

Crucifixion by David Massengill is simply astounding.

And so, so, so true today.

The price is a little steep, but this CD set is an excellent sampling of Phil Ochs' songwriting, with a few stylistic twists. Most of the artists capture the Ochsian method of singing songs with a passionate humility, where the message of each song is more important than its musical sheen.

Hearing Katy Moffat sing "Here's to the State of Mississippi" with her Southern twang is beautiful on so many levels.

Most will probably agree that the majority of tribute albums
are best left alone and listening to the artist's own recordings is far preferable.
There is an exception to every 'rule' - and here it is. This is a classic album with amazingly excellent versions. Of the 28 covers on here, I would rate 20 of them as being stone classics. Hugely recommended for any Phil Ochs fan.

I love Phil Ochs's voice, message, tempo and guitar playing. But that does not stop me from thoroughly enjoying this album wherein his songs are performed by various artists. These performers have given Phil a fresh new look, yet remained true to Phil even as they add some of their own style to the songs. Some of the songs on this album are so beautiful they made me weep (Jim Dean of Indiana, Colors). Listening to Phil's music performed by these artists should not be missed!