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

Phil Ochs (Tribute)

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.com Sales Rank: #49,473 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 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

"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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Daniel Mintz "dwmintz" (Highland Park, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible (coming from a 15 year-old!), July 28, 2002

By A Customer

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.