Songs Of Conscience & Concern: A Retrospective Collection

Peter, Paul & Mary

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 23, 1999)
• Original Release Date: March 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00000I8TV
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #99,307 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The 15 lesser-known tracks included in this compilation deliver exactly what the title states. Peter, Paul & Mary, of course, helped invent "protest" music when they recorded Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," transforming it into a '60s civil rights anthem. That song isn't included here; in fact, the best-known tune is Phil Ochs's "There But for Fortune," although folk fans will also be familiar with Woody Guthrie's Depression-era "Pastures of Plenty" and the antiwar "Wasn't That a Time," most often associated with the Weavers. The social concerns addressed range from environmental degradation (the antinuke "Power") to racial disharmony (Pete Seeger's childlike "All Mixed Up") to political injustice (the graphic albeit melodically beautiful "El Salvador"). "Don't Laugh at Me," the sole new track here, preaches childhood tolerance, making it a perfect companion piece to PPM's classic "Danny's Down," also included here. The gorgeous, melodic new song is a must for fans, and although the other 14 songs are culled from nine previous LPs, it's still impressive to hear such sincere expressions of social consciousness. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary as folk singers, April 22, 2002

By	Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

The idea behind "Songs of Conscience & Concern" is Peter, Paul & Mary sang lots of other great protest songs besides their popular hits "If I Had A Hammer," "Blowin' In The Wind," and "Where Have All The Flowers Gone." I might not have heard PP&M sing many of the songs included in this retrospective collection, but several of them are quite familiar from all the folk music I have been listening to this year. The album begins with the Weaver's "What That A Time" and Woody Guthrie's "Pastures Of Plenty," two songs I have recently discovered and greatly admire. The issues covered in these songs stretch from the Great Depression to today and the songs come from a dozen PP&M albums, although it is not surprising that three of the songs come from their "Flowers and Stones" album. One of the things I really noticed on this album was that they reflect not only the graceful harmonies of the trio, but that the instrumental work on some of these songs is as good as anything we have heard them do. With their successful holiday concerts and the enduring legacy of "Puff the Magic Dragon," it is important sometimes to remember that Peter, Paul & Mary were folk singers, and that once upon a time folk singers were the social conscience of this nation. This album is a remember of those times.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They still leave you thinking with the messages they sing, December 16, 1999

By	Kathy (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

I've been a Peter, Paul and Mary fan since their first concert I attended in high school in 1969. They always entertain you, but leave you thinking about our society. This is my favorite recording and Danny's Downs is an exceptional song. I have given this to many of my friends and will continue to.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't wait, August 16, 2000

By	author "bestauthor" (USA) - See all my reviews

I was reluctant to buy this CD because I had all the cuts, except their latest, on other CD's and albums in my collection. I have to say now that the recordings are all exceptional performances and "Don't Laugh at Me" alone is worth the price of the CD. Don't wait . . . don't hesitate to invest in a copy of this CD for yourself.