The Wounded Heart of America

Tom Russell

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 21, 2007)
• Original Release Date: August 21, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hightone
• ASIN: B000TSJTVE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,312 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #72 in

  Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > Urban Folk

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A compelling walk through the song library of one of America’s greatest songwriters. The world’s best singers have paid their respects to Tom Russell over the years, a strong cross section is included here. From Johnny Cash’s amazing take on Veteran’s Day, to Suzy ogguss’ hit version of Outbound Plane, from Dave Alvin’s growling Blue Wing, to beat poet legend Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s absolute cool reading of Stealing Electricity, and Doug Sahm’s St. Olav’s Gate, Tom’s genius shines through. Bonus tracks include own recordings of Who’s Gonna Build You Wall, The Death of Jimmy Martin, the rocking Home Before Dark, and a great rave up version of Cuban Sandwich with Barrence Whitfield on vocals and Amos Garrett on guitar. For long time fans, or a great primer for someone just being introduced to him, Wounded Heart of America is a must have.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still uncompromising in his art, August 21, 2007

By	gator gaurd "fan from train ride days" (Gulf Breeze, FL) - See all my reviews

I just heard Tom play cut #16 "Who's Gonna Build Your Wall" on Letterman tonight and as usual he was poignant and right on. I am about to order this CD to add to all our others. He is truly an American original and if you haven't heard him yet do yourself a favor and treat yourself. I doubt if he's ever worried about being P.C when it comes to his belief system and from what I heard tonight I think that still holds true thank goodness .

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tom Murphy: American Bard, September 21, 2007

By	C. Korbel "Angelita's Friend" (St. Louis Park, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have played "Wounded Heart of America" over and over again. Some of the cuts are pure pleasure to my ear and sensitivities, some are very insightful, some are a little humerous but the name is well chosen in that all address some aspect of "wounded" America. My favorite cut is "Walking on the Moon," a ballad that distills the ineffably exhilarating sweetness of falling in love into a song. "Navajo Rug" and "Cuban Sandwich" will put a smile on your face. "Veterans Day" should be mandatory listening for the families of Vietnam-era vets. "Gallo del Cielo" recounts the inevitable outcome of gambling but I don't like the cock-fighting aspect of the song. "Sky Above and Mud Below" is also quite raw and shocking to my sensibilities. "St. Olav's Gate" is great; "Acres of Corn" will be appreciated by any midwestern farm kid. I bought the CD because I heard Tom Russell sing "Who's Gonna Build Your Wall?" on David Letterman a couple weeks ago; it should be mandatory listening for anyone who thinks they've got a simple answer to the illegal immigration situation. Pair that with "Manzanar" and you'll have a perspective on immigration that should inform the current national debate. The orchestration is also fabulous. The variety from the Asian-influenced "Manzanar", the Zydeco Accordian on "Who's Gonna build Your Wall?" the spare guitar on "Walking on the Moon" to the Mexican sound of "Gallo del Cielo" provides very enjoyable listening apart from the poetry of the lyrics. I love this CD and highly recommend it. I only gave it four stars because it's not quite up to "Graceland" or "Glass Houses" but it is more than well worth the purchase price.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview, February 9, 2009

By	Joseph F. Sawyer (Sewickley, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD is a great overview of Tom's writing abilities. The people who record his music do a great job. I especially liked Tom's songs at the end of the CD. Jimmy Martin's Gone Dead was very enjoyable. I continue to be amazed by his range of interests and excellent choice of music.