Matt,

I have to agree with much of wht you say. When my 19 year old son (now 21) was looking into writing songs about social activism. I gave hime my Phil Ochs albums to listen too. He found a person committed to his cause and with out fear for what he wrote. he found a man with an incredible lyric sense as well as an ironic turn.

I pointed out that Ochs was admirable not so much for what he wrote but for his unwaivered stand.

I also agree that his guitar playing is taking a bad rap. I found him skilled and complex while seeming simple in his excecution. I thot his finger picking to be fine. His guitar style was much like the style Pete Seegar employed. Loud and raucus (as need be) between the verses when no singing was done and softer and more melodic when he was singing. Listen to The Highwayman for a small hint of this.

I never saw him live so I can imagine very well he lacked consistant comfort on stage. Many great singers have stage fright. Carly Simon for instance is dibilitated by it from time to time.

Your view of Phil Ochs is much like mine and my sons. Nice for me to be in such good company.

Don