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Phil Ochs and George W. Bush

17 Jun 07 - 08:19 AM (#2079182)
Subject: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: 30button

Listening to Pandora Radio, I heard an old Phil Ochs cut, and I was struck with this thought: what would Phil make of George W? What a tragedy that we have nobody today with Phil's vicious accuracy about the state of the world and his ability to use music to arouse people politically.

Phil, we need you now more than ever.


17 Jun 07 - 08:35 AM (#2079188)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: GUEST,The Devonian

Doesn't take much imagination to guess what Phil would have made of George W Bush.

The wrong guy departed early.


17 Jun 07 - 08:36 AM (#2079189)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: John MacKenzie

I'd vote for that one mate, he told it like it was at the time. Unfortunately 'like it was', is still 'like it is' today.
Giok


17 Jun 07 - 08:38 AM (#2079191)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: NormanD

Phil Ochs is long gone, sadly. But I can't agree with your "What a tragedy that we have nobody today with Phil's vicious accuracy about the state of the world and his ability to use music to arouse people politically."

David Rovics is one person, at least, who knows what's going on - not just about Bush but about the people and the system his kind represent:
http://www.davidrovics.com/

And, in the UK, Robb Johnson is another with a similar outlook, world-view, and an ability to perform cutting-edge and melodic songs:
http://www.robbjohnson.co.uk/

Let's not just miss the long-gone troubadours, but listen to and support those around us now.

I'm sure there are many more whose names we don't yet know.

Norman


17 Jun 07 - 08:57 AM (#2079204)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: John MacKenzie

Ah Norman, it's the being known that makes the comments carry more weight I'm afraid.
Let's hope the work of these latter day protest songwriters reach as many as Phil did in his heyday.
Giok


17 Jun 07 - 09:31 AM (#2079215)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: GUEST,clickified links

NormanD-

These should work...

http://www.robbjohnson.co.uk/

http://www.davidrovics.com/


17 Jun 07 - 09:37 AM (#2079221)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: GUEST,john f weldon

Sorry, clickified links above was just me, mistyping as usual. But the links work, to which I add my own...

http://www.weldonalley.ca/songs/nowsongs.html

...do the top two songs count as topical? Okay, I ain't Phil Ochs. There's also Private Betty here, but even I thought it kinda sucked...

http://www.weldonalley.ca/old_other/oldother.html

John


17 Jun 07 - 03:18 PM (#2079410)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: Rog Peek

Many of Phil's songs would fit as well today as when he wrote them:

Cops of the World
I Ain't Marching Anymore
The War is Over
Here's to the State of Richard Nixon (Subs. GWya)
Are a few suggestions.

I have a recording of SNCC Freedom Singers Matthew and Marshall Brown singing:
'Nato's Bombing in a Balkan Land', their adaptation of 'White Boots Marching in a Yellow Land'

I'm sure another adaptation could be written for the latest debacle.

Phil Ochs lives on!


17 Jun 07 - 05:16 PM (#2079463)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: GUEST,Arkie

There are several other voices speaking out.

Set One

W and Hail to the Thieves

The Liar Sleeps Tonight


17 Jun 07 - 07:05 PM (#2079516)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: GUEST,Downgirl

Whilst I agree that Phil Ochs was special and we must keep his music alive, there are others keeping the banner flying. Steve Earle is a great example. His albums "The Revolution starts .. now" and " Jerusalem" are overtly protest and politics. Also his song "Christmas in Washington" was his expression of shock and disbelief at the election of George W. for his first term.


17 Jun 07 - 08:10 PM (#2079565)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Tom Paxton is doing a fine job carrying the tradition.


17 Jun 07 - 11:13 PM (#2079634)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: GUEST,TIA

So is Neil Young...


18 Jun 07 - 08:03 AM (#2079818)
Subject: RE: Phil Ochs and George W. Bush
From: 30button

No doubt there are good political singer/songwriters today, but Phil was unique in the way he tapped the passions of a movement, and in the way he used his music to politically galvanize people. And some of his songs became ANTHEMS. I was there when he sang " I ain't marching any more" in Grant Park in 1968, and the impact on the crowd was nothing short of electrifying.

Glad there are people following in his footsteps, but he had a special talent, and was part and parcel of an unusual time.