Fascinating "Collaboration"
Michael Weber | Atlanta | 12/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most people these days, if they know Robert W Service's name at all, know him as the author of either "The Cremation of Sam McGee" or "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" (or both); both ironic and very funny pseudo-epic pieces from his time in the Yukon. But there is another side to Service's work; he was a war correspondent and ambulance driver in World War One, and he wrote some truly harrowing poetry inspired by the experience.And from those poems, Country Joe McDonald has chosen eight (and a ninth -- "The March of the Dead" -- from the Boer War), setting them to a perfectly-realised sparse acoustic accompaniment featuring just 12-string guitar, harmonica and a touch of organ, which sets off Joe's slightly nasal, somewhat reedy voice excellently.The standout piece is "The Ballad of Jean Desprez", a nine-and-a-half minute account of reprisals and counter-reprisals in a small French village; Jean Desprez is a nine year old peasant boy who finds himself in the middle of events beyone his control or even comprehension, and proves in at least one way equal to the moment. It builds to an inevitable, tragic-heroic conclusion.Other songs: "The Munition Maker" -- a man who has become "rajah-rich" through arms sales... but who knows "...there are no pockets in a shroud...""War Widow" -- bitterly ironic little ditty that explains how war is a Good Thing because it keeps the population down (resonates with Joe's own "Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag" -- "War's good business, invest your son!")"The Man from Aphabaska" is a trapper from backwoods Canada who's an "exhibition sniper" in the trenches, holding his fellow poilus spellbound with stories of the wilderness."The Twins" summarises the lives of twin brothers, one of whom is a Good Soldier, one of whom is a shirker and profiteer. Guess which lies in the Potter's Field?Brilliant, spare and moving.Worthy of your attention."
From the opening chords
Michael-Angelo Darrigo | atlanta, ga | 05/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WoW! what can I say this is possibly the most imporatnt anti-vietnam (all war) album evr released! I heard this album for the first time way back in the 11th grade, I had a teacher who played it for our class, I went out that night to the record store and bought it for myself. For me the greatest track is by far Jean Duprez, but to each his own. Joe's vocals are so raw and plaintive. The guitar (12 String) is wonderful and lush with just enough edge to blow the mind. And the fact that every once in a while you can actually hear him stamping his feet just brings out more of the raw power that is this album. Plus, now that its available on CD! If you have children stop playing them Raffi and start playing them WAR WAR WAR!"
Quintessential anti war piece.
Michael-Angelo Darrigo | 09/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The poetry of Robert Service and the music of Country Joe and the Fish - who could ask for more. Not many people know of Robert Service's anti war sentiment, but it was very strong and well expessed. When combined with music , it makes a fine and very moving experience."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1