Search - Malvina Reynolds :: Ear to the Ground

Conservative listeners beware!

Lance Frodsham | Vancouver, WA | 06/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a conservative Republican, you might as well skip this CD. It probably would be good for you but you wouldn't care for it. Rosalie Sorrels has put together a fine collection of Malvina's songs in Ear to the Ground . Malvina Reynolds self published her recordings in her later years and many people have anxiously awaited a CD collection of hers for years. The subtitle of this collection is Topical Songs 1960-1978.Malvina Reynolds was born to a socialist family in 1905. She wasn't allowed to have her high school diploma because of her parent's beliefs. She went on to earn her Ph.D but wasn't allowed to teach. She held a myriad of jobs including social work before she discovered folk music. When she became a singer / songwriter she had truly found her niche. At the age of 50 she would hit the open mikes along with a young Bobby Zimmerman (Dylan) She didn't allow sexism, ageism or any other "ism" to deter her. She took part in activism and music until her death at age 75.This collection contains classics such as Little Boxes and Magic Penny. It also has songs that will hit you in the solar plexus such as Rosie Jane and The Judge Said. In Wisconsin, a judge ruled that a sixteen year old boy was provoked by a sexually permissive culture to rape a 15 year old girl. He was quoted as saying,"Whether we like it or not, women are sex objects" Malvina wrote the song, had it produced by Steve Goodman and distributed it through the midwest as a 45, including information demanding the judge be recalled. The judge was recalled and was replaced by a woman.The sound on this 23 track CD is excellent and we owe Smithsonian Folkways for putting it out. My only criticism is that the beautiful Turn Around (known to millions as the Kodak commercial song) and Morningtown Ride were not included. Perhaps Smithsonian Folkways and Rosalie Sorrels will be kind enough to release Volume 2. Lance Frodsham"

Lost treasures

Cracker Commmoira Vetter | 10/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If it hadn't been for the showtime program "Weeds" I might never have discovered Malvina Reynolds. This music is incredible. Like uncovering a lost treasure. I recommed this to anyone who appreciates simple music with a strong message."

A Genuine Treasure

David L Hutchins | Mesa, AZ | 12/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One reviewer said that Republican conservatives wouldn't find much to like here. That's complete rubbish. I am conservative as they come, but I was absolutely thrilled to discover this album and loved all the songs. It's a true treasure and anyone who likes good music will love this album. Most of the songs are about things that concern us all, regardless of our political leanings. Regardless of the messages the songs may convey, Malvina Reynolds has a delightful, powerful, mature voice. She was not that young when these recordings were made; already a white haired lady. Such a refreshing change from the young female singers that tend to dominate the music field with their too sweet, over-instrumented, childish voices. Malvina is a fiesty little old lady with a powerful, interesting voice who can really belt the songs out. She is just an absolute joy to listen to. You might not like every song, but there's a lot to pick from here. There is humor, poignancy, beauty and grace. Too bad she didn't record a lot more. Little Boxes is a masterpiece, but there are plenty of other amazing songs here. This is the one of the best folk albums ever made and makes some other folk singers sound second rate. This is a MUST HAVE album. I can't say enough positive about it and find in inconceivable that anyone would be indifferent to this album or not like something on it."