Search - Rod MacDonald :: Tale of Two Americas

A tale of our times

Capn'Rob Isenberg | Ft. Lauderdale | 05/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a long time admirer of Rod's music and I have found this latest recording to have made some major points both musically and politically. Deeper than that are the tenderness expressed on the arrival of his daughter in "I'm your dad". The relief many Floridians felt when spared devastation by the many hurricanes that missed or "scuffed" some of us but our heartfelt concern for those so badly damaged. I also think that missing and exploited children are still a bipartisan issue and one we must all remain aware of.

The acoustic sound of Folk Music roots was also very enjoyable. There was some humor some satire and as always with Rod's music, a commentary on our social and political times. These are the reasons I continue to support this artist. There is a combination of a beatiful voice, musicianship and an ability to write music about many topics and in so many different styles.

This recording is a lot more than a few issues that would obviously effect a reaction from a view of what's right and what's left. If your interest is in Folk Music as it's evolved in our times, this is it."

Thoughtful and well stated story & politics

K. Mears | Clearlake, CA United States | 12/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This guy has a great way with words. Not the most restful music, because of it's focus on real issues, but very well done, and a good singer and musician. Being what most would consider a "conservative", I have to wonder at one reviewers statements about the presented songs and ideas being being "naive", and the basic philosophy presented ("that man is basically good within") being a "mistaken assumption" and the basic precept of communism. Most American historians would happily point out that this 'mistaken assumption' is the basis of our own form of government.



The idea that expressing optimism makes one a "leftie" is patently ridiculous! This album's departure from fashionable hard-line cynicism and it's embrace of common human values (including empathy), is one of the best things about it, and probably the only thing that will keep the more topically related songs from being dated in a year or so.



As I said, the issues covered are not the stuff of restful easy listening, but this songwriter has more important goals in mind, and he achieves most of them admirably."