Jun 232013
American Industrial Ballads
Songs of struggle which emerged from the coal mines, textile mills and acres of farmland, and spoke of issues important to the American laborer. Twenty-four songs written about the unprecedented industrialization of the 19th century, including Peg and Awl, The Farmer is the Man, and Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues. Irwin Silber’s notes provide a history of labor folk song and its role in American popular music. “Seeger’s straightforward, sincere singing is accompanied by sparse, effective banjo and
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Still a great album, always an important album,
This is a classic album, listened to by generations of people interested in learning something of value about folk music (lower case folk music). I have no doubt that most of the listeners to it have been informed and entertained, as I was when I stumbled on to it some 40 years ago. Seeger is both musician and scholar, and it’s hardly a surprise that the Smithsonian has chosen to reissue this record. It was of interest when it first came out because it was one of the few records of the time that accurately presented this music withour flash or fluff. Today, it’s equally of interest as one of the records that inspired the “folk revival”. It may not knock your socks off, but if you pay attention to the words and the music, you will understand why this album and this music remain so important.
The review by “A music fan from Brookings, SD” who gave it 2 stars and said that there were no ballads in it is curious. While it is true that a better title might have been “American Industrial Ballads and Songs”, there are certainly many ballads on it, including “Buffalo Skinners”, generally regarded as the greatest purely American ballad. I don’t know what “Brookings, SD” has in mind by saying “I am a big fan of Folk Ballads”, but you will find some of the best American lower case “folk ballads” right here, the genuine ariticle. Even more puzzling is “This album consists of up-beat songs that really don’t have any heart behind them…”, surely the first time such has been said of this album – anyone who thinks “Buffalo Skinners” is up-beat must crawl through the Mojave on hands and knees for jollies. This album is full of heart – and ballads – as anyone who has ever listened to Seeger would expect.
It has earned and kept its reputation, and will amply reward anyone willing to listen to music requiring some thought.
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|I’d give it 100 stars,
This is one of the greatest folk albums ever made. It comes with very informative liner notes and the order of songs moves through historical time. The music is amazing with great banjo picking and vocals performed by Pete Seeger. The songs almost all focus on labor issues, which is very inspiring and gives you a sense of history. This is my favorite Pete Seeger album, and if you want the best Seeger music you’ll find, buy this album.
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|very good,
I have enjoyed these ballads. It is a refreshing change from everyday music.
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