Phil Ochs

Phil Ochs is sometimes seen as a competitor of early Dylan in the realm of political songs, but their methods and visions were very different. Ochs' tool was wit and his favorite medium was political satire and topical subjects; Dylan, more of a poet, worked with symbol, allusion and parable, creating songs that are more in the prophetic vein. The result is that fewer of Ochs' political songs have stood up well over the years; the others give today's listener insight into a turbulent age. Some of Ochs' later songs like "When I'm Gone" and "Pleasures of the Harbor" were more poetic and introspective. Though Ochs played a rudimentary guitar and his plain voice had none of Dylan's authority, he had a warmth, charisma and raw intelligence that come through even now, making new fans. In some ways, his life and career are reminiscent of comedian Lenny Bruce, his contemporary. Tragically, Phil Ochs also took his own life in 1976.

Immortal Songs

• "Draft Dodger Rag"
• "When I'm Gone"
• "I Ain't Marching Anymore"
• "Is There Anybody Here?"
• "There But for Fortune"
• "Small Circle of Friends"
• "Pleasures of the Harbor"
• "Power and Glory"

Best Books

• There But For Fortune: The Life of Phil Ochs. Michael & Matthew Schumacher. (Hyperion, 1997)

Essential Discs

• All the New That's Fit to Sing (1964)
• I Ain't Marching Anymore (1965)
• Farewells & Fantasies: The Phil Ochs Collection (Rhino, 3 discs, boxed set)
• Chords of Fame (2-LP set - the previous "best of" collection), Pleasures of the Harbor, All the News That's Fit To Sing, Rehearsals for Retirement.
  

Heirs

• Of course, lovers of Ochs should check out Billy Bragg, his clearest spiritual heir, both for the rawness of his performance, his political vision, and the bite of his humor.
• Chris Chandler - a wildly innovative folk performer - again raw energy, outlandish humor. Phil on LSD.

Sites to Check Out

• One good general site on Phil Ochs in the Netherlands, especially its page called "Other Writings."
• Here's a fairly comprehensive site for lyrics to many Ochs classics.
• This page has lyrics to a small number of Phil's labor songs. The advantage is that it's part of a larger site on labor and politics, so you can browse some great stuff.
• A new 2-CD Ochs tribute album with classic songs sung by Gorka, Eric Andersen, The Roches, Tom Paxton, David Massengill, Karen Savoca, Disappear Fear, and many others (you buy it and can also listen to 3 cuts). I haven't heard it yet...
• Here's a page at Amazon.com that lists all available albums.
  
  

Hugh Blumenfeld, Editor
hugh@balladtree.com

 

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