Woody Guthrie Album: “Asch Recordings, Vol. 1-4”

Woody Guthrie is not only one the greatest American songwriters ever, but one of the most influential. His simple, yet emotionally complex songs have touched almost every facet of American Music, from the protest songs of the 1960's, to country music. This is by far the best way to become familiar with Woody because it covers so much. Which is also its only problem: there is so much music (near 30 songs on each of the four CDs at almost 75 minutes a piece), it can be tough listening. But that is only a minor quibble because it is far better to feel overwhelmed by Woody's genius than feel cheated. The sound quality is almost flawless, and the liner notes are amazing reading explaining each song in detail (which is great when the songs are about historical events that most listeners will not be familiar with). Anyone serious about American music or history (Woody's songs are more informative, and more pleasant than most history books) should buy this set immediately.

Woody Guthrie-The Asch Recordings, Vols 1-4

Try naming just one singer/songwriter who doesn't owe something to the dusty little guy with the fascist killing guitar. You'll die trying. As the first comprehensive Woody Guthrie collection ever assembled, `The Asch Recordings, Vols 1-4' painstakingly collects all the known songs Woody recorded for visionary Moses Asch's Folkways label. Primarily recorded while on shore leave from the Merchant Marines in 1944, the keen observations of this tireless traveler are laid down as the talking blues, topical songs, gospel, traditional and children's songs that Guthrie's in-exhaustible spirit always seemed to be writing or singing. Program this set on full random and listen as the mottled history of the 1900's vibrantly comes to life through the simple hobo poetry of this "great historical bum".'`Deportee', `Pastures Of Plenty', `Do-Re-Mi', ("If you ain't got the do-re-mi boys, if you ain't got the do-re- mi"). "They say America first but they mean America next" Woody recites in `Lindbergh' an informed, bitingly off the cuff, truer than today's headlines commentary that's only Track 6 of the 105 songs gathered here. `The world is diggin' Hitler's grave and that'll be the greatest thing that man has ever done'. . .Can you imagine how the lawyer's would heatedly huddle if that one got by the censors today? `Volume 1' presents us with many of Woody's best-loved originals, including `Hobo's Lullabye' `Jesus Christ' and `Philadelphia Lawyer'. The 25 tracks on `Volume 2' concentrate more on the traditional folk canon recorded with Cisco Houston: `Bed On The Floor', `'Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy', `Muleskinner Blues' and `Stackolee'. `Volume 3' focuses on the topical songs espousing union membership, the war effort, labor strife, and the woes of the Depression and those souls fleeing the Dust Bowl: `Hard Travelin'`, Miner's Song', `I Ain't Got No Home', `Vigilante Man', `Talking Columbia' and `Sally Don't You Grieve'. `Volume 4' traces Woody's western themes and Oklahoma roots, featuring six previously unreleased songs and more duets with Cisco Houston: the wise `Pretty Boy Floyd', `Froggy' Went A-Courtin'`, `Poor Lazarus', and `Stewball'(with Houston and Lead Belly). These songs all sound familiar because they are that seminal to our perception of our country, and in turn, ourselves. We've heard the strains of these songs in our nightmares (`Hard, Ain't It Hard') and daydreams (`This Land Is Your Land'); our churches and classrooms (`Car Song', `Why Oh Why?'); parties (`So Long, It's Been Good To Know Ya'), weddings and funerals. Those who haven't paid attention have become the bane of any civilized society, namely, politicians, admen, and Wall Street watchers. Those who have only half listened have only half a chance. Those of us who have, or who take the opportunity now by listening to the brilliant documentation of `The Asch Recordings, Vol. 1-4', can only go forth and educate our errant brethren.

This is my intro to Guthries lesser known works. Like good Dylan (Bob) or Hemingway, it's storytelling at its finest. In addition to the dark and blue songs, you'll find funny ones...reflecting all aspects of the complex human character of common people. Guthrie's consistent cadence throughout this large volume of work can grate at you if you don't listen to it among other music. Among other music, it is refreshing in its underproduction. But, the sound re-mastering still leaves the quality with much to be desired. Overall though, a fine musical set. No regrets here. I recommend it.

This is a MUST in everyone's collection of music that changed the world. This is music that transcends genre's, age groups, nationalities and races. There will never be another Woody Guthrie to archive in song the history of our people, our sorrows,our joys, our victories, our losses. Stop and listen to Woody's words, this is just as relevant today as it was in the 40's when Woody composed and recorded them. Start here and then go straight for the Folkways 3CD set with Lomax interviewing Woody as he plays,sings and tells stories about the times that were a changing. In Steve Earle's immortal wordcraft "So come back Woody Guthrie

Come back to us now

Tear your eyes from paradise

And rise again somehow

If you run into Jesus

Maybe he can help you out

Come back Woody Guthrie to us now".

Truer words were never spoken.

This just arrived and I'm about half-way through the second disc. Already I'm realizing I have some new favorites. Aside from the music, what's rewarding about this purchase is the song by song write-ups.

This collection is a hum-n-strum history that documents a spirit that seems rare today. It's critical, but optimistic. It's caring, but not saccharin. It has a pride of what we are as Americans, but it's not jingoistic. It's idealistic, but not gullible. It may sound liberal/progressive, but it is not dogmatic. It's intelligent by way of openness, observation, and participation.

I think anyone with an ounce of an historian in them should have this for its academic qualities. And anyone who loves the real music that occasionally comes our way should certainly add this to their collection.