Quintessential Phil Ochs
As an introduction to the man and his music this is the quintessential Phil Ochs record. The songs here represent some of the best works of this intelligent performer; brave and open statements of social, personal and political clarity. I simply love the vocals on 'Bracero' - "welcome to California..." gorgeous and yet stirring with emotion! Once this album is digested start listening to all the rest Phil left for us in the 60s.

singing down the years to us
This album is pretty well current as ever it was. It only needs a few name changes, example 'Cops of the World' for the war in Iraq.'Love me, I'm a Liberal' nails not only American liberals but Britain's New Labour. Phil's verbal intros are as much a memorable a feature of this album. His songs shift perspective and tone and reveals his awesome capacity for shifting from picturesque observation to savage observation (as in Bracero). His capacity to expose and demolish the mendacity of political doublespeak is unrivalled and consistent and the album closes with with both his own epitaph and the most gently and persuasive call for activism(as in his earlier and more obvious 'That's what I want to hear.'

Not really what it seems
For those not "in the know" After a recorded concert not fit for release, Phil, et.al. rented a hall, and without a live audience, recorded this "Live" album. Nonetheless, the recording is clean, with good renditions and Phil is in control of his emotions and his drinking. Worth its price, it's a good listen. Just remember,that what you hear is not was you're being told you're hearing.

The essence of Ochs captured well right here...
I saw Phil in concert just a few months before this album was issued back in the days, and he did at least eight of these 11 songs while standing about 20 feet from my seat. It's one of my treasured memories. There are compilation CD's available now which are perhaps better values ("There But for Fortune" is the one I own) but this one is a great introduction to some of Phil's best songs. And the reviewers who are posted here already have it right...the more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. Many of the issues Phil was distressed by are still with us. I wish Mr. Ochs himself had found the grace, mercy or courage to conquer his demons and stick around this life. He's been missed.

Wish the Album Was Out of Date
Unfortunately for us (and the world), many of the songs on this album are still quite timely. The Bush Administration is reinstating the Bracero program, liberals (Democrats) are still selling us out, and altogether too many people are comfortable with the US being the Cops of the World. Ochs covers all of those topics in a manner that balances cynicism and commitment to change.