Released 59 years ago this October
Alice's Restaurant
Arlo Guthrie · 1967
35 min · 7 tracks · folk music
A sprawling folk narrative intertwines humor and social commentary over acoustic melodies and storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alice’s Restaurant Massacree — The album's centerpiece, this lengthy track combines humor with poignant commentary on war and bureaucracy, encapsulating the spirit of the 1960s counterculture.
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The Motorcycle Song — This song showcases Guthrie's knack for playful storytelling and absurdity, illustrating his unique ability to blend humor with serious themes.
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Chilling of the Evening — A reflective piece that contrasts with the more humorous tracks, it introduces a deeper emotional layer to the album while maintaining the folk tradition.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with humor
- patient narrative unfolds gradually
- for casual gatherings
- reflective moments during road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- dislike lengthy narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 1, 1967, Alice's Restaurant was Arlo Guthrie's debut album, following a series of performances in coffeehouses. At this point in his career, he was emerging from the shadow of his father, Woody Guthrie, and carving out his own identity as a storyteller and musician within the American folk scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Woody Guthrie· Pete Seeger· Bob Dylan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Alice’s Restaurant Massacree 18:38
- 2 Chilling of the Evening 3:05
- 3 Ring-Around-a-Rosy Rag 2:16
- 4 Now and Then 2:24
- 5 I’m Going Home 3:18
- 6 The Motorcycle Song 2:51
- 7 Highway in the Wind 2:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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