American Troubadour
Phil Ochs · 1997
141 min · 34 tracks · folk music
A poignant blend of folk storytelling and political commentary, rich with melodic intricacies and heartfelt vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cross My Heart Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Outside of a Small Circle of Friends — This track encapsulates Ochs' biting social critique through vivid storytelling, reflecting on apathy amidst societal issues. Its sharp observations resonate with listeners concerned about community responsibility.
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I Ain’t Marchin’ Anymore — A powerful anti-war anthem that critiques militarism, this song exemplifies Ochs' commitment to political activism through music, becoming an emblematic piece of the protest song genre.
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Here’s to the State of Richard Nixon — With its satirical lyrics and incisive commentary on American politics during the Nixon era, this track showcases Ochs' ability to blend humor with sharp political insight.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- poignant storytelling with depth
- dynamic journey with peaks
- reflective moments for quiet introspection
- social critique through lyrical narratives
- live recordings enhance emotional impact
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A retrospective collection showcasing Ochs' impact, but not a primary entry point.
- Themes
- Nixon-era satire· anti-war protest· community apathy
- Career context
- Released in 1997, American Troubadour is a posthumous collection that captures Phil Ochs' profound impact on the folk music landscape. This album showcases both live performances and studio tracks from his extensive catalog, highlighting his artistic evolution and commitment to social justice. At the time of its release, Ochs was already celebrated as a leading voice of the protest movement from the 1960s, making this compilation a testament to his enduring legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bob Dylan· Leonard Cohen· Tom Paxton
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Cross My Heart Start here 3:21
- 2 Flower Lady 6:03
- 3 Outside of a Small Circle of Friends 3:43
- 4 Pleasures of the Harbor (live) 5:07
- 5 The Crucifixion 8:44
- 6 Tape From California 6:49
- 7 White Boots Marching in a Yellow Land 3:33
- 8 Half a Century High 2:53
- 9 Joe Hill 7:22
- 10 The War Is Over 4:21
- 11 William Butler Yeats Visits Lincoln Park and Escapes Unscathed 2:58
- 12 Here’s to the State of Richard Nixon (live) 3:15
- 13 The Scorpion Departs but Never Returns 4:18
- 14 Doesn’t Lenny Live Here Anymore 6:13
- 15 Rehearsals for Retirement 4:13
Disc 2
- 1 I Kill Therefore I Am 2:57
- 2 The Bells 2:52
- 3 The Highwayman 6:57
- 4 Another Age (live) 4:54
- 5 There but for Fortune 2:44
- 6 One Way Ticket Home 2:39
- 7 Jim Dean of India 5:04
- 8 My Kingdom for a Car 2:51
- 9 Gas Station Woman 3:31
- 10 Chords of Fame 3:32
- 11 No More Songs 4:19
- 12 Mona Lisa (live) 3:45
- 13 I Ain’t Marchin’ Anymore (live) 3:10
- 14 School Days (live) 2:41
- 15 Power and the Glory 3:19
- 16 Kansas City Bomber 2:29
- 17 Bwatue 2:48
- 18 Niko McHumba Ngobe 3:05
- 19 Changes 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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