Chords of Fame cover

Released 50 years ago

Chords of Fame

Phil Ochs · 1976

90 min · 24 tracks · folk rock · baroque pop · protest song

A poignant blend of folk and baroque pop, echoing the struggles of a generation through vivid storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic storytelling with peaks
  • reflective moments for deep thought
  • engaging narratives in live performance
  • cathartic release through poignant themes
  • thought-provoking lyrics for contemplation

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer polished studio tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1976, 'Chords of Fame' came at a time when Phil Ochs was navigating personal challenges and shifting musical landscapes. This album marked his return to recording after a brief hiatus, reflecting a more introspective phase in his career as he grappled with the changing political climate and his own artistic identity.
Stylistic neighbors
Bob Dylan· Leonard Cohen· Tom Paxton

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 I Ain't Marchin' Anymore (electric) 2:47
  • 2 One More Parade 3:00
  • 3 Draft Dodger Rag 2:07
  • 4 Here's to the State of Richard Nixon (live) 2:19
  • 5 The Bells 3:00
  • 6 Bound for Glory 3:15
  • 7 Too Many Martyrs 2:46
  • 8 There but for Fortune 2:35
  • 9 I'm Going to Say It Now 2:46
  • 10 Santo Domingo 3:48
  • 11 Changes 4:30
  • 12 Is There Anybody Here? 3:17
  • 13 Love Me, I'm a Liberal 3:46
  • 14 When I'm Gone 3:51

Disc 2

  • 1 Outside of a Small Circle of Friends 3:57
  • 2 Pleasures of the Harbor (live) 4:59
  • 3 Tape From California (live) 3:39
  • 4 Chords of Fame 3:32
  • 5 Crucifixion (live) 7:40
  • 6 The War Is Over 4:25
  • 7 Jim Dean of Indiana 5:02
  • 8 Power and the Glory 2:21
  • 9 Flower Lady 6:06
  • 10 No More Songs 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata