What I'm Listening To #43

tilweoutnumberthem
Originally uploaded by Randuwa

"'Til We Outnumber 'Em" is a recording from a concert held in the honor of the songs of Woody Gurthrie which took place at the Museum of Rock and Roll in Cleveland, Ohio in 1996. Between songs we hear quotes from Woody and testimonials from others. The musicians include: Billy Bragg, Ani DiFranco, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Arlo Guthrie, the Indio Girls, David Pirner, Tim Robbins, and Bruce Springsteen.

This ought to be required listening in every 5th grade curriculum in the United States. It ought to be shared between the Music, Social Studies and English teachers. Not since the prolific catalogue of music produced by Stephen Collins Foster, has America seen a voice so pure and so rampant after what it is to be American.

This collection of artists does Woody proud, and this work is simply "must experience CD." These songs resonate with such a powerful and clarion message of what it means to be alive in this day, in our age--nigh on 42 years after his death. The artists' interpretations demonstrate the universality of Woody's vision and gift.