There was a time when it seemed Arlo Guthrie's impact would outstrip that of his legendary dad, Woody Guthrie. For, in the waning days of the '60s, Woody was largely a cult figure, whereas his longhaired offspring had parl... more »ayed (largely by accident) a droll, drawn-out talking blues number called "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" into a hit album and acclaimed film. These days, Arlo is a respected journeyman folksinger while Woody, in death, has become a towering cultural icon. This soundtrack captures the son's shining moment. Taken from Arthur (Bonnie and Clyde) Penn's film adaptation of Arlo's tongue-in-cheek tune ("You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant"), this soundtrack presents an agreeable assortment of pleasures, including Arlo's title track, jaunty acoustic incidental music by credited soundtrack composer Gary Sherman, and a painfully earnest version of Joni Mitchell's "Songs to Aging Children" by someone named Tigger Outlaw. This deluxe-edition CD is fleshed out by 10 extra tracks, including Pete Seeger's versions of Woody's "Pastures of Plenty" and "Car Song," the latter with Arlo along for the ride. --Steven Stolder« less
There was a time when it seemed Arlo Guthrie's impact would outstrip that of his legendary dad, Woody Guthrie. For, in the waning days of the '60s, Woody was largely a cult figure, whereas his longhaired offspring had parlayed (largely by accident) a droll, drawn-out talking blues number called "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" into a hit album and acclaimed film. These days, Arlo is a respected journeyman folksinger while Woody, in death, has become a towering cultural icon. This soundtrack captures the son's shining moment. Taken from Arthur (Bonnie and Clyde) Penn's film adaptation of Arlo's tongue-in-cheek tune ("You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant"), this soundtrack presents an agreeable assortment of pleasures, including Arlo's title track, jaunty acoustic incidental music by credited soundtrack composer Gary Sherman, and a painfully earnest version of Joni Mitchell's "Songs to Aging Children" by someone named Tigger Outlaw. This deluxe-edition CD is fleshed out by 10 extra tracks, including Pete Seeger's versions of Woody's "Pastures of Plenty" and "Car Song," the latter with Arlo along for the ride. --Steven Stolder
Raydene B. from SILVER CITY, NM Reviewed on 11/29/2011...
Call me nostalgic or... but I remember with pleasure the fun and silliness of the original movie of Alice's Restaurant and this sound track brings it all back. The masacree still sends me into gales of laughter which can only be good for the health.
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CD Reviews
You liked the movie, you'll love the soundtrack!!
05/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Arlo's great song about his friend Alice's restaurant not only is a hit on it's own terms, it was made into a wonderful movie which turned the song into a reality. This movie soundtrack features Arlo's creative works and features folk greats such as Pete Seeger (performing Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty" & "The Car Song") and Joni Mitchell's "Songs to Aging Children" performed by Tigger Outlaw.Who can forget Arlo's adventures of the Thanksgiving dinner (that couldn't be beat) at Ray and Alice's church in Housatonic, Mass. This CD makes wonderful traveling music and is recommended to Arlo fans young and old alike."
Joni's Tune
J. Walsh | 10/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tigger Outlaw IS Joni Mitchell.Probably something to do with recording contracts at the time.She just used a made up name.This was not at all uncommon back then. "Songs to Aging Children"is worth the price of the CD by itself, in my opinion. How can you price something so exquisite?"
Great album of various folk artists
J. Walsh | 01/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the greatest album in the world! Arlo's tale of woe in the Alice's Restaurant Massacre is beyond human humor. Joni Mitchell is featured singing the most beautiful rendition of "Song's to Aging Children" she recorded. Also includes medleys with long time Guthrie family friend Pete Seeger. Great just great..."
Great lp, even better with the bonus material
A. Bentivegna | 07/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The knock here is that the soundtrack version of Alice's R is not as good as the one on his first lp. I totally disagree. Arlo's dead pan timing on this version is far better than the original, live cut off his first album. Critics tend to dismiss soundtracks, but this is a gem, from the epic to the instrumental miniatures, to the over-the-top version of Songs To Aging Children (I don't really think that's Joni in disguise though) to the Pete Seeger to the movie tidbits. It adds up to Arlo's best. Gosh, he barely looks 20 in the cover photo."