Search - Peter Paul & Mary :: In These Times

Still Conscientious After All These Years!

J. Jackson | Charlottesville, VA United States | 02/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter, Paul and Mary transformed themselves from Greenwich Village folk singers to part of the nation's social conscience when they marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in the early `60s. Their history includes taking stands for civil rights (both in the U.S. and later in South Africa, among other places), the labor movement, peace in Southeast Asia, and equal rights. Add respect for all humans in schools, communities, and society along with peace in the Middle East to that list and you begin to form a picture of how this trio has refused to mellow as time marches on."In These Times" covers the gamut of the struggle for rights and respect from its Woody Guthrie inspired opening medley to the poignant portrayal of the Mathew Shepard tragedy in Wyoming in "Jesus Is on the Wire". "Don't Laugh At Me" has become the anthem of various movements, from bully-proofing our schools to teaching tolerance in everyday human relations.The selections on this CD pay tribute to PP&M's folk roots with a rousing "Wayfaring Stranger". "It's Magic", a perennial Noel Paul Stookey favorite in their concert dates, describes life's indescribable moments and why they should be left to be that way. Closing with "Oh, Had I A Golden Thread" serves as a nod to "The Hammer Song" co-composer Pete Seeger, and bookends the CD perfectly.The voices are 40-plus years older than the self-titled debut album of Peter, Paul and Mary, but resonate with wisdom and caring from the ages. Peter Yarrow has never crooned more beautifully than "Don't Laugh At Me". Mary Travers' declarative spirit has never rung truer than in "Have You Been to Jail for Justice". Noel? Well, the guy is just good!There are many ways to vote in this country. Soon, we'll be asked to choose between candidates, one of whom wants to amend our constitution to make it illegal for two people who love each other to marry. We can vote for that man and his policies or for another who opposes those policies. We can also vote, and show solidarity, by buying this CD and sharing it with our friends. Many of them will be surprised at its fiery message. Many more will be amazed by the incredible quality of its performances. And many will want to share it with their friends, and so on...How can we keep from singing?"

"Is it Possible???"

L. D Sears | El Paso, Texas USA | 07/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is it possible after so many years of performance and recording that it is still possible to produce fresh and lasting material? In the case of "In These Times" PP&M have proven that with experience and with living comes true wisdom. There is material on this CD that deserves to join all of the other songs for which this group is so rightfully famous. Listen to "Some Walls," "It's Magic," "Oh, Had I a Golden Thread" and most importantly, "Don't Laugh at Me" and hear for yourself. I bought this CD out of loyalty and admiration for these three extraordinary human beings. But I listen to it over and over out of the sheer joy of listening to people who understand and communicate the magic that it is possible in human life. BRAVO!"

There are still great folks out there!

Santiago Zuleta | Bogotá, Cundinamarca Colombia | 06/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well; I can't just write a cold "matter of fact" review about this CD. I grew up with my father, a strong democrat man and a faithful P,P & M fan. Deep in my heart, and for years, I've sung the Day is Done, Blowing in the Wind, 500 Miles...How can I keep from singing? It's the very core of my childhood. I'm a musician, a choral conductor, a strong lover of Spirituals and Gospel music. Martin Luther King, Gandhi and the 60's belong to my deepest memories, to those true ethical principles I still belive in. So Peter, Paul and Mary... listening to you here..to you talking about the ways to bring down those WALLS; to you singing to Jesus on the Wire, calling for love and understanding and not for those expresions of dark fascism so common these days; to you coming to life again with your unique vocal and harmonic blend, to you giving a hand to those who've been to jail for justice. P.,P&M...Guys ..I LOVE YOU! There are still great folks out there, even IN THESE HORROFIC TIMES of the Iraq invasion and the building of new "Berlin Walls" to punish the Palestinian children. It's so warm and refreshing just listening to you, knowing that you're still there, together with Joan Baez, and Dylan, and Serrat in Spain, and Myriam Makeba in Africa, and Milanés in Cuba. God bless you to. Keep on singing, now an EVERY TIME. Amazon reviewers: This is a MUST BUY!"