You've got to know this album
Brett Lemke | www.maximumink.com | 05/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The fervent folkie who has toured with Ani DiFranco, U. Utah Phillips 1991 recording "I've Got To Know" has just been re-released on Daemon Records. Quoted as saying "My car won't run on Blood", in response to the first Gulf war, Phillips is an avid pacifist; singing and fuming about war and peace. The re-issue reflects the current times, and with the exception of the title track by Woodie Guthrie, (whom he acknowledges in the recording) it shines through as remarkably original and poignant. Guthrie's influences can clearly be heard throughout the 33 track album. Produced by Dakota Sid Clifford, the album is nearly half spoken word, interspersed with credited poetry and ranting. Please check out the website at www.daemonrecords.com"
The Anti-Hannity
Pharoah S. Wail | Inner Space | 12/07/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"in June of '06 I edited this. I wanted to change it to 3 stars but that isn't an option so I'm just typing it. 3 stars from me, not 4.
Talk about a timely reissue! Actually this is even more relevant right now than it was when it was initially released during the first Gulf War. Oh wait I forgot, the war is over. I guess we can comfort all the grieving families on both sides of the line with that fun fact. Those friends and loved ones they lost must be a myth.
From poems by WW1 vets, verses from old labor magazines, to the rants and ramblings of Utah and those he has known, this is a lovely little statement in favor of clearheadedness, rather than once again sinking ourselves deeper into one of the USA's favorite blankets of comfort... War.
I actually give this one 3.8 stars because it isn't live in front of people. Not that an album has to be live to be great (far, far from it), but Utah is a bit more stiff in the studio than he is in front of people. An audience really seems to loosen him up and allow his voice to gain even more character, and allow his deep compassion and humor to shine even more brightly. Plus, a couple of the poems here don't do alot for me. I tend to prefer my Utah speaking straight from the heart of Utah. There is certainly some very good stuff here, it's just that some of his other discs have some even better stuff.
Even so, more people in this country need to hear this release. I wish the people of my country were more engaged, curious, and thoughtful. It saddens me to watch so many Americans hand our country over to corporations. "FEAR THIS FEAR THAT and see that I am your savior... now go make money for me even if it kills you" is a tough pile to purchase, but alot of Americans are eating it up.
"
Track Listings (33) - Disc #1