The folk scene of the '60s is often portrayed as self-indulgent and lacking in the humor department. Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Tim Buckley certainly didn't come across as ideal candidates for a Laugh-In walk on! These guys were serious artists with serious things to say -- and things to protest against, too. But there actually was a much lighter side to the folk scene of the '60s, although the artists involved are largely forgotten. When actor/writer/director Christopher Guest and friends poked fun at the scene in the 2003 ...
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The folk scene of the '60s is often portrayed as self-indulgent and lacking in the humor department. Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Tim Buckley certainly didn't come across as ideal candidates for a Laugh-In walk on! These guys were serious artists with serious things to say -- and things to protest against, too. But there actually was a much lighter side to the folk scene of the '60s, although the artists involved are largely forgotten. When actor/writer/director Christopher Guest and friends poked fun at the scene in the 2003 film A Mighty Wind, it made it easier to appreciate the music again. Possibly inspired by the critical success of the film, this compilation shows the lighter side of folk, with nice melodies, wonderful harmonies, and little dab of bubblegum thrown in for good measure. There are a few influential tracks that were recorded before the '60s (Harry Belafonte's "Day-O" and Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land," to name a few), but the rest of the tracks are cut from the commercially viable cloth, and they fit like a glove! Judy Collins' "Both Sides Now," the Rooftop Singers' "Walk Right In," Bobby Darin's "If I Were a Carpenter," and Gale Garnett's "We'll Sing in the Sunshine" are bona fide folk classics that can brighten up a dark day in hell. This may be folk, but it's also about feeling, and these songs feel good! Not convinced? Then just dig the Sandpipers' "Guantanamera," the Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and Trini Lopez's "If I Had a Hammer" for proof! Protest songs? We don't need no stinkin' protest songs! ~ Steve Schnee, Rovi
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