Hi.Currently in week two of holidays; sitting at Townsville Airport en route with Dale to Cairns. Recently, via Apple Music, I downloaded Peter, Paul and Mary – the Prague Sessions. Orchestra dubbed in later, but it’s a delightful and representative collection of the trio’s songs, recorded not long before Mary Traver’s death in 2009. Just finished listing to it!
Amazon link
I’m more and more reminded that much as I love the anthemic, lyrical rock of Coldplay, the earnestness of Springsteenand the tunefulness of the likes of Billy Joel, among others … at heart when it comes to musical taste, I clearly lean towards folk music. My love of John Denver’s music in times past, the folkier side of James Taylor and Emmylou Harris and the collection of worship songs currently “in formation” with my own worship song album (due for release in February) – they all draw out the folkie in me.
I continue to love songs which are genuinely singable (too many in recent times aren’t), employ great harmonies, are memorable, and more than anything actually say something – and do so evocatively and unambiguously. Surely that’s so central to folk music.
I guess that’s why this mid 2000s P,P&M album proved so enjoyable. Yes, I’ve heard most of the songs countless times before, but they are as fresh as ever …
The anti-discrimation/bullying sentiment of Don’t Laugh at Me
The lament of Where have all the flowers gone! and Jesus on the Wire
The patriotism of Woodie Guthrie’s This land is your land
The “Coming together” of Day is Done and Light One Candle
The “childlikeness”of Puff, the Magic Dragon.
Nothing beats good music, and to a greying folkie like me, this Peter, Paul and Mary album so hit this spot on one sunny spring Queensland morning.
Cheers – David