JOHN MCCUTCHEON

This Land: Woodie Guthrie's America

2012-01-16

Nick's Picks: 04 Deportees; 07 This Morning I Was Born Again; 11 Old Cap Moore; 12 Ludlow Massacre

FCC ALERT: "Clean as a mountain stream"

Review by Steven "Nick" Nickelson of John McCutcheon This Land: Woody Guthrie's America :

Although this album is released by well-known singer/songwriter John McCutcheon as an homage to a much more talented songwriter (Woody Guthrie), I have to say that the arrangements are aptly matched with the tone of each song, and the musicians have made some very good music out of some lesser known works of Woodie Guthrie, as well as some better know ones (“Deportees”, “Mail Myself To You”). Additionally, one of Woodie's best known songs (“This Land Is Your Land”) is performed with vocal and musical contributions from some living legends (Willie Nelson, Tommy Emannuel), Kathy Mattea, Maria Muldaur, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin). This six-time Grammy nominee has selected songs that are just as relevant today as they were in Woodie's day (1930s to 1950s). Although John McCutcheon declared that this was not a “tribute” album, I do believe that not only does it draw attention to Woodie Guthrie's 100th birthday in 2012, but is does actually pay tribute to a timeless American songwriter. And that's my two nickels' worth........................Nick

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The Musicians:

・ John McCutcheon – vocals, all kinds of stringed instruments

・ Tommy Emmanuel – guitar

・ Tim O'Brien – mandolin

・ Various contributing artists – vocals, bass

The Songs:

1. Biggest Thing That Man Has Ever Done

2. Mail Myself to You

3. I Ain't Got No Home

4. Deportees

5. Harness Up the Day

6. Howjadoo

7. This Morning I Was Born Again

8. Pastures of Plenty

9. 1913 Massacre

10. Pretty Boy Floyd

11. Old Cap Moore

12. Ludlow Massacre

13. This Is Our Country Here

14. This Land Is Your Land

15. Hobo's Lullaby

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Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.