UTAH PHILLIPS: Starlight on the Rails: A Songbook

Utah Phillips

Starlight on the Rails: A Songbook

© 2005 AK Press/Daemon Records (767691904726)

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The definitive, newly released 4-CD set of 61 original songs (each accompanied by a descriptive story) sung mostly by Utah, with certain songs by special guests Rosalie Sorrels, Kate Wolf, Kate Brislin & Jody Stecher, Mark Ross, Kendall Morse, Kuddie, and

notes

Utah Phillips has crafted a fascinating show out of his life. In the course of seventy years he has labored as a dishwasher, archivist, printer, and warehouseman; soldiered in the Korean War; lived as a tramp (he is still a Grand Duke of Hoboes), and for the past 36 years made his way telling stories and singing songs. He has the wit, humor, bite, and intelligence of a Mark Twain or a Will Rogers, and behind his "Everyman" appearance is a consummate artist. Peppered with one-liners and offhand philosophical commentary, Utah's revealing stories, about such spirited American characters as Charley Goodnight, Mother Jones, and Idaho Blackie, tell our true history and connect us to American traditions that are genuinely ours.
Utah Phillips is described as "a national treasure, a writer of haunting songs, a storyteller of hilarious presence and subtle depth, a union organizer, historian and scholar, a Celtic-Yiddish bard, a Pleistocene bon vivant, a post-modern ne'er-do-well, and a heck of an engineer." A 40-year member of the Industrial Workers of the World, he is the most entertaining labor troubadour of our time, leading his audience on an emotional rollercoaster with side-splitting storytelling and fire-breathing working class songs. According to one reviewer, "Phillips exemplifies some of the traits which Americans most value: an open and inquisitive mind, a daring heart, and a sharp but humorous tongue." The Boston Globe said, "Phillips above all is a consummate showman, a master of the theater...Phillips has a genius for making people laugh and care at the same time." He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the North American Folk Alliance, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Western Labor Heritage Foundation, and the Joe Hill Award from the Labor Heritage Foundation-AFL-CIO, among many others.

reviews

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  • Im Going Away
    author: Cheryl Trudel

    This song has the rich, deep and passionate lyrical flare that Utah Phillips is so well known for--a tribute to American Folk music

  • Rich in history
    author: Ben Atteberry

    Utah Phillips tells his stories in the tradition of the travelling bards, using music and allegory. We have all suffered an inestimable loss with his passing.

  • great piece of music and thoughts
    author: Martin Dworak

    It's a really wonderful CD and it's really cheering up to know that there are people all around the world who keep their eyes open and are not afraid to tell you about the things they see.

  • author: WD Arnold

    What a wonderful album.

  • Starlight on the Rails
    author: Laurel Paulson-Pierce

    This would be a great addition to any collection and a great way to support Utah, who is no longer able to tour due to health problems. These songs need to be heard by as many people as possible. A portrait of a nation from the past, but so applicable to the present!

  • The getting of wisdom.
    author: Ian "Dykie" Dunn

    This CD is a cornerstone of my folk music collection. I reckon it's worthwhile to seek out common sense and wisdom as they don't teach it in schools. This is a gem.

  • The definitive collection of a great writer.
    author: Peter Clark

    The idea of a sung song book is great. We knew some of thses songs from hearing them by Fred Holstein, Bonnie Koloc and others, including Utah, but it is a revelation hearing all of them, along with the stories behind them.

  • great, Utah You are my elder Thank You
    author: Small Potatoes Music

    I like how Utah sets up each song before playing it. I enjoyed hearing other artist's performing some Utah favorites.Tell Mark Ross I'm looking for him in Butte, Mt.

  • Awesome!
    author: Sonya McKinery

    We had a tape of Uath's music bought in'79 and it was lost a few years ago when we moved to Oregon from Pa. We are just tickled to now have this delightful CD playing again!

  • Don't think twice! Buy today and enjoy it for years.
    author: Mandie

    By the time I longed to hear the stories of my own grandparents' lives, it was too late. These might not be the exact tales of my ancestors, but they capture something bigger than the individual. This four CD set is a must have for anyone who knows that there is much to be gained from listening to one's elders. The music makes the stories easy to learn and remember, and Utah's explanations add even deeper meaning. Even if you already have some of the songs included in this set on other albums, this is more than worth your investment. You won't find history like this in your average textbook. I wish every school kid in America would listen to this songbook. Wonderfully performed and recorded by Utah and friends, Starlight on the Rails will be treasured for years. Don't hesitate to add it to your collection!

  • This one is a definete keeper!
    author: David Payne

    Just recieved the discs and felt the need to say something. I first heard Utah through my love of Ani DiFranco's music. They've done two together. I finally broke down and bought this set. Fantastic stories and music. I am a musician myself and am always on the lookout for songs that i can relate to. Each of these is something that touches me in a special way. Utah is a true working class man. For those of us in the 'bluecollar' work force, this is a must have. A great many of these songs will find it's way into my current selections of songs that i perform. To those that have never heard Utah, BUY THIS SET. I can't recommend it high enough. I am going to buy all of his other cds as well. Thanks CDBaby for making them available.

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