Phil Ochs

Phil Ochs was under-appreciated during his lifetime but, over 30 years since his death, he is still cited by many as being an influence on their music, their politics and their careers. A contemporary and friend of Bob Dylan, although Phil never achieved the commercial success he craved, he led a generation through probably the most politically turbulent decade the world has ever seen.

Ultimately, Phil's internal turbulence proved too much for him, but he left us with a legacy of songs which are as relevant today, as they were when they were first written, 45 years ago.

For more information about Phil, please read the biography.

Phil Ochs Inspires Us Still

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The Early Years

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The Early Years is a compilation of seven recordings Phil Ochs made for a Vanguard compilation in 1964 and twelve made at three Newport Folk Festivals in 1963, 1964 and 1966, the latter tracks previously released on the 1996 compilation Live at Newport.

Of the seven studio tracks, only five had actually been released by Vanguard on the compilation The Original New Folks, Vol. 2, "How Long" and "Davey Moore" making their debut here. They are all in the vein of Ochs' first two albums, with their focus on human and civil rights stories seemingly pulled from Newsweek. The seminal "There But For Fortune" made its debut here.

Track listing

All songs by Phil Ochs.

  1. "William Moore" – 3:08
  2. "What Are You Fighting For?" – 2:47
  3. "There But for Fortune"– 2:15
  4. "Paul Crump" – 3:18
  5. "Talking Airplane Disaster" – 3:47
  6. "How Long" – 3:08
  7. "Davey Moore" – 3:03
  8. "Introduction by Peter Yarrow" – 0:56
  9. "The Ballad of Medgar Evers" – 2:44
  10. "Talking Birmingham Jam" – 3:22
  11. "The Power and the Glory" – 2:11
  12. "Draft Dodger Rag" – 2:21
  13. "I Ain't Marching Anymore" – 2:36
  14. "Links on the Chain" – 5:05
  15. "Talkin' Vietnam" – 3:42
  16. "Cross My Heart" – 4:44
  17. "Half a Century High" – 7:06
  18. "Is There Anybody Here" – 3:11
  19. "The Party" – 8:11
  20. "Pleasures of the Harbor" – 6:25

Credits

  • Phil Ochs – guitar, vocals
  • Tom Vickers – reissue producer