Field Songs is quite distinct from his earlier, bleaker work Hymns For The Hopeless and Ashes To Dust amongst others. The eight songs have a fire in the belly and a stubborn attitude not to be defeated. Beginning with Bury Your Burdens In The Ground and ending with Not Feeling Any Pain presents a simple manifesto that is best appreciated whole. Corporations and financial markets seemingly represent everything he loathes as the good old days are “Three square meals and a livin’ wage,” as the clarion call Field Songs reminisces. Then it is kicking up your heels on the porch and planning future revolution.
Throughout the songs there is a true sound of the fields. Crickets and birds chirp sublimely and almost cause the knapsack cause célèbre to will the listener to Lets Do Something Impossible. Get There From Here and We’ll Carry On overcome the disillusionment and are certainly no exercise in futility. Americana is in good hands when you know that the likes of Whitmore is crafting and molding sparse sounds into the songs of freedom. The spirit of Phil Ochs and Woody Guthrie have found a new home.
Best Track: Bury Your Burdens In The Ground
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: SEASICK STEVE, CW STONEKING, CAPTAIN BEFFHEART
In A Word: Endearing
