Search - Various Artists :: Songs of the Civil War: A Nation Divided

A Surprising Gem

09/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I owned this recording as a youngster during the Civil War Centennial (remember THAT?)and it was originally titled "JOHNNY REB AND BILLY YANK, A BALLAD OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH." The story of the war is told in a somewhat abstract way, by an American soldier who claims to be "all the American soldier boys that ever were, all wrapped up into one person." It is a good introduction for children, who might be inspired to learn more about this period. NOTE--"The Battle Cry of Freedom," which was on the original recording, is missing on the CD...I don't know why, unless it was to make room for the rather lame montage at the end. Also, it is the BANJO work that is done by Kirk Browne. The original recording gave credit for voice work to the late Win Stracke."