Arlo Guthrie - Mystic Journey (1996)
For much of his career, Arlo Guthrie was affectionately known as "Woody's Kid", in reference (and respect) to his late father, Folk Legend, Woody Guthrie. Arlo clawed his way out from under the heavy shadow of his legendary father, to become one of the most respected folk artists of his generation. A humble and somewhat shy man, Arlo probably became best known for his whimsical flight's of humour, as heard in things like Alice's Restaurant or the Motor Cycle Song, but there's more to him than hippy humour and catchy tunes.
Arlo shares something with his famous father, that has served both men very well... a love of music, passed from one generation to the next. Yes, Arlo is a fine singer songwriter, but he is also a man who enjoy's the simple pleasure of sharing his music with his friends and extended family. To continue that chain of generations that started with Woody and the dust bowl blues. That is the feeling you get listening to this album.
This album is a statement of the continuance of music, from one generation to the next, and the beauty of a shared love. Produced by Arlo's son, Abe, Mystic Journey is a brilliant example of the recipe for great music, grown of the depression, steeped in the sixties, and sweetened to flavour in the nineties.
The Lyric's of �Moon Song� sum it up nicely, when they say;
"A second chance to grasp a dance
Before the moment fades to summarize
Tears along the trail of sand
Footprints in the water lead me back to who I am"
For me, there are a couple of highlight's on this album. Arlo's tribute to the victim's of AIDS, a song called "The Door's of Heaven", and "When a Soldier Makes It Home", a song of incredible depth and subtlety, that deals with societies treatment of veteran's, especially after the Viet Nam War.
Start to finish, Mystic Journey is Arlo Guthrie at his best, and a must have for any fan!
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