ERIC BOGLE
The Dreamer
Greentrax 337
* * * *
Eric Bogle’s raspy voice is one that you can take or leave. (I like it.) But whatever you do, don’t ignore his pen. He is, simply, one of the finest songwriters alive. Long known for his dark songs, the title track of the Scottish-born Australian émigré Bogle’s latest is an unapologetic embrace of idealism, hopefulness, and Woodstock-era values. Later on there’s a song about the close connection between a father and his soon-to-be-independent daughter (“Flying Away”), a gut-wrenching family reconciliation between a drifter and his offspring (“Canadian Christmas Song”), and a new version of “Standing in the Light,” which Bogle wrote for his mother a decade ago. Has Eric Bogle gone soft and sentimental” Heaven forbid! “Bringing Buddy Home” cuts through the patriotic crap to measure the full cost of the U.S. incursion into Iraq, “Someone Else’s Problem” is an indictment of the public’s daily disengagement from the eco-degradation of Australia’s Murray River, “Nothing Worth Saving” a reminder that things of value come at a cost, and “Lost Soul” a tribute to the price paid by Aboriginal peoples to obtain full humanity. Bogle’s lyrical grace remains as sharp as his observer’s eye. If you already know his music, this one is another jewel in an ever-swelling treasure chest, this time with arrangements even more on the country side of the folk ledger than usual. If you’ve never heard him, listen and learn the difference between an accomplished wordsmith and guys who just sling phrases.
The Dreamer
Greentrax 337
* * * *
Eric Bogle’s raspy voice is one that you can take or leave. (I like it.) But whatever you do, don’t ignore his pen. He is, simply, one of the finest songwriters alive. Long known for his dark songs, the title track of the Scottish-born Australian émigré Bogle’s latest is an unapologetic embrace of idealism, hopefulness, and Woodstock-era values. Later on there’s a song about the close connection between a father and his soon-to-be-independent daughter (“Flying Away”), a gut-wrenching family reconciliation between a drifter and his offspring (“Canadian Christmas Song”), and a new version of “Standing in the Light,” which Bogle wrote for his mother a decade ago. Has Eric Bogle gone soft and sentimental” Heaven forbid! “Bringing Buddy Home” cuts through the patriotic crap to measure the full cost of the U.S. incursion into Iraq, “Someone Else’s Problem” is an indictment of the public’s daily disengagement from the eco-degradation of Australia’s Murray River, “Nothing Worth Saving” a reminder that things of value come at a cost, and “Lost Soul” a tribute to the price paid by Aboriginal peoples to obtain full humanity. Bogle’s lyrical grace remains as sharp as his observer’s eye. If you already know his music, this one is another jewel in an ever-swelling treasure chest, this time with arrangements even more on the country side of the folk ledger than usual. If you’ve never heard him, listen and learn the difference between an accomplished wordsmith and guys who just sling phrases.
There are no YouTube clips for this album, but check out Bogle's masterpiece, "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. It's one of the finest anti-war songs ever and this Canadian production does it credit. Click here.
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