Concerts for a Landmine Free World [Live]

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Compiled from benefits held in December 1999 and 2000 in California and Canada, these acoustic performances document a who's who of country-folk singer-songwriters united by Emmylou Harris's profound commitment to the anti-landmine movement. The performances are never less than emotionally riveting, though Guy Clark, John Prine, and especially Kris Kristofferson--his jocund but weathered version of the obscure "Shipwrecked in the Eighties" has a fool's wisdom--lighten the solemn tone. Only Nanci Griffith strikes a sanctimonious note; the earned indignation of Bruce Cockburn's Mines of Mozambique" cuts much closer to the political bone. The standout track, though, is Harris's mystical opener, "The Pearl"--sung with a harrowing elegance that trumps the Red Dirt Girl version--although Terry Allen's absurd, poignant pastiche "Wilderness of This World" is a close second. --Roy Kasten

Tracks:

The Pearl - Emmylou Harris
Big Ol' Goofy World - John Prine
Cold Dog Soup - Guy Clark with Verlon Thompson
This Shirt - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mines of Mozambique - Bruce Cockburn
It's a Hard Life - Nanci Griffith
Morphine - Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Mary - Patty Griffin
Shipwrecked - Kris Kristofferson
Wilderness of This World - Terry Allen
Christmas in Washington - Steve Earle

Amazon.com

Compiled from benefits held in December 1999 and 2000 in California and Canada, these acoustic performances document a who's who of country-folk singer-songwriters united by Emmylou Harris's profound commitment to the anti-landmine movement. The performances are never less than emotionally riveting, though Guy Clark, John Prine, and especially Kris Kristofferson--his jocund but weathered version of the obscure "Shipwrecked in the Eighties" has a fool's wisdom--lighten the solemn tone. Only Nanci Griffith strikes a sanctimonious note; the earned indignation of Bruce Cockburn's Mines of Mozambique" cuts much closer to the political bone. The standout track, though, is Harris's mystical opener, "The Pearl"--sung with a harrowing elegance that trumps the Red Dirt Girl version--although Terry Allen's absurd, poignant pastiche "Wilderness of This World" is a close second. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation.......2004-07-22

It's great to finally have a solid benefit album without it ending in Paul McCartney singing Let it Be at the end. These kind of albums are usually weak in points and disjointed throughout. On the contrary, this one is solid. It creates a mood that is consistent and is filled with good songs. The big names --Emmylou, Bruce, Nancy --do fine numbers (like The Pearl and Mines of Mozambique) but these blend in well with the other, lesser-known or 'classic' names. I highly recommend this album.
Back to Landmines, there are currently 152 countries that are signatories to the Treaty to Ban Landmines (http://www.icbl.org/ratification/). Conspicuous names missing are Iraq, Iran, China, and the United States.

Great live renditions of studio successes.......2001-10-21

This cd had a diverse song list, with different types of performers. It is beautiful and intimate compilation.

Emmy Lou Harris's stripped down version of "The Pearl" is very moving. Gillian Welch's and David Rawlings performance of "Morphine" is enchanting. With Gillian's heavenly voice and David's earthy sound, the song sometimes feels like a juxtaposition. This is especially effective since "Morphine" is about the singer's love and hate relationship with the narcotic.

Mary Chapin Carpenter's "This Shirt" is very touching. I appreciated the live version of this song for the clarity of the lyrics. This song has had little, if any, airplay and yet it is one MCC's best.

John Prine's lyrics were silly in "It's a Goofy World." Even though it took no poet to pen these lyrics, the song was fun and easy to sing along with. The inclusion of this song reminded me of Shakespearian tragedies that have short comedies interspersed. Although the album supposts a very serious cause, the song recognizes that we can't just focus on the World's sorrow. It is the joy in life that keeps us alive to fight for a better world.

Kris Kristofferson's voice has never sounded better. Steve Earle's "Christmas in Washington" has so many back up vocalists, at the end, that the song had a tinge of Gospel to it. Nanci Griffith's "Its a hard life," is fairly raucous. The backgound vocals made me feel as though I had a spiritual experience. The song "Mary," is lovely and made me long for my loved ones who have left this world.

The Landmine Truth.......2001-09-10

The Landmine Concert does not rememble anything close to a slick studio recording. It's also not anything near the full band unplugged sound heard a few years back on the MTV series. What your getting is outstanding laid back intimate solos with minimal accompaniment. The highlight of highlights on this cd is Guy Clark, who has a flair for the dramatic with his trademark funny story singing on "Cold Dog Soup". I also like all the other performances. The only a slight letdown is Kristofferson's"Shipwrecked In The Eighties" because his singing voice has changed. If you like that clean acoustic guitar sound where you feel a performer like Emmylou Harris is playing in your living room, you'll find "Concerts For A Landmine Free World" to be a winner.

How could they make this CD w/out Buddy & Julie Miller?!?!.......2001-04-28

Although I haven't purchased this CD, I notice that Buddy and Julie Miller's "100 Million Little Bombs" is not on the list of titles. I can think of no more appropriate song for a CD titled "Concerts for a Landmine Free World".

A concert CD that embodies the emotional spirit of the event.......2001-04-24

I attended the first of these concerts at Stanford Univ. in Palo Alto, and it was one of the most awe-inspiring musical event I've ever experienced. This CD captures the heart and soul of this important crusade, and offers some of the most beautiful live performances by some of the best folk performers of our time. Patty Griffin's soul-stirring rendition of "Mary", recorded in Palo Alto, is worth the price of the CD alone.

If you're a fan of the soundtrack to "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?", then this CD - including incredible live performances by Emmy Lou Harris and Gillian Welsh - will be a welcome part of your contemporary folk collection.

Concerts for a Landmine Free World / Live Recording
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Concerts for a Landmine Free World / Live Recording
Emmylou Harris , John Prine , Guy Clark , Verlon Thompson , Mary Chapin Carpenter , Bruce Cockburn , Nanci Griffith , Gillian Welch , David Rawlings , and Patty Griffin
Manufacturer: Vanguard Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000B8J0RA

Product Description

Concerts for a Landmine Free World / Live recording// 1. The Pearl - Emmylou Harris 2. Big Ol' Goofy World - John Prine 3. Cold Dog Soup - Guy Clark with Verlon Thompson 4. This Shirt - Mary Chapin Carpenter 5. Mines of Mozambique - Bruce Cockburn 6. It's a Hard Life - Nanci Griffith 7. Morphine - Gillian Welch & David Rawlings 8. Mary - Patty Griffin 9. Shipwrecked - Kris Kristofferson 10. Wilderness of This World - Terry Allen 11. Christmas in Washington - Steve Earle

Music Album:

Music Album