文章基本信息

标题：Rod Macdonald: A Tale of Two Americas
作者：Angela Page
期刊名称：Sing Out! The Folk Song Magazine
印刷版ISSN：0037-5624
出版年度：2006
卷号：Winter 2006
出版社：The Sing Out! Corp.

Rod Macdonald: A Tale of Two Americas

Angela Page

Rod Macdonald A Tale of Two Americas Wind River 4034

Twenty-five years ago you could find Rod MacDonald and his buddy Mark Dann playing in Greenwich Village at the Speak Easy, Folk City, or hanging at the Kettle offish or Kenny's Castaways. Geographically the length of the country from New York City to Florida now separates them, but musically, they've always been in each other's backyards. Rod continues to be prolific, and plays extensively.

A Tale of Two Americas is Rod's ninth release. On guitar and harmonica, MacDonald is backed by Dann's familiar bass, as well as guitar, Dobro and mandolin work by Steve Eriksson.

Rod didn't start out to make a new CD, but while in New York, Mark Dann handed him a guitar, turned on the computer and said "play all your new songs." The result is A Tale of Two Americas. There is no band and no production fixes; it's real and current and an outstanding collection of 17 new originals as well as a cover of Dylan's "With God on Our Side." Political satire abounds, as does thoughtful political analysis.

After leaving Columbia Law School in 1973, Rod began musically pursuing justice. That commitment continues on Two Americas as he comments on defining patriotism and governmental patterns. In "My Beloved Enemy" and in "Terror" he raises the important roles that both play in political agendas. Using the famed Dickens's opener "It was the best of times it was the worst of times," MacDonald begins the title track. The use of the line sets the mood for the dichotomy of views and fortunes he outlays in the song. (John Edwards should have used this during his campaigning.)

Beyond politics, he sings of smoking, hurricane survivors, and true love. Fatherhood has spawned the tender "I'm Your Dad" and also, no doubt, "Missing." Biographical pieces sketch Ray Charles, Ronald Reagan and one called the "Governator." Slightly resembling Dylan, Rod delivers "I am Bob Dylan" after one too many questioners ask. It's lively and sarcastic as are several of the tracks here.