A documentation of epic proportions.
Yes, it is an absolute mammoth-size project. 13 + 1 (songtext) CD:s and a heavy, over 300 pages, A4-sized book. And still only a portion of the 4000 songs that are said to form the total amount of Vietnam war-connected songs.
But it is, and will most certainly remain, the ultimate compilation of Vietnam War-related songs, including an impressive essay on the war and the music, discussing their significance in and for America. Interesting in a time when the US again is connected to very controversial and imperialistic politics and a time when the reactions in music are still fragmented and small compared to the 1960’s and early 1970’s. That said, this major compilation, Next Stop is Vietnam (1961-2008), is not new but an archive find. Neither is it a one-sided compilation, it is not an overview of Vietnam war-critical music, even though a lot of critical songs are present. Here is also many songs supporting the US, the overseas war campaign, and of course the veterans and soldiers. In that way it is perhaps an even more interesting overview, trying to represent the whole spectrum of songs, even some much later songs specifically about the Vietnam war, like Paul Hardcastle’s 19, are included. This heavy (in content but also physically in pure weight) box set is produced by Bear Family (based in Germany) and their strong links to country, hillbilly, rock’n’roll and old school americana means that this sector is especially well covered. If anything, I would have enjoyed a larger segment of songs from Black America, more soul, funk etc, but some essential and more obscured works are present. Also sad that for example CCR:s Fogerty-written anti-Vietnam war songs are only included in Paul Revere-performed versions, as Bear Family could not get license for the original versions. I have those songs on original albums anyway, but Revere’s versions are new to me, and quite fine too. However, these are minor flaws in a very impressive collection. Included are many hard-to-find songs, extremely seldom heard, as well as very well-known classics, like Masters of War or Where have all the flowers gone or Soldier Boy.
I guess for most it really is overkill to buy a box like this, but it certainly gives an interesting and wide perspective from one of the most controversial periods of political song writing, the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. However, it also makes you think how much we really need popular culture that dare to make a stand and comment what is going on, today, in our world and sinister times. There is much to comment in music in these times, so why is there so few political comments in song? Trumpism and its war on knowledge, learning, free speech, courts, universities and traditional allies, right wing extremism, terrorism, Genocide in Gaza, Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine…
This box set documents a time when music was on the forefront of commenting society. We need voices and songs that take a stand. And democracy means we can have different views, just like the songs from different viewpoints in this ambitious box set. A goldmine for music lovers, and historians, and everyone that wants to understand American society just a little better. The Vietnam War was a major trauma for the US, its heritage is still felt today. And this impressive box set documents the soundtrack of that conflict. Peace!
