Nice. I have literally *never* heard of Phil Ochs (but then I'm not a fan of Dylan, either, so just a scene I'm a know-nothing about.) But I quickly put on his I Ain't Marching Anymore album while reading this, and he's pretty great. Fucking wizard with that guitar and great voice, too!
Good to see this piece. I'm currently writing a post on songs about protest singers, which Phil Ochs features in. As I haven't seen A Complete Unknown, I was curious to know whether Ochs appeared in the film. My search brought me to your post, which I very much enjoyed. I've only read the Marc Eliot book on Ochs (and that was long ago - been flicking through again this week while working on my post) and am keen to read the others. I look forward to hearing more about the podcast.
I just came across this blog post. It's very interesting & one in which I fully agree. Given your take on Phil & Dylan's relationship you might be interested in my 2023 biography of Phil, That Man in the Gold Lame' Suit: Phil Ochs's Search for Self. Among other facets of Phil's life & personality, two chapters are dedicated to his complicated and self destructive relationship with Dylan. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/that-man-in-the-gold-lam-suit-jim-bowers/1144329783?ean=9798822913738
I am one of the six people who know and love and still listen to Phil Ochs… thanks for this essay… I think the time is right to revive his stuff because of the era of protest now upon us again! I sing some of his song substituting names or things of today and They Work!!!!!
People like Phil Ochs, Tim Buckley , they made some absolutely beautiful records back in the day.I was so happy to discover them back in the 80s,and hope more people do in the future.
For me the pinnacle of Phil's work is the Rehearsals For Retirement song which is achingly sad and so beautifully sung.
There may be good dramatic reasons for not including Phil in “Complete Unknown,” but you have to wonder if he will ever get the cinematic treatment he is due, considering his importance to everything and everyone from that time.
Nice. I have literally *never* heard of Phil Ochs (but then I'm not a fan of Dylan, either, so just a scene I'm a know-nothing about.) But I quickly put on his I Ain't Marching Anymore album while reading this, and he's pretty great. Fucking wizard with that guitar and great voice, too!
That's such an excellent first Phil Ochs song to hear.
Good to see this piece. I'm currently writing a post on songs about protest singers, which Phil Ochs features in. As I haven't seen A Complete Unknown, I was curious to know whether Ochs appeared in the film. My search brought me to your post, which I very much enjoyed. I've only read the Marc Eliot book on Ochs (and that was long ago - been flicking through again this week while working on my post) and am keen to read the others. I look forward to hearing more about the podcast.
I just came across this blog post. It's very interesting & one in which I fully agree. Given your take on Phil & Dylan's relationship you might be interested in my 2023 biography of Phil, That Man in the Gold Lame' Suit: Phil Ochs's Search for Self. Among other facets of Phil's life & personality, two chapters are dedicated to his complicated and self destructive relationship with Dylan. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/that-man-in-the-gold-lam-suit-jim-bowers/1144329783?ean=9798822913738
I actually have it in my cart at B&N, and just have to actually buy it. I want to read it before I finish the podcast script I alluded to above!
I am one of the six people who know and love and still listen to Phil Ochs… thanks for this essay… I think the time is right to revive his stuff because of the era of protest now upon us again! I sing some of his song substituting names or things of today and They Work!!!!!
Thanks again for writing this!!!
People like Phil Ochs, Tim Buckley , they made some absolutely beautiful records back in the day.I was so happy to discover them back in the 80s,and hope more people do in the future.
For me the pinnacle of Phil's work is the Rehearsals For Retirement song which is achingly sad and so beautifully sung.
Cheers.
I love "Rehearsals for Retirement." I actually have a test-pressing of the album hanging framed on my office wall!
There may be good dramatic reasons for not including Phil in “Complete Unknown,” but you have to wonder if he will ever get the cinematic treatment he is due, considering his importance to everything and everyone from that time.