Hold onto your hat because Peter, Paul and Mary are about to blow those old liberal cobwebs out of the water with 'The Best of Peter, Paul and Mary: Ten Years Together.' Released in 1970, this album is about nostalgia, a collection of poignant folk tales carried on the wings of acoustic guitars and three-part harmony. This New York-based trio embodies an era, capturing the essence of a decade wrapped in the core of the American dream, even if the term ‘dream’ means different things across our political spectrum.
Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and the magnetic Mary Travers formed this iconic trio in a time when music had a purpose. Folk music often attracts a crowd that worships at the altar of change, but in a grounded, reflective approach, this album highlights the timeless charm of Peter, Paul and Mary, magnifying an era that's steeped in political turmoil yet bathed in the warm glow of simple truths and love for one's country.
Kickstarting our list with "Blowin’ in the Wind,” a track that stages a sophisticated pat on the back for anyone noticing the social awareness without losing touch with what matters most—an understanding of life itself. This track alone speaks to a pitch-perfect interpretation of Bob Dylan’s masterpiece. Peter, Paul and Mary bridge the gap between musical artistry and social consciousness without losing the listener in endless diatribes, focusing instead on melody and harmony.
Next is “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” penned by John Denver but given new life and sincerity by the trio. Its infectious melody speaks volumes about the personal cost of constant change and travel, a tune that resonates differently if political expedience had us roaming far from our homeland foundations. A somber melody with heartwarming lyrics presents the reality of parting, coupled with a strong sense of longing, a sentiment I argue too few of today's chart-toppers could ever sustain.
"Puff, the Magic Dragon,” while met with artificial controversies from critics looking for subtext under every rock, delivers a robust narrative about the fleeting nature of childhood. Mary’s enchanting voice alongside Peter and Paul's gentle harmonies showcase an almost conservative respect for the innocence of youthful wonder. It’s not about dodging the inevitable march of time, but rather embracing it with a wistful smile instead of bitterness.
Another noteworthy mention is “If I Had a Hammer.” While some might cling to its social change messaging, one might also appreciate it as an anthem of strength and preparedness, embodying a spirit of resilience, reminding us that sensible progress only comes with effort and reason. Its rousing chorus reverberates a unity that transc ends mere political scores.
"I Dig Rock and Roll Music” is where the more spirited met the quirky, teasing the music industry with a playful jab rather than broadscale protest. They appreciated more than just the message of a song; they understood and articulated its craft and structure. This speaks particularly to Peter, Paul and Mary's well-grounded nature—acknowledging the trends, but not getting lost in them.
The evocative “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” traverses the tragic cycle of war. Its plaintive lament strikes a chord without partisan finger-pointing, offering a broader reflection on human history without expressly assigning blame. It's these universal themes that demonstrate how poignantly Peter, Paul and Mary continue to resonate.
No overlook of the anthem-like "The Times They Are a-Changin’” should miss its intent. It's a tune that’s layered with respect for cultural shifts necessary at times, yet remains clear-headed about enduring values worth preserving.
“You’ve Got a Friend” ties together a sense of community, echoing the intimate bonds and unwavering allegiance that mean the most when the chips are down. These sentiments overflow from the album, forged by hearts who valued friendship and loyalty long before it became a hashtag.
Lastly, “For Baby (For Bobbie)” evokes a simple melodious expression of love. Its direct lyricism and genuine warmth is a testament to love’s greatest power—protection and nurturing, a focus rarely heard today without over-sentimentalization.
Peter, Paul and Mary’s triumph with 'Ten Years Together' stands not just on its musical merit but as a testimony to a finely woven tapestry of American thought. Rather than stuffing their narratives with volatility, they preferred the middle path—a steadier stream of consciousness that resonates still today. Folk's golden years wield their evergreen charm because they thrive on authenticity.
The trio's immortal grace remains untainted by the banality that often trails behind social commentary masquerading as music. It is through the subtle power of understatement that Peter, Paul and Mary rise high above. They are not merely a group that blends voice and string, but icons of an era still unwilling to relent its grip on our hearts. Small wonder their artistry refuses to be eclipsed.