Around the Campfire
The indefatigable folk trio of Peter, Paul & Mary is a wonderful focal point for younger listeners, toward whom this two-CD set is clearly geared. With a decidedly left-leaning approach to its craft--at least as far as the lyrics are concerned--the group selects great examples from its lengthy recording career. "If I Had a Hammer" veers from solemn consideration to exultant declaratives, working excellently enough that adults will certainly dig the music. Ditto for "Down by the Riverside" and "Light One Candle," which booms with an added mixed chorus, giving the song the power of a protest anthem. Not to paint this as an altogether-too-serious effort, though--"This Land Is Your Land" and "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" sweep the ears of kids up in deceptively minimal movements by the trio. Put succinctly, these two CDs mix kid-oriented and adult-oriented music with just the right touch.--Andrew Bartlett