Review of Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune (2011) by Bill C — 29 Jan 2016

"Changes" is on my all-time top ten list of folk songs; so why don't I feel guilty about not liking this film?

Is it because we could plug in a dozen different names for Phil Ochs and end up with the same movie? Is it because boyish charm wears thin all too quickly? Or is it because the truth is finally revealed with the release of Phil's seventh and final studio album, "Greatest Hits" (1970) - which, contrary to its title, offers ten tracks of new material, a gold lamé suit and an abundance of self-pity?

Are we attracted to the music because of the politics - or, are we attracted to the politics because of the music? I will always settle on the latter; sorry Phil, sorry Pete - think "one-hit-wonder".