Hardtack & Saddlesores

Gr 7 Up—The five person musical group, Privates by Choice, offers a hauntingly beautiful collection of new and traditional Civil War songs on this superb CD which will appeal to historians, students, and everyone who loves music. Beginning with the sounds of roaring cannons and concluding with the traditional tune "Abide with Me," the 21 songs (16 are original) tender a history of the war. "Lone Jack" recounts the story of a bloody battle with numerous causalities of men and horses. "Casualty of War" and "A Veteran in a New Field" tells what war did to men and the challenges they faced when returning home. Other songs provide information about battles such as Stones River and the soldiers of Kentucky's Orphan Brigade, and recount tales of carpetbaggers and scalawags. Guitar, violin, mandolin, cello, and dulcimer are crafted to perfection, and the vocals are seamless. Teachers who deal with students tuned to iPods can utilize this CD to teach the Civil War in an exciting and innovative manner.—Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel