Learn: The Songs of Phil Ochs

Originally recorded and mixed in a five-day blur at the Hall of Justice with Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie, the Thermals, Hot Hot Heat), the first mixes simply didn't capture the energy of the songs. As artist and (former) label butted heads for over a year on how to bring the album to life, the reels sat on the shelf until they were dusted off and entirely rediscovered on the other side of the country with recording engineer/producer Dave Achenbach (Versus, Wheat). Churlish, middling guitars were abandoned for demanding, raw ones. Spiteful, disenchanted vocal deliveries were exchanged for thoughtful, empowered performances. Less-realized songs were cut and a map was drawn. Hush Records. 2005.