Utah Phillips was one of the most revered folksingers in the United States, known for his powerful
songs about workers, union organizers, immigrants, the homeless, and all those who are left out
of the mainstream history books. Phillips passed away in 2008, but his songs continue to inspire
musicians, activists, and those who seek a just and equitable society. In November 2011, Phillips'
son Duncan released Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs, an updated and expanded version of
Utah's 1973 songbook. The new version presents 84 songs complete with chords, lyrics, and
background stories written by Utah Phillips himself. In addition, Starlight on the Rails and Other
Songs features a number of newer songs that were not included in the 1973 songbook, including
“Ship's Gonna Sail,” one of Phillips' last compositions, and “Linger On,” a song written by Utah's
youngest son Brendan. For old and new fans of Utah Phillips, this incredible songbook is required
reading.
From the first page to the last, it is evident that this songbook is a labor of love. Not only is Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs a tribute to Utah Phillip's musical and philosophical legacy, but it also represents Duncan Phillips' commitment to carrying on his father's work. In his moving introduction, Duncan writes about growing up at a distance from his father and how Utah's songbook became “. . .a little brown, tattered, ninety-six page security blanket.” This ninety-six page security blanket is now a 246 page collection that includes all of the songs from the 1973 songbook and the songs and stories from Utah Phillips' 4-CD audio songbook released by AK Press in 2005.
If you have seen Duncan Phillips perform his father's songs, you know that he has inherited Utah's humor and passion for telling timeless stories. Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs is only one of Duncan's many projects that commemorate and share the music of Utah Phillips. In addition to Long Gone, an excellent tribute album that Duncan recently produced, he maintains The Long Memory (http://thelongmemory.com/), a fantastic website devoted to the music and life of Utah Phillips. Yet it is Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs, which Duncan began in 2008 with the assistance of his father, that ensures that Utah Phillips' songs will be learned, studied, and performed for generations to come.
Like old trusted friends, Utah Phillips' songs are always there, revealing truths that popular songs avoid. In straightforward language that cuts to the chase without ever veering off into the indulgent metaphors that characterize mainstream “folk” music, Utah Phillips' songs humanize the downtrodden and champion the struggles of everyday people. Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs is a fantastic songbook that belongs on the bookshelves of all people who care about social justice. So do yourself a favor—get yourself a copy, dump the bosses off your back, and raise your voices in the spirit of the late great U. Utah Phillips.
Nathan Moore
Songwriter and guitarist for Low Tide Drifters
Master's Candidate, University of Oregon Folklore Program
From the first page to the last, it is evident that this songbook is a labor of love. Not only is Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs a tribute to Utah Phillip's musical and philosophical legacy, but it also represents Duncan Phillips' commitment to carrying on his father's work. In his moving introduction, Duncan writes about growing up at a distance from his father and how Utah's songbook became “. . .a little brown, tattered, ninety-six page security blanket.” This ninety-six page security blanket is now a 246 page collection that includes all of the songs from the 1973 songbook and the songs and stories from Utah Phillips' 4-CD audio songbook released by AK Press in 2005.
If you have seen Duncan Phillips perform his father's songs, you know that he has inherited Utah's humor and passion for telling timeless stories. Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs is only one of Duncan's many projects that commemorate and share the music of Utah Phillips. In addition to Long Gone, an excellent tribute album that Duncan recently produced, he maintains The Long Memory (http://thelongmemory.com/), a fantastic website devoted to the music and life of Utah Phillips. Yet it is Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs, which Duncan began in 2008 with the assistance of his father, that ensures that Utah Phillips' songs will be learned, studied, and performed for generations to come.
Like old trusted friends, Utah Phillips' songs are always there, revealing truths that popular songs avoid. In straightforward language that cuts to the chase without ever veering off into the indulgent metaphors that characterize mainstream “folk” music, Utah Phillips' songs humanize the downtrodden and champion the struggles of everyday people. Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs is a fantastic songbook that belongs on the bookshelves of all people who care about social justice. So do yourself a favor—get yourself a copy, dump the bosses off your back, and raise your voices in the spirit of the late great U. Utah Phillips.
Nathan Moore
Songwriter and guitarist for Low Tide Drifters
Master's Candidate, University of Oregon Folklore Program
Starlight on the Rails and Other Songs: A Review