| Description | Tracks 1 - 25:
This is a master for the first of three programmes of 'Off Limits' with a mixture of commentary and music. With the exception of Charles Parker, the perfomers are not currently identified. Whilst many songs are performed, two are used as a unifying device in the production: 'Well, come on mothers throughout the land' and 'I'm going to Pensacola' (commencing at Tracks 4 & 6 respectively).
Track 1 provides an introduction by Charles Parker, followed by a song commencing 'I'm a Rice Paddy Daddy'.
Track 2 considers soldiers' disillusionment, through a reading of Tacitus' report of mutiny of Roman soldiers on the Rhine in AD 14 followed by an interview with a GI (general infantryman) from Kansas, USA. This soldier describes his experience of recuitment into and service with the United States Army. His testimony appears at various points through the recording including tracks 3, 5 & 6.
Track 4 features the protest song commencing 'Well, come on mothers throughout the land' which also appears on Tracks 8 & 11.
Track 6 features a song with the chorus 'I'm going to Pensacola' which considers the impact of of the American Civil War on young people. This song also appears on track 13.
Track 7 records the Kansa GI's description of atrocities committed by South Vietnames allies against North Vietnamese prisoners. He also describes atrocities committed by American troops on Tracks 12 & 15.
A statement by Ho Chi Minh about the North Vietnamese position regarding the USA is read out on Track 7. Tracks 9 & 10 consider what are stated as the United States' pledges to allies and SEATO (South East Asia Treaty Organisation). Track 10 also has a statement about Vietnam's importance in geo-political terms.
Track 13 features a reading of a North Vietnamese love poem which begins 'I came by night'.
Track 14 features a love song commencing 'The blackest crow that ever flew', possibly also Vietnamese.
'Tracks 16 & 17 feature a protest song with the chorus 'Our boys wouldn't do that' which is concerned with American atrocities.
An American draft resister considers the moral dilemma facing draftees (Tracks 18, 19 & 21). Relations between the United States Army, CIA and mercenaries are noted in Track 20.
Track 21 refers to the use of CS gas against protesters at the University of California's Berkeley campus.
Track 22 features a protest song commencing 'Now, come all you fighting mamas', which focuses on the brutality of soldiers' work.
Track 23 features 'the Voice of Harlem', a black American's observations of what he considers as the corruption of white society and the realisation of this by white draft resisters.
Track 24 features a draft resister's autobiographical song. with the chorus 'Which side are you on?'
Track 25 is silent.
Total: 31:08 minutes
Dubber's reference number: PLA KF571E0014780 |