Description
Frank Tovey – Tyranny And The Hired Hand – Vinyl Record
Frank Tovey’s Tyranny and the Hired Hand, released in 1989, marked a significant departure from his earlier work as a pioneer of industrial and electronic music under the moniker Fad Gadget. This album sees Tovey fully embracing folk and traditional music, offering a collection of reinterpreted protest songs that delve into themes of labor, class struggle, and social justice. It reflects his deep respect for folk traditions while showcasing his ability to reimagine these songs with his unique perspective.
By the late 1980s, Tovey had shifted his artistic focus from the experimental, synth-driven soundscapes of his Fad Gadget persona to more organic, acoustic instrumentation. Tyranny and the Hired Hand emerged from his growing interest in folk and protest music, particularly songs that chronicled the experiences and struggles of working-class communities. The album serves as both a homage to this rich tradition and a platform for Tovey to explore his own interpretations of these timeless themes.
The album title itself alludes to the power dynamics and exploitation often addressed in the folk protest songs of the early 20th century. Tovey curated a collection of tracks that include both traditional songs and compositions by influential figures in the folk and labor movement, such as Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly.
Tyranny and the Hired Hand is characterized by its stripped-down, acoustic arrangements. Guitars, banjos, harmonicas, and other folk instruments dominate the sound, complemented by Tovey’s distinctive voice, which adds a haunting and contemporary edge to these classic songs. Despite the traditional instrumentation, the album carries a sense of urgency and modernity that speaks to Tovey’s background in the avant-garde.
Track Highlights
\”Sixteen Tons\”
Tovey\’s version of Merle Travis’s classic captures the grinding oppression of coal miners with a raw, visceral energy. His deep, resonant vocals emphasize the weariness and determination of the working man.
\”John Henry\”
This iconic ballad about the legendary steel-driving man is given a gritty and soulful interpretation, highlighting the tension between human labor and industrialization.
\”Dark as a Dungeon\”
A mournful exploration of the dangers and despair of coal mining, Tovey’s rendition maintains the song’s melancholic tone while infusing it with his unique sensibility.
\”The Ballad of Sam Hall\”
This defiant and darkly humorous song about a condemned man is brought to life through Tovey’s dramatic delivery, which underscores the song’s gallows humor and rebellious spirit.
\”Joe Hill\”
A tribute to the labor activist and songwriter, this track captures the enduring legacy of Joe Hill as a symbol of resistance and solidarity.
Tyranny and the Hired Hand is deeply rooted in the tradition of protest music, amplifying the voices of those who have fought against exploitation and inequality. Tovey’s interpretations bring these songs into a new light, emphasizing their timeless relevance. The album resonates as both a tribute to the past and a call to recognize ongoing social struggles.
The album was praised for its authenticity and Tovey’s bold artistic shift. It also cemented his legacy as a versatile and fearless artist willing to explore new territories and challenge expectations.
Tyranny and the Hired Hand remains a compelling entry in Frank Tovey’s discography, representing his transition from electronic innovator to folk revivalist. The album stands as a testament to the enduring power of protest music and its ability to inspire and provoke across generations. For fans of both traditional folk and Tovey’s broader body of work, this record offers a fascinating and rewarding exploration of the intersections between music, history, and social justice.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with a promotional drill in the jacket
Restless / Mute Records 1989
Track Listing
31 Depression Blues
Hard Times in the Cotton Mill
John Henry/Let Your Hammer Ring
The Blantyre Explosion
Money Cravin\’ Folks
All I Got Is Gone
Midwife Song
Sam Hall
Dark as a Dungeon
Men of Good Fortune
Sixteen Tons
North Country Blues
Buffalo Skinners
Black Lung Song
Pastures of Plenty
Joe Hill

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