Hardtack and Saddlesores: New Songs of the Civil War (review)

In this entertaining collection of songs, a merry band of six musicians, known as the Privates by Choice, has cobbled together old classics and new songs inspired by the common soldier and his experiences during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Songs from the album are “Biscuits at Manassas,” “A Younger Brother’s Pledge,” “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” “Lone Jack,” “Soldier’s Joy,” “The Drummer Boy Fiddler,” “A Letter from Home,” “The Fairfield Pass,” “Hard Times Come Again No More,” “Casualty of War,” “The Girl I Left behind Me,” “How Did I Get Here?” “Stovepipe Johnson,” “Running the Blockade,” “A Veteran in the New Field,” “Dan Sickles Waltz,” “Orphan Boys,” “A Carpetbagger’s Sashay,” “CSS Shenandoah’s Lost Glory,” “The Outlaw Sue Mundy,” and “Evertide/Abide with Me.” This lively collection will leave listeners entertained, and teachers might well utilize them in their courses.