While protest songs were prominent feature of folk music of the 60s and 70s, many of them have been forgotten as the events that inspired them have faded from memory.
Eight of the fourteen tracks on this disc are original folk songs from this era, and these have been reclaimed and brought to the fore again by Paxton and Hills; the remaining six songs compromise of new compositions from the duo.
There is some astute and sharp social commentary in these songs, 'Birmingham Sunday' recounts the infamous 1963 church bombing, and 'Manzanar' is a tale of Japanese-American internment camps in World War II. The standout is the title track, a new Paxton/Hills composition that continues the protest song theme, it's a moving and serious commentary on the death penalty.
Instrumentation is traditional folk fare, acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica etc., but it's Al Petteway's superb guitar work that proves to be the musical highlight - his sensitive arrangements and melodic playing means there is so much more than the lyrics that stand out in this collection.
Vocal duties are shared equally, each taking the lead on various songs, and they often sing together to great effect - there are some excellent harmonies in places.
'Under American Skies' is an excellent collection of tracks recounting recent and contemporary issues, and a interesting and thought-provoking album.

£13.49