One of Oscar's more recent albums - both enjoyable and educational - is Presidential Campaign Songs: 1789-1996 (Smithsonian/Folkways). As the title indicates, Oscar sings the campaign songs from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Sad to say but not unexpectedly, the quality of the "get-out-and-vote" tunes has decreased over the years. How can anyone beat Millard Fillmore's rousing chorus:

Or the hubris when drumming up support for James K. Polk:

And we must remember "Old Rough and Ready", Zachary Taylor:

Although not as well known to the general populace as his contemporary (and good friend) Pete Seeger, Oscar has perhaps been the most innovative folk musician of the Twentieth Century. Beginning in the late 1940's, he recorded the first in a series of albums of soldier's songs, bawdy ballads, and at times (we must admit it) down and out raunchy tunes that even now have no equal. Completely uncensored, the albums were issued by relatively mainstream producers, and as far as CooperToons knows, Oscar never fell afoul of whatever authority guards the propriety of folk song morals. If you're willing to view a section of you can read a Most Merry and Somewhat Illustrated Review of these truly unique songs and albums by clicking here.