Anne Feeney (CD)

Have You Been to Jail For Justice? (2000) may be Feeney’s best release, featuring a spirited mix of originals, tunes by like-minded friends, and assorted old-time labor standards. Feeney’s militancy is tempered by her satiric wit, evidenced in “C.E.O.s” (a sardonic farewell to fallen fat cats) and “The Corporate Welfare Song” (she’s not in favor of it…). She also has a knack for writing anthems — the title track in particular is a stirring reminder of America’s tradition of resistance. Though basically working in an acoustic folk mode, Feeney stretches out into Staple Singers-like gospel on “Rebuild America – Keep Hope Alive!” and reggae on “For Gene Debs.”