Running for the Drum reviews

Excerpt
...It's that humanitarian streak sitting astride her music which has always won her the affection of audiences since hitting the scene in 1962. Now, 47 years later, she's every bit as much in her powers as in that halcyon and turbulent era. Backed by a crackerjack outfit—and even Taj Mahal on one track—she serves up a dozen excellent tracks, a few of which will definitely see coverage well into the future, especially Too Much is Never Enough, an extremely catchy ditty. A gratifying fusion of Native rhythms and philosophy pervade much of this CD, and they're a very welcome element, a whole dimension of something scamped by modern rockers, folkers, and jazz musicians even though the sonorities preceded all other arts on this continent...
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On her first album in 13 years, folk icon and Native American activist Buffy Sainte-Marie comes out swinging. She takes on corporate greed over the furious tribal beat of "No No Keshagesh" and makes effective use of audio samples of pow-wows on both the blistering "Working for the Government" and the dance-floor-ready "Cho Cho Fire." With those three cuts followed by a gorgeous, lilting reworking of her own "Little Wheel Spin and Spin," Running for the Drum boasts a simply phenomenal opening sequence. Those songs speak to the depth of Sainte-Marie's focused folk-singer outrage and her still-razor-sharp ear for a memorable pop hook.

"All hail the original eco warrior rock star. . . Surprisingly timely . . . Buffy's powerful vocals haven't faltered and neither has her attitude on bracing new numbers including `No No Keshagesh' (which berates 'greedy guts' businesses and governments), `Cho Cho Fire's' pow-wow pop rock, and the bluesy romance of `I Bet My Heart On You' (featuring Taj Mahal on piano). Buffy might be a peace campaigner but her work still joyously kicks ass."

It's a joy to hear, and it's comforting that Sainte-Marie is still writing amazing songs, taking firm social and political stands, performing with spirit, joy, and passion, and pretty much doing what she's always done.

"Buffy Sainte-Marie's first album in 17 years finds her spirit as undiluted as her charm, still making persuasive, engaging arguments for Native American attitudes, and using the establishment's devices against itself - as in a version of `America the Beautiful' that features the rarely performed line, `Till selfish gain no longer stain the banner of the free.'. . . Delivered with passion and engagement. (4 out of 5 stars)"

"This album, her first of original material since 1992's Coincidence and Likely Stories, shows she has lost none of her talent and commitment. . . . An incredible range of influences takes the album in all kinds of directions . . . Infused throughout with the polychromatic approach she's known for . . . A welcome addition to her life's work. (4 stars)"

“She's clearly still diamond sharp, with a larynx to match. Weaving politicized synth-folk, Native American mantras and aching torch songs into a blanket of irreproachable intentions and keening melodies, it's an album that's as eclectic as it is spirited. She can still sing up a protest storm too! (3 stars)”

"Buffy Sainte-Marie has lost none of her bite or beauty. . . [She] continues to farm the political and amorous arenas for her material . . . 4 stars!"