Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant

While the title track may seem, by now, a rather obvious and nostalgic relic, we'd do well to remember that an entire post-baby boom generation has likely never heard it. At 18 minutes, the song remains one of the most hysterical things ever recorded, and many of its politcal barbs can still sting. But the record also contained two far more lyrical pieces: "Chillin' of the Evening" and the gorgeous, sweeping "Highway in the Wind." Some will turn to this countercultural classic for side one's epic, but it's the exceptional songs on side two that will offer finer rewards. --Roy Francis Kasten Amazon.com

Savouring a Classic

I recently saw Arlo Guthrie in concert and when he did Alice's Restaurant, I came away slightly disappointed and determined to find the original. This one is it! Arlo himself even rushes through the song he's been stuck singing all these years. My ears remember the pauses and things that made this such a delight to begin with! The ONLY ONE to own! January 14, 2008

The original Arlo.

Listening to Alice's Resturant on Thanksgiving is a tradtion in my home. This year we had the pleasure of listening without the scratches from my vinyl LP. Of course I will keep the album, it is a part of our family. December 30, 2007

Not proud, or tired

Love it! The only complaint I have is that the best track on the album is also the first.

Not that the others aren't good, but let's face it: "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" is a tough act to follow! To some, this song may sound dated, since it discusses "the draft"; but the anti-war message behind the song is just as relevant now as it was 40 years ago. Even if you don't agree with the anti-war viewpoint, it's still an entertaining story to listen to. I can never get enough of Guthrie's clever exaggerations like "45 minutes" and "father rapers"; and I still laugh every time I hear about the "27 8X10 color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us".

For a change of pace, there's more poignant, heartfelt numbers like "Chilling of the Evening", "I'm Going Home", and "Highway in the Wind". Then there's more whimsical tracks like "Ring-Around-A-Rosy Rag" (not my favorite, but others may disagree), and "Now and Then".

Then there's "The Motorcycle Song", which Guthrie himself proclaims a "stupid song". Well, it's a good kind of stupid, and I love it! If you take this song too seriously, it may sound like someone trying so desperately to find a rhyme ("pickle"/"motor-sickle", "die"/"motorcy.... cle"), that they're willing to contort words beyond recognition; but Guthrie doesn't take himself too seriously, and that's what I like about the song!

Overall, I'd say this album would be an essential for any collection. November 13, 2007

Arlo is bigger than a rock star

I have seen Arlo in concert a number of times. This CD is totally brilliant, but to get the full experience you must see him on stage doing these songs.

This CD is a gem. It is funny, insightful, and a just plain joy to listen to. I suggest that the next spaceship we send out of the solar system have this CD on it to show how good Humanity can be. July 12, 2007

Did you come to get what they really want at Alice's restaurant?

You can get anything you want at
Alice's Restaurant,

You can get anything you want at
Alice's Restaurant

Just walk right in
It's around the back, just a half-mile from the
Railroad track.

You can get anything you want at
Alice's Restaurant


One day in school, when I was in eighth grade, we had some free time and one of our teachers sat us down in a hallway, Indian style, and played us his record album entitled Alice's Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie. Some of the more "street-smart" children comprehended the complete message of the song; I did not. However, now that I am old and foolish instead of being young and foolish, I think I finally get Arlo's message.

The title track for this CD is a whopping 18 plus minutes; but please don't let that scare you away. The melody is infectiously catchy the very first time you hear it; Arlo plays the guitar so beautifully as he recites the lyrics by speaking them except for the main chorus which he does sing.

Arlo tells the true story of how he got caught for littering; and he then goes on to tell his audience the unexpected ramifications of his littering when he went to enlist in the armed forces. Arlo tells his story with a folksy style that you will find to be thoroughly endearing and engaging; most people won't have any trouble paying attention to his story. Arlo uses this number to poke fun at authority; and the audience enjoys it very much. People have written that this number is extremely funny; and they are right! And yes, Arlo delivers the message that he is opposed to the Vietnam War in an exceptionally artistic, creative way through this song. Arlo must be very gifted; he crafted this excellent song in such a way that you enjoy his song even if you don't agree with him!

This is a live recording; the crowd laughs at every joke Arlo cracks as he tells his story. The laughter appears to have been edited in that the ending of the laughter is slightly abrupt--but, then again, who cares? Arlo delivers "Alice's Restaurant" so flawlessly you won't mind this very minor flaw one bit.

Other tracks on this CD deserve attention, too. Some people fall so much in love with the song "Alice's Restaurant" that they never listen to the other tracks on this album. "Chilling Of The Evening" allows Arlo to express his horror at the events of the Vietnam War; the melody shines with a solid musical arrangement. Arlo sings this very well; and the guitar carries the melody beautifully.

"Ring-Around-A-Rosy Rag" tells the story about a friend of Arlo's who almost gets arrested in a park, presumably for using drugs although the reason is never clearly given. The melody sounds distinctly like the music from the pop music of the 1920s and 1930s; I predict you will at least love the melody of this number. Love that piano playing! SMILE

"The Motorcycle Song" reflects much forethought as Arlo rhymes "pickle" with "cycle" which here is pronounced "cicle" as in the word "icicle." Once again Arlo expresses his anti-war sentiment as he also says that he merely wants to be free, enjoying life by riding on his motorcycle to see America and his friends.

Overall, Alice's Restaurant is a vehicle for Arlo Guthrie to express his anti-Vietnam war sentiment; and so many people cherished this album when it first came out on LP that it still sells well today. I recommend this CD for Arlo's fans, fans of folk music and anyone who wants to experience the creative force of a genius who used the power of words and music for self-expression.
March 20, 2007

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