Oliver Wood Releases ‘The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)’ Single

Oliver Wood released a new single, a cover of “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)” via Bandcamp. All proceeds from the track will benefit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Oliver’s version of the Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee protest anthem is just The Wood Brothers frontman’s second solo single. It follows his debut solo single, “Soul Of This Town”. “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)” features Oliver on guitar and vocals, his Wood Brothers band mate Jano Rix on percussion, Phil Cook on harmonica and Ted Pecchio on bass.

Oliver detailed the genesis of “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)” in a statement. Read it below:

I was introduced to ‘The Battle is Over’ through cover versions by the late greats Levon Helm, and Sean Costello. I always loved it, and when I heard the original version on the 1973 ‘Sonny and Brownie’ album by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, I understood it on another level. It’s one of those songs made great by its ambiguity and emotion, and in the hands of Sonny and Brownie it feels like a protest song…at least that’s how I hear it. With all that’s going on today it felt inspiring to put this song out in the world again and help keep the momentum of a movement that really needs everyone’s help. The recording was quick and dirty and a lot of fun. As with any cover, it’s cool to put your own spin on it and take liberties. Jano Rix co-produced the song with me. Inspired by that original ’70s sound, we recorded the basic tracks—guitar, drums and vocals—on Jano’s old TEAC 4 track tape machine. Later we added Ted Pecchio on bass and Phil Cook on harmonica and background vocals and voila.

Stream Oliver Wood’s version of “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On),” premiered by PopMatters, below: