These songs root for the underdog, there's no doubt about it. They range from a heartfelt tribute to the Golden Greek, Harry Agganis, whose stunning career was cut short at 26, to "Babe Ruth's Curse I and II," directly addressing our most famous player who's (presumably) in heaven.Although this CD came out before our exhilarating World Series win this year, the songs are plenty enjoyable and full of Red Sox history."Babe Ruth's Curse I" has been featured on the HBO DVD, "The Curse of the Bambino," narrated by Ben Affleck (without JLo, thank goodness!)Two of the songs are also featured in Harvey Frommer's new book, "Red Sox vs.Yankees: The Great Rivalry." This will be great exposure for Joe and Phil's music.There's a charming tribute to Fenway Park, and "God's Not a Mets Fan," for those who have also suffered at the hands of the Yankees. "The Mystery of the World" tries (tried) to solve the question of why the Red Sox just can't (couldn't) seem to win the Series for so many years.A catchy tune entitled "Who?" urges forgiveness for a certain 1986 player with Hall of Fame stats, who will always be remembered for "one boo-boo!"Die-hard Red Sox fans will especially appreciate these funny but painful tales of all that we've been through.They're all great songs, but in my opinion, what sets this collection above others are the stories of lesser-known pioneers of baseball who faced discrimination, such as "Louis Sockalexis," about the first American Indian in the majors. And those who think Chief Wahoo is cool might think twice after hearing "I'm Not Your Mascot, I'm a Man."Another strong number is "Smokey Joe", about an early black pitcher who was"so good, Ty Cobb (yes, that Ty Cobb!) had to say he'd win 30 games anyday"but was barred from the white leagues his whole career.A natural follow-up to that song; is "Let's Not Forget," which recalls the players of the Negro Leagues who endured nasty treatment as well. The best line is, "Robinson slid home to end this national shame, bunted home by blacks who long ago played the game."There's even a spirited tribute to a special, very loyal lady named Dorothy in "Who's the Greatest Red Sox Fan?"And finally, "The Hottest Game" recalls the day Beantown played Baltimore in 1894 and went up in flames after John McGraw got in a fight (what else is new?) with "Fog Horn" Tucker. Meanwhile a few bone-headed fans clamored for the game to go on. That day had tragic consequences for thousands of Boston's citizens.I did notice a sameness in the beat of the lyrics, but Joe Pickering's concepts are fresh. Phil Coley's snappy arrangements and country-style singing make each song heart-felt, and his band spices things up with irresistible licks.This is a great collection of songs to get us through the off-season. Even more, it's a lively piece of baseball history that you can sing along to or use in classrooms everywhere! (And you just might even develop a taste for Maine lobster and blueberries.)