Hard Times (come again no more)versions

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: MikeL2
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 11:04 AM

Hi

Nice to have the opportunity to re-visit this old favourite of mine.

I agree with most of what has been said here.

After many years of not hearing the song it was an eye ( and ear ) opener to find so many different versions on Youtube.

The James Taylor version was compelling by it's very simplicity.
I was disappointed with the Nanci Griffiths version. She is a favourite of mine usually but she made this song even more dirge-like than I could stand and found it difficult to stand the whole six minutes of it.

My own pick this time was I version by Emmy Lou Harris that I hadn't heard before. I know this won't suit many here but I suppose my C & W period years ago leads me to this choice.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 06:11 AM

Some say "...while we-all sup sorrow with the poor.". with the two words made into almost a single word with emphasis on the 2nd syllable.

Others very carefully say "...while WE all sup sorrow..."..

I normally sing two distinct words "we all" but with the emphasis on "all". I tried singing with the emphasis on "we", and while it works perfectly well, I prefer it my way

In fact, I believe that the phrasing of other verses support the emphasis on "all"

"There are frail forms waiting at the door" ~ "while we all sup sorrow with the poor"
"With a worn heart who's better days are o'er"

What puzzles me is:
It not only affects the phrasing, it also changes the essential point of the line a bit

I don't see that affects the point of the line in any way.

DC

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Tinker
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 07:42 AM

Just my opinion, but when the stress moves to the word we it narrows the focus to those present, while stressing the all gives emphasis to the universality of the situation.....

But maybe I should have gotten a little more sleep

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 09:21 AM

Maybe you're right - but it's a fairly subtle difference which, to my mind, has no impact on the song.

DC

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: GUEST,Bruce P
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:51 AM

I have to disagree about Mavis' version. It's the quintessential cover. Her embellishments sound like the natural extension of her heart resonating with the meaning, not like someone trying to get the lime light.

I listen to it every few days, multiple times, and take the song to heart every time.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 22 May 10 - 03:56 PM

well, you haven't joined this forum, have you, since you are posting as a guest.

If you are from Stirling, then I am from Outer Mongolia, so why don't you fuck off and stop spamming all these threads, it gets really tedious.

couldn't a Mudelf delete these crap posts, pleeze ???

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 22 May 10 - 04:15 PM

Growing up in the 50s and 60s, I was aware of lots of Stephen Foster songs but, at that time, "Hard Times" seemed to pass me by. Is one particular artist responsible for introducing the song into the current folk repertoire?

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 May 10 - 04:43 PM

The Mc Garrigles +Rufus Wainwright+ Emmylou Harris+ Mary Black + Karen Matheson
By far my favourite version... hope you enjoy! Best Wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 May 10 - 04:52 PM

Somewhere way up yonder, Bill D posted a list which I said was unreadable.
Now, either my eyes have improved or my program is better, the list is easily readable.
I still find myself coming back to the song. It reminds me of the Depression days when I was a child, and tramps came to the door saying they would work for a meal.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Jason Xion Wang
Date: 23 May 10 - 09:22 AM

John Denver and John McDormett sang this old song together in concert in the 1980s or 1990s... I can't provide further information about that version.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Jason Xion Wang
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 09:11 AM

Evidence proves that John Denver and John McDormett sand "Hard Times" in Holmdel, New Jersey on July 30th, 1986. I got an audio copy of that version just a couple days ago.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: Jason Xion Wang
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 09:14 AM

Oops, it was John Denver and John McDermott... A good version with harmony voice in the background, but no instrumental piece.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: GUEST,Cornfield
Date: 26 Jul 18 - 08:38 PM

Mavis Staples version shakes me. I can hear why Dylan wanted to marry her.

Subject: RE: Hard Times (come again no more)versions
From: GUEST,Pam Phillips
Date: 01 Dec 20 - 11:18 PM

I heard John Denver and three others sing this a capella in Dallas in June of 1982 and regret never finding a recording. The only other name I remember was Glen D. Hardin.