Strange version of Caledonia

Subject: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 07 May 04 - 08:15 AM

I have just returned from the West of Scotland where, in a bar in Tyndrum, they were repeatedly playing a "heavy metal" version of Dougie Maclean's Caledonia. It sounded a bit Led Zeppelin/Guns & Roses sort of thing with the singer straining to sound hoarse and macho and with long guitar solos in the middle.

Anyone any idea who recorded this (and why)?

Roger

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 07 May 04 - 08:58 AM

Umm _ I don't know if it got UK-national exposure, but Dougie Maclean's song was recorded for a lager TV ad years ago, by Frankie Miller.

For some people that would have been their original (and perhaps only) exposure to the song.

It's a rendition that is pretty much at odds with the wistful mood of the lyrics, in my opinion.

I don't know if that is where your Tyndrum band got their inspiration, but it's possible...

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 07 May 04 - 09:04 AM

It wasn't played live - it was a record played through the sound system so it could have been the Frankie Miller one you mention.

R

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 07 May 04 - 10:51 AM

Sorry - I went back and re-read what you had written. It's most likely been the Frankie Miller thing.

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 07 May 04 - 11:23 AM

That was pretty Cowerley of you...

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: GUEST,Scabby Douglas
Date: 07 May 04 - 06:54 PM

"That was pretty Cowerley of you... "
I'm not sure what that means, or who it was aimed at...

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 07 May 04 - 07:29 PM

While I quite enjoyed the Frankie Miller version and I believe it had big chart success, have to agree you can't beat Dougie's original, and it makes me cringe when I hear other people trying to give it the "big strum and shout" treatment.

Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Dita
Date: 08 May 04 - 05:14 PM

The version by Dalriada on their Iona/Lismor Cd "All is Fair..." could be a contender, but its more Bon Jovi than Guns & Roses.

Stadium rock rather than in your face R&R, but does start with the big drum roll has electric guitar solos, (you can just see him on that cilff edge), and keyboard wash. The vocals start gently but take on the straining by the final verse.

If this is the album, you might have heard other songs such as Ye Jacobites by Name, Scot's Wha' Ha'e, Johnnie Cope, and MacPherson's Farewell given the same treatment.

I think Caledonia was also issued as a CD single, so it might have been that the pub had.

Cheers, John