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Strange version of Caledonia

07 May 04 - 08:15 AM (#1180206)
Subject: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Sir Roger de Beverley

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


07 May 04 - 08:58 AM (#1180238)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Scabby Douglas

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...


07 May 04 - 09:04 AM (#1180243)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Sir Roger de Beverley

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


07 May 04 - 10:51 AM (#1180292)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Scabby Douglas

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


07 May 04 - 11:23 AM (#1180348)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Thomas the Rhymer

That was pretty Cowerley of you...


07 May 04 - 06:54 PM (#1180692)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: GUEST,Scabby Douglas

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


07 May 04 - 07:29 PM (#1180718)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Tattie Bogle

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.


08 May 04 - 05:14 PM (#1181326)
Subject: RE: Strange version of Caledonia
From: Dita

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