I'm making a folk notebook...

Subject: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:12 PM

... and because there are thousands of versions of every folk/celtic song, I'm wondering if there are any artists (perhaps less well-known) that you Mudcatters believe have the best version of certain songs.

For example, who does "Follow Me Up to Carlow" best? (I have Charlie Zahm singing this, but would be interested to hear other versions.) What about "The Dark Island", "Whiskey in the Jar", or "My Heart's in the Highlands"?

Those are only examples; if you all think of any folk song that has a quintessential version done by a certain singer, post it here and I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks so much, everyone.

p.s. I apologize if there are already threads on this topic. I looked but didn't find any...

---

restatement here (click)

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: open mike
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:27 PM

ask specific questions..."folk" is a v-e-r-y   b-r-o-a-d   subject!!
if you search for specific song titles you will find previous discussions about them and info in the data base (D.T. short for digital tradition), where you will see different versions of songs and source info about who wrote/recorded them.... if you do not see a thread on that song, start a new thread with the song title you will be able to get more info...good luck. this is an international list.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:35 PM

@open mike: Thanks for your answer. The reason I gave examples of song titles was to give people examples of the style I'm dealing with, which is mostly Celtic folk. I'll keep digging around on Mudcat, and anyone who's willing to answer on this thread, please do.

Would it help if I listed more song titles that I'm interested in? Besides those I mentioned above, how about:

Star of the County Down
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Dancing at Whitsun
I Hae Seen the Hielands
MacPherson's Rant

Any other songs are welcome, as well.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Raggytash
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:42 PM

Commendable as it may seem, and I wish you luck, I fear you may experience a good deal of controversy with this venture. A version that you may think is the quinessential rendition of a song may be another listeners nightmare version. For example, Eddie Walker (a musician from the North East of England) does a "ragtime" version of Raglan Road, personally I love it, I know that many others consider it a travesty. As I say good luck !

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:44 PM

I thought about that, Raggytash. Mebbe I should try a different route.

That said, I'm going to go look up your favorite version of Raglan Road, and any other leads anybody gives me.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: maeve
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:50 PM

Welcome to Mudcat, Ellen.

I wonder if you'll find more of what you seek if you ask for examples of posters' FAVORITE versions of the songs you've listed. Links to mp3 files and Digital Tradition or other versions of lyrics would then give you material from which to choose what YOU like best for the notebook.

I'll be back with some ideas for you.

Maeve

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:55 PM

Thanks so much, Maeve. That's what I was trying to say, I guess. Wish there was a way to go back and edit that first post...

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: maeve
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 12:58 PM

Just restate what you want to say. Many of us understand that one's intent sometimes becomes clear only through discussion with others. You're doing fine...You even tried searching before you posted!

Maeve

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 01:13 PM

Alright, then. :) Here's the restatement:

I'm interested in hearing examples of favorite versions of the following songs: (and other similar ones, as well -- Scottish/Irish folk songs and ballads, and war/anti-war songs):

-Follow Me Up to Carlow
-The Dark Island
-Whiskey in the Jar
-My Heart's in the Highlands
-Star of the County Down
-The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
-Dancing at Whitsun
-I Hae Seen the Hielands
-MacPherson's Rant
-Kilkelly
-Braes 'o Killiecrankie

Favorite versions of similar songs are quite welcome, too (Scottish/Irish folk songs and ballads, and war/anti-war songs).

Thanks, everyone. I do appreciate it.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 01:39 PM

Arggh, sorry about the same-sentence-twice instance.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: open mike
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 01:41 PM

i believe that Van Morrison and the chieftans do Star of the county down in more like a march tempo--it is usually done as a waltz.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: kendall
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 01:54 PM

Our own Mick Lane does a very good job of Follow me up to Carlow.
The Dark Island, Caroline Paton.
The Band played waltzing Matilda. Eric Bogle likes my version of his song.

Dancing at Whitsun Gordon Bok.

Whiskey in the jar...Tommy Makem

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Rumncoke
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 02:10 PM

If you keep reserching this you'll get the answer down to:

'I like my own version best'

and then either

'Can I sell you a copy of my latest CD?'

or

'Would you like to hear it? I'm on in a minute and I can do a request.'

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 02:17 PM

MacPherson's Rant : Davie Stewart's versions are definitive...

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 02:19 PM

Thanks, Kendall and Suibhne. Kendall, is your version the one connected with the lyrics in the DigiTrad?

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 02:58 PM

Never mind, that was a stupid question. I hadn't realized that they were just midi files.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Fidjit
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 03:40 PM

EllenV

Follow Me Up to Carlow
-The Dark Island
-Whiskey in the Jar
-My Heart's in the Highlands
-Star of the County Down
-The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
-Dancing at Whitsun
-I Hae Seen the Hielands
-MacPherson's Rant
-Kilkelly
-Braes 'o Killiecrankie

Your list is very dated for 2011. looks like a Pub gig list from the early eighties.

Chas

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 03:48 PM

@Chas:

Oh, I know. :) But that's the sort of music that I (and the people I jam with) know and love.

If you want to suggest any more-current tunes, please do -- I could stand with a little repertoire-stretching, no doubt.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: maeve
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 03:51 PM

Ellen also posted (quite politely): "Favorite versions of similar songs are quite welcome, too (Scottish/Irish folk songs and ballads, and war/anti-war songs)"

It's her list. We each start song collecting somewhere. I bet you can recommend other songs and versions you love. I'm working on links to a few of my favorites.

Maeve

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: maeve
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 03:52 PM

We cross posted, Ellen. Good answer.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 04:23 PM

I reckon you can't beat Eric Bogle's own version of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda and No Man's Land (sometimes known as Willy McBride or Green Fields of France).
Robyn

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 04:24 PM

Follow Me Up to Carlow
-The Dark Island   RYAN'S FANCY
-Whiskey in the Jar CLANCY BROTHERS
-My Heart's in the Highlands never heard a good version of this
-Star of the County Down CLAY PIPE OF SEATTLE--AWESOME ON ACCORDIAN
-The Band Played Waltzing Matilda JOHN MCDERMOTT (IRISH TENOR)and PRISCILLA HERDMAN
-Dancing at Whitsun GORDON BOK
-I Hae Seen the Hielands never heard this
-MacPherson's Rant not sure but great great song
-Kilkelly this song sets my nerves on edge so I never intentionally hear it
-Braes 'o Killiecrankie BARD OF CORNWALL

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Bert
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 04:31 PM

I liked Robin Hall & Jimmie Macgregor's version of MacPherson's Farewell.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: brooko
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 06:00 PM

i like the version that planxty done of follow me up to carlow
brooko

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: kendall
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 07:11 PM

EllenV this is a good example of what happens when you ask ten Frenchmen a question...you get 11 answers.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 07:52 PM

@kendall: :D

(BTW, thanks so much, everyone. Keep 'em coming.)

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Fidjit
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 05:01 AM

@ EllenV and Maeve.

Point taken. Do try and catch up.
However very Celtic tendencies I see

Not one English.

Would like to know where you are based ?

Chas

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 05:20 AM

As you gave probably gathered by now, 'favourite' is a very subjective term as different versions can be liked for different reasons. There are versions which a generally accepted as the 'definitive version' and it shouldn't be too difficult to ascertain that, but you should also look at these opinions critically. In other words, how was the definitive status bestowed - by consensus, by the opinion of peers such as reviewers, and how long ago - what has happened since then?
Are you going to make a distinction between source and revival?
Another distinction is between variations - there may be more than one collected versions including contemporary alterations.

Anyway, best of luck.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: GUEST,johnmc
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 07:18 AM

Would agree with Brooko on that one.

It is true that one can have one's previous preference overturned, but off the top of the head, I still like the Corries' versions of Scottish stuff best, after all these years.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Tootler
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 08:32 AM

@ EllenV and Maeve.

Point taken. Do try and catch up.
However very Celtic tendencies I see

Not one English.

Go back to the OP and to her later restatement. She did say "Celtic" which she later specified as Scots or Irish, so the lack of English is not really surprising.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 08:50 AM

I second our Mick's Follow Me Up To Carlow. it always makes me want to grab weapons and slink out the door!

Also, second the Clancy's Whiskey in the Jar. They certainly had that magical twinkle, even in recordings, that made you feel ALL of a story, right?

Dani

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Fidjit
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 08:51 AM

It was a comment Tootler.

Touch a nerve ?

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Howard Jones
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 09:31 AM

"Dancing at Whitsun" is English. I suppose Shirley Collins' is the definitive version (it was written by her husband), although naturally my own favourite is the version I recorded with The Electropathics - but of course I'm biased :)

June Tabor's version of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" takes some beating.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 12:06 PM

My favorite "Carlow" is James Keelaghan's, from his album TIMELINES. He pairs it with "Morrison's Jig."

-- Gary

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Tootler
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 04:15 PM

It was a comment Tootler.

Touch a nerve ?

Not really, you simply looked as if you hadn't read properly what had been posted earlier in the thread.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Young Buchan
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 04:44 PM

Although he was better known as a fiddle player, the definitive singing of Follow Me Up To Carlow was by Arthur Kearney. 'Ireland Her Own' if you can get a copy.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 10:16 AM

Wow, thanks, everyone. This really is tremendously helpful - so many great responses. Thanks for bearing with my new-to-Mudcat behavior...

I don't mind people suggesting their own versions, really. As Maeve wisely said, I'm going to have to sift through it all anyway, and find what I personally like best - I've got plenty to choose from, so in the end it doesn't make much difference whether it's their version or someone else's.

Question: how can I find Mick's recording of "Follow Me Up to Carlow" and Kendall's of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda"?

--

@Chas: I'm based in Tennessee, heh heh. I do like English folk, as well, but tend to prefer Scottish and Irish (possibly just because I'm more familiar with it).

I've nothing against England... except when the Scots are on the other side. (Sorry, it's the 265th anniversary of Falkirk. I couldn't resist.)

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: maeve
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 10:30 AM

Kendall's "Beginner's Luck" with "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is available from Himself here: http://www.captainkendallmorse.com/ , and from Gordon Bok's company, Timberhead, here:
http://www.timberheadmusic.com/detail.html?id=91

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 10:46 AM

Thanks, Maeve...

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: GUEST,Reality
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 01:43 PM

-Follow Me Up to Carlow: Me (With James Keelaghan and Oscar Lopez's version "Follow Me Up There Carlos" a close 2nd)
-Whiskey in the Jar: Me
-Star of the County Down: Me
-The Band Played Waltzing Matilda: Me

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 04:13 PM

@Reality: Very funny...

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Fidjit
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 04:55 PM

Ah the, "Tennessee Waltz" springs to mind. Almost like walking on air.

Chas

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 05:46 PM

Re "Eric Bogle's own version of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda and No Man's Land (sometimes known as Willy McBride or Green Fields of France)"

Eric Bogle (who wrote both songs) is still very much alive.... so it depends on what definition of 'folk music' you are working with ...

and guys I'm sorry I started it ...


:-)

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: JohnB
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 06:26 PM

-The Band Played Waltzing Matilda June Tabor
-Dancing at Whitsun   Tim Hart
JohnB

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Amos
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 06:49 PM

Big Mick does a ferocious "Carlow" and a foine "Parting Glass".

The best "WHiskey in the Jar" I have heard is a backwoods Yankee version sung by Frank Warner.


A

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jan 11 - 01:03 PM

Ellen V if you want to hear a sample of what I do, go to www.captainkendallmorse.com and make a selection.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: GUEST,Reality
Date: 18 Jan 11 - 04:00 PM

I wasn't joking

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 19 Jan 11 - 07:34 AM

One of the most spine tingling reditions of a folk song that I ever heard was Pete Morton performing "Tam Lin" at Wellington folk club ome years ago on a dark windy night.
I don't know if he has released a recording of it but I suspect that you will find that individual live performances may surpass what you can find recorded anyway.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:16 AM

"Ah the, "Tennessee Waltz" springs to mind. Almost like walking on air."

Chas

Ah, idjit, wrong thou art.

Tennessee Waltz does not have that phrase in it. The New Tennessee Waltz does. Almost.

See, the man wrote ' literally dancing on air'.

It ia amazing that a songwriter wouldn't stop to think of what 'literally' actually means. Fidjit.

:)

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Fidjit
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 05:56 AM

Yeah Thanks for the heads up Ebbie Brain only half working. Trying to think where I heard the "Brand NEW" and who sang it. Ian Mathews ?? Maybe not.

Chas

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: Allan C.
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 06:04 AM

I heartily join the throng of Big Mick enthusiasts who so enjoy his version of "Follow Me Down to Carlow". His rendition, along with songs of other talented 'Catters can be found on the Plum album of The Blue Plate Special.

Get the whole set. There are some very good versions of songs to be found there including one of the best versions of "Hangman" I've heard.

Subject: RE: I'm making a folk notebook...
From: EllenV
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 11:54 PM

Thank you, thank you, everyone. This is such a huge help.

@Caterpillar Wrestler: You're probably right. Oh well.