A Man of Constant Sorrow-various renditions

Subject: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: gnu
Date: 25 May 12 - 09:44 PM

This thread was inspired by Big Ballad Singer... thanks!


From this
to this.

Hope those links works. It really means something to me... I see this progression in the music my cousins play. Means a lot to me.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: gnu
Date: 25 May 12 - 09:54 PM

My old man used to sing "Come-all-yees" amongst others that he learned on his mother's and father's knees and in the lumber camps. Finding the possible roots of this million dollar movie song thru BBS was a joy. Thanks Big Ballad Singer.

And... if I may add, what a wonderful tool this internut is to the advancement of a very special part of our lives. Just being able to be in this forum of amazing... you know what I mean.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 May 12 - 11:01 AM

Thanks for the links, gnu. Thought-provoking, ain't it?

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: PHJim
Date: 26 May 12 - 11:47 AM

...and during the sixties folk boom we had this

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: mayomick
Date: 26 May 12 - 12:32 PM

Thanks for the link , the best rendition of the song I've heard. On the facebook thread somebody has called the singing "ugly" -the point was well answered. Any similarities/connections between Roscoe's style and Irish sean nos (old style )singing ?For example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUWVB3yQxBA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ZDLuguJ0g

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 26 May 12 - 01:36 PM

Mick Thanks the link to the Martin Joyce clip, although I don't think there's any connection at all between Roscoe Holcombe's style of singing and the sean nós.

I used to know Máirtín years ago, and always regarded him as a highly formidable singer, even though he was permanently overshadowed by the even more formidable Darach Ó Catháin, who was also living in Leeds in those days.

In fact I even competed against Mártín on at least one occasion that I can recall. Guess who lost?

Anyway, I'm off to look at the other clip.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 26 May 12 - 03:36 PM

Roscoe Holcomb is a gem.
One of the few singing the song as it should be- personal and heartfelt.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Amos
Date: 27 May 12 - 10:40 AM

For some reason--maybe just being pigheaded--I really like Judy Collin's number!


A

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 May 12 - 02:51 PM

I like Judy Collins too. She also has a 'feel' for the song.

The 'SOGGY" version in the film loses all meaning.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: gnu
Date: 27 May 12 - 04:31 PM

Agreed. But it sells records and movies... apparently.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Bobert
Date: 27 May 12 - 04:49 PM

First of all, ol' Roscoe Holcomb wasn't trying to sing no song... He was story-telling much the way Son House was in his "John the Revelator"...

Second, having been around mountain music all my life, I'll take the Soggy Bottom Boy's version over any that I have heard...

B~

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: gnu
Date: 27 May 12 - 06:30 PM

Bobert... "First of all, ol' Roscoe Holcomb wasn't trying to sing no song... He was story-telling..."

Yup. Seen it. Heard it. Done it. After I lost my singing voice, I still would "tell stories" around the campfire or in the camp kitchen while I was cookin. Matter of fact, I recorded a few and sent em to some close buddies here at the Mudcat. They, save a couple, liked em, even tho I couldn't sing worth shit anymore.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 May 12 - 10:35 AM

Ralph Stanley, nuff said.

Dave H

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: meself
Date: 28 May 12 - 10:50 AM

Doesn't have to be an 'either/or'. Roscoe Holcomb's and Ralph Stanley's rendtions are superb, but ain't nuttin' wrong the SMB version either. It's not a contest.

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Beer
Date: 28 May 12 - 11:04 AM

All great. And a great thread Gnu.
I'll go with the Soggy Bottom Boys". Was a fun movie as well.
Adrien

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: meself
Date: 28 May 12 - 11:07 AM

(SMB? I meant SBB).

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Brian May
Date: 28 May 12 - 12:55 PM

"Man of Constant Sorrow" - he was married then . . .

Subject: RE: A Man of Constant Sorrow
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 May 12 - 02:41 PM

Sez it for me Brian.

Dave H