a possibly canadian folk song?

Subject: a possibly canadian folk song?
From:
Date: 02 Aug 98 - 07:35 PM

I was watching an episode of Due South the other night, and it contained a song about a ship called the Robert MacKenzie which sank in one of the Great Lakes -- I think. I don't know if it's really a folk song or not. Except for the vocals (and the Canadian subject matter) it sounded like it could have been done by the Pogues. Anyway, I tried searching your database, but the server kept hitting technical problems, so I thought I'd just post and see if anyone could help me out with what the song is, and if anyone has released a recorded version of it.

Also, some years back I heard a song called The Angel of Lyons, but I never knew who did it. Does anyone know?

Thanks.

Subject: RE: a possibly canadian folk song?
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 02 Aug 98 - 08:30 PM

G'day,
It's a long way from here but I'm reminded of "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot, which tells a similar story. The Pogues may well have recorded "Back Home In Derry" which uses the same tune.

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: a possibly canadian folk song?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Aug 98 - 09:23 PM

I'm frustrated here, Regine. I thought I'd heard a song about a ship called the Robert MacKenzie, but I couldn't find it. Maybe Art Thieme or Tim Jaques will come and rescue us. If not, click here to get to the Web page of Lee Murdock, who makes his living singing Great Lakes songs. Send Lee an e-mail, and he may be able to help you.
Click here for the Due South home page and check the "case files" in the "Squad Room" for story lines for the shows's episodes. The Stan Rogers recording of "Northwest Passage" was on one recent episode. Since our database isn't working, click here to get it from "Yet Another Digital Tradition."
"Angel of Lyon" is a powerful song by Tom Russell, who writes lots of powerful songs. If nobody posts the lyrics, I'll post them later. right now, it's time for my sunday afternoon nap....
In the meantime, click here for a clip from the song. It's on his "Box of Visions" CD. Better yet, it's on his wonderful collection called "Long Way Around." Go to CDNow through our "Support Mudcat" link and you'll find the albums and help the 'Cat.
Well, I couldn't sleep. Click here for the Lyon lyrics.
G'nite.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: a possibly canadian folk song?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 02 Aug 98 - 10:29 PM

I don't know anything about a song called "The Robert MacKenzie"---but it might be in the Edith Fowke collections. Lee Murdock would definitely be the one to check with on this!

Art

Subject: RE: a possibly canadian folk song?
From:
Date: 03 Aug 98 - 04:18 PM

Darned if I know. A local band wrote a song about a Great Lakes shipwreck, but I can't recall the name of it. I'm sure that if it had been on television I'd have heard of it.

I know of only two Canadian bands that sound like the Pogues. The Mahones, from Kingston, and Sawny Beane from Windsor, the latter now broken up. But the song doesn't ring a bell.

Did you check the Smithsonian Folkways URL? I seem to recall that they have a CD of songs entirely about the Great Lakes.

Subject: RE: a possibly canadian folk song?
From:
Date: 03 Aug 98 - 04:37 PM

Here is your answer:

THE ROBERT MACKENZIE
Performed by: Paul Gross and Captain Tractor
Written by: Paul Gross and Jay Semko
Produced by: Jack Lenz for Lenz Entertainment

I haven't heard Captain Tractor, but have heard good things. I didn't see this or any other episode, having given away my TV a couple of years ago.:)

Subject: RE: a possibly canadian folk song?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Aug 98 - 07:46 PM

There we go, Tim. I knew you could do it. Click here for a sample. Can't say I particularly liked the 6 seconds of the song I could hear.
-Joe Offer-