Raglan Road - Recorded versions

Subject: Raglan Road - recorded versions
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 02 Aug 03 - 04:27 AM

I'd like to hear fellow catters favourite version of Raglan Road. Amazingly, I was not aware of this song until I heard Peter Rowan's version ( 20 years ago ?). He does a good - if different - version.

p.s. Don't mention Van Morrison!

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Fiolar
Date: 02 Aug 03 - 08:48 AM

To my mind there is only one version and that is the late great Luke Kelly's.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Pat Cooksey
Date: 02 Aug 03 - 10:24 AM

I heard Luke Kelly sing this live many years ago, no other version comes close.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Aug 03 - 12:15 PM

The Luke Kelly version is the best, in my mind as well. It is a difficult song to do well, owing to the the depth of the lyrics--it seems like singers tend to focus all on the text, with the effect being that the lovely and compelling melody drags. Also it not an ensemble piece, and the accompaniment shouldn't override the singer, as seems to happen in many of the newer recordings--

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,dicmac
Date: 02 Aug 03 - 06:51 PM

Certainly not Ronnie Drew's version but Luke Kelly does a great job.
I've heard plenty of good live versions round the club scene in Scotland. For a recorded version try Maurice Dickson from his"Jesters Dance" album

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: zanderfish3 (inactive)
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 01:09 AM

Luke Kelly's version is superb, Cathal McConnell also sings it very well

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 02:37 AM

Eleanor Shanley

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: ard mhacha
Date: 03 Aug 03 - 03:56 PM

Elanor Shanley and Luke Kelly, a dead heat. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Callie
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 04:18 AM

LOVED the Van Morrison version!

I think Sinead O'Connor recorded it recently on her 'trad' CD.

Callie

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: shankmac
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 04:33 AM

Kieran Halpin does it very well and is one of the few songs he does that he did not write.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: VIN
Date: 04 Aug 03 - 05:15 AM

John Howarth (oldham tinkers) and Pete Macmillan do a fare old job of it too. Luke kelly's voice was (is) special tho. (My favourite rendition of Peggy Gordon is by Luke Kelly).

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 05:50 PM

I'm partial to the version Martin and Jessica Simpson recorded on
"Band of Angels" In particular, I find the lush guitar arrangement
to be unsurpassed!

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 03:50 AM

A few months ago Ciaran MacMathune played a version by Luke on his Sunday morning radio programme on RTE radio 1 which I had not heard before, just Luke and a simple banjo accompaniment, the most beautiful version I've ever heard.
eric

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,SteveH
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 01:11 PM

What, nobody's mentioned Dick Gaughan's superb version from his lp "Kist O' Gold" ?   I'm ashamed to admit that I don't think I've ever heard Luke Kelly's version. Where would I find that?    SteveH

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 03:51 PM

I haven't heard Dick Gauguin in way too long a time!
He used to be a regular in Boston, and I saw him every
chance I got at Johnny D's! Now that I'm in Southern
Arizona, I feel I'm in a folk music wasteland! When
I start to play traditional stuff, people's eyes glaze
over, or they look panicked!
Last time I saw him, he did play "Raglan Road", but the
real jewel of the set that night was "On Both Sides the Tweed".

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 04:47 PM

Joan Osborne does an incredible version on the Chieftan's cd "Tears of Stone" I listened to it for weeks! I've only ever heard one other version--Paddy Reilly-on an Irish fold cd.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 06:14 PM

I haven't heard the Luke Kelly version either, so I'd second Steve's plea for advice from more knowledgeable Mudcatters.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,James
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 08:30 AM

Joan Osborne for sure. I think it is the most moving version I have ever heard. And I do like Vans version.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Guest,Leon
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 10:28 AM

I really like Sinead O'Connor's version and also that of a local singer here in Yorkshire by the name of Nickie Willis.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Raggytash
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 01:23 PM

Both Eddie Walker (Mind to Ramble RAGRCD004)and George Welch do fine versions of this song, Eddie is refreshing because he does it up tempo a bit (slightly Ragtime)and George (Wrong Guitar, on his own label Cluny Studio)uses an open tuning to great effect

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Barrie Roberts
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 09:20 PM

Anyone who ever heard the late, great Dave Phillips sing Raglan Road will know that nobody could have sung it better. It is not (to my knowledge) on record, but if he did record it please somebody, make an old man happy and tell me about it!

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,milk monitor
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 04:29 AM

I like Sinead's version. Just find her voice very haunting. Also love Van morrisons version.

And James McNally does a cracking instrumental version, playing the low whistle, with Jamie Clarke ( Pogues) playing guitar.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 06:40 PM

Seeing he hasn't been mentioned yet, I have a recording by Arthur Johnstone from Glasgow (on North By North, 1989). Very traditional treatment, a cappella and very slow, no match perhaps for Luke Kelly or Eleanor Shanley, but a very good version - and I just like Arthur's voice.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Van
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 02:37 PM

The Chieftains with Roger Daltrey

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Cluin
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 04:40 PM

I'll throw another coin in Dick Gaughan's case here.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Deliberately Cookieless
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 05:54 PM

Raggytash, you have to be kidding about Eddie Walker.

There is no greater admirer of Eddie Walker's talents than I, superb guitarist and very funny man, but his version of Raglan Road is quite frankly the most embarrassing thing I have ever heard in any folk club.

I only wish somebody would tell him ...

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Dickmac
Date: 19 Sep 04 - 05:33 PM

Eddie Walker version is different -yes, embarrassing -no.
Like Deliberately Cookieless I'm a great admirer of Eddie's talents
and have often heard him perform Raglan Road. I've yet to hear anyone complain. If it's so bad why don't you tell him.

As for the best see my comments of 2nd August 2003.
If you want to hear Maurice live he's appearing at the Golf Hotel at Irvine (Ayrshire)on Friday 29th October. Advanced tickets £8 tel [phone]

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Jurgen Walter, Germany.
Date: 19 Sep 04 - 07:42 PM

I heard the great Luke Kelly sing this song in Berlin, with the
Dubliners.

Pat Cooksey, who also lives in Germany at the moment. sings it great.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Deliberately Cookieless
Date: 19 Sep 04 - 08:15 PM

Dickmac, you are spot on about Maurice Dickson, wonderful version, and unquestionably the best guitar accompaniment to the song I have ever heard.

That doesn't alter the fact that Eddie Walker's version sucks ...

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Big Tim
Date: 20 Sep 04 - 06:22 AM

Finbar Wright, the great Irish tenor, has also recorded the song.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 20 Sep 04 - 06:28 AM

The Chieftains must bloody love this song, it appears they have recorded it with Joan Osbourne, Roger Daltrey and Van the Man( I like his rendition too)

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 20 Sep 04 - 07:03 AM

I stick by my original thread, Eddie Walker's version is so different from other people which can, sadly, be dirges
I think it's refreshing to hear a completely different take on a song> Admittedly they don't always work but it does make you think about the rendition of a song which many people (myself included) can follow sheep like from a main source
Therefore Eddie gets a vote from me

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Tam the Bam (Nutter)
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 07:23 AM

I like Eddie walker's version, I don't really like Luke Kelly' or Sinead O'Connor's versions the rreason is the are dirges, too bloody slow.
Sinead O'Connor is a nice singer but the way that she does certain songs they just just either puts me to sleep or do myself in because they are so boring.
As for M. Dickson, I think that he's a good guitarist and no so bad singer along with Ivan Drevier, but after a while their songs sound exactly the same sorry not my cup of tea.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: ossonflags
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 08:21 AM

Heard Eddie Walkers version for the first time this year and it blew me away !!!! Not a lot could get away with doing it the way he does but it worked for me .

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 08:23 AM

Paddy Kavanagh personally gave the song to Luke Kelly to sing, nobody does it better.

eric

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Jawbone
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 10:10 AM

What about this new kid - George Murphy? he does a pretty good rendition of it - IMHO

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Betsy
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 11:01 AM

I've not heard Eddie Walker sing it , but he is too good a lad not to do something well. Value-for-money entertainer is Ed.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 05:30 PM

I'm fond of Dick Gaughan's version. Someone played us Luke Kelly's version and that's great, too.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: ossonflags
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 07:01 AM

Have heard them all and they are all excellant versions in there own right.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,T-boy
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 07:47 AM

Pigfoot recorded a great (slow) version.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Ronan -Belfast
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 05:55 PM

I heard Glen Hansard from The Frames do a marvelous version of it, very good indeed

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,cookieless celtaddict
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 06:58 PM

Men of Worth (Irish Jamie Keigher and Scot Donnie MacDonald, out of Oregon) do a lovely uncomplicated version.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Dave Gow, Edinburgh
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 06:23 PM

As someone very in love with this song, may I suggest the ultimate is of course Luke Kelly, but NOT the studio version.
The ultimate version is that which features on the Dubliners "Hometown" LP album in 1972 (now deleted, hunt it on E-Bay).
It is rightly introduced by one of the band as the finest love song ever written in the english language.
The tragedy is we shall probably never see it on CD as for some very strange reason it ended the first side of the LP about threequarters of the way through the song, and fades in again for the last quarter on the second side. ????
I cannot guess why without wondering if it was an "Irish" thing (joke please !!). Did the master tape hiccup and they had to cover up that way ?, was it the limitations of the LP groove bandwidth, and they obviously couldnt mix the concert running order about... which is my favourite theory.
Whatever....a bloody tragedy. CHYME Music in Belfast have the rights I believe, as they have released other songs from the LP on compilation CD's. When you hear Luke's voice on that night, and the more up front and up tempo banjo, you will realise it is a masterpiece.
CHYME MUSIC....WAKE UP !!!!...join the song digitally (if it was ever really split) and release it as a CD single for charity (Mr Geldof will give tips there)....and with plenty of advertising :-
....watch it rule the charts, believe me !!!!.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Big Phil
Date: 09 Apr 05 - 03:46 PM

I have the 72 album, always wondered why the best song was split in two, thanks Dave Gow for a reasonable explanation. LUKE rules! OK

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: NormanD
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 07:33 AM

I'd like to add the version by country/bluegrass singer-guitarist, Peter Rowan. I don't know if he's recorded it, but it's always a feature of his live act (a UK visit's long overdue).

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: ard mhacha
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 07:10 AM

I have an old recording of Peter Rowan singing Raglan Road, it`s good, but give me Luke any time, the recording I picked up many years ago on Tommy Sand`s Downtown Radio show.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Niall Connolly - Orlando
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 02:05 PM

You can hear Luke Kelly's version on the RTE website. Just type in Raglan Road and go to page 9 or 10.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: GUEST,Sean Ennis
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 08:56 AM

The latest recruit to The Dubliners - Patsy Watchorn does a great version of this song.

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 06:23 PM

Luke Kelly - Raglan Road on YouTube

Subject: RE: Raglan Road - Recorded versions
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 06:29 PM

Another version of Luke Kelly - Raglan Road on YouTube