Songcatcher

Subject: Review: Songcatcher: the movie/ the soundtrack
From: ballpienhammer
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:51 PM

I have neither seen it or heard the ST. opinions please:

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:55 PM

Sorry, I've never heard of it.

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: ballpienhammer
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 07:29 AM

am listening to it this snowy Christmas morn. 'Tis a wonderful mix of traditional and bluegrass appalachian style music. I believe many of you fine folks will like it. I will research the selections for "newness". We have Dement, Cash,Rossum,Harris,Loveless,McKee,Carter,Welch,Dickens and more. A beautiful entrancing album! Merry C.

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: Giac
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 07:45 AM

Merry Christmas, bph --

If you're interested in what Mudcatters think about Songcatcher, put that word in the filter box and set the next box for two years. You'll find a variety of opinions.

I liked it. ~;o)

Mary

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: ballpienhammer
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 07:55 AM

thanks for the advice!

Subject: Songcatchers
From: GUEST,Ben
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 09:04 PM

I'm trying to get information about the movie "Songcatchers". My understanding is that it is about searching for songs in the Appalachians during the early 1900's. I also understand that there is also either a CD or VHS associated with it. I have drawn a blank on Google.

Many thanks!

Subject: RE: Songcatchers
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 09:08 PM

You'll have better luck with the singular, "Songcatcher." There've been several Mudcat threads, including this one.

If you enjoy the ballad music in the movie, you may want to look for the CD of Elizabeth LaPrelle, a young ballad singer who has mastered the traditional mountain style of singing ballads.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Songcatchers
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 02:27 AM

DVD available at Amazon: Songcatcher ~$11 (or one for £4.50 on Amazon UK). There are also 2 CDs (I think) of music from and inspired by the movie - search Amazon for details.

Mick

Subject: RE: Songcatchers
From: GUEST,J C
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 04:14 AM

Beautiful film - well worth digging out.
Amazing performance by Agnes Dement (spelling??) an actress who learned to sing in the Applalachian style for the part I believe.
One of the few feature films on traditional music that makes a good job of the subject (along with Ill Fares The Land - St Kilda)

Subject: RE: Songcatchers
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 08:11 AM

The film is based on Dorothy Scarborough's 1937 book

A Song Catcher In Southern Mountains: American Folk Songs Of British Ancestry

Along with a chapter or two describing her adventures, the book contains lyrics and tunes collected in the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjoining regions. Some of the songs she "caught" are standard old-time/bluegrass repertoire.

Subject: RE: Songcatchers
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 08:37 AM

Guest JC said: "Amazing performance by Agnes Dement (spelling??) an actress who learned to sing in the Applalachian style for the part I believe."

Uh, no, not exactly......That would be Iris Dement.......and she was singing long before the movie came out. She's a folk/country singer and not an actress.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Abby Sale
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 08:56 AM

Note also that the CD is not the same music as the movie. It is similar but largely much commercialized. Fraud, in other words. Some prefer the CD but the value of the very fine movie is much obscured. Please see the movie. Blockbuster or somewhere.

For some update & perspective, you might be interested that the family tradition of ballad singing still exists in Madison County. Consider the Madison County Project at http://www.madisoncountyproject.org/

The viewable/downloadable documentary film is under "Video Builds." It's maybe 50 meg so you might want to be sure you have a fast line.

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: open mike
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 11:03 AM

Iris Dement is from Missouri, and probably was influenced by
Ozark hills music from closer to her home before she found
Appalacihian hill country music...she is now married to folk
musician Greg Brown.

you can always find info on movies at the
Internet movie data base (IMDB):
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0210299/

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 11:12 AM

The movie's good, but I wouldn't bother buying the cds. Unlike "Oh, Brother" in which the cd music is better than the movie, in "Songcatcher" it is quite a boring soundtrack. Sheila Kay Adams was musical consultant to the movie, however, & her music, available here:

Sheila's website

is wonderful!

bbc

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 11:27 AM

""Songcatcher"... is quite a boring soundtrack"

2nd!

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 02:31 PM

One of my favorite sources for film information is RottenTomatoes --http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/songcatcher/

And my FAVORITE source of DVDs is www.DeepDiscountDVD.com. Besides great prices, shipping is free. ("Songcatcher" BTW is US$9.28)

Linn

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: GUEST,J C
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 02:35 PM

Guest JC said: "Amazing performance by Agnes Dement (spelling??) an actress who learned to sing in the Applalachian style for the part I believe."

Uh, no, not exactly......That would be Iris Dement.......and she was singing long before the movie came out. She's a folk/country singer and not an actress.

Spaw

Thanks for filling me in on that.

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: NOMADMan
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 05:45 PM

Yes, the original soundtrack CD was quite uninterseting - to my ears at least. However, Vanguard subsequently issued a CD titled "Songcatcher II - The Traditions That Inspired the Movie." Quite nice. It includes tracks by Almeda Riddle, Hobart Smith, Doc Watson, Dock Boggs, Sarah Ogan Gunning, Roscoe Holcomb, Cousin Emmy, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, Clarence Ashley and Maybelle Carter, all recorded long before the movie of course The booklet notes say a few kind words about the soundtrack CD, but do politely suggest that those performances were not entirely satisfying.

Regards,
John

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 08:02 PM

I seem to recall that while Iris Dement played the character and sang the song there was some question as to whether her real voice was over dubbed by some one with a less rural sound.

If that was the case it is a shame. I saw the movie and I thought something was up with the vocal but I'm just not sure.

Don

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: open mike
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 08:10 PM

one of my first encounters with this hill country music
was Instrumental music of the southern appalachians..
it has been re-issued on c.d.

it has Hobart Smith , among others, on it.

I think there is info on the Smithsonian folkways site
'about this and other traditional music..

als the fellow who was consultant on the Cold Mountain
music was band member of Cordelia's Dad, the name escapes me now.
I think we have had threadsa bout him...Tim Erickson perhaps?
he did the musical direction on the scenes with shape note music in them.

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: GUEST,DB
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 04:00 AM

I thought that the contrast between Janet McTeer's character's 'high art' rendition of 'Barbara Allen' and Elizabeth LaPrelle's character's 'mountain' version was quite stunning - frankly, it reduced me to tears and confirmed why I love the old songs, and the old singing styles so much. It is not often that the Film Industry gets things this right.

I had heard Iris Dement singing her own songs before and had hoped to hear her singing traditional songs. Ms Dement's performance in the film is as brilliant as I could have hoped for - wonderful! Does anyone know if she has recorded any other trad. songs?

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 11:11 AM

I think I should clarify - Elizabeth LaPrelle is a wonderful mountain ballad singer - but was not the character Deladis in Songcatcher - that was Emmy Rossum (who sang a very different style in Phantom).

Unfortunately, even on the soundtrack, as others have complained, there is almost nothing Of Emmy Rossum singing those old songs in the old style. Elizabeth's CD is one place you can hear that, though it has no relation to the movie. Incidentally, you can find more about her here.

Sorry if I confused anyone.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:14 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:15 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher-See the Movie
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:15 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Great new film: 'Songcatcher'
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:16 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher movie
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:17 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: The Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:18 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Appalachian Music Fans:Songcatcher comin
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:19 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:19 PM

Just wanted to let all of you "Songcatcher" freaks to know that it is on Cinemax this month.............woohoo.......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:25 PM

Spaw? Taking new meds for that infected tooth, are we?

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:29 PM

Just keeping up with my "Songcatcher" updates. Such a remarkable turd of a film deserves to have 97 threads and all of them updated from time to time.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:31 PM

Spaw. Would it not have been sufficient to re-open just one of the Songcatcher threads instead of all 7 of them?

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:35 PM

You didn't like "Songcatcher"?
I am confused.
As usual.
Why am I expecting rationality?

Russ (Permanent GUEST)

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:42 PM

The movie has nothing to do with this actually. Back when it came out, every time somebody saw some article in the press, they started a new thread leading to about a dozen threads which became a target of fun for me.......Mudcatters can never post to an old thread as they all feel their own contribution is far too important to be lost. They feel it will not be read......because THEY don't read old threads themselves!

Just havin' fun Russ!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:45 PM

Actually Fred, there are far more than seven. I sorta' thought back then that more than one was a waste but Mudcatters just can't abide checking for a pre-existing thread since they think their own opinion will be lost in an older thread. You see, they themselves don't read older threads or all of a thread so there ya' go!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher movie
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:58 PM

Maybe you should start a new thread so everyone will know....

Subject: RE: Appalachian Music Fans:Songcatcher comin
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:59 PM

Maybe you should start a new thread so everyone will know....

Subject: RE: The Songcatcher
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:59 PM

Maybe you should start a new thread so everyone will know....

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:59 PM

Maybe you should start a new thread so everyone will know....

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:00 PM

Maybe you should start a new thread so everyone will know....

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:36 PM

Ya' know Wesley, you make a strong case and it would be far more in the traditions of Mudcat. I'll put some thought into it........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:36 PM

Ya' know Wesley, you make a strong case and it would be far more in the traditions of Mudcat. I'll put some thought into it........

Spaw

Subject: RE: The Songcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:36 PM

Ya' know Wesley, you make a strong case and it would be far more in the traditions of Mudcat. I'll put some thought into it........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Appalachian Music Fans:Songcatcher comin
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:37 PM

Ya' know Wesley, you make a strong case and it would be far more in the traditions of Mudcat. I'll put some thought into it........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher movie
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:37 PM

Ya' know Wesley, you make a strong case and it would be far more in the traditions of Mudcat. I'll put some thought into it........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Review: Songcatcher the movie/ the soundtrack
From: DonMeixner
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 03:07 PM

The Review:

Great music. The Movie, like a Tad's Steakhouse steak, pretty thin, mostly sizzle and very little steak.

Don

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 04:25 AM

Actually Spaw - from what I see, it is "Thread Starters" who never read old threads in case someone already has said what they want to say - only better!
"Thread Readers" just never notice that the thread they are adding to is a request for advice on a banjo someone saw in a junk shop fifteen years ago, and if they haven't made up their mind to buy it by now, it probably isn't worth spending cash on...

Quack!
Geoff the Duck.
By the way! What is this film Songcatcher? Is it a new one? and is it going to be out in the Cinemas? :-)

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: nickp
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:06 AM

Unlikely to see it over this side I'm afraid Geoff. You could invest in a dvd of it like I did but it'll have to be a US region 1 one.
Nick

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:37 AM

Nick - Spot the " :-) ".
I read all of the threads Spaw has revived four years back...
Just joining the 'spaw fun.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Amergin
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:43 AM

I thought there were more Songcatcher threads....one for each mudcatter who saw it.

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: nickp
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 06:22 AM

Good fun eh Geoff. But did you ever see it? N

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 04:39 PM

Cinemax is a US cable channel that offers movies. I think catspaw must think Bill Shatner starred in the movie, so that's why he refreshed all those threads I had to close....

Subject: RE: SShatner has dick to do with it.ongcatcher
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:51 PM

Shatner ain't got squuat to do with it, Just my own tiny protest about folks who don't read threads of start threads without looking.......and btw Joe, I just refreshed "Songcatcher 10" for your amusement!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songcatcher
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 08:41 PM

I just watched Songcatcher with an open mind and an open bottle of Merlot. What a mess! Where to begin???? Did the lady with the bloody baby survive selling her water colors? Where did she get those watercolors? Did her children survive seeing their father shot to death? Did anyone else notice the electric wires in the barn - I think someone must have had an electric guitar. The lead actress had two emotions - stunned with eyes wide and less stunned with eyes half closed.
Did those mountain men not smell bad? WHy were the ladies always well-pressed even when they were grubby? How come no one had rotten teeth?
You notice I haven't gotten to the story line yet. Did anyone else have The Naked Lunch come to mind while the mountain man seduced the Songcatcher and the lesbians went at it against a tree? What a fucking mess - literally.
Pat ending. Pure claptrap.
So, Dick, I give it a two. Can't dance to it for sure.
WHich reminds me - that brawl in the barn was pathetic.
Help me here Spaw. I need your insight.