The Weight Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Miscellaneous » Archive through February 15, 2012 » The Weight « Previous Next »

Author Message
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10545
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2012 - 4:52 pm:   Edit Post

Here's one a lot of us have played hundreds of times; but his is a really nice version. Gillian Welch & Old Crow Medicine Show
hydrargyrum
Senior Member
Username: hydrargyrum

Post Number: 1117
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2012 - 6:08 am:   Edit Post

I checked this out the other day, and have been thinking about it ever since. Our band does a version of the song, and it's always a favorite. Watching these folks play it is a true joy. It's fun to see someone take such obvious joy in what they are doing, and doing well. Thanks for sharing Dave.
dnburgess
Senior Member
Username: dnburgess

Post Number: 667
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2012 - 1:26 pm:   Edit Post

Yes that is a nice version - but I found it oddly unsatisfying - so I checked out the Band versions from The Last Waltz and Woodstock. It became clear what I was missing in the GW version.

1. Tempo - it drags a bit for me at the slower tempo.
2. Bass - Rick Danko's bass line bubbles and provides counterpoint.
3. Keyboards - the Band's piano line in the chorus is also a key counterpoint
4. Vocals - TLW has Mavis Staples in absolutely sublime form - the Band members themselves have a more "ragged" vocal style which I prefer in folk style music.
5. Arrangement - the Band have that "loose yet tight" feel.

Yes the GW version is nice - but a little too nice for my taste.
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1159
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2012 - 3:32 pm:   Edit Post

I would posit that it is physically impossible to hear Mavis come in on that and not get goose bumps. Perfection.

Peter

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on February 10, 2012)
hydrargyrum
Senior Member
Username: hydrargyrum

Post Number: 1118
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2012 - 3:56 pm:   Edit Post

I love The Last Waltz with a passion, and have forced it on all my friends.

(Message edited by hydrargyrum on February 10, 2012)
dnburgess
Senior Member
Username: dnburgess

Post Number: 668
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2012 - 10:03 pm:   Edit Post

Amen, Peter.
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 1130
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 3:25 am:   Edit Post

What Peter said. Playing The Last Waltz last Thanksgiving in Boulder and Denver was an amazing experience. Somehow that music has a way of bringing together a community that is just unparalleled. I can't wait for next year!

BTW, Pops also brings the goose bumps, too. Mavis has the power, but Pops just has something about him that is so sublime. OK, who's serving breakfast?
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 1625
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 5:27 am:   Edit Post

Will a bacon and fried egg sandwich on whole wheat with a slice of cheddar cheese do?
:-)
MIke
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1160
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 6:08 am:   Edit Post

Post the gigs, Edwin; the son & daughter-in-law you met last summer will be presenting us with grandkid #1 about September, so we may well be in Denver T-giving, & that sounds like fun.
And true that on Pops!
Oh, yeah - thanks for the link, Dave; I liked the GW & OCMS version as well (though not as much)
Peter
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 827
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 12:38 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks for posting this, Dave. I first saw Welsh/Rawlings 17 years ago, and can vividly recall the chill that ran down my spine when I walked into that bar and heard them for the first time. For me, this is a novelty, we all play "the weight" and have fun doing so, but I prefer listening to Gillian as she chases down her own muse.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10551
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 4:55 pm:   Edit Post

If I recall correctly, when Bill TGO was here in Asheville a couple years back, he, Art and I covered The Weight; and, again if I recall correctly, that may have been the best version ever. However there are no known recordings of the session; and my memory isn't entirely reliable.

And yes Mike, Gillian is something of a treasure. Hard Times. I can imagine that feeling you described.
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 5067
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2012 - 8:59 pm:   Edit Post

Moder Dave's memory is absolutely accurate! That was, of course, the finest Weight ever played, with the possible exception of when I played it at my wedding in 2001 with Melvin Seals and JGB.

Bill, tgo
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10560
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, February 13, 2012 - 8:32 am:   Edit Post

Bill; thanks for confirming my memory of that historic event!

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration