This a beautiful song, originally recorded by the punk band Joy Division, and sounding like a punk ballad.
Here it is done more sweetly and more ruefully by Oysterband and June Tabor. John Jones of the oysters is not in the best of voice here which is probably what led one commentator to say it doesn't sound like the Oysterband but that is definitely chopper's cello.
As much as I loved Grace Slick and the Jeff Plane, perhaps, this (ducking the objects being thrown) is a better version. From the matchless June Tabor and the oysterband (who I listen to every day):
The oysters haven't been back to this side of the pond since the 90s. Too much expense. Too much post-9/11 red tape.
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plainoldme
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Mon 16 May, 2011 09:51 am
Jeez Louise, you guys are going to think that I am on an oysterband jag. Well, I am. Considering I just saw Bruce Cockburn Friday night, that is surprising.
June Tabor is a woman who can cover such legendary vocalists as Grace Slick and Nico. The great drumming that is an oyster hallmark and Alan Prosser's guitar work are perfect. So is Ian Tefler's fiddle.
One of the difficulties of singing White Rabbit is the broad note range. June doesn't have it in the lower range like Grace but when she gets up there she is powerful.
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plainoldme
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Sat 21 May, 2011 11:28 pm
I love this recording and I hate to say it because I love Dr. John . . . but these guys might be better than the original:
the original of this one may be lost in time as a traditional gospel song, may be Brother Claude Ely in the 50s. Johnny Cash covered it in one of his posthumous albums. Norah Jones sang the hell out of it (literally) at the Webbies last night.
the original of this one may be lost in time as a traditional gospel song, may be Brother Claude Ely in the 50s.
This might be the original. He was an interesting guy.
Quote:
Born in Virginia on July 22, of 1922, Brother Claude Ely is cited by many as being one of the true examples of gospel music in its purest form as an influence on rock and roll.
Though probably not a major influence on rock himself, Ely's music features the heavy rhythmic emphasis and impassioned gospel shouting that was indicative of the southern Pentecostal churches that have been seen as the birthplace of many rock forms.
Ely himself was a near legendary Holiness preacher who crisscrossed the United States holding revivals and tent meetings, playing his own brand of explosive traditional songs and originals. No doubt, the sheer volume of his sound is impressive, given that it was mostly comprised of his voice and a forcefully strummed acoustic guitar.
Said to have contracted TB as a boy, Ely claimed a miraculous healing that inspired him onward to become a gospel musician.
The majority of Ely's recorded work was done for the King label, with him making his first records in 1953. Many of Ely's recordings were taken straight from live Pentecostal church services, though he also recorded in a more standard country gospel style in the early 60's.
In a legendary account, Ely is known to have died of a heart attack in 1977 while playing the organ during a sermon. He is said to be widely remembered in the areas in which he ministered to this day.
Norah Jones, who did the great cover of Brother Ely's song, is equally interesting. She is the daughter of legendary sitar player, Ravi Shankar (Jones is her mother's name).
thanks bluesboy. I had never heard of Jean DuShon.
Here's Miller's version of Bobby McGee...Joplin owns this tune.
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Gargamel
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Thu 16 Jun, 2011 05:19 pm
Hard to beat the original--it's audacious even to try--but this is an excellent cover nonetheless. This seemed like the best place to share my recent discovery.
