Author Topic: The Weight (Read 203 times)

David Houck · « **on:** February 04, 2012, 04:52:49 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2012, 06:08:21 AM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2012, 01:26:21 PM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2012, 03:32:21 PM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2012, 03:56:08 PM »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2012, 10:03:43 PM »

Amen, Peter.

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2012, 03:25:15 AM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2012, 05:27:56 AM »

Will a bacon and fried egg sandwich on whole wheat with a slice of cheddar cheese do?

MIke

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2012, 06:08:59 AM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2012, 12:38:22 PM »

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.

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2012, 04:55:21 PM »

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2012, 08:59:03 PM »

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

David Houck · « **Reply #12 on:** February 13, 2012, 08:32:05 AM »

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