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NickS (WA)'s avatar

I was coming back to this post recently, and I had completely forgotten that you linked to Dave Goulder's original version. For some reason I had convinced myself that it wasn't on YT (probably because I often look for and can't find his version of "Dry Stone Walls"), and I really like his phrasing.

Also, possibly of interest, my father said that the point at which he decided to learn the song was hearing William Pint & Felicia Dale sing it in concert. Their recorded version is a little slow for my tastes, but nice and definitely attentive to the language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbeZDpSgZsg

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Richard Elliott's avatar

Thanks. I don’t think I’ve heard that version before. I like it. As you say, good on the language and I like the musical setting.

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NickS (WA)'s avatar

I think Dave Goulder is an amazing song-writer (who hasn't written that much).

A few links -- there's one video of him live on Youtube, which is great, singing "Seven Summers" (a song to child who is confused by a year that is so wet that it feels like there isn't a summer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw742jFWCu8

One of my favorite covers of "January Man" is Christy Moore -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDCejNGfK7M

The song of his that I think is most memorable, along with "January Man" is "Dry Stone Walls" (this version a cover by Gordon Bok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bb3nuRAy6s

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Richard Elliott's avatar

Thanks for those links, Nick. Some great connections there.

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Sophie Nicholls's avatar

What a fascinating topic! I'm also based in the North East of England. Lovely to connect with you here.

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Richard Elliott's avatar

Thanks Sophie! Yes, great to connect.

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Sintija Brence's avatar

Really interesting article and songs, thank you for sharing !

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Richard Elliott's avatar

Thanks Sintija, and thanks for your piece on Bobbie Gentry which I enjoyed reading.

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Sintija Brence's avatar

Thank you !

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