How about a simple no fuss which version of two poll ?

 

All you got to do is just pass on which version you yourself enjoy the most...

 

the Spyder Turner northern classic 

 

 

 

or Ritchie Havens first recording of this Gordon Lightfoot song

 

Not even a close contest for me. Spyder's version has been a big favorite since I first heard it Lack of rarity doesn't make it any less a complete soul classic. The Havens version is just nice....

Spyder for me, awesome record. Brought tears to my eyes when he sang it at Prestatyn, just brilliant x

 

Brings tears to my eyes just hearing it on the record, Joan - probably a good thing I didn't hear him at Prestatyn or I'd probably have been a blubbering wreck!

 

 

As for the poll, the Havens version is very pretty, neatly orchestrated and, as somebody mentioned, 'Callieresque', a strong record on many points, but Spyder's version is just beyond perfection.    The fact that it's the fastest version by far might seem odd for such a reflective song, but I think the pace of the arrangement and the urgency of the vocals bring a whole extra dimension of restlessness to the performance, which I always thought was a great match for the 'torn and troubled' atmosphere of the lyrics.  Plus the musical arrangement absolutely RINGS!   A spectacular record, regardless of its 'Northern-ness' or otherwise, but as a Northern record, pound for pound it's got to be one of the premier sounds on the scene. 

 

Great idea for a poll, by the way, Mike.

 

Cheets,

 

Nick

On the sound clip and my copy (black MGM issue - not the lovely yellow demo) there's a little wobble about 3/4 of the way through where it sounds like the tape has slowed down a bit,(just after the key change where he sings ..I'm leaving you..) then it quickly rights itself again. Anybody else's do that or am I going mad?..I'm sure my version on a CD comp somewhere does the same.

Having said that it doesn't spoil what is probably the best NS cheapie ever.

Not trying to be different but i heard the Havens Polydor LP version in the 60s and have always preferred the intimacy and emotion of his which. i think Spyder loses in the tempo. Undoubtedly Havens would be more like Lightfoot's original which I don't think exists in any form but I'd love to hear. Havens is the ultimate break-up song

spyder for the big room,

richie for the rare & underplayed room.

 

Like both n keep everybody happy

will close this now but leave the comments open for a bit in case anyone wants to talk about the voting

 

 

153 member(s) have cast votes)

 

Spyder Turners (139 votes [90.85%])

Richie Havens (14 votes [9.15%])

 

 

Spyder getting the upper hand is not a great surprise I suppose, though the way he did it 91% v 9% was a lot more brutal than I expected

 

Thanks to all who took part and those whose comments made it all an interesting bit of fun 

 

mike

Richie Havens all day long.. A very very special record for me...Love both versions but Richie touches my heart.. Love his acoustic version @ Woodstock also... Pub singer???? That's you off my Xmas card list...

Edited August 4, 201410 yr by little-stevie

I voted Richie Havens and am comfortable being in the 9% minority. Got the Mixed Bag album - wished I had it on a 45.

A poll on these two.WHY? Thought this was soul source ffs.Sometimes i wonder why i bother when everytime i look on here somebodys championing another piece of pop drivel.I know what replies to expect so with hard hat on i may have to bite the bullet and enter Facebook World.

 

Tricky

A poll on these two.WHY? Thought this was soul source ffs.Sometimes i wonder why i bother when everytime i look on here somebodys championing another piece of pop drivel.I know what replies to expect so with hard hat on i may have to bite the bullet and enter Facebook World.

 

Tricky

 

 

why not ?

just a simple which version you enjoy poll

as said in my last post I thought that it resulted in an interesting active enjoyable thread

the only really negative post I have seen come from yourself

 

 

if you do feel that strongly about a simple poll then yep maybe better off going somewhere else

 

its just a poll, there be others, take a break its no big thing

Edited August 4, 201410 yr by mike
added bit

You may well be right about me taking a break Mike but like i said before and you should know better than most its a SOUL FORUM.Bit lost on you eh!!!!

 

 

Tricky

You may well be right about me taking a break Mike but like i said before and you should know better than most its a SOUL FORUM.Bit lost on you eh!!!!

 

 

Tricky

 

Sorry but not going to get into an argument on is richie havens a soul record

 

Myself I try and respect other members tastes/views

 

Thanks anyway for passing on your views 

if you do wanna carry on about this forum then best take it to the support forum

cheeers now

mike

Tricky is the soul police now... Looks like I am going to prison

Richie Havens actually did a version at Woodstock, clip on U Tube.

 

(Lock me up)

Edited August 5, 201410 yr by chatty

 

will close this now but leave the comments open for a bit in case anyone wants to talk about the voting

 

 

153 member(s) have cast votes)

 

Spyder Turners (139 votes [90.85%])

Richie Havens (14 votes [9.15%])

 

 

Spyder getting the upper hand is not a great surprise I suppose, though the way he did it 91% v 9% was a lot more brutal than I expected

 

Thanks to all who took part and those whose comments made it all an interesting bit of fun 

 

mike

 

 

ok thats 24 hours or so 

now closed

thanks again