The River Clyde “Mother’s Malison” (Child 216) If the first song discussed in this blog was about the potentially dire consequences of following the counsel of one’s parents instead of the counsel of one’s heart, this week we’ll show just how … Continue reading →
Romeo and Juliet – Sir Frank Dicksee, 1884 Note: This is Part 3 of a three part series. See also Part 1 and Part 2. Introduction What is it about this week’s song, “Matty Groves”, that attracts us so? (If you’re … Continue reading →
This is Part 1 of a three part series. See also Part 2, and Part 3. Introduction – “Twas on the high, high holy day…” This week we go back to Britain, to the old ballads. Yes, it’s one of … Continue reading →
“Girl by Stream” Charles Van Shaick ca. 1880 This week finds us in new waters – sibling rivalry. Ok, ok, I know. One thing to love about murder ballads is that we can’t dismiss the violence with simple explanations or … Continue reading →
Here we have Ewan MacColl’s version of Child #73, from his Classic Scots Ballads. Thanks, Pat, for mentioning it. The song is sung in Scots, and there are a few passages which I have yet to understand clearly, but the … Continue reading →
I listened to this version for the first time this morning: I had never heard this tune for the song before. Here is where we have want of a musicologist. On the face of it, it seems like this tune … Continue reading →
For the first selection: Fair Ellender. Here is Jerry Garcia and David Grisman’s version from “Shady Grove.” Fair Ellender (Spotify) Here’s the same song on YouTube: (link replaced 12/10/14) While not the most famous of the genre, this one … Continue reading →
