The more I listen to STB the more I like it. I'm partial to the full band version because I love the arraignment, but I love your guitar work on the "Demo" cut as well.
Thanks... I've always had a fondness for the full band version. I especially love what Rob and Dave brought to the drums and bass. It took a lot of experimentation to come up with that approach but once we did the track really came together.
Hi Buzzy... I did a few shows here and there to support Skywatching... but mostly I was touring to support The Thorns record that year so most of my efforts went there.
I'm glad to hear that you like this format. Me too!
That is impressive to get any kind of proper praise from Rolling Stone! Hard to believe that was 20 years ago. My favorites were the trippy Hard To Tell You and the sweet love song Above It All.
For whatever it's worth, I've always liked the full band version way more than the acoustic. The acoustic version is nice, and lets the great lyrics shine, but it's always felt to me that so much of what really makes the song great comes from the mid-tempo-nod-along groove. The emotional resonance in the song is in the rising guitar that builds into the chorus. The lyrics and sound follow along the drums so well, and then they build up and crescendos into the plaintive but mischievous 'please stay, I want to hear you play'.
The acoustic version just doesn't feel as impactful to. Instead of a swelling of hope, 'wrapped up in low candle light' always felt more like a question and the 'please stay' more of a sad plea to someone who is already gone, than the band version where it sounds like there is still a spark of world-weary comfort between two people who know how the dance eventually ends, but that for just tonight it's worth it.
Maybe I'm thinking too much about it. Either way, as always it's awesome to hear the stories behind these songs.
I love this song. The acoustic version is so beautiful. I’ve often thought that you and Elaine captured a similar magic to that of Gram and Emmylou in that recording. That’s my favorite scene in the film. Thank you for sharing the other version with the full band.
Thanks, Irma- In the film, Elaine and I were loosely playing Gram and Emmy Lou when we performed Small Time Blues. That's cool that it was your favorite scene. Mine too... but I may be a bit biased. :)
The more I listen to STB the more I like it. I'm partial to the full band version because I love the arraignment, but I love your guitar work on the "Demo" cut as well.
Hi Steve-O!
Thanks... I've always had a fondness for the full band version. I especially love what Rob and Dave brought to the drums and bass. It took a lot of experimentation to come up with that approach but once we did the track really came together.
KOOL....I've never heard this full band version and it tickles all the tickley spots in my ears nicely!
Hi Chris- There is lots of ear candy in there to tickle you with.
Unfortunately after Skywatching I lost track of you. Did you tour to support it? I'm happy you're back and I like this format. :)
Hi Buzzy... I did a few shows here and there to support Skywatching... but mostly I was touring to support The Thorns record that year so most of my efforts went there.
I'm glad to hear that you like this format. Me too!
That is impressive to get any kind of proper praise from Rolling Stone! Hard to believe that was 20 years ago. My favorites were the trippy Hard To Tell You and the sweet love song Above It All.
Hi Brian- I know... time flies! Coming soon to Love Songs Etc will be a demo of Hard to Tell You. Stay tuned for that.
I forgot how much I liked the full band version. Every time I hear it, I hear something I hadn't heard before. Thanks Pete.
Thanks, Steve-O- There is a lot going on in that track... lots to tune into.
For whatever it's worth, I've always liked the full band version way more than the acoustic. The acoustic version is nice, and lets the great lyrics shine, but it's always felt to me that so much of what really makes the song great comes from the mid-tempo-nod-along groove. The emotional resonance in the song is in the rising guitar that builds into the chorus. The lyrics and sound follow along the drums so well, and then they build up and crescendos into the plaintive but mischievous 'please stay, I want to hear you play'.
The acoustic version just doesn't feel as impactful to. Instead of a swelling of hope, 'wrapped up in low candle light' always felt more like a question and the 'please stay' more of a sad plea to someone who is already gone, than the band version where it sounds like there is still a spark of world-weary comfort between two people who know how the dance eventually ends, but that for just tonight it's worth it.
Maybe I'm thinking too much about it. Either way, as always it's awesome to hear the stories behind these songs.
Hi Jacob- Thanks for all this thoughtful reflection.
Your last sentence cracked me up. Caught any gophers lately?
Glad to crack you up. I'm letting the gophers be. :)
I love this song. The acoustic version is so beautiful. I’ve often thought that you and Elaine captured a similar magic to that of Gram and Emmylou in that recording. That’s my favorite scene in the film. Thank you for sharing the other version with the full band.
Thanks, Irma- In the film, Elaine and I were loosely playing Gram and Emmy Lou when we performed Small Time Blues. That's cool that it was your favorite scene. Mine too... but I may be a bit biased. :)
Such a great song Pete. I love the backstory too.
Thanks, Peter!