Papa Was A Rodeo
A Multiple Versions Monday playlist and discussion
I was listening to Orville Peck’s Stampede this weekend and it got me wondering, is 2024 the year for the “with special guests” album? Dolly? Beyonce? Orville and crew? I know there are others.
It also prompted me to choose today’s Multiple Versions song.
Papa Was A Rodeo
I don’t want this series to turn into an “only the hits” kind of share. There are great songs out there that have been covered often. Often enough that many of us would find it difficult to name the original.
This is one of those songs. I had no idea that it was a Magnetic Fields original. Even though I own and often listen to 69 Love Songs. I purposefully didn’t choose “Rhinestone Cowboy,” so that I could share a lesser known gem.
I also don’t want to shun any genres. Country music often gets a bad rap, and I don’t think that’s fair. If you love a good story song, country music has a wealth of options, with a wide variety of vocal styles and deliveries.
The Playlist
Quick reminder that I’m only sharing Spotify playlists for the short term while I get my new business up and running.
You may not initially hear much difference between each cover, but I think I’ve chosen five versions of the song that stand out on their own merits when listened to alone. But you’ll be the final judge on that.
Another Monday, another batch of covers. How did this week’s selection fare? Did you make any additions to your playlists? Your comments make my week, so don’t be shy!
Oh my God, one of the very best of the 69 Love Songs.
That album should come with every music-producing device (with royalties to Merritt).
I've been hearing a lot about The Magnetic Fields and 69 Love Songs. (25th anniversary or something?) Its been in my queue for quite awhile just waiting for that special day when I have 12 uninterrupted hours ;) This tune was not what I imagined, but it was cool. It calls for both a Yeee, then a Haw, in that order.
To the countdown:
5) Azuria Sky: I'm not feeling the whispery vocals and bleep bloop electronics
4) Korby Lenker: Similarly, the detached low-key vocals don't fit the vibes of this tune IMHO but +1 for minimizing the electronics.
2b) Sara Lov: This one I really liked. The loungey piano, her wistful vocals, and electronics that really work to enhance the mood. Its a more introspective interpretation, but just as quality IMHO
2a) Magnetic Fields: I have yet to listen to the other 68 Love Songs. Is this what Magnetic Fields are like ?
The deep, resonant voice hits completely different than Sara's, naturally. It's perrfect for these sad cowboy vibes. I'm not surprised none of the other covers tried to emulate his style; you just cant do it better.
1) Orville Peck / Molly Tuttle
This one feels more lighthearted and less emotionally resonant for me, which normally would be a drawback. But they're just both so good it works anyway. That classic co-ed country duet format is a natural for this tune and its subject matter. Even got Molly fingerpickin a little solo which sounded smooth and effortless.
First a Yeee, and then a Haw.