unicornmeat

My brother called me with an extra ticket to go see John Prine in DC.
I’ve seen him a number of times since my childhood but it’s been awhile. In the past few years of listening to music and playing some guitar and singing to myself, I’ve chosen new favorites.. growing up I really liked “Paradise” and “Hello In There.”
A few years ago I got really into “Christmas In Prison.” I guess I haven’t really listened to much of his later stuff. I didn’t like it as much. Like the “In Spite of Ourselves” song which has Iris DeMent and a sweet melody going for it but the lyrics are just too dumb for me.

John Prine & Nanci Griffith
Streets of Baltimore

I’ve said before that I am not really a fan of this arrangement. The subtle changes in the lyrics.. the monologue..
But you know, i’ve got this theme going on so here it is.

Bobby Bare
The Streets of Baltimore
(1966)

Well this is it… my #1 “displacement” song I think. “The Streets of Baltimore.” The original is written and performed by Tompall Glaser but I don’t actually have that version. When I do I’ll post it. The second person to make it a big hit is Bobby Bare here. He looks like sort of a turd on this album sleeve but he seems ok I guess.
It’s not my favorite version. I’m not sure which is. I first heard John Prine do it… but it’s been covered by Gram Parsons, Shane McGowan, The Lemonheads, and a score of others. So I may keep em coming.
Hell, maybe eventually I’ll record this song myself.
Listening to a lot of versions of a song really solidifies my likes and dislikes as far as lyrical nuances. I don’t know why but I’ve always been annoyed by some changes artists make when they sing a song. Not always, but sometimes it just seems pointless. As I said, I haven’t heard the original but I can say that I prefer the versions where they say “her heart was filled with gladness” instead of “laughter.” I mean why would the city lights make her laugh.. that’s stupid. And “some old machine” vs “an old machine.” “Some old machine” sounds more like he’s like he’s just telling the story of working some old machine, rather than like.. working on an antique or something which would be an unnecessary detail even if it were the original intention.
Yeah, I nitpick just a bit.
Note: This is the first time I’ve used Audacity instead of Cool Edit to record a song. I think it might be better.