Gillian Welch has been in and out of my music consciousness for the better part of two decades now. She was the composer of 'Orphan Girl' on Emmylou Harris's 1995 Wrecking Ball. She was featured on 2000's O Brother, Where Art Thou? -tracks #9 'I'll Fly Away' with Alison Krauss & #10 'Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby' with Emmylou Harris, & Alison Krauss. In 2004 she co-wrote with David Rawlings 'Wouldn't Be so Bad', done by by Alison Krauss & Union Station on Lonely Runs Both Ways. Likewise in 2006 Elizabeth Mitchell sang 'Winter's Come and Gone' on You Are My Little Bird (also co-wrote by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings).
However, it wasn't until the 2006 Black Star EP featuring the Radiohead cover of the title track, 'Black Star' that I really took a notice. The track (avail at iTunes) is one of those covers that make you revisit the strength of the original.
A very similar version by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings @ Bonnaroo 2007 of 'Black Star'
I always liked the original by Radiohead, but the guy next to my dorm room, freshman year played guitar versions of The Bends all the time, and I had a self banishment of the album. Outside of 'Fake Plastic Trees' or 'High and Dry', I barely had given the album a listen. In fact, it wasn't until getting an iPod that I really gave Radiohead another chance. CMJ kept putting out great singles on their monthly discs, but I didn't really listen to the other album tracks until an iPod made it easier to listen to music that you ordinarily wouldn't have.
Live 'Black Star' by Radiohead
My final verdict is that I like the cover better. The guitar parts (and solo)are superior to the original. I like the pace that Gillian takes with the song, making it easy to follow and fall for the song.
Either way, you decide your choice. Maybe if your neighbor didn't ruin the original song for you it might be a different outcome entirely
For more info on Radiohead try radiohead.com
For more info on Gillian try gillianwelch.com
Enjoy!
However, it wasn't until the 2006 Black Star EP featuring the Radiohead cover of the title track, 'Black Star' that I really took a notice. The track (avail at iTunes) is one of those covers that make you revisit the strength of the original.
A very similar version by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings @ Bonnaroo 2007 of 'Black Star'
I always liked the original by Radiohead, but the guy next to my dorm room, freshman year played guitar versions of The Bends all the time, and I had a self banishment of the album. Outside of 'Fake Plastic Trees' or 'High and Dry', I barely had given the album a listen. In fact, it wasn't until getting an iPod that I really gave Radiohead another chance. CMJ kept putting out great singles on their monthly discs, but I didn't really listen to the other album tracks until an iPod made it easier to listen to music that you ordinarily wouldn't have.
Live 'Black Star' by Radiohead
My final verdict is that I like the cover better. The guitar parts (and solo)are superior to the original. I like the pace that Gillian takes with the song, making it easy to follow and fall for the song.
Either way, you decide your choice. Maybe if your neighbor didn't ruin the original song for you it might be a different outcome entirely
For more info on Radiohead try radiohead.com
For more info on Gillian try gillianwelch.com
Enjoy!
I agree that Ms. Welch is superior to Radiohead, possibly the most overrated band of all time. Also, if you are a fan of Gillian Welch-check out The David Rawlings Machine record.
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