"Cotton Jenny" is a lovely guitar ballad - and recast here by Swedish rock'n'roll icon Jerry Williams (birth name Eric Fernström, but everybody knew him as Jerry) as a soul track with live brass and backing vocals. I love this version, it fits like a glove, while taking nothing away from Gordon's original: th-cam.com/video/RWMVzSumKz4/w-d-xo.html
I love the song "Affair On 8th Avenue", but the version on the Gord's Gold album. There is a different version on the earlier original album that it is from, but that version is not as good, IMO.
Bob Dylan had this to say about Gord - "“I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Every time I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever", and I don't think you can argue with that. This is a magnificent song, brilliantly sung, and something that I firmly believe every Canadian should hear at least once in their lifetime. Great choice, and great reaction as always - cheers from Canada!
Good one, Lee! Two quick things - when Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986 it was Bob Dylan who did the induction. Also, to the Great Canadian Railroad Trilogy, the pace of the song replicates a train speeding up and slowing down. Cheers.
I was a trackman working on extra gangs replacing ties on sections of track for 3 summers when I was in university back in the 70s. As such, I was totally enamoured with the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. I have so many good stories to tell. Once a railroad man, always a railroad man. Another great railroad song is “Come On Train” by Willie P. Bennett, one of Canada’s greatest songwriters.
Thanks Arnie, for one of my favorite songs from Gordon Lightfoot. He was such a special singer/songwriter. Great pick also, L33. Coming back from the ugly flu, this made my day hearing the "Trilogy" again. Just wonderful music. Blessings all for a great 2025.
Gordon’s “Early Morning Rain” is one of the most recorded songs of the rock era and helped put him on the map as an elite songwriter. His version could be paired with the hit version by Peter, Paul, and Mary (Peter Yarrow died yesterday) or Elvis from his Hawaii special.
GREAT choice! I never really listened to Gordon much until I acquired a live video concert of his (Live In Reno 1999). What incredible music he made! I discovered many of his best songs in that video. The Canadian Railroad Trilogy was on it and was my introduction. He and the band do a beautiful version of that song in that show. You can find the show here on TH-cam. Also watch out for " Gordon Lightfoot Intimate and Interactive" where he is asked questions during the performance from the audience and I learned so much about the man. Song suggestions? Here are some awesome ones: Don Quixote The House You Live In Restless Waiting for you Fading away Early Morning Rain Baby Step Back Song For a Winter's Night And then there are the radio hits: Sundown Carefree Highway IF You Could Read My Mind Rainy Day People And of course The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald More than that but this will do for now. ;-) Check out that Reno show someday! Some of the best versions of those tracks are on it. Rock on L33.
You’ve heard from 2 of the folk rock trifecta, now it’s time for #3 - Al Stewart. Many of his songs are about historical events and persons, and he has a way of putting you in the middle of the story. The album “Past, Present and Future” is one you can’t go wrong with any of the songs. Others that stand out are Life In Dark Water, The Running Man, Trains, and Charlotte Corday. And The Year Of The Cat for its lyrical imagery. I mean, She comes out of the sun In a silk dress running like A watercolor in the rain Anyway, check him out sometime! And read up on the songs, you’ll learn a lot.
'Ribbon of Darkness', 'Did She Mention My Name', 'Only A Go-go Girl', to name a few. Gordon's a deep-dive, one gem after a jewel after another. Scintillating writer, songster. Rest In Peace, Sir.(should've been knighted, imo. It's not too late). Oh, it's Don key-ho-tay, btw. From 'Don Quixote' by Cervantes. "Tilting at windmills" derives from the title character's tendency to do things like raising his lance to do battle with the wicked giants/ogres littering the landscape. "Rescuing the lovely Dulcinea". Loony toons, clearly. Noble intentions, sure, just totally daft. Round the twist. Outta his fookin' tree.😂 🖖🏼🙄🎶❤️🍁❤️✨️🕊 And 'Beautiful' is just that. ✌🏼😊
I've always loved Gordon Lightfoot, and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" is one of my favorites of his. The last line of the lyrics "and many are the dead men, too silent to be real" is one of my top song lyrics. "Beautiful" is great, too. I actually don't think he has a song I don't like. I'm squeezing this comment in on the sly since I'm at work. Can't wait to watch the video when I get home.
It’s too bad you didn’t see the video that goes along with this song. It’s unbelievable how they built the railroad through the Rocky Mountains without the use of modern equipment.
The original is the best. GORD'S GOLD features rerecordings of his songs, and while some are okay, the originals are always the best. "Can't Depend on Love" is great, "Dreamland," and dozens (or over a hundred) others. Clearly one of the greatest songwriters of the rock/pop era. The entire SHADOWS album from 1980 is brilliant. So is the very different SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE album. His MOR album EAST OF MIDNIGHT, even with its eighties production, has some marvelous songs.
What other tracks by Gordon should I check out?
"Cotton Jenny" is a lovely guitar ballad - and recast here by Swedish rock'n'roll icon Jerry Williams (birth name Eric Fernström, but everybody knew him as Jerry) as a soul track with live brass and backing vocals. I love this version, it fits like a glove, while taking nothing away from Gordon's original:
th-cam.com/video/RWMVzSumKz4/w-d-xo.html
Gord's two yuletide songs:
"Song for a Winter's Night" and "Circle of Steel".
Rainy Day People, Don Quixote
Summer Side of Life, Black Day In July
I love the song "Affair On 8th Avenue", but the version on the Gord's Gold album. There is a different version on the earlier original album that it is from, but that version is not as good, IMO.
Bob Dylan had this to say about Gord - "“I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Every time I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever", and I don't think you can argue with that. This is a magnificent song, brilliantly sung, and something that I firmly believe every Canadian should hear at least once in their lifetime. Great choice, and great reaction as always - cheers from Canada!
Beautiful is one of my top 10 favorite songs from Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot was the best story teller. His songs speak to your heart. His concert was my husband and my first date in 1974!
Good one, Lee! Two quick things - when Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986 it was Bob Dylan who did the induction. Also, to the Great Canadian Railroad Trilogy, the pace of the song replicates a train speeding up and slowing down. Cheers.
Canadian Railroad Trilogy is a masterpiece written by a masterful songwriter.
I was a trackman working on extra gangs replacing ties on sections of track for 3 summers when I was in university back in the 70s. As such, I was totally enamoured with the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. I have so many good stories to tell. Once a railroad man, always a railroad man. Another great railroad song is “Come On Train” by Willie P. Bennett, one of Canada’s greatest songwriters.
Yay! Thank you Arnie. I am so blessed to have seen him in concert. Wonderful
Great songs ... beautiful voice ... thank you
Awesome reaction …. again. Gordon is the complete musician . Lyrics, guitar, melodies. Just so so god. Thanks for the play
Thanks Arnie, for one of my favorite songs from Gordon Lightfoot. He was such a special singer/songwriter. Great pick also, L33. Coming back from the ugly flu, this made my day hearing the "Trilogy" again. Just wonderful music. Blessings all for a great 2025.
Gordon’s “Early Morning Rain” is one of the most recorded songs of the rock era and helped put him on the map as an elite songwriter. His version could be paired with the hit version by Peter, Paul, and Mary (Peter Yarrow died yesterday) or Elvis from his Hawaii special.
Wow, L33 you picked great ones today. Both Dylan's and this is HUGE. Love this song so much 🔥💯 so epic....🎶🎶🎵🎶☮️🕊️🇺🇸🇨🇦
GREAT choice! I never really listened to Gordon much until I acquired a live video concert of his (Live In Reno 1999). What incredible music he made! I discovered many of his best songs in that video. The Canadian Railroad Trilogy was on it and was my introduction. He and the band do a beautiful version of that song in that show. You can find the show here on TH-cam.
Also watch out for " Gordon Lightfoot Intimate and Interactive" where he is asked questions during the performance from the audience and I learned so much about the man.
Song suggestions? Here are some awesome ones:
Don Quixote
The House You Live In
Restless
Waiting for you
Fading away
Early Morning Rain
Baby Step Back
Song For a Winter's Night
And then there are the radio hits:
Sundown
Carefree Highway
IF You Could Read My Mind
Rainy Day People
And of course The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald
More than that but this will do for now. ;-) Check out that Reno show someday! Some of the best versions of those tracks are on it.
Rock on L33.
I love how intimate the second song sounded like ❤
You favorite song writer's favorite song writer. Gordo = Folk writing 🫅
This is Canada's counterpart to the US 'City of New Orleans'.
Bitter Green. Carefree Highway. Thanks Lee!
One of my favorite records !
In 1967 we wee so sick of this song as it was played everywhere for the centenary. All these years later I can appreciate it anew.
Beautiful ❤
Saturday Clothes is another great one by him. About having to clean up his place the day after everyone's come over to party.
Don Kee-Oh-Tea, which is a great song, too. To me, his arrangements have always been underrated. He wrote his own charts as well.
Legendary song, is CRT a true tale and my favorite one by Gordon tied with a couple of others!
Beautiful is just that..
O' Canada! our "grandmother country" - Lakota . We give thanks for your artists and your protection 😘
You’ve heard from 2 of the folk rock trifecta, now it’s time for #3 - Al Stewart. Many of his songs are about historical events and persons, and he has a way of putting you in the middle of the story. The album “Past, Present and Future” is one you can’t go wrong with any of the songs. Others that stand out are Life In Dark Water, The Running Man, Trains, and Charlotte Corday. And The Year Of The Cat for its lyrical imagery. I mean,
She comes out of the sun
In a silk dress running like
A watercolor in the rain
Anyway, check him out sometime! And read up on the songs, you’ll learn a lot.
I think you’d enjoy some of his sea songs like. Seven Islands,Christian Island,All Around Cape Horn ,and High And Dry
'Ribbon of Darkness', 'Did She Mention My Name', 'Only A Go-go Girl', to name a few. Gordon's a deep-dive, one gem after a jewel after another. Scintillating writer, songster. Rest In Peace, Sir.(should've been knighted, imo. It's not too late).
Oh, it's Don key-ho-tay, btw.
From 'Don Quixote' by Cervantes. "Tilting at windmills" derives from the title character's tendency to do things like raising his lance to do battle with the wicked giants/ogres littering the landscape. "Rescuing the lovely Dulcinea".
Loony toons, clearly. Noble intentions, sure, just totally daft. Round the twist. Outta his fookin' tree.😂
🖖🏼🙄🎶❤️🍁❤️✨️🕊
And 'Beautiful' is just that. ✌🏼😊
I've always loved Gordon Lightfoot, and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" is one of my favorites of his. The last line of the lyrics "and many are the dead men, too silent to be real" is one of my top song lyrics. "Beautiful" is great, too. I actually don't think he has a song I don't like. I'm squeezing this comment in on the sly since I'm at work. Can't wait to watch the video when I get home.
Awesome tracs
Looking forward to this
It’s too bad you didn’t see the video that goes along with this song. It’s unbelievable how they built the railroad through the Rocky Mountains without the use of modern equipment.
The original is the best. GORD'S GOLD features rerecordings of his songs, and while some are okay, the originals are always the best. "Can't Depend on Love" is great, "Dreamland," and dozens (or over a hundred) others. Clearly one of the greatest songwriters of the rock/pop era. The entire SHADOWS album from 1980 is brilliant. So is the very different SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE album. His MOR album EAST OF MIDNIGHT, even with its eighties production, has some marvelous songs.
Don Kee-oh-tee
Pronounce Key ho té. Quixote. Don Q. Sancho Panza. Lady Dulcinea. Fighting Windmills.....Lord if LaMancha - Miguel de Cervantes ⚔️🎑💧🛞
Anytime someone mentions Gordon......I bring up Canadian RR trilogy. It should be an Anthem in CN. His radio hit list is not his best work.
wreck of the edmund fitzgerald and If you could read my mind
Donkey Ho-tee.
this is good but the original recordings were better
Gord's Gold. Ugh! Please use the original recordings. Gord's Gold for some reason unnecessarily jazzed up the production.
Gord didn't like the way they sounded anymore
Which is why he opted to re-record them back in 75.