35 of 1001 Songs: Lead Belly’s The Gallis Pole

The next song on the list is getting me back to the blues, and it’s catchy and interesting. The instrumentals were where it was really at for me among the other sounds happening. Also, it’s a song you definitely are going to have go back and read the lyrics over as it moves extremely quick. I imagine people had to be moving with the pace of this song.

History: This song existed before Lead Belly covered it. His version though switched it up a bit though with more emphasis on the lyrics, and an instrument that would liven the tune up a lot. It was also the song that launched the song to be more familiar to the public as it is today. The song would go on to be covered by many other artists though like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, charting the song’s popularity didn’t stop with artists.

Vocals: There was actually a song that came on after The Gallis Pole that I really enjoyed by Lead Belly called, Where Did You Sleep Last Night? I was listening to that and wishing that was on the list instead. It sounded so much better, but I guess it lacks historical and cultural significance that got the other on the list. The singer really has a great voicing, but The Gallis Pole utilizes more of spoken word techniques, and has a certain pacing that I didn’t felt showed off the vocals as much. The way he paces his vocals works for the overall tone of the tune though.

Instrumentals: The most impressive thing about the song instrumentally is the use of the 12 string guitar. It shows a lot of talent a long to make your way around on that instrument much less play it in the style that it’s being played in this tune. Also, it is the primary instrument, but you don’t need too much more because the instrumentals and the vocals are enough to give this song enough rhythm and memorable moments without the addition of more.

Lyrics: So for a song that Lead Belly turned into a bit more of faster tune the lyrics are really dark. It’s basically about a guy about to be hanged on the gallows pole. Anyway, throughout the song it sounds as if he continuing to try to bargain his way off. A lot of songs I’m hearing from the 30’s either contain dark content, or lighter content like “Over the Rainbow”, but for the most part every song has this somber edge to it. It makes sense though considering the 30’s may have not been the easiest time to live in for anyone.

The Gallis Pole is a piece of blues history. I think Lead Belly has some better songs that show the talent of his vocals and instrument talent, but it makes sense as to why this was chosen from his collection because it does have a lot of value lyrically. Plus, the song was already a classic before he went on to popularize it anyways.

Rating 7 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/QsgGNWlNAfA&source=uds

33 of 1001 Songs: Judy Garland’s Over the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow is perhaps the most recognizable song of all time no matter what age you are. Judy Garland would sing the song in 1939. As I was listening it was easy to see why this song has had such long standing appeal. It has this very hopeful vibe to the tune that stays throughout. The singer seems to be a serious situation hoping for a positive change. It’s a realist song with a positive edge.

History: This song would be an Academy Award winning tune performed by Judy Garland. Before albums, songs were released as singles, so songs made for movies seemed to have the potential to garner a lot more individual attention. This song was specifically written for the movie, The Wizard of Oz. The song has spawned many covers, some that became quit popular for the artist who covered it.

Vocals: I think the lovely aspect of the song is how mature the song sounds. It has lyrics that sound like they are for a more adult person to sing, with even a mature backing instrumental to give it power. Garland’s voicing is what makes it more accessible to all age groups. When she recorded this in the 30’s she was younger and the youthful vibe of her voice makes this song more appealing to all age groups. Whether you’re a kid who is feeling alone, or not like they are understood to an adult who is feeling under appreciated, or just hopeless in a job, this song has a wide range of appeal in relating to how people feel in a given moment. Garland’s voice ranges from sounding somber to almost dreamy.

Instrumentals: The instrumentals sound very classical and true to what you would hear in the 30’s. Somehow though this song has managed to translate into a timeless sound. The orchestra arrangement sounds like something out of a Disney movie, and I think since most people will grow up hearing this song and ones like it they will associate it with more so a timeless childhood tale than anything.

Lyrics: The lyrics are perhaps the best bit, at least for me, regarding the song. It has a lot of dreamy imagery, for example the rainbow, that makes the song have a whimsical and carefree vibe.  For me I mostly heard the song growing up, so instead it made me think of all the things I want to be when I’m adult as a child. To be honest, I don’t know that I would go back and listen to this song as an adult though. It’s more of a nostalgia thing with me.

The song is a beautifully written song, and with the simple yet serious toned message it’s no wonder it’s had the long term appeal that it has had. Garland also has a very lovely voice. To be honest though the song got better as she got older and her voice sounded more like a woman though. For many the song will be best heard when you’re viewing the movie The Wizard of Oz.

Rating 7.5 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/1HRa4X07jdE&source=uds

31 of 1001 Songs: Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit

So far there has been no song as impacting on the list, and probably won’t be, as Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit. It’s got to be the darkest yet as well with the imagery created throughout. Holiday though uses her vocals to bring the tone of the song to life, and get the listener’s attention. The whole arrangement shows why it is a song that has stood the test of time.

History: The song is said to be inspired by a photo of lynchings and a poem that contains very similar words to the song. Holiday though would have a tough time getting this song to the audience because of the subject matter, especially with it still be 1939, and a country still bending to racism. She performed the song for the audiences she could though, and even with the fear of how it would be perceived in the South the song would get to listeners. It’s still a popular song today even with Time listing it as song of the century.

Vocals: Holiday’s vocals sound very unique. They have a smoky and very deep sound that gives her voicing power. The power is needed to just convey how strong the content of the song is. The lyrics by themselves are quite eerie, but when you take the voice and put it on top of that you get something even stronger that resonates with you. I don’t think it’s the instrumentals that exactly make this the lasting song it has been, but more so the bold message of the time, and the harsh realities of what African Americans were living in the 30’s, and for a long time.

Instrumentals: The music has a very jazz sound to it, but with the way the tone of the song is channeled in the instrumentals are very toned down so they don’t overwhelm the vocals nor the lyrics. Even during a live performance one venue owner wanted it to be the last song with only the spotlight on her face for the effect to resonate with audiences. With this song it just isn’t about the instruments even though they are well played.

Lyrics: The lyrics are dark, and if you look at the poem and image that inspired them it only makes the song a lot darker. Lynchings were still common happenings in the 30’s, and up to the Civil Rights movement. It shows how bold Holiday was especially as a woman and African American to be so vocal on something that no one could really not smooth over as not horrific. This song is just a dark look at a history involving America that isn’t pretty.

Holiday’s song shows why she was one of the power women of her genre. She had songs that moved people and shook up controversy. She even got some people who may have not been listening to listen when they heard this song. Now this song lives on through the hit it became for Holiday, and through the numerous covers and inclusions, even in Kanye West’s recent album, which utilizes a cover that Nina Simone did.

Rating 9 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/h4ZyuULy9zs&source=uds