Mud, Sweat and Gears

[actual_size]

On the off chance that I ever decide to get back in the game, it's safe to say that "dirt bike enthusiast" will not be on my list of Ideal Mates. And should I end up with one anyway, I may well encourage him to go without his helmet and chest plate - this for my own safety and general peace of mind.

Comments

[sapphorlando]

It's unfortunate that that piece of music has been so deeply entangled with that film (and everything it represents) since 1972. It actually started as "Feuding Banjos," an arrangement for 5-string banjo and tenor banjo (by some guys whose names would be meaningless if I bothered to post them).

I've sought non-ironic renditions free of Deliverance allusions; there are many. Hayseed Dixie may have performed this more than anyone else at this point, and do a good job of it, if you're into the more modern rock-style approach. (The mandolin behind the head really makes it.) I tend to prefer more traditional versions myself, although I love great banjo any way, even if it's just showing off.

[actual_size]

It actually started as "Feuding Banjos," an arrangement for 5-string banjo and tenor banjo (by some guys whose names would be meaningless if I bothered to post them).

See, I never knew that. If I had, I'd probably feel the same way you do. As it stands, my first exposure to the tune was the movie, so I'm stuck with that particular association.

I'll watch the videos at the garage tonight. Late. After the 20-year-old rookie goes to bed. Last time she got all puzzled as to why I'd want to listen to music by "old people" (and in fact, the artist in question was Dolly Parton, who's put out some good bluegrass herself), it was all I could do to keep from pounding her on the head.

[actual_size]

Wellllll . . . 'tain't totally accurate to say it was arranged by "some guys whose names would be meaningless," unless you consider screenwriter Marshall Brickman to be a guy with a meaningless name. Now I'll give you Eric Weissberg; unless you're a 'grass fan, you probably won't know who he is although you may have heard a lot of his playing without knowing it. Oh, and Clarence White was on it too; he was a Byrd for a while, went solo, played with some legendary bluegrass groups, and died way too young.

I'm guessing Sapphie meant the names would be meaningless to me, not meaningless in general. Sure enough, I didn't recognize any of them - see how well she knows me? I do like what bluegrass I've heard (how can you not?), but I admit that I haven't explored it enough to learn much of anything about the folks who play it.