octobeard -- bluegrass was a significant departure from the "old-time" string band music that preceded it. bluegrass utilized faster tempos and emphasized or even prioritized instrumental breaks with players taking turns playing the tune.
― ian, Sunday, 8 May 2016 17:08 (eight years ago) link
also just the breakneck, fierce speed and intensity with which the band is playing on this tune (even though monroe isn't playing his usual mandolin here i believe)
if you compare this version to the jimmie rodgers version, the differences should stand out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjO_OK03UNY
― wizzz! (amateurist), Sunday, 8 May 2016 20:05 (eight years ago) link
bill monroe's mule skinner blues : jimmie rodgers's mule skinner blues :: elvis presley's blue moon of kentucky : bill monroe's blue moon of kentucky
discuss
― wizzz! (amateurist), Sunday, 8 May 2016 20:06 (eight years ago) link
although jimmie rodgers was, frankly, more of a punk than either bill or elvis
― wizzz! (amateurist), Sunday, 8 May 2016 20:07 (eight years ago) link