iirc, that faux-reggae bit is only on Live Rust (and in the film). I've never heard any other version of "Cortez" where that happens.
― Chuck? Chuck? It's me, your cousin, Marvin D (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:38 (eleven years ago) link
Powderfinger is perfect. His best lyrics, his best riff, his best solo, his best singing. His best song.
― kornrulez6969, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:38 (eleven years ago) link
Not before or since have I heard epics as contained, purposeful of motion, bracing, and intelligent as "Powderfinger" and "Sedan Delivery." I can't think of anyone making music this loud, allusive, and elusive, not even from the punks.
― a regina spektor is haunting europe (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:38 (eleven years ago) link
iirc, that faux-reggae bit is only on Live Rust
yep
― a regina spektor is haunting europe (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:39 (eleven years ago) link
I've often heard Neil's epics be described as a slog. I disagree for the most part, except for when it comes to "Powderfinger". he single reason why I don't rate Rust as high as most people.
― EZ Snappin, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:39 (eleven years ago) link
Really surprised at the no.1 - it doesn't stand out for me, and never even considered longlisting it. No idea the rest of you would.
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:39 (eleven years ago) link
Had Powderfinger at #5, but I could easily have had it at #1. My whole top 10 was pretty interchangable in my mind, honestly.
― hutlock, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:39 (eleven years ago) link
I first heard "Powderfinger" in the Cowboy Junkies' cover (which is pretty good), and was completely baffled by it. It's still mysterious to me -- the basic narrative tracks pretty clearly, but there's so much left out. It feels very detailed on the one hand but also enigmatic and allegorical.
― something of an astrological coup (tipsy mothra), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:40 (eleven years ago) link
holy shit @ powderfinger being #1, ya'll are cool ppl
― puff puff post (uh oh I'm having a fantasy), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:40 (eleven years ago) link
The line goes on to mean something else, but "think of me as one you'd never figured" is pretty definitive as a career statement.
― clemenza, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:40 (eleven years ago) link
My top 10 (out of 30) all got 15 pts, but Powderfinger was #1.
― exclusive to this pledge group - pleasure (weatheringdaleson), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:41 (eleven years ago) link
"Powderfinger" wasn't high on my list (#39 out of 40), but as Horse epics go, I'll take it above "Hurricane" in a heartbeat.
― Chuck? Chuck? It's me, your cousin, Marvin D (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:41 (eleven years ago) link
And clemenza, brilliant job on the poll, especially with the photos.
find it kinda hilarious/appropriate that the number 2 song features some pretty glaring mistakes
xp
― the alternate vision continues his vision quest! (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:41 (eleven years ago) link
Listen to it again!
― cwkiii, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:42 (eleven years ago) link
Huge kudos and thanks clemenza. Lots of fun.
― EZ Snappin, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:42 (eleven years ago) link
I've heard the song a million times, but "When the first shot hit the dock, I saw it comin'" still gets me every time.
― kornrulez6969, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:42 (eleven years ago) link
Thanks clemenza. Loved the images too - will shamelessly rip off if I ever do another of these.
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:42 (eleven years ago) link
like of COURSE Neil's best song features dropped beats and flubbed bass notes
― the alternate vision continues his vision quest! (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:42 (eleven years ago) link
I will xps
― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:43 (eleven years ago) link
Many thanks to Clemenza and his brilliant images. There will always be a place for this poll in the Deep Forbidden Lake of my heart.
― kornrulez6969, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:43 (eleven years ago) link
When the first shot hit the dock, I saw it comin'
hmm always heard this as DOG, not dock - which seems more tragic somehow
― the alternate vision continues his vision quest! (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:43 (eleven years ago) link
Also, I don't think I would consider "Powderfinger" one of NY's "epics" -- I mean, it's under 6 minutes and doesn't have a giant-ass solo section or anything. "Cortez" is in that epic style, as are the obvious "Cowgirl" and "DBTR" but I think of "Powderfinger" as a story song more than anything else.
― hutlock, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:43 (eleven years ago) link
Neither "Cortez" nor "Powderfinger" ever did much for me, didn't vote for either, but someone must like them and evidently Neil does since those are concert staples. OTOH am I the only vote for "You and Me"? (that was "our song" for, well, someone I really liked and me).
Thx for the great poll and great images Clemenza!
― Lee626, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:43 (eleven years ago) link
And yes, awesome job all around, Clemenza!
― hutlock, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:44 (eleven years ago) link
Exemplary roll-out, clemenza. Bar raised.
― Jeff W, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:44 (eleven years ago) link
fabulous job!
― a regina spektor is haunting europe (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:44 (eleven years ago) link
Seriously, I didn't "get" "Powderfinger" for the LONGEST time, but it crept up on me over time and once it hit me, it revealed itself to be just the perfect song. It really is SO simple that it could sneak by if you let it.
xposts to Ismael
― cwkiii, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:44 (eleven years ago) link
Powderfinger is 6 minutes that feel like 10. Great lyrics, but slog, slog, slog.
― EZ Snappin, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:44 (eleven years ago) link
Powderfinger would have been a fantastic Skynyrd song.
― Three Word Username, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:46 (eleven years ago) link
That was the idea; supposedly Van Zant was up for recording it.
― Chuck? Chuck? It's me, your cousin, Marvin D (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:46 (eleven years ago) link
That's why it's the epigraph to Shakey! :)
― cwkiii, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:46 (eleven years ago) link
Clemenza, this entire thing, from your original post to the screencaps to the post-mortems which haven't even happened yet, has been welcoming, challenging, informative and fun. Not enough superlatives. Thanks.
― exclusive to this pledge group - pleasure (weatheringdaleson), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:47 (eleven years ago) link
Neil has routinely stretched that song over the 6 minute mark live - I totally consider it in the same class as Like a Hurricane, Down by the River, Cowgirl, Cortez, etc.
― the alternate vision continues his vision quest! (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:47 (eleven years ago) link
Yeah, high fives Clemenza, great poll.
― something of an astrological coup (tipsy mothra), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:48 (eleven years ago) link
Thanks. I sat down this morning and checked point totals for 16 albums. These were the Top 10:
1. After the Gold Rush (1970) -- 11 songs/1,861 points2. On the Beach (1974) -- 8/1,7293. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969) -- 7/1,6074. Rust Never Sleeps (1979) -- 9/1,5985. Tonight's the Night (1975) -- 11/1,4146. Harvest (1972) -- 9/1,3907. Zuma (1975) -- 9/1,1558. Time Fades Away (1973) -- 8/7669. American Stars 'n Bars (1977) -- 7/69910. Freedom (1989) -- 10/652
Really impressive: from Everybody through Zuma, the only song not get a vote was "There's a World."
― clemenza, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:49 (eleven years ago) link
ah, I'd often wondered about Skynyrd/"Powderfinger"......they might have been too funky to play it right, though!
― theStalePrince, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:52 (eleven years ago) link
I had 'Powderfinger' at #20 - as with cwkiii it was one that suddenly hit me as being great relatively recently, wouldn't ever have guessed it would be #1 but it's a fine choice.
The poll overall has been great, thanks so much clemenza.
― Gavin, Leeds, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:54 (eleven years ago) link
Fun poll, not surprised by the winner, mine was unranked but powder finger is about everything good about neil in one song
― wack nerd zinging in the dead of night (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:54 (eleven years ago) link
I should get away from this chair for a bit...Feel free to start posting your own lists; here's mine. I'll post a summary of the Top 75 later on.
1. “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” – 252. “Cinnamon Girl” – 233. “Cowgirl in the Sand” – 214. “Ambulance Blues” – 205. “Country Girl” – 206. “Tell Me Why” – 207. “Cortez the Killer” – 178. “Sugar Mountain” – 159. “Till the Morning Comes” – 1510. “Ocean Girl” – 1511. “Barstool Blues” – 1212. “After the Gold Rush” – 913. “Bad Fog of Loneliness” – 914. “Cripple Creek Fairy” – 915. “Journey Through the Past” – 916. “Helpless” – 817. “Roll Another Number” – 718. “Love in Mind” – 619. “Over and Over” – 620. “The Emperor of Wyoming” – 621. “Albuquerque” – 622. “Ohio” – 623. “Tired Eyes” – 624. “Scenery” – 525. “A Man Needs a Maid” – 526. “Sea of Madness” – 527. “Are You Ready for Country” – 528. “The Loner” – 529. “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” (Saint Etienne) – 530. “Wonderin’” – 531. “Comes a Time” – 532. “Down by the River” – 533. “Soldier” – 534. “Prisoners of Rock ‘N’ Roll” – 535. “Slowly Burning” – 536. “There Goes My Babe” – 537. “Hangin’ On a Limb” – 538. “It’s My Time” – 539. “Out of My Mind” – 540. “Pocahontas” – 5
― clemenza, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:57 (eleven years ago) link
1. Stringman – 30 pts2. Homegrown – 26 pts3. Transformer Man – 23 pts4. Too Far Gone – 19 pts5. Rockin’ in the Free World – 17 pts6. Long May You Run – 16 pts7. This Note’s For You – 15 pts8. Yonder Stands the Sinner – 14 pts9. L.A. – 13 pts10. Lookout Joe -12 pts11. White Line – 11 pts12. Crime in the City – 10 pts13. Bite the Bullet – 9 pts14. Roll Another Number (For the Road) – 8pts15. Come Along and Say You Will – 7 pts16. Dead Man soundtrack – organ solo – 6 pts17. Oh, Lonesome Me – 5 pts18. I Believe in You – 4 pts19. The Loner – 3 pts20. Lookin’ for a Love – 2 pts
Really pissed my number 1 didn't place at all. FUCK YOU GUYS
― the alternate vision continues his vision quest! (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:59 (eleven years ago) link
"Stringman"! I forgot about it!
― a regina spektor is haunting europe (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 18:59 (eleven years ago) link
Great poll, great rollout -- thanks, clemenza!
― Neil Jung (WmC), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:00 (eleven years ago) link
Late cut for me shakey....btw your ballot really goes against the canon!
― wack nerd zinging in the dead of night (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:00 (eleven years ago) link
hm! i actually cut powderfinger at the last minute. didn't think it'd be the winner, though!this is greathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTV6QB3btQs
― tylerw, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:01 (eleven years ago) link
here's my unranked ballot
Helpless Razor LoveDown by the RiverOnly Love Can Break Your HeartCortez the KillerExpecting to FlyThe Old Laughing LadyEverybody Knows This Is NowhereBirdsTime Fades Away
Don't Be DeniedSee The Sky About To RainMotion PicturesAmbulance BluesTired EyesAlbuquerqueDon't Cry No TearsBarstool BluesWill To LovePocahontas
Sedan DeliverySurfer Joe And Moe The SleazeTransformer ManCocaine EyesCountry HomeCrime In The CityGive Me StrengthHarvest MoonPushed It Over The EndDanger Bird
Cowgirl in the SandToo Far GoneLittle WingSpeakin’ OutRevolution BluesMellow My MindOld ManThrough My SailsSafeway Cart No One Seems To Know
― tylerw, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:02 (eleven years ago) link
Here is mine, recommend everyone check out a live "Pushed It Over The End" if you can.
1. Down By The River2. After The Gold Rush3. Revolution Blues4. Ambulance Blues5. Don’t Cry No Tears6. Walk On7. Out On The Weekend8. Pushed It Over The End9. Star of Bethlehem10. Cinnamon Girl11. Only Love Can Break Your Heart12. Danger Bird13. Barstool Blues14. Harvest15. Harvest Moon16. The Needle And The Damage Done17. Round And Round18. Pardon My Heart19. Comes A Time20. Sugar Mountain21. Tell Me Why22. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere23. Don’t Let It Bring You Down24. Mellow My Mind25. Powderfinger26. Pocahontas27. For The Turnstiles28. Don’t Be Denied29. Lotta Love30. Sedan Delivery31. Bad Fog Of Loneliness32. Broken Arrow33. Cortez The Killer34. Motion Pictures35. A Man Needs A Maid36. Give Me Strength37. Old Man38. Down To The Wire39. War Song40. Home On The Range
― grandavis, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:03 (eleven years ago) link
Surprised only one song from Ragged Glory made it...anyway...
1. When You Dance I Can Really Love2. Don't Cry3. Barstool Blues4. After the Gold Rush5. Mr. Soul6. Everybody Knows this is Nowhere7. Come On Baby, Let's Go Downtown8. Tonight's the Night part 19. Cinnamon Girl10. Down By the River11. Country Home12. Ohio13. Guitar Solo No. 514. Eldorado15. Cortez the Killer16. Don't Let it Bring you Down17. Mellow My Mind18. Over and Over19. Cocaine Eyes20. Arc21. Love and Only Love22. Pocahontas23. Lookout Joe24. Heavy Love25. Time Fades Away26. Borrowed Tune27. Rockin' in the Free World28. Thrasher29. Down to the Wire30. Big Time31. Don't Cry No Tears32. Thrasher33. Lookin' for a Love34. Last Dance35. Love and War36. Crime in the City (Sixty to Zero part 1)37. Walk On38. Sedan Delivery39. Powderfinger40. Hangin' on a Limb
― Chuck? Chuck? It's me, your cousin, Marvin D (Tarfumes The Escape Goat), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:03 (eleven years ago) link
I had Stringman!
1. Winterlong
2. Love Art Blues
3. Ambulance Blues
4. Pocahontas
5. Powderfinger
6. Cinnamon Girl
7. Barstool Blues
8. I’m The Ocean
9. The Needle and the Damage Done
10. Revolution Blues
11. Hey Hey My My (Into the Black)
12. Thrasher
13. On The Way Home
14. Only Love Can Break Your Heart
15. I Believe in You
16. Traces
17. Harvest
18. Heart of Gold
19. Soldier
20. Sleeps With Angels
21. Tired Eyes
22. On The Beach
23. Like a Hurricane
24. Stringman
25. Burned
26. Cocaine Eyes
27. Philadelphia
28. Time Fades Away
29. Everybody Knows This is Nowhere
30. Love In Mind
31. Cripple Creek Ferry
32. Down By The River
33. Birds
34. Cowgirl in the Sand
35. Pushed It Over the End
36. Albuquerque
37. See the Sky About to Rain
38. I’ve Been Waiting for You
39. Don’t Let It Bring You Down
40. Deep Forbidden Lake
and my next 10, which didn't count for the poll, but what the hell:
41. Love Is a Rose
42. Don’t Be Denied
43. Ohio
44. Cortez the Killer
45. My Heart
46. Expecting to Fly
47. Shots
48. Old Ways (specifically the live version from the Shocking Pinks tour with the awesome backing vocals and just Neil on guitar -- SHIT SMOKES!!!)
49. Kinda Fonda Wanda (same as above...)
50. Journey Through the Past
― hutlock, Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:04 (eleven years ago) link
1. Welfare Mothers2. Sedan Delivery3. Winterlong4. Ambulance Blues5. Cocaine Eyes6. When You Dance I Can Really Love7. I’m The Ocean8. Like an Inca9. Lookin’ for a Love10 Over and Over11. Drive Back12. Round and Round13. Thrasher14. Fuckin’ Up15. Drive By16. Don’t Cry17. Hippie Dream18. Love in Mind19. Comes A Time20. Wrecking Ball21. Don’t Be Denied22. Everyone Knows This is Nowhere23. Barstool Blues24. Powderfinger25. Campaigner26. Goin’ Back27. Safeway Cart28. No More29. Don’t Cry No Tears30. On The Beach
― a regina spektor is haunting europe (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 11 July 2012 19:04 (eleven years ago) link