The Streets of Laredo - which version do you prefer?

[Mr Fixit eh]

So, 'Streets of Laredo' - TAKE TWO.

I've recorded HERE the more well-known version of 'Streets of Laredo'. Folk song collector, John Lomax, approached an actor by the name of Burl Ives to record some folk songs 'professionally'. In 1941, Mr. Ives recorded 'Streets of Laredo' to the tune of an old ballad, 'The Bard of Armagh', and it has rarely been sung to any other tune since.

In a previous thread, I recently posted another version of 'Streets of Laredo.' It turns out that prior to 1941, most recordings of 'Streets of Laredo' were set to a British sailing ballad, 'Spanish Ladies.' It took me a while to find this other version on YT, but it is apparently the version that I picked up as a youth. You can check out my earlier version HERE

Which version do you prefer?

Anyhoooo - any and all comments and suggestions for improving either of the performances are most welcome.

Steve

[flatbaroque]

Yep i'm going with your new version Steve.It's the one my old ears are used too.I think you did a better job on this one too.Good one.

[PlaysGuitar]

hi Steve, I'm with Flatbaroque here, I think you've nailed this - again, excellent use of different sorts of fingerstyle techniques - btw what were you doing in the chorus? - gave a very nice ebb and flow of musical energy. You did a great job with #1, but the traditional one is better in terms of musicianship. Theres also something that is more compelling with the 'bard of Armagh melody. Really glad you shared this. Steve.

cheers

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by flatbaroque

Yep i'm going with your new version Steve.It's the one my old ears are used too.I think you did a better job on this one too.Good one.

Hi FB,

I appreciate your kind words. Yeah, there is just something that is more pleasing about the Bard of Armagh tune, I don't think it's just because it's the more familiar tune.

steve

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by PlaysGuitar

hi Steve, I'm with Flatbaroque here, I think you've nailed this - again, excellent use of different sorts of fingerstyle techniques - btw what were you doing in the chorus? - gave a very nice ebb and flow of musical energy. You did a great job with #1, but the traditional one is better in terms of musicianship. Theres also something that is more compelling with the 'bard of Armagh melody. Really glad you shared this. Steve.

cheers

Hi PG,

Thanks for your encouragement. Yes, there is just something better about the melody line, isn't there.

On the chorus, I plucked all the strings on beat 1, then a little tap on mostly the treble strings with the backs of the fingernails on beat 2 and 3.

steve

[gibbyguy]

I like this new version Steve. You did a good job on it. The guitar sounds great too! Thanks for sharing, Ed

[BUDSTER]

Steve, I would go with version 2 as well. This is such a classic song it just seemed to fit.

Bud

[YamaYairi]

I liked the "new" version better. You did a nice job, especially the finger picking style. Actually my favorite version of this song is the parody, "The Streets Of Miami" by Alan Sherman.

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by gibbyguy

I like this new version Steve. You did a good job on it. The guitar sounds great too! Thanks for sharing, Ed

Hi Ed, glad you enjoyed it. Your feedback means a lot! And thanks for your vote - it seems to be a landslide

Steve

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by BUDSTER

Steve, I would go with version 2 as well. This is such a classic song it just seemed to fit.

Bud

Hi Bud, thanks for your vote, my friend. Yeah, I guess you can't mess with a classic

steve

[M19]

I like this one:

[Scootch]

I like the older version, however no one is going to expect it.

You just can't go against Burl Ives.

[Bob1131]

I, too, like the Burl Ives version the best! Nicely done, Steve!

[kydave]

Try listening to what I'd consider the definitive version:

Streets of Laredo

Marty Robbins

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by YamaYairi

I liked the "new" version better. You did a nice job, especially the finger picking style. Actually my favorite version of this song is the parody, "The Streets Of Miami" by Alan Sherman.

Thanks for your kind words, Warren. I had not heard this parody before - it's funny.

Steve