Both artists have been amongst my very favorites since I first discovered them in my late teens/early twenties. Nanci, in particular, is in that rare class of artists I dub "unicorns" for the combination of her clearly supreme musical gifts and the joyful, magical aura that enveloped her as a performer. With that said, my favorite part of this video, as a life long attender of protestant, mostly white churches, is seeing her clap on the 2 and the 4 while Richard is playing!
If this isn't pure magic, pure greatness, pure ecstacy, and you don't hear it, well, I am sorry for you. This is simply everything that a great song can be. My lord, just listen to the guitar playing alone. How does one man make one instrument sound like an orchestra? And Nanci contributes a stone cold perfect backup. And then the incredible poetic lyrics. A full novel in one song. One gift that I have. I can recognize genius when I hear it. This is genius.
I have watched a lot of music videos in my time but to see Nanci Griffith's smile is to me what music is all about. She is having a ball, music can bring so much joy. Fantastic video thank you.
Nanci Griffith is certainly not "wasted" as some youtube comments suggest...Her breathless sighing in harmony gives the song an "other-wordliness" that catapults it into another dimension of singing...Great song, beautifully done!
"Wasted"? Certainly not. The song just isn't meant to be played by more than Richard Thompson and his guitar. Ms. Griffith's unique and thoughtful contribution was the perfect addition. Any more would have diminished the performance, not enhanced it. I'm sure there was another song or two where she did more.
Nanci Griffith always outshines anyone else on stage even if she is supposedly just singing back up. Just wanna see and hear more of her. She was loved so much more than she knew.
She sang the ONLY back up that would have worked with this song. There is no where to fit in a lyrical harmony, but what she added and when she added it was the ONLY thing that would have worked -- and work, it did! That smile on her face was the bonus frosting on the cake of a GREAT song!
I have this program recorded on VHS tape. The VHS player hasn't been hooked up for years, so thank you "hclee" for uploading it. I love this version, most especially Nanci's ghostly whispers. And that brilliant smile part way through. Given Nanci's own experience with tragic motorcycle deaths, I can help think she's reliving some of her own past part way through.
Its under rehearsed, as RT often is. He plays for fun, loves collaborating, is loved by fellow Musos This was never meant for general release, its a live gig which like all of his are unique. The guy is a genius, cherish it.
I'm a big fan of Del McCoury and of Del singing this song...but Thompson and Griffith do a terrific, soulful, and awesome version of this...and neither version is "better" than the other...After a certain degree of greatness, one great version is as great as another1
I have loved this song since I bought Rumour and Sigh on vinyl all those years ago. I have a number of Nanci Griffith's albums too. I'm not sure what she adds but this is a great version of the song.
To my mechanical ear RTs playing somewhat mimics the valves and pistons clattering and dancing in a big old Vincent V-twin engine. Thus NG's otherworldly singing reminds me of a more modern smooth high-reving superbike! Both just as deadly in the wrong hands
I can hear the mechanical cacophony of the old Vincent bike’s engine & the speed and urgency in RT’s voice. Added to this is Nancy’s ethereal tones that could be the “angels on Ariels”…
instead of watching the video if looking at them distracts you, look at something else and listen to the song. the backing vocals work. it's just that we expect a backing singer to sing along rather than do this, but it works for the song.
To see her real joy in singing, check out the live version of her singing Banks of the Pontchartrain. It's on RUclips. The recorded version is on here, too, but it's nothing compared to the live.
Citgo on Soundcloud and look up Mary Beth Bowman 1952 Vincent Black Lightning and there's the ride you need and the sound of a voice you need she's just like probably pissed off that you're not sharing the song with her so she said oh I'll just fuck it up then which sucks for her anyways wish you a good life
Please, let me clear this up. Del's version is wonderful. Richard's version is equally wonderful. but the lonesome harmony by Patty G. in this version puts this particular version out of the park. It's in a category all by itself. If this doesn't send chills up your backside I feel sorry for you. Think about this- how would you sing harmony with RT on this song? It is by far the best thing since sliced bread.
either you need to share this song with her and let her sing the girl part of the lyric as a duet I give up a little bit of control and it picked up the guitar as beautifully as you do and you have a beautiful voice and your fucking hot saree
You would change the lyrics? Are you crazy? The one "and I don't mind dyin', but for the love of you" is perfect. Your suggestion is not even close to that.
most beautifully written actually did you just buy the rights to the song because I do believe it was written by the Del mccoury Brothers as in Sergeant McCrary
No. Del McCoury Band did an excellent bluegrass cover of the Richard Thomas written song. The bluegrass version might be better know in this country. Del changed a few words here and there to replace Brit places and motorcycle brands with US versions.
I've heard the Del McCoury version and it's nice, but bland when compared the that of the writer of the song, Mr. Thompson. Thompson's voice and guitar skills just give it the energy that is required by the lyrics.
Del's version is an abomination. It is horrible, it should never have been recorded, never been sung. It is the musical equivalent of a partial birth abortion. And I say this as bluegrass fan and banjo player for the past 30 years. Thompson's version is the only one that even needs be heard.
What about Sean Rowe? ruclips.net/video/CrGOs1a1lOk/видео.html I wish she would have done some of the Red Molly lines in the beginning, and some of the narration, and some more interesting harmonies... rather than just moaning. I did like what she added to Richard's song, but I was hoping for more of her from a duet. Not better... just more.
I might have been in that audience, she was great as a musician but her politics were plainly stupid, she never understood that the distribution of wealth must be according to value, and anyone can win, but no one wins when you take from the best and give to the worst
![Nanci Griffith & Richard Thompson - Wall of Death [7-26-97]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/g706diyi9Xc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Nanci Griffith & Richard Thompson - Wall of Death [7-26-97]](/img/tr.png)
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Dust in the eyes again. Superb, and a delightful duet. RIP Nanci.
Just watching Nanci makes my day.God speed you beautiful person.
And a great track by the sublime Richard Thompson too
I’ve always loved this performance. Nanci’s smile half way through gets me every time. Thanks for uploading this treat.
RIP Nanci Griffith. Another one of the greats gone.
RT & NG on the same stage!! - Never thought I would see or hear my favourites together - Long live Richard, RIP much missed Nanci G
For understandable reasons, nobody plays this tune as well Richard. And Nancy, may you Rest In Peace. You were a treasure.
Amazing version! This song *always* makes me cry.
This is fantastic. I love Nanci Griffith. I think her ethereal backup on this song is perfect.
Both artists have been amongst my very favorites since I first discovered them in my late teens/early twenties. Nanci, in particular, is in that rare class of artists I dub "unicorns" for the combination of her clearly supreme musical gifts and the joyful, magical aura that enveloped her as a performer. With that said, my favorite part of this video, as a life long attender of protestant, mostly white churches, is seeing her clap on the 2 and the 4 while Richard is playing!
If this isn't pure magic, pure greatness, pure ecstacy, and you don't hear it, well, I am sorry for you. This is simply everything that a great song can be. My lord, just listen to the guitar playing alone. How does one man make one instrument sound like an orchestra? And Nanci contributes a stone cold perfect backup. And then the incredible poetic lyrics. A full novel in one song. One gift that I have. I can recognize genius when I hear it. This is genius.
So sad that Nanci has left us. Thank dog we have videos such as this to visit.
I have watched a lot of music videos in my time but to see Nanci Griffith's smile is to me what music is all about. She is having a ball, music can bring so much joy. Fantastic video thank you.
Nanci Griffith is certainly not "wasted" as some youtube comments suggest...Her breathless sighing in harmony gives the song an "other-wordliness" that catapults it into another dimension of singing...Great song, beautifully done!
I totally agree. The background sighs by Griffith really elevate the song.
"Wasted"? Certainly not. The song just isn't meant to be played by more than Richard Thompson and his guitar. Ms. Griffith's unique and thoughtful contribution was the perfect addition. Any more would have diminished the performance, not enhanced it. I'm sure there was another song or two where she did more.
Less is more
Nanci Griffith always outshines anyone else on stage even if she is supposedly just singing back up. Just wanna see and hear more of her. She was loved so much more than she knew.
I love them both. Nancy lost her prom date in a motorcycle accident. I’m sure this song resonates with her.
I think this is my favorite version of this song. His unique guitar playing actually makes this a trio, it's awesome!
what can i say, it doesn't come much better than that,absolutely top class.
MAGNIFICENT! I had tears. What tone-deaf, misbegotten, benighted oafs gave this the thumbs down? I WEEP! I DESPAIR!
Absolutely agree with you about the "lonesome harmony" by Nanci Griffith...Makes this gritty song sound ethereal...haunting...beautiful!
She sang the ONLY back up that would have worked with this song. There is no where to fit in a lyrical harmony, but what she added and when she added it was the ONLY thing that would have worked -- and work, it did! That smile on her face was the bonus frosting on the cake of a GREAT song!
I love what she's doing here. It adds a dimension that allows RT to be really fierce with the vocals.
I have this program recorded on VHS tape. The VHS player hasn't been hooked up for years, so thank you "hclee" for uploading it. I love this version, most especially Nanci's ghostly whispers. And that brilliant smile part way through. Given Nanci's own experience with tragic motorcycle deaths, I can help think she's reliving some of her own past part way through.
One of the best songs ever. Nice version
Its under rehearsed, as RT often is. He plays for fun, loves collaborating, is loved by fellow Musos This was never meant for general release, its a live gig which like all of his are unique. The guy is a genius, cherish it.
Two legends well matched.
Yeah they were!
I'm a big fan of Del McCoury and of Del singing this song...but Thompson and Griffith do a terrific, soulful, and awesome version of this...and neither version is "better" than the other...After a certain degree of greatness, one great version is as great as another1
I love this version and haven't heard it since 1999, Thanks so much for the upload.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of music!
I have loved this song since I bought Rumour and Sigh on vinyl all those years ago. I have a number of Nanci Griffith's albums too. I'm not sure what she adds but this is a great version of the song.
She didn't do much, but what she did was damned good.
Oh so nice to see Nanci here. A national treasure
angels on Ariels in leather & chrome , swooping down from heaven to carry me home..........
To my mechanical ear RTs playing somewhat mimics the valves and pistons clattering and dancing in a big old Vincent V-twin engine. Thus NG's otherworldly singing reminds me of a more modern smooth high-reving superbike! Both just as deadly in the wrong hands
I can hear the mechanical cacophony of the old Vincent bike’s engine & the speed and urgency in RT’s voice.
Added to this is Nancy’s ethereal tones that could be the “angels on Ariels”…
instead of watching the video if looking at them distracts you, look at something else and listen to the song. the backing vocals work. it's just that we expect a backing singer to sing along rather than do this, but it works for the song.
To see her real joy in singing, check out the live version of her singing Banks of the Pontchartrain. It's on RUclips. The recorded version is on here, too, but it's nothing compared to the live.
Here Richard was at the height of his fingerpicking powers. Perfection with an axe.
Nanci was put in the position of improving on perfection. You could do no better.
Nanci's "interpretive dance" is what makes this the best version of the song...
Lightning picking from RT and great backup from Nancy
Agree....you summed it up...
on a closing now I was still added you to my OT Baka only the best list
Man that feels a lot older than 1997.
Be in peace, Nanci
EXCELLENT
Yeah, ..... Nanci Griffith left that show looking for a Vincent to climb aboard.
I give you my Vinnnnnnnnnnccccccccceeeeent...to ride.
I think you mean Nanci G. It's Nanci Griffith singing the harmony. And, I completely agree, it makes it a particularly fantastic version.
Agree with previous poster; Griffith is just sighing occasionally and coming in on the last syllable.. But what a Great song!
Chills. It does.
Wow.
Sessions at W 54th I believe? I loved that show....
This song is sad !
RIP Nanci
perfect
these comments don't mean a lot less you love Vincents
Citgo on Soundcloud and look up Mary Beth Bowman 1952 Vincent Black Lightning and there's the ride you need and the sound of a voice you need she's just like probably pissed off that you're not sharing the song with her so she said oh I'll just fuck it up then which sucks for her anyways wish you a good life
Want to hear the best version ever ? Check out Julia Haltigan.
I checked it out. Not even close. No one does it better than Richard Thompson.
I want to hear RT do this with Emmylou Harris. Until that happens, this will do nicely.
Whatever happened to Nanci Griffith?
She just passed away 😭🕯
Please, let me clear this up. Del's version is wonderful. Richard's version is equally wonderful. but the lonesome harmony by Patty G. in this version puts this particular version out of the park. It's in a category all by itself. If this doesn't send chills up your backside I feel sorry for you. Think about this- how would you sing harmony with RT on this song? It is by far the best thing since sliced bread.
jccully - Patti G woulda been great, but that is indeed Nancy Griffith
either you need to share this song with her and let her sing the girl part of the lyric as a duet I give up a little bit of control and it picked up the guitar as beautifully as you do and you have a beautiful voice and your fucking hot saree
sliced bread has NO CHANCE up against this
I was change the lyrics that goes and I don't mind dying if all my living is through
You would change the lyrics? Are you crazy? The one "and I don't mind dyin', but for the love of you" is perfect. Your suggestion is not even close to that.
most beautifully written actually did you just buy the rights to the song because I do believe it was written by the Del mccoury Brothers as in Sergeant McCrary
No. Del McCoury Band did an excellent bluegrass cover of the Richard Thomas written song. The bluegrass version might be better know in this country. Del changed a few words here and there to replace Brit places and motorcycle brands with US versions.
This song was written by Richard Thompson, who is a brilliant British musician and writer
I've heard the Del McCoury version and it's nice, but bland when compared the that of the writer of the song, Mr. Thompson. Thompson's voice and guitar skills just give it the energy that is required by the lyrics.
mccoury
You did so well till you got to the second to the last line.
Del's version is an abomination. It is horrible, it should never have been recorded, never been sung. It is the musical equivalent of a partial birth abortion. And I say this as bluegrass fan and banjo player for the past 30 years. Thompson's version is the only one that even needs be heard.
What about Sean Rowe? ruclips.net/video/CrGOs1a1lOk/видео.html
I wish she would have done some of the Red Molly lines in the beginning, and some of the narration, and some more interesting harmonies... rather than just moaning. I did like what she added to Richard's song, but I was hoping for more of her from a duet. Not better... just more.
It always annoyed me that he changed the city to "Knoxville" in a song proliferated with classic British bikes.
A little harsh, but I do agree with the last sentence.
I was disappointed. A mandolin, guitar or even a fiddle but a banjo has no business being within a hundred feet of this beautiful piece of music.
I don't know Nanci Griffith but her part seems rather extraterrestial here. Doesn't really fit. If she dyed her hair red at least...
Terrible texting
I might have been in that audience, she was great as a musician but her politics were plainly stupid, she never understood that the distribution of wealth must be according to value, and anyone can win, but no one wins when you take from the best and give to the worst
To think she was speaking so highly of you just the other day.
sounds like some chick just watching him whilst she's whacked out on drugs and going "yeah i wanna sing the song but I haven't a clue how it goes".
No thanks. Ruined it for me.