As far as ship-wreck-disaster songs go, this one is certainly up there in overall quality, I invite you to check out Gordon's friend and fellow folkie/songrwiter Phil Ochs' offering "The Thresher" and "The Scorpion departs but never returns". RIP to all of them
Never released as a single; only recording on any album - aside from compilations - was on the 1969 live album "Sunday Concert". Not getting any radio play meant very few people got the chance to hear this great song.
This is a great Gord song; I was on a cruise ship a few years ago; as we were in the sea going to the islands; this song came into my head; It replayed dozens of times…
The Sunday Concert version was on the first Lightfoot album i owned. I love that recording dearly. This is the first time i have listened to a different take of "Ballad Of the Yarmouth Castle" and i cannot describe how much I appreciate this. Thank you.
So grateful for your channel. These Lightfoot songs are pure gold. I’ve listened to it on the live album “Sunday Concert.” Wonderful to listen to this! Thanks!
Thank You for posting this version of the "Ballad of The Yarmouth Castle"; I figured out the appeal of this song, it is reminiscent of a Bob Dylan song that unfortunately the title doesn't come to mind BUT might be on the HIGHWAY 61 album or from the JOHN WESLEY HARDING album but it could have been from an earlier album. This make total sense because both debuted at the same time and Gordon Lightfoot was in fact living and working in NYC by day writing jingles on Madison Ave, for a big Advertising Company by day but was hawking his songs to record companies like CBS, and Columbia RCA at the same time when Dylan debuted in NYC. When Record Execs discovered Lightfoot had a really good voice they decided to take a chance with him and record his voice rather than assigning the song to another on contract. They saw him as a Canadian Bob Dylan, but with a much smoother voice. I'm sure he Dylan likely they crossed paths many times here in NYC, San Francisco, and Nashville the 60's. Cheers from NYC!!!
I don't know about the Dylan connection but Gordon was in an open shipwreck-songwriting contest with Phil Ochs (The Thresher, The Scorpion Departs But Never Returns), while covering his "Changes" to great effect. They were friends and I think the newspaper-style lyrics are no coincidence
Thank you for this! I've never heard this version before and with stand up bass by the sound of it. For fans of this song I'd recommend George Hamilton IV version, it's fantastic as well.
This has always been one of my favourites. I could never understand why it didn't become way more popular. I still like it better than "The Wreck ..."
As far as ship-wreck-disaster songs go, this one is certainly up there in overall quality, I invite you to check out Gordon's friend and fellow folkie/songrwiter Phil Ochs' offering "The Thresher" and "The Scorpion departs but never returns". RIP to all of them
Never released as a single; only recording on any album - aside from compilations - was on the 1969 live album "Sunday Concert". Not getting any radio play meant very few people got the chance to hear this great song.
Me too!
The explanation, along with the bass, makes this version epic. Way underrated a true masterpiece.
No-one painted imagery with a pen like Gordon. My first time hearing this song. A haunting tale.
So true, one can picture the scene. In my opinion the greatest songwriter in Canadian history.
This is a great Gord song; I was on a cruise ship a few years ago; as we were in the sea going to the islands; this song came into my head; It replayed dozens of times…
The Sunday Concert version was on the first Lightfoot album i owned. I love that recording dearly. This is the first time i have listened to a different take of "Ballad Of the Yarmouth Castle" and i cannot describe how much I appreciate this. Thank you.
Ditto!
My parent and my Aunt and Uncle were on this ship. They all survived fortunately. Thank you for this tribute.
Thank God💜
After this event the captain of the ship started a restaurant in New York. He had passed around 2010 and was never punished...
Thanks for posting this - I've only heard the one on Sunday Concert. Never saw him do it live, either.
Probably my favorite version of this song, love his explanation at the beginning
Impeccable story
first time I've heard this. wonderful as usual
So grateful for your channel. These Lightfoot songs are pure gold. I’ve listened to it on the live album “Sunday Concert.” Wonderful to listen to this! Thanks!
A beautiful song telling a heartbreaking story. Thank you for posting
Interesting to hear this version, thank you for uploading it.
This is so great! Thank you for posting.
He was great from the start - thanks for sharing!
Oh I think this better than the Sunday Concert version. Thanks for this!
Thank You for posting this version of the "Ballad of The Yarmouth Castle"; I figured out the appeal of this song, it is reminiscent of a Bob Dylan song that unfortunately the title doesn't come to mind BUT might be on the HIGHWAY 61 album or from the JOHN WESLEY HARDING album but it could have been from an earlier album. This make total sense because both debuted at the same time and Gordon Lightfoot was in fact living and working in NYC by day writing jingles on Madison Ave, for a big Advertising Company by day but was hawking his songs to record companies like CBS, and Columbia RCA at the same time when Dylan debuted in NYC. When Record Execs discovered Lightfoot had a really good voice they decided to take a chance with him and record his voice rather than assigning the song to another on contract. They saw him as a Canadian Bob Dylan, but with a much smoother voice. I'm sure he Dylan likely they crossed paths many times here in NYC, San Francisco, and Nashville the 60's. Cheers from NYC!!!
I don't know about the Dylan connection but Gordon was in an open shipwreck-songwriting contest with Phil Ochs (The Thresher, The Scorpion Departs But Never Returns), while covering his "Changes" to great effect. They were friends and I think the newspaper-style lyrics are no coincidence
Thank you for this! I've never heard this version before and with stand up bass by the sound of it. For fans of this song I'd recommend George Hamilton IV version, it's fantastic as well.
❤️
This ballad should have received air play - a rediscovered GEM . 🛳️🛟⚓️💎
Awesome Dave!!!
Thank Mickey
So happy to subscribe😊
This must be the “pre Sunday Concert” version. His voice is not as muddy there. Anyways my 9th favourite Lightfoot tube of all time!!!
sounds very much like an FM-broadcast with added dynamic compression, which helps in perceived clarity..
Yes, three years before Sunday
Concert.
I like the other version better, you can feel it in your heart the other way he sings it.
Was before Red joined him Dave?
Toured with him from 1965-71.
Gord knew he was doing when he didn't put this one out...