Jeff Bridges, The Man in Me

Posted in Bob Dylan, Jeff Bridges, Youtube Favs on May 31st, 2011 by Willie

For part 77 of my countdown, I got Jeff Bridges performing “The Man in Me” at a Lebowski Fest in Los Angeles.  The song of course was featured beautifully in the Coen Brothers ultra cult classic, “The Big Lebowski,” when the Dude is riding that magic rug.  Dylan wrote this song for his 1970 LP New Morning.  It’s a gorgeous folk rock ballad about love from a man’s perspective, featuring an aching lead vocal and beautiful background vocals.  I think it’s one of Bob’s more touching melodies, and I’m glad its popularity is enhanced by its inclusion in the film.  Jeff Bridges does a really good job crooning this, and it speaks highly to his character to attend a Lebowski Fest and give his fans something so personal and fun.  So, check this video out, and share it with your friends, its really great.

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Skip James, Chris Thomas King, Hard Time Killing Floor Blues

Posted in Chris Thomas King, Skip James, Youtube Favs on May 15th, 2011 by Willie

Hi, its part 63 of my youtube countdown is completely awesome.  Big set up I know, but I got “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues,” a legendary blues song written and performed by delta bluesman Skip James, and Chris Thomas King, who helped make the song famous for its inclusion in the “O Brother Where Art Thou” movie, playing it live.  Now Skip was one of the original bluesmen from the delta region in Mississippi who recorded in the 30s, but faded into obscurity because his records didn’t sell.  He was rediscovered in the 60s, like many great delta bluesman from his era (think Son House), and  appeared at the Newport Folk Festival.  He died a few years later in 1969.  Skip’s personality was moody and distant, and it was reflected in his music, often featuring a minor guitar key style.  “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues,” is a masterpiece example of this style and resonance; an utterly tortured song about drifting and searching for work door to door.  Chris Thomas King, along with the Coen Brothers, revitalized the track for “O Brother Where Art Thou.”  Check out these two performances, the first of Skip’s original recording, and the second King playing it live in the present day.

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