One drawback of listening to Lightfoot...

[lazymorning]

...is that consequently a lot of other music starts to sound like crap! Seriously, the more I listen to Gordon the more other artists seem flimsy in comparison. How is it lyrics that once seemed somewhat meaningful to me are now shallower than a kiddie pool?! And melodies that once intrigued me now pale in comparison to Gordons simplistic yet brilliant arrangements.

No doubt one of the factors for me is that a lot of the music of my generation has little substance to offer, and so now after discovering Lightfoot, the bar has been raised, so to speak.

I wonder, has anyone else experienced this phenomena?? :confused: :)

[ July 23, 2006, 11:34: Message edited by: Jennifer ]

[Jennifer]

...is that consequently a lot of other music starts to sound like crap! Seriously, the more I listen to Gordon the more other artists seem flimsy in comparison. How is it lyrics that once seemed somewhat meaningful to me are now shallower than a kiddie pool?! And melodies that once intrigued me now pale in comparison to Gordons simplistic yet brilliant arrangements.

No doubt one of the factors for me is that a lot of the music of my generation has little substance to offer, and so now after discovering Lightfoot, the bar has been raised, so to speak.

I wonder, has anyone else experienced this phenomena?? :confused: :)

[ July 23, 2006, 11:34: Message edited by: Jennifer ]

[charlene]

oh yeah Jennifer...it's been that way for me for 36 years.
other than Kris Kristofferson the other mainstay of the music in my life has been Lightfoot.
The best always remains so.....
Few artists have even come close - recently I found a few but it's always Lightfoot who they are measured against.

[charlene]

oh yeah Jennifer...it's been that way for me for 36 years.
other than Kris Kristofferson the other mainstay of the music in my life has been Lightfoot.
The best always remains so.....
Few artists have even come close - recently I found a few but it's always Lightfoot who they are measured against.

[Doug]

Same here Jennifer. With most other Artists, after I listening to a few songs on a CD, I just have enough. It's either the same old stuff over and over again or it does hurt my ears and brain...
I never experienced that with Gordons music. I can listen to it for hours without being bored. But I also "discovered" him pretty late in my life, just a very few years ago but I'm so glad I did!!

[Claudia]

Same here Jennifer. With most other Artists, after I listening to a few songs on a CD, I just have enough. It's either the same old stuff over and over again or it does hurt my ears and brain...
I never experienced that with Gordons music. I can listen to it for hours without being bored. But I also "discovered" him pretty late in my life, just a very few years ago but I'm so glad I did!!

[New 12 String Mike]

Jennifer,

Its so good that you have discovered Gord. He is one of the few folks whose music has remained fresh through the years. Few of his songs are so timely that they fade as times and tastes change.

He really has the knack for saying something, and playing something, that doesn't seem outdated.

Many of us, I'm sure, have had some of his song meanings "alter" a bit for us as we've grown older and our perspectives on life change, but we still listen and the songs stick with us.

I hope, and I know many others here join me, that his songs will do the same for you.

[Shutup and Deal, I'm Losin']

Originally posted by Jennifer:
...is that consequently a lot of other music starts to sound like crap! Seriously, the more I listen to Gordon the more other artists seem flimsy in comparison. How is it lyrics that once seemed somewhat meaningful to me are now shallower than a kiddie pool?! And melodies that once intrigued me now pale in comparison to Gordons simplistic yet brilliant arrangements.

No doubt one of the factors for me is that a lot of the music of my generation has little substance to offer, and so now after discovering Lightfoot, the bar has been raised, so to speak.

I wonder, has anyone else experienced this phenomena?? :confused: :) Not so with Johnny Cash. They're equally good.

What's good though is whenever I get that "burnout" on some of his songs (some of you on here never get burned out on music you've listened to for too long, and you're veeery very lucky), I listen to some of the lesser artists. After I get used to them, I start listening to Gord again, and it hits me how much better he is compared to those others.

Snoop Dogg, Young Jeezy, Scooter, and Floorian (there's actually a band with that name :eek: ) don't have a chance at comparing.

[Jesse Joe]

Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:)

[Jesse Joe]

Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:)

[Iron]

Neither a leader or follower be
Neither a lender or borrower be
He chose His path and stuck to it.
What more can we say..

[talbot10]

Originally posted by charlene:
oh yeah Jennifer...it's been that way for me for 36 years.
other than Kris Kristofferson the other mainstay of the music in my life has been Lightfoot.
The best always remains so.....
Few artists have even come close - recently I found a few but it's always Lightfoot who they are measured against. Kris is a darn good Actor too Charzo!
I really thought he was great in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" I love that 12 string Martin he played for years as well. A great artist all around!
Bill

[Wesley]

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states?

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states?

[Daylight Matty]

Originally posted by Jennifer:
...is that consequently a lot of other music starts to sound like crap! Seriously, the more I listen to Gordon the more other artists seem flimsy in comparison. How is it lyrics that once seemed somewhat meaningful to me are now shallower than a kiddie pool?! And melodies that once intrigued me now pale in comparison to Gordons simplistic yet brilliant arrangements.

No doubt one of the factors for me is that a lot of the music of my generation has little substance to offer, and so now after discovering Lightfoot, the bar has been raised, so to speak.

I wonder, has anyone else experienced this phenomena?? :confused: :) I agree with you again Jen, I've caught myself comparing artists to him and very few live up to my expectations. I always read lyrics and look to see who wrote them. Did the singer write them or did they buy them. I believe there is a difference in an entertainer and an artist. I like artists that write and sing about their lives and experiences. Thats what I buy. In my opinion Gord is the best at painting a picture and telling a story in a way that many cannot but some of my other favorite singers/writers that I have grown to love are Elton John, Rod Stewart, Robert Smith (The Cure), Merle Haggard, Christopher Cross, John Bon Jovi, etc. I love all types as you can see but entertainers are not my cup of tea.

[Janice]

Originally posted by Affair on Touhy Ave.:
quote:Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states? [/QUOTE]I think there might be more than "that" which you're not getting here, Touhy. It wasn't Jesse-Joe or his not moving to the States that was commented on. Not that I quite understand the relevence to the topic, but Jesse-Joe was quoting a conversation between Lightfoot and some unknown individual about why Lightfoot never moved to the states (although, Jesse-Joe, if I'm not mistaken, Lightfoot did live here for some period of time years ago)

[Jesse Joe]

Originally posted by Affair on Touhy Ave.:
quote:Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states? [/QUOTE]

[Jesse Joe]

Originally posted by Affair on Touhy Ave.:
quote:Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states? [/QUOTE]

[Jesse Joe]

Originally posted by Affair on Touhy Ave.:
quote:Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states? [/QUOTE]

[Jesse Joe]

Originally posted by Affair on Touhy Ave.:
quote:Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Gordon Lightfoot is in a class by himself. When he was asked in the mid 70's, "Why did you never move to the states, and become a Big Star, like so many other Canadians have done?"

Lightfoot replied, 'You know I never had the desire to become, like another Kenny Rogers.'

COOL, DUDE, MAGICAL, GENIUS, MAN...Jesse.

:) I don't get that. Why didn't you move to the states? [/QUOTE]

[Jesse Joe]

Touhy Ave, I never moved to the states, because I never had to. I was born Canadian, and I am proud to be Canadian.

There was a time when Canadian Artist(signers), had to move to the states, in order to make it big.

More population I guess was the prime reason. There was just not enough people in Canada. Neil Young, once said. There's only so much places you can play in Canada. There's just not enough population. Goverment, with the CRTC,rules and regulation at that time, also had a role to play in it. Radio Stations in Canada were only allowed to play so much of Canadian content. Dont ask me to explain that one I dont know enough about it.

But artist like, Paul Anka, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, David Foster, and many more, too numerous to mentioned, all headed South in order for there careers to really flourished.

Gordon Lightfoot never did, he proved that you could make it big in the world, and remain at home.

Anne Murray was pressured so much, to move to the states, when her career got in motion, to become a Mega Star. But she also decide not too, after seeing that Gord had proven, you could stay at home, and still make it.

At some point in Canadian history, maybe around the 1900's, ordinary people that would leave Canada for a less strugling life, elsewhere in other country's like USA, were called deserters.

Today things have change somewhat. But for you people that never heard of this, you should do some searching, readings, on the country of Canada.

There are probably some people on this site that could explain this better than I did. Because I dont know everything there is to know about this subject. Not an expert, far from it.

Bottom line is, Gordon Lightfoot never had the desire to become a mega star like ,let's say Celine Dion, Paul Anka who did it his way.{LOL} eh! Charlene. Gordon would have made a lot more money had he chose that path, but maybe wouldn't be as happy. "That's a proud Canadian".

I can only speak for myself here, but that's one big reason why I like Gordon Lightfoot so much.

{Heart Of Gold,30 Years of Canadian Pop music by, Martin Melhuish}, would be a good book to read, it says a lot about this very subject.Why bands who had to move to the states. And lots more. Ronnie Hawkins did the exact opposite. And he for an American, pushes Canadian talent a lot.

I hope I shed a little light on this topic, but please feel free to ask some other Canadian Corfidians, who may be able to explain this better. Im sure they can...Jesse.

:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Janice, I didn't want to leave you in the dark, but I can't recall Gordon Lightfoot ever living in the states. Not saying maybe for some months like a lots of canucks do in the winter time. Florida, to enjoy the better whether. But Im pretty sure he's not an American citizen. Not that theres anything wrong with that...Jesse :)

[ July 24, 2006, 06:09: Message edited by: Jesse -Joe ]

[Jesse Joe]

Touhy Ave, I never moved to the states, because I never had to. I was born Canadian, and I am proud to be Canadian.

There was a time when Canadian Artist(signers), had to move to the states, in order to make it big.

More population I guess was the prime reason. There was just not enough people in Canada. Neil Young, once said. There's only so much places you can play in Canada. There's just not enough population. Goverment, with the CRTC,rules and regulation at that time, also had a role to play in it. Radio Stations in Canada were only allowed to play so much of Canadian content. Dont ask me to explain that one I dont know enough about it.

But artist like, Paul Anka, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, David Foster, and many more, too numerous to mentioned, all headed South in order for there careers to really flourished.

Gordon Lightfoot never did, he proved that you could make it big in the world, and remain at home.

Anne Murray was pressured so much, to move to the states, when her career got in motion, to become a Mega Star. But she also decide not too, after seeing that Gord had proven, you could stay at home, and still make it.

At some point in Canadian history, maybe around the 1900's, ordinary people that would leave Canada for a less strugling life, elsewhere in other country's like USA, were called deserters.

Today things have change somewhat. But for you people that never heard of this, you should do some searching, readings, on the country of Canada.

There are probably some people on this site that could explain this better than I did. Because I dont know everything there is to know about this subject. Not an expert, far from it.

Bottom line is, Gordon Lightfoot never had the desire to become a mega star like ,let's say Celine Dion, Paul Anka who did it his way.{LOL} eh! Charlene. Gordon would have made a lot more money had he chose that path, but maybe wouldn't be as happy. "That's a proud Canadian".

I can only speak for myself here, but that's one big reason why I like Gordon Lightfoot so much.

{Heart Of Gold,30 Years of Canadian Pop music by, Martin Melhuish}, would be a good book to read, it says a lot about this very subject.Why bands who had to move to the states. And lots more. Ronnie Hawkins did the exact opposite. And he for an American, pushes Canadian talent a lot.

I hope I shed a little light on this topic, but please feel free to ask some other Canadian Corfidians, who may be able to explain this better. Im sure they can...Jesse.

:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Janice, I didn't want to leave you in the dark, but I can't recall Gordon Lightfoot ever living in the states. Not saying maybe for some months like a lots of canucks do in the winter time. Florida, to enjoy the better whether. But Im pretty sure he's not an American citizen. Not that theres anything wrong with that...Jesse :)

[ July 24, 2006, 06:09: Message edited by: Jesse -Joe ]

[Auburn Annie]

Here's somebody who hasn't bothered to listen to Gord's music or lyrics. It's a combination rant against "dinosaurs" of the 60s and (mostly) 70s and their idiotic, if fun, lyrics - which carries over to today's "stars". Makes me wonder if the late Arthur Treacher had been cryogenically frozen and recently thawed; for you young'uns, Arthur was a film actor who largely played butlers and in his later years served as a sort of second banana to Merv Griffin [Google if necessary] on his talk show. He had a recurring feature in which he would solemnly recite - to great hilarity in the audience - the lyrics of pop songs.

Anyway....

KC, Sunshine Band, bad lyrics return
Sunday, July 23, 2006
By John Sinkevics
The Grand Rapids Press
To think these lyrics have stood the test of time:

"Shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your booty! Shake your booty! Oh, shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your booty!"

Or revel in these classic lines (try reading them out loud for full effect):

"Oh, that's the way, I like it, that's the way, I like it, that's the way, I like it; Say OK, that's the way, that's the way, that's the way, I like it, that's the way, I like it; doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo"

Doo-doo, indeed, thus proving there really are good reasons for kids to get sooo embarrassed by stuff their parents grew up with.

So, it was with some horror, nearly choking on my morning bagel, that I discovered those guilty for unleashing these tunes, KC and the Sunshine Band, are back in the spotlight. I figured the giant discotheque in the sky had long ago swallowed Harry "KC" Casey along with his chest-revealing vests and skin-tight purple pants.

But there he was the other day, croaking out his '70s disco hits in New York on "The Today Show." I think I even saw some placard-waving folks in the crowd cheering, though they might have been screaming in agony, it was hard to tell.

Look, I know we all have -- and frantically try to hide -- our guilty-pleasure pop heroes, but KC and the Sunshine Band? What's next? A return to white belts and polyester leisure suits? His Web site proclaims proudly in misspelled fashion: "Shaking Bootys Since 73." I don't know about you, but I worry what 33 years of booty shaking has done to the digestive systems of KC's fans, not to mention the joists under their living room floors.

True, KC isn't the only act trying to relive old glories this summer and capitalize on baby boomers' nostalgic bent. The Who, older than dirt but more deaf, recently announced they'll tour again come September, joining other Jurassic Park escapees Chicago, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Deep Purple, Journey, Earth Wind and Fire, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, The James Gang, Jefferson Starship and Ringo Starr on the road. (What year is this, anyway? 1977?)

And oh yes, the '60s and '70s generated a bonanza of woeful lyrics to rival KC's fiasco-pieces. Neil Diamond gave the world: "I am, I said to no one there, and no one heard at all, not even the chair." Naturally, everyone cites the old stinker "Muskrat Love" ("Muskrat Susie, Muskrat Sam/Do the jitterbug out in muskrat land.")

But I'm relieved to report stupid lyrics aren't just a product of that bygone era: They span generations and genres, with record buyers and music downloaders currently and happily forking over millions to snag repetitive, trite, profane or downright moronic verses by the likes of R. Kelly, Eminem, Puddle of Mudd, Toby Keith and Limp Bizkit.

Take these brilliant lines from rapper Lil' Jon's "Snap Yo Fingers," a fast-rising hit and one of the few Lil' Jon songs with a title that can be printed in a family newspaper:

"Snap ya fingers and do ya step! And you can do it all by yo self! Let me see you do it! Ay! Let me see you do it! Ay! Snap ya fingers and then rock wit it; do it, do it, do it, gon drop wit it."

I think I'll pass, Jon.

Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" is a smorgasbord of groaners: "We'll learn to be together/I'll be there and you'll be near/And that's the deal my dear."

For Shakira, finding rhymes clearly poses challenges, though it's pure genius compared with the sexist, tasteless chart-busters "Ms. New Booty" and "I Love My B*****," which I wouldn't recount here even if I could.

Then there's Yung Joc's "It's Goin' Down," which tops Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts despite incessant repetition and the need for bleeping: "Meet me in the trap, it's goin' down; meet me in the mall, it's goin' down; Meet me in the club, it's goin' down; anywhere you meet me, guaranteed to go down."

Hey, YC, meet me in the elevator, it's goin' down.

And all this gettin' down stuff makes the perfect segue right back into one of KC's big hits: "Get down, get down, get down, get down tonight baby."


Send e-mail to the author: jsinkevics@grpress.com

[Auburn Annie]

Here's somebody who hasn't bothered to listen to Gord's music or lyrics. It's a combination rant against "dinosaurs" of the 60s and (mostly) 70s and their idiotic, if fun, lyrics - which carries over to today's "stars". Makes me wonder if the late Arthur Treacher had been cryogenically frozen and recently thawed; for you young'uns, Arthur was a film actor who largely played butlers and in his later years served as a sort of second banana to Merv Griffin [Google if necessary] on his talk show. He had a recurring feature in which he would solemnly recite - to great hilarity in the audience - the lyrics of pop songs.

Anyway....

KC, Sunshine Band, bad lyrics return
Sunday, July 23, 2006
By John Sinkevics
The Grand Rapids Press
To think these lyrics have stood the test of time:

"Shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your booty! Shake your booty! Oh, shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your booty!"

Or revel in these classic lines (try reading them out loud for full effect):

"Oh, that's the way, I like it, that's the way, I like it, that's the way, I like it; Say OK, that's the way, that's the way, that's the way, I like it, that's the way, I like it; doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo"

Doo-doo, indeed, thus proving there really are good reasons for kids to get sooo embarrassed by stuff their parents grew up with.

So, it was with some horror, nearly choking on my morning bagel, that I discovered those guilty for unleashing these tunes, KC and the Sunshine Band, are back in the spotlight. I figured the giant discotheque in the sky had long ago swallowed Harry "KC" Casey along with his chest-revealing vests and skin-tight purple pants.

But there he was the other day, croaking out his '70s disco hits in New York on "The Today Show." I think I even saw some placard-waving folks in the crowd cheering, though they might have been screaming in agony, it was hard to tell.

Look, I know we all have -- and frantically try to hide -- our guilty-pleasure pop heroes, but KC and the Sunshine Band? What's next? A return to white belts and polyester leisure suits? His Web site proclaims proudly in misspelled fashion: "Shaking Bootys Since 73." I don't know about you, but I worry what 33 years of booty shaking has done to the digestive systems of KC's fans, not to mention the joists under their living room floors.

True, KC isn't the only act trying to relive old glories this summer and capitalize on baby boomers' nostalgic bent. The Who, older than dirt but more deaf, recently announced they'll tour again come September, joining other Jurassic Park escapees Chicago, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Deep Purple, Journey, Earth Wind and Fire, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, The James Gang, Jefferson Starship and Ringo Starr on the road. (What year is this, anyway? 1977?)

And oh yes, the '60s and '70s generated a bonanza of woeful lyrics to rival KC's fiasco-pieces. Neil Diamond gave the world: "I am, I said to no one there, and no one heard at all, not even the chair." Naturally, everyone cites the old stinker "Muskrat Love" ("Muskrat Susie, Muskrat Sam/Do the jitterbug out in muskrat land.")

But I'm relieved to report stupid lyrics aren't just a product of that bygone era: They span generations and genres, with record buyers and music downloaders currently and happily forking over millions to snag repetitive, trite, profane or downright moronic verses by the likes of R. Kelly, Eminem, Puddle of Mudd, Toby Keith and Limp Bizkit.

Take these brilliant lines from rapper Lil' Jon's "Snap Yo Fingers," a fast-rising hit and one of the few Lil' Jon songs with a title that can be printed in a family newspaper:

"Snap ya fingers and do ya step! And you can do it all by yo self! Let me see you do it! Ay! Let me see you do it! Ay! Snap ya fingers and then rock wit it; do it, do it, do it, gon drop wit it."

I think I'll pass, Jon.

Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" is a smorgasbord of groaners: "We'll learn to be together/I'll be there and you'll be near/And that's the deal my dear."

For Shakira, finding rhymes clearly poses challenges, though it's pure genius compared with the sexist, tasteless chart-busters "Ms. New Booty" and "I Love My B*****," which I wouldn't recount here even if I could.

Then there's Yung Joc's "It's Goin' Down," which tops Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts despite incessant repetition and the need for bleeping: "Meet me in the trap, it's goin' down; meet me in the mall, it's goin' down; Meet me in the club, it's goin' down; anywhere you meet me, guaranteed to go down."

Hey, YC, meet me in the elevator, it's goin' down.

And all this gettin' down stuff makes the perfect segue right back into one of KC's big hits: "Get down, get down, get down, get down tonight baby."


Send e-mail to the author: jsinkevics@grpress.com

[Janice]

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Janice, I didn't want to leave you in the dark, but I can't recall Gordon Lightfoot ever living in the states. Not saying maybe for some months like a lots of canucks do in the winter time. Florida, to enjoy the better whether. But Im pretty sure he's not an American citizen. Not that theres anything wrong with that...Jesse :) From the "Biography" section of this web site:

"Biography from:
Encyclopedia of Popular Music Copyright Muze UK Ltd. 1989 - 1998
b. 17 November 1938, Orillia, Ontario, Canada. Lightfoot moved to Los Angeles during the 50s where he studied at Hollywood's Westlake College of Music. Having pursued a short-lived career composing jingles for television, the singer began recording demos of his own compositions which, by 1960, owed a considerable debt to folk singers Pete Seeger and Bob Gibson."

One does not have to be an American citizen to live in this country - there is a difference between living some place and being a citizen of said place (my step-mother has lived in the US for over 20 years and is still very much a Canadian citizen). You said Lightfoot never lived here and I merely pointed out that he did indeed live here - I'm sure he wasn't here for a substantial number of years, but it certainly sounds like it might have been more than just "a few months for better weather."

[Jesse Joe]

Janice,

Neil Young. Joni Mitchell, Michael J. Fox, Jim Carrey. David Foster. And the list could go on and on. They live in the USA, it's there home. They may come to visit once in a while, in Canada to accept Canadian Awards. They alway's say Im proud to be Canadian,(LOL) but love the chance and the opportunity to live and work in the USA.

Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray never did.

Gordon Lightfoot has never considered the United States home.

Anne Murray, has often said, of Canada, "I have travelled all around the world, and I choose to live here, because this is by far the best Country in the world to live in."

Proud Canadians!!!

[ July 24, 2006, 08:37: Message edited by: Jesse -Joe ]

[Jesse Joe]

Janice,

Neil Young. Joni Mitchell, Michael J. Fox, Jim Carrey. David Foster. And the list could go on and on. They live in the USA, it's there home. They may come to visit once in a while, in Canada to accept Canadian Awards. They alway's say Im proud to be Canadian,(LOL) but love the chance and the opportunity to live and work in the USA.

Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray never did.

Gordon Lightfoot has never considered the United States home.

Anne Murray, has often said, of Canada, "I have travelled all around the world, and I choose to live here, because this is by far the best Country in the world to live in."

Proud Canadians!!!

[ July 24, 2006, 08:37: Message edited by: Jesse -Joe ]

[charlene]

He was at Westlake School for one school year I believe and then headed back to Toronto to begin his career.
He studied orchestration, lyric writing etc.
He bunked in with Joni Mitchell in Detroit (maybe Cleveland) once for short stay.

[charlene]

He was at Westlake School for one school year I believe and then headed back to Toronto to begin his career.
He studied orchestration, lyric writing etc.
He bunked in with Joni Mitchell in Detroit (maybe Cleveland) once for short stay.

[Cathy]

That's right. He lived here for two semesters as a student while he went to Westlake. He never changed his citizenship or anything. He's a Canadian and wants to stay that way.

[brink-]

Jesse, Janice never said that he considered the US home. She said he did live here. You didn't put a time limit on how long. He also has a son, Galen, in the LA area. The US was easy to work in, he made a lot of money playing here.
He has said time and again that he is proud to be a Canadian. He probably would have been more popular if he had lived in the US, but, I think he has enough money to retire on.

[charlene]

I think he has enough money to retire on. [/QB]I don't think we need to have a tag day for him.....
lol

[charlene]

I think he has enough money to retire on. [/QB]I don't think we need to have a tag day for him.....
lol

[Wesley]

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Touhy Ave, I never moved to the states, because I never had to. I was born Canadian, and I am proud to be Canadian.

There was a time when Canadian Artist(signers), had to move to the states, in order to make it big.

More population I guess was the prime reason. There was just not enough people in Canada. Neil Young, once said. There's only so much places you can play in Canada. There's just not enough population. Goverment, with the CRTC,rules and regulation at that time, also had a role to play in it. Radio Stations in Canada were only allowed to play so much of Canadian content. Dont ask me to explain that one I dont know enough about it.

But artist like, Paul Anka, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, David Foster, and many more, too numerous to mentioned, all headed South in order for there careers to really flourished.

Gordon Lightfoot never did, he proved that you could make it big in the world, and remain at home.

Anne Murray was pressured so much, to move to the states, when her career got in motion, to become a Mega Star. But she also decide not too, after seeing that Gord had proven, you could stay at home, and still make it.

At some point in Canadian history, maybe around the 1900's, ordinary people that would leave Canada for a less strugling life, elsewhere in other country's like USA, were called deserters.

Today things have change somewhat. But for you people that never heard of this, you should do some searching, readings, on the country of Canada.

There are probably some people on this site that could explain this better than I did. Because I dont know everything there is to know about this subject. Not an expert, far from it.

Bottom line is, Gordon Lightfoot never had the desire to become a mega star like ,let's say Celine Dion, Paul Anka who did it his way.{LOL} eh! Charlene. Gordon would have made a lot more money had he chose that path, but maybe wouldn't be as happy. "That's a proud Canadian".

I can only speak for myself here, but that's one big reason why I like Gordon Lightfoot so much.

{Heart Of Gold,30 Years of Canadian Pop music by, Martin Melhuish}, would be a good book to read, it says a lot about this very subject.Why bands who had to move to the states. And lots more. Ronnie Hawkins did the exact opposite. And he for an American, pushes Canadian talent a lot.

I hope I shed a little light on this topic, but please feel free to ask some other Canadian Corfidians, who may be able to explain this better. Im sure they can...Jesse.

:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Janice, I didn't want to leave you in the dark, but I can't recall Gordon Lightfoot ever living in the states. Not saying maybe for some months like a lots of canucks do in the winter time. Florida, to enjoy the better whether. But Im pretty sure he's not an American citizen. Not that theres anything wrong with that...Jesse :) Maybe I wasn't clear enough I was wondering why the interviewer asked Gordon such a question.

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
Touhy Ave, I never moved to the states, because I never had to. I was born Canadian, and I am proud to be Canadian.

There was a time when Canadian Artist(signers), had to move to the states, in order to make it big.

More population I guess was the prime reason. There was just not enough people in Canada. Neil Young, once said. There's only so much places you can play in Canada. There's just not enough population. Goverment, with the CRTC,rules and regulation at that time, also had a role to play in it. Radio Stations in Canada were only allowed to play so much of Canadian content. Dont ask me to explain that one I dont know enough about it.

But artist like, Paul Anka, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, David Foster, and many more, too numerous to mentioned, all headed South in order for there careers to really flourished.

Gordon Lightfoot never did, he proved that you could make it big in the world, and remain at home.

Anne Murray was pressured so much, to move to the states, when her career got in motion, to become a Mega Star. But she also decide not too, after seeing that Gord had proven, you could stay at home, and still make it.

At some point in Canadian history, maybe around the 1900's, ordinary people that would leave Canada for a less strugling life, elsewhere in other country's like USA, were called deserters.

Today things have change somewhat. But for you people that never heard of this, you should do some searching, readings, on the country of Canada.

There are probably some people on this site that could explain this better than I did. Because I dont know everything there is to know about this subject. Not an expert, far from it.

Bottom line is, Gordon Lightfoot never had the desire to become a mega star like ,let's say Celine Dion, Paul Anka who did it his way.{LOL} eh! Charlene. Gordon would have made a lot more money had he chose that path, but maybe wouldn't be as happy. "That's a proud Canadian".

I can only speak for myself here, but that's one big reason why I like Gordon Lightfoot so much.

{Heart Of Gold,30 Years of Canadian Pop music by, Martin Melhuish}, would be a good book to read, it says a lot about this very subject.Why bands who had to move to the states. And lots more. Ronnie Hawkins did the exact opposite. And he for an American, pushes Canadian talent a lot.

I hope I shed a little light on this topic, but please feel free to ask some other Canadian Corfidians, who may be able to explain this better. Im sure they can...Jesse.

:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Janice, I didn't want to leave you in the dark, but I can't recall Gordon Lightfoot ever living in the states. Not saying maybe for some months like a lots of canucks do in the winter time. Florida, to enjoy the better whether. But Im pretty sure he's not an American citizen. Not that theres anything wrong with that...Jesse :) Maybe I wasn't clear enough I was wondering why the interviewer asked Gordon such a question.

[charlene]

]Maybe I wasn't clear enough I was wondering why the interviewer asked Gordon such a question. [/QB][/QUOTE]

well perhaps no one answered because only the interviewer could answer that question.

[charlene]

]Maybe I wasn't clear enough I was wondering why the interviewer asked Gordon such a question. [/QB][/QUOTE]

well perhaps no one answered because only the interviewer could answer that question.

[Jesse Joe]

Let's be clear on the subject here. Gordon Lightfoot doesn't hate the USA, I, dont hate the USA.

He was simply the first, Canadian entertainer, that didn't need to leave his country, to get world wide attention...Jesse.


:)

[Jesse Joe]

Let's be clear on the subject here. Gordon Lightfoot doesn't hate the USA, I, dont hate the USA.

He was simply the first, Canadian entertainer, that didn't need to leave his country, to get world wide attention...Jesse.


:)

[Janice]

I'm sure no one thought you were implying that Lightfoot hates the US or that you do, Jesse. You just made a definitive statement ("Gord has never lived in the US") that turned out not to be so definitive - no biggie.

Touhy, no doubt the interviewer asked Gord the question because he was thinking of the other entertainers that Jesse pointed out who moved lock, stock and barrel to the US for the sole purpose of furthering their careers. I'm sorry that I too misunderstood what you were asking. because of your original wording, it appeared that you were asking Jesse-Joe why he never moved to the US.

[Jesse Joe]

End of subject; We all love, Gordon Lightfoot... :) tongue.gif :rolleyes: :eek: ;) :cool: :redface: :D

[Jesse Joe]

End of subject; We all love, Gordon Lightfoot... :) tongue.gif :rolleyes: :eek: ;) :cool: :redface: :D

[Shutup and Deal, I'm Losin']

Originally posted by Jesse -Joe:
End of subject; We all love, Gordon Lightfoot... :) tongue.gif :rolleyes: :eek: ;) :cool: :redface: :D We better, or else...

[Jennifer]

I admire GL for staying true to his roots, and I can understand the respect his fellow Canadians have for his doing so. Still, from a Yankees point of view, I can't help but wonder if Gordon had lived in the US if far more people would be benefitting from and influenced by his music today. Maybe it wouldn't have taken me so long to discover what a gifted artist he is?? However, I must admit if that had happened his sound might have changed, no doubt. So in that respect, I am glad he has chosen to stay in Canada. And if it took me longer to "find" him?? Well, better late than never I guess! :)

[Jennifer]

Forgot to mention...

I was in Walmart Sunday and was perusing through the CD selection when I came across a 2 CD set: United Artists Collection. It was the only copy and the price was right so I snatched it up right away. After listening to the first disc I was elated. It's worth the price alone to hear Steel Rail Blues, I'm Not Sayin' and Ribbon of Darkness in their stripped down acoustic form, not to mention a whole slew of songs that had yet to fall upon my thirsty ears! Woo-hoo! :eek:

The songs that were re-recorded for Gord's Gold sound even better here, without the orchestral arrangements. And I am really liking "Oh Linda." What a song! I can't help but envy some of you who have known of this stuff for years and years.

I have owned this disc set for 2 days and can already see I will treasure it for years to come, along with the rest of my small but growing library.

Simply wonderful. :cool:

[Daylight Matty]

It always frustrated me growing up that no one else around "here" knew or appreciated his music. I always thought of him and his music as something that just me and my family shared and I guess that probably made it even more magical and special to me. I grew up listening to him and just thought that everyone knew of him until I got to Jr. High School. I guess they all thought I was a freak! I was into Gord, Chet Atkins, Kingston Trio, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, Sergio Mendez, etc. Now I did get into the 80's rock and New Wave and still enjoy some of that "OLD" stuff. But no one has ever come close to Gord's style and Brilliance. I get burned out on most music after I hear it a few times. I have hundreds of cassettes and CDs from the late 70's, 80's and 90's and most I haven't touched in years. It's kinda strange now that I think about it, but I could (and do) listen to Gord all the time. I never get burned out on his sound. When I pull out an old Gord album its like hearing it for the first time. Ok, that reminds me...I havn't listend to Dream Street Rose in a while! I'm outta here.......

[geodeticman]

Jennifer: I do envy you discovering new GL music ! I remember very well and written long bits on my first few albums, so I don't want to bore the majority. But I DO know what you mean, "like a kid in a candy store"-as I recall you saying as a relatively new listener. :)

One question, regarding "Oh Linda" - I like that song as well from "Lightfoot!" - the album. I am no jazz expert, but that song struck me as experimenting in jazz for GL. Question is, do you hear similarities between that song and the first 1/2 of "Make way for the Lady" ? - from the Dream Sreet Rose album ?

I love both songs, and recall reading once, if memory serves, that Gord spoke fondly of testing the waters hear and there of jazz being a little enjoyment of his, spoken of as a rainy day thing to sorta play with.

As a drummer way back, if not jazz, at least the kind of song you can play on the hi-hat with the classic " (pedal-closure)-click, (open & strike twice) tzz-tzz, click tzz-tzz, click tzz tzz ,etc, onward, as in here is "Mr. Cool" -an excerpt from GL's lyrics

O man I love that beat. Done best in the 50's-60's in a tux, martini in one hand, cig in the other, and that hi-hat beat in the background !
Not Gord's style per se, but a fun image with those two tunes, more so with Make Way...

I'd say he could have done a few more in that vane to the delight of many fans.
What do you think ?
geo Steve

[Jennifer]

Hey Steve. How are ya?

Yes, somewhere along the way I recall reading on the net that Lightfoot did express some interest in jazz but I didn't know he had actually experimented. When I first heard the dissonant bass chords of Oh Linda punctuate the air I was immediately taken back to one of the jazz clubs in Chicago I used to enjoy. Groovy, man, groovy :cool: Admittedly it took me off guard. But I found it to be a wonderful surprise and loved it almost immediately being a lover of jazz and blues to begin with. And his "dabbling" within this genre is pretty impressive. So a definite *yes* to your question, it would have been very interesting if he had produced a few more songs like this. He captured that jazz mystique quite well!

Unfortunately DSR is not yet a part of my collection but now I'm curious to hear this similarity you mention. Yes, I am much like the kid in a candy store, not sure which way to turn next!

Another one that has quickly become a favorite is Sixteen Miles (To Seven Lakes)

Jennifer

[Jennifer]

Originally posted by lazymorning:
I get burned out on most music after I hear it a few times. I have hundreds of cassettes and CDs from the late 70's, 80's and 90's and most I haven't touched in years. It's kinda strange now that I think about it, but I could (and do) listen to Gord all the time. I never get burned out on his sound. I don't get burned out either. There have been days where I've played GL on the way to work, on my Walkman during the daily walk I take on my lunch break, and then again on the way home and throughout the evening when doing chores, walking my pooch, etc. I mean, is there a time or place where GL's music doesn't make that moment and experience just soooo much better? :D

Especially, for me, after a long cruddy day at the office; the difference between an equally long cruddy drive and a relaxed cruise home is often my Lightfoot CD's. After a few minutes into Don Quixote... Bad day...? What bad day???

Maybe thats why I don't tire of it easily, because it makes me feel happy. Hard to *not* like what makes you happy, don't you agree?

Of course one must cleanse the palate and venture out, enjoy other artists from time to time. But I always come moseyin' on back before long. :)

Peace

Jennifer

[Jesse Joe]

Im the exact same way, as Im sure a good bunch of us are. In the past The "Dead Heads", as they were known, would follow The Grateful Dead around, simply worshiping them. It was hard to comprehend. But what I feel for Gordon Lightfoot, I do understand The dead heads now. We are Lightheads...

:D

[Jesse Joe]

Im the exact same way, as Im sure a good bunch of us are. In the past The "Dead Heads", as they were known, would follow The Grateful Dead around, simply worshiping them. It was hard to comprehend. But what I feel for Gordon Lightfoot, I do understand The dead heads now. We are Lightheads...

:D

[Cathy]

Jennifer, Sixteen Miles to 7 Lakes was my father's favorite Lightfoot song. When he had a stroke and was in rehab, I took my guitar over one day and was singing with some of the therapists an nurses. Dad asked me to sing that song, and I couldn't remember all the words. I'm not sure that he noticed, anyway. He seemed to enjoy it.

[Jennifer]

Cathy, how sweet of you to play for your dad while he was not feeling well. I bet that really lifted his spirits.

Steve, I will be able to make my own comparison between "Oh Linda" and "Make Way for the Lady" sooner than later, because I just ordered DSR and Cold on the Shoulder from Amazon.com

<giggle> I am positively giddy... Oh cripes, which should I listen to first!?!?! :eek:

[Cathy]

It lifted his spirits alright. But soon after, all our spirits bottomed out when his brain started bleeding again, and he died. It was a shock to all of us, because he was a very young, active 68 year old man.

[geodeticman]

Cathy,
I am so sorry for your loss at his young, vital age. I don't think you and I discussed this loss off line, but more our individual struggles medically.

Forgive me if I am remembering wrong, with what transpired recently my way, you know I sympathize with your loss of your Dad. I am happy for you that you were able to see him enjoying you sing 16 Miles. :) geo steve

[Cathy]

Yes, I remember that day with a few smiles. Dad had a hard time sitting up and had to have a strap placed around his waist, so he wouldn't fall out of the chair. He became so lively during 16 Miles he ended up slumped way down in the chair. When I finished the song, he said, "Would someone pick me up?" Jonathan (his favorite nurse) and I came to the rescue.

[Jennifer]

Cathy,
May I extend my deepest sympathies regarding the loss of your father. I am glad you have some very nice memories to look back upon, and you shared your love of Gordons music together.

Jennifer

[Cathy]

Thanks, Jennifer. I keep thinking, if he'd have had the aneurysm 4 or 5 years later, he might have lived through it, just as I did a year ago. Technology has advanced so much. And I don't know why they didn't move him to Mass Medical when he was stronger. They have one of the most experienced staffs in the world for dealing with brain injuries. Dr. Olgilvy, a world famous surgeon, operated on my aneurysm. Without his help, I think I'd be with Dad right now.