Song For a Winters Night- What the heck is that?

[titan]

I have noticed since I purchased my 4 CD box set titled SONGBOOK, that Song for a Winters Night has an annoying clicking noise that starts just before the sleigh bells. This
clicking is not on any of my other GL CD's
and I was wondering if anyone had a clue as to why? This clicking is somewhat in rhythem
to the song but does not seem to be part of the musical arrangement. It sounds more like
a recording error. I have other GL CD's with
this song and do not hear that click. In fact I listened to Song for a Winter's Night on my Gord's Gold just before this post and
did not hear the click. Anyone? What the heck is it?

[TheWatchman]

I have not listened to that CD in awhile but I guess what your probably hearing is a metronome, which is used to help keep time.

[closetcanadian]

I agree that this clicking sound is irritating! While listening to this CD in my car I actually checked to see if I had accidentally left my blinkers on after completing a turn! I think this sound is intentional and to me sounds like a pair of drumsticks being tapped together. Do we have any drummers or percussionists in our group that could offer an opinion?

[Chuck Darling]

Its kinda like where the two different versions of Strawberry Fields Forever by the Beatles got spliced together, once you know its there its distracting! LOL

------------------
Ever Onward...

[Rick Mundane]

This clicking sound occurs on 2 CDs I have, Disc 1, track 24 of 'The United Artists Collection' and Disc 1, track 8 of 'Songbook'. On both occasions it comes in at about 29 bars in as Gordon sings "If I could only have you near......" and continues to the songs end. I rather like it. It does not seem to occur on the vinyl 'Gords Gold 1'. Album 1 is a re-recording of his UA stuff, so it was left off the arrangement.

[closetcanadian]

The clicking noise is on the original UA vinyl album. (Yes, I do own a working turntable!) The clicks must be on the UA master tape but were not used on the Gord's Gold rerecording. Any other theories on how the clicking sounds were produced?

[gwen snyder]

I am not even vaguely sure about how they got there, but, I like closet canadian was wondering if my blinker was on as I listened to it one night in my car.

[TheWatchman]

It's a metronome that produces that clicking sound.

[Chris in Virginia]

What a great post. I have always been bothered by that damn clicking on the original version! I actually think it is the precussionist overplaying a bit. I will listen a little more closely. Could be a click track. I'm surprised that passed the final cut. It's hard to say with some of the recording equipment they used back then.

[Rebecca]

Did Gord tell you this, or were you there during the recording?
Rebecca

quote:Originally posted by TheWatchman:
It's a metronome that produces that clicking sound.

[TheWatchman]

Well, now that you mention it Rebecca, Gordon did tell me this, but not in the recording studio.

I was in my canoe checking some beaver traps along the Chiniguntha River back in '89. When I was finally finished for the day, I was paddling my way back to the cabin when I noticed this canary yellow canoe stuck in some rapids just past this bend in the water, by the old Coletrain settlement of 1856.

Being a very strong, seasoned canoeist, I was able to fight the rapids, despite the half dozen blanket beavers weighing me down, and give the dude a hand in the funny looking canoe.

You won't believe this but I'll tell you anyway (my therapist, BillW, says I should open up more). It was none other than Lightfoot in the canoe. He was by himself and was very scared and almost going into shock. Said he had been stuck there for 3 days. He later told me this is where he wrote the song about his canoe. Said he had nothing else better to do and he was too scared to think about anything else other than his canoe. I don't care what Songbook says.

With my very strong arms, I simply grabbed his canoe with one arm and used my the other to paddle us both to shore. He made some banock for us and I made the coffee. As he was asking me for pointers on canoeing, he asked if there was anything he could do for me in return for rescuing him. I said there is one thing that has been bugging the crap out of me. What the he** is that CLICKING SOUND in "Song For A Winter's Night"?" He admitted it was a metronome to help him keep time.

There you have it. I already feel better. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

[brink]

And what Watchman is banock? I think as many times as you run into Lightfoot I will start tailing you in my own canoe. We are all glad that you listen to your therapist.

[Restless]

Fine caustic humor. Gotta love it. (You'd appreciate Mark Twain, Watchman, if you don't already read him.)

[Restless]

Just finished listening. My vote is: it's simply someone in the band slapping his thigh, or maybe tapping a wood block. There seem to be slight imperfections in the "clicking" sound, which may rule out a metronome. The tapping is a bit odd, but many older recordings contain production oddities or mistakes which really make those tunes "cooler" than they'd be under today's more refined and slicker production. (I will now undermine that thought by admitting that I like the slicker remake of Winter's Night better than the original! The deeper vocals, the lush violins, and denser instrumentation are soothingly gorgeous.)

------------------
And I will always love
that sound until the day
I die.

[Rebecca]

Dear Restless,
Are you sure? The Watchman (who not only READS, but actually PENNED Mark Twain's works in a previous existence) seems fairly convinced that the rhythmic tapping was indeed a metronome.
Rebecca
quote:Originally posted by Restless:
Just finished listening. My vote is: it's simply someone in the band slapping his thigh, or maybe tapping a wood block. There seem to be slight imperfections in the "clicking" sound, which may rule out a metronome. The tapping is a bit odd, but many older recordings contain production oddities or mistakes which really make those tunes "cooler" than they'd be under today's more refined and slicker production. (I will now undermine that thought by admitting that I like the slicker remake of Winter's Night better than the original! The deeper vocals, the lush violins, and denser instrumentation are soothingly gorgeous.)

[TheWatchman]

Haven't listened to that version in a long time so I guess I should not be so sure of myself. I'll listen to it and see what it sounds like. Having used a metronome for piano lessons, it's sound is forever embedded in my brain.

[titan]

I'm wondering if Gord would use a mentro-whatever. I remember using them in the 7th grade and Mrs. Ritchhart yelling "a onea, a twoa, a threea, four," in her nasal loud voice and think that Gord couldn't possibly be that remedial. By the time I was in Freshman band we had overcome that little contraption and learned to count.

I think it's someone slapping something or hitting a block of wood because it's not in perfect rhythem. I am glad I have so many responses because this has been bugging me for quite some time. I am disappointed that we still do not have a definite answer.
Anyone know for sure? Please help!!!!!


[This message has been edited by titan (edited August 18, 2003).]

[Oma]

quote:Originally posted by titan:

Anyone know for sure? Please help!!!!!


The Watchman's story sounded pretty convincing to me! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[TheWatchman]

I listened to it and the only thing it sounds like to me is a metronome. I can't think of anything in the percussion deptartment that would give that exact sound. Could be, but I haven't a clue.

It's keeping perfect time as far as I can tell with the exception of missing one beat. I think it is missing from the studio editing etc. Could have been a little mistake that had to be dubbed over and they probably did not need to use the metronome for the retake. Now I'm really sticking my neck out.

Anybody want to wager what this sound is? Surely someone can find out what it is.

Titan, Lightfoot has used a metronome every single time I have seen him in concert for the 12 years or so. His foot. He doesn't have to worry about leaving it in a hotel room and if it breaks, he's got another. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif Seriously, he needs something to help him keep time and an experienced musician can use his foot without screwing up his time!

Rebecca, I know what you are going to ask. Yes, Lightfoot did tell me this. Not directly though. I have a bootleg from the early '70's where he tells the audience of using his foot to help him keep time. Sorry, no adventurous story for this one...

[TheWatchman]

Brink,

Bannock is like a little fried cake made out of flour, oats, fish or anything else you can find. Ernest Shackleton and his crew lived on this stuff for the 2 years or so they were stuck in the Antarctic. Lightfoot and I just had it for lunch.

[Borderstone]

I believe you Watchman! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif You certainly have nothing to gain by spreading falsehoods. Besides,it's a small world and if you happen to be in the terrain that matches places Gord would go,you're bound to run into him.

[titan]

OK. We are having fun here. I realize that a musician must use something ( a tapping foot perhaps) to keep the beat. I have listened to the song in question about ten times today and I have a different opinion now after careful thought.

I have this habit of tapping my ring against the steering wheel of my car when I am enjoying a song on my car stereo. I also tap my ring against my mug of adult beverage when I hear something that interests me at the local watering hole. I wonder........
I just wonder if Gordon is not tapping his ring against the neck of his guitar or tapping his ring against the microphone.
After several listens and deeeeeeeeeep thought, I have concluded that the clicking noise must be close (very close) to a mic.
I have also determined that it is not a hollow enough sound to be a block of wood and the clicking is much too crisp to be someone slapping their thigh.
I consider this to be a fun topic and I loved Watchmans post about his experience with Gordon on the canoe trip. We may never now the real origin of the mystery click,
but I have enjoyed everyone's input. Keep em coming!!!!!!!!

[Restless]

"...the clicking is much too crisp to be someone slapping their thigh." AHA! But what if that thigh is not clothed!

[TheWatchman]

The only other thing that it could be is someone clicking their false teeth. But that is highly unlikely.

[BILLW]

Well, since the sleighbells are a gimmick to go along with the theme of the song maybe the clicking is too. Like someone slapping the horsewhip across the seat as they glide along to Grandma's house for a couple of Bangkok Burgers and haggis or whatever he and the Watchman were planning for dinner that night. But really someone knows and maybe they'll come forward someday. Or maybe all the people who really know are passed on or not talking to us these days.

Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Cathy]

I'm going to agree with Watchman. I think it's one of those old fashioned metronomes with a swinging arm that gives off a click for each beat. It's probably more prominent on the remastered CDs.
I heard the same sound today on another song from the UA Collection. It think it was on Peaceful Waters, but I'm not positive. I was driving along in the car and thought I had a tire out of balance and the keys were clicking together. Then I turned down the stereo and didn't hear it.
There are many experienced musicians who use metronomes. Sometimes, it's hard to keep the tempo at a steady pace, especially when there are three or four other musicians playing along. It could be that Lightfoot had a problem keeping the tempo up when he recorded SFAWN, and he resorted to using a metronome. It's not an uncommon practice.

Cathy

[Rebecca]

Is Gord or anyone else who records with him in the habit of showing up unclothed?
Rebecca
quote:Originally posted by Restless:
"...the clicking is much too crisp to be someone slapping their thigh." AHA! But what if that thigh is not clothed!

[Rebecca]

Maybe Richard Harison at the newsgroup would have an answer for this. Does anyone volunteer to ask him? I have some difficulty posting there.
Rebecca
quote:Originally posted by Cathy:
I'm going to agree with Watchman. I think it's one of those old fashioned metronomes with a swinging arm that gives off a click for each beat. It's probably more prominent on the remastered CDs.
I heard the same sound today on another song from the UA Collection. It think it was on Peaceful Waters, but I'm not positive. I was driving along in the car and thought I had a tire out of balance and the keys were clicking together. Then I turned down the stereo and didn't hear it.
There are many experienced musicians who use metronomes. Sometimes, it's hard to keep the tempo at a steady pace, especially when there are three or four other musicians playing along. It could be that Lightfoot had a problem keeping the tempo up when he recorded SFAWN, and he resorted to using a metronome. It's not an uncommon practice.

Cathy

[brink]

There is a couple songs that Barry Keane actually does use a block of wood and taps on it with his drum stick, could this be what you are hearing?

[gwen snyder]

Brink, Yeah, I remember seeing him with the block of wood in a concert.

[Restless]

No, no, no, Rebecca. I said the thigh might be bare, as with short pants. One can tap on one's skin and get a "crisper" sound than on pants, etc. It is merely a theory, not an invitation to imagine Lightfoot and his bandmates performing at a nudist colony!

[Restless]

Following one more listen, I conclude this... The sound is more of a "pat" than a "click," and I would expect clicking from a metronome. Also, the pats enter at a specific, logical point in the song; a metronome would be present from beginning to end, no? What could produce the pats? I'm inclined to believe it's the palms of someone's hands, doing a light clap for the beat. So that's my final answer: it's merely gentle clapping!

[Rebecca]

Restless,
You did say that, but an unclothed thigh presents a less compelling mental picture than an unclothed body.
Rebecca
P.S. Has anyone seen that Reno DVD or video where, during "Cold on the Shoulder" (I think), Barry Keane strikes the cymbal post repeatedly with his drumstick?


quote:Originally posted by Restless:
No, no, no, Rebecca. I said the thigh might be bare, as with short pants. One can tap on one's skin and get a "crisper" sound than on pants, etc. It is merely a theory, not an invitation to imagine Lightfoot and his bandmates performing at a nudist colony!

[titan]

I wonder how many musicians have started use of a metronome 35 seconds into a song? From my LIMITED use of them, I am very sure of myself that the metronome IS the beat and it seems pointless to hope to get lucky that the machine will come in with a precise timing and match perfectly to a song already in progress. I think Gordon is tapping his ring against the neck of his guitar. That's
my humble opinion and I'm sticking to it.

[gwen snyder]

Titan, there is just some similarity in what you said there man that releases some directionless thought... and it is subtle... are you reading into this thing farther than all of us clumsy (whoops, better speak for myself on this one right guys?) inept humans are capable of understanding? Or is it more poignant than even that? This elusiveness is causing some anxiety in my little mind.

[Martin/12]

Playing guitar and tapping your ring would be almost impossible. If it was a metronome, why would thye want it in the final mix? This must be a percussion instrument. Possibly a drumstick hitting the rim of a snare. It doesn't seem to fit or add much to the song instrumentally, but I would say that's what it is.

[gwen snyder]

I agree that it does sound like a wood object or it could be a percussion instrument. It sounds reasonable.

[titan]

Ahhhhh! But tapping a ring and HOLDING a guitar would be somewhat simple. SFWAN doesn't use too much acoustic guitar after the first 20 or so seconds and I am confident
that it's not Gordon on bass guitar.

[Chris in Virginia]

Sorry Titan, but there is absolutely no way anyone is tapping a ring on a guitar. It may be a metronome, but the drum stick on the side of the snare sounds the most plausable. The guitar mix may fade a bit as the song progresses, but I am rather sure that Gord played all of the way through the song. It would not make sense to only play guitar a little bit, and then decide to tap the finger. That would leave a void that may not be noticeable, but would be there none the less.

Who would have thought this topic would still have legs? What fun!

[titan]

I didn't word my last post very well. Gord plays acoustic guitar all through SFAWN. The
acoustic guitar may not have a dominating role but more of a supportive role. Are there any guitar players in the audience that can lend their opinion as to if it would be possible to tap a ring against a neck of a guitar and play at the same time?

I WANT THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!

What the heck is it?


[This message has been edited by titan (edited August 22, 2003).]

[Chris in Virginia]

That blasted clicking. Now it's haunting my days and nights. I hear it in my sleep. It's drowning out the voices! Stop the voices!


ps. I do play guitar, and you can't do it. I guess you could try, but try doing that while finger picking and changing chords, and you are in a world of hurt that sounds like s--t.

[Mothersofaminorschild]

I agree that it's not Gord tapping his ring against the guitar neck. Now I am not a guitar player so I believe you players that it's not possible to do. But for the purposes of this discussion, the reason it's not possible is because I don't think Gord wears a ring on his left hand while playing. If you had seen him in concerts, even recently (before you-know-what), the obvious lack of wedding ring is blatant to those of us who look. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif He once said that he's afraid it would catch on the frets. So if he feels that way about his wedding ring...I would guess that he would feel that way about any ring.

The caveat to this is that he did wear it during the taping of the Reno special out of respect to Elizabeth.

[titan]

I want to admit that the tapping ring theory
is loosing momentum quickly now. My little boy has a Happy Meal toy that makes an identical sound. Could a kid of snuck in the studio and found a place to hide? Then
played with his Happy Meal toy?

[TheWatchman]

quote:Originally posted by paddletothesea:
[QUOTE]Actually Shackelton did not survive on bannock but maily seal meat and fat etc. Bannock is made with pounding meat and mixing with berries and sometimes oats etc. Its like modern day jerky granola etc. It was traditional food for voyaguers, mountain men, indians and trappers etc. Now its sort of made useing flour water and berries etc. Like a big flat think pancake. Its really heavy and good.



Yes Paddle, Shackleton ate more than just bannock. My attempt was not to go into a blow by blow account of his diet. I threw that into a joke.

By the way, I have read several books on that voyage (as well as some of the actual writing from some of the diaries) and they did indeed survive mainly on bannock mixed with fish. Period. Seal meat/fat was very hard to come by and some of the men could not stomach the fat. Seal meat/fat was a real treat when they got it. Bannock it was. They also ate most of the adult dogs too but I did not want to give a blow by blow account for just a silly story.

I don't know where you got your info., but I would re-read some of the facts before you start with the "actually" stuff. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[brink]

Okay Watchman, the dog thing was too much information for me. I do not want a blow by blow about that. I just went to the movie Open Range with Kevin Costner, there was a dog killed in there-he had the wolf killed in Dances with Wolves, he needs to stop that.

Brink
a soft touch for animals(as far as people I have a list).

The tapping on the wood from Barry Keane is on the song Restless.

[This message has been edited by brink (edited August 24, 2003).]

[BILLW]

brink,

Not to go too far off topic here but I'm with you as far as a soft touch for mutts. BTW so is The Watchman, he used to have some nice pictures of his pups posted somewhere around here. Anyhoo, does Gordon mention dogs in any of his tunes? I can't recall. Got CRS coming on strong these days.

Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

Maybe that's a dog making that noise? LOL

[Cathy]

quote:Originally posted by BILLW:
brink,

Not to go too far off topic here but I'm with you as far as a soft touch for mutts. BTW so is The Watchman, he used to have some nice pictures of his pups posted somewhere around here. Anyhoo, does Gordon mention dogs in any of his tunes? I can't recall. Got CRS coming on strong these days.

Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

Maybe that's a dog making that noise? LOL

Yes. There's a theory that Bitter Green is about a dog. ;)

Actually, I don't know if any of Gord's songs mention dogs, but on one of his radio interviews, he says they have a dog, a yellow lab named Mischief, I believe.

[Edited because the dog wanted to find out if it's true blondes have more fun, so she bleached her hair from black to yellow.... Evidently, it worked, because now her name is Mischief].

Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com



[This message has been edited by Cathy (edited August 24, 2003).]

[Brian 57]

So, to sum up where we are so far: It's Gord's Labrador (that is alive and well because Kevin Costner hasn't made a movie with it) that is tapping its paw in time with the music, even though no one needed it to because they can all keep time on their own. Now, who wants to write to Gord and tell him he needs to get his dog's toenails clipped?

[brink]

That was great Brian!

[Cathy]

quote:Originally posted by BILLW:
brink,

Not to go too far off topic here but I'm with you as far as a soft touch for mutts. BTW so is The Watchman, he used to have some nice pictures of his pups posted somewhere around here. Anyhoo, does Gordon mention dogs in any of his tunes? I can't recall. Got CRS coming on strong these days.

Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

Maybe that's a dog making that noise? LOL

Actually, Gord did write a song about a dog, "An Old Friend" on the WB Demos. Here are the lyrics.

An Old Friend
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Be still you good old friend, be still you faithful one
You dare not leave my sight

Be still you good old friend, be still and dream your dreams
Of days of youth and love

Be still you good old friend, remember that Christmas tree
Where our two hearts became as one

Recall the fields of hay, where you would romp and run
A small boy at your side

The years have quickly flown, a child I am no more
But I will love you always

Be still you good old friend, be still you faithful one
You dare not leave my sight

Thanks to Valerie for this info, and to Wayne for posting the lyrics on his site.


Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com

[BILLW]

Thanks Cathy, I'll go have a listen right now.

Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Rebecca]

Brian,
Unless that dog is eligible to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records for longevity, I don't think his toenails are an issue any longer . . . although I have heard [unconfirmed] stories of hair and nails continuing to grow long after death. Watchman, do you want to answer this one? I suspect you've probably worked in the funeral industry, or at least received some education in the field, at one time or another.
Rebecca
quote:Originally posted by Brian 57:
So, to sum up where we are so far: It's Gord's Labrador (that is alive and well because Kevin Costner hasn't made a movie with it) that is tapping its paw in time with the music, even though no one needed it to because they can all keep time on their own. Now, who wants to write to Gord and tell him he needs to get his dog's toenails clipped?

[TheWatchman]

Rebecca,

No on all accounts. Although I have been wanting to dig and crack open a coffin for quite some time now, I haven't yet found the time. Personally, I don't believe that with the way they embalm bodies today, that anything would continue to grow.

[titan]

You people are sick.

[Brian 57]

One word: Taxidermy

[Brian 57]

Another word: Puppetry

[Borderstone]

First let me say,I can't believe this topic has so many messages! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/eek.gif I would have responded sooner but my oldestt brother has had my Songbook CD's for 2 weeks now. I listened for the clicking on my original LP and did not notice it there. I have my CD's back now and yes,that's a metronome! Doesn't bother me though,it reminds me of a grandfather clock. Maybe that was the intention? Who knows? Been me,later! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/cool.gif

------------------
Borderstone (An,"Avid Listner" of G.L.)

[TheWatchman]

quote:Originally posted by titan:
You people are sick.

You just now figured that out? I may be a little sick, but Rebecca blows me away when it comes to being sick. She is really sick.

[gwen snyder]

Watchman, you both play off each other so wonderfully. Are you sure you and Rebecca are not the same person?

[This message has been edited by gwen snyder (edited August 26, 2003).]

[Borderstone]

Is that like Norman Bates being his own mother? http://www.corfid.com/ubb/confused.gif http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif

[TheWatchman]

Gwen,

If I were to create an imaginary friend, or foe, I would make it much more interesting than Rebecca. Just joking. Couldn't resist, it was too easy. Have Char check the login ISP to ensure that we are not one in the same.

[Rebecca]

Watchman, Titan, Gwen, et al,
As hard as it must be to believe, The Watchman and I are indeed two separate and distinct beings. Char and /or the feds can verify this, unless the Watchcmecca uses frequent fliers to maintain computers in different regions of the nation.
Rebecca
P.S. My shrink just gave me a clean bill of health.


quote:Originally posted by TheWatchman:
You just now figured that out? I may be a little sick, but Rebecca blows me away when it comes to being sick. She is really sick.

[Chris in Virginia]

Two pages now! 63 posts and still counting. Is this a great country(insert country), or what?
I realize the world is facing some important issues at this juncture, but an escape to what really matters deep down inside, like the clicking on SFWN, is fabulous. What a great song. If I were to put some clicking on a song, although I probably wouldn't, it would sure sound like that. People would say, "man, that guy can really click."

Sorry for the insipid ramblings of one, and who shall remain, Chris in Virginia.

I'm Out!

[DMD3]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by titan:
[B]I have noticed since I purchased my 4 CD box set titled SONGBOOK, that Song for a Winters Night has an annoying clicking noise that starts just before
this song and do not hear that click.

Although I've listened to this song I've never noticed it before. But on Gords Gold Vol. 2 theres a noise in 'All The Lovely Ladies' that sounds like there is something wrong with the CD player. But it is actually part of the music because when you turn the volume up and down it goes up and down with it.

[patybear]

I heard Song for a Winters Night for the first time today.All I can say is,"WOW!"-Beautiful song.
It gives me goose bumps.I will say that I prefer the'Gord Gold'version over the U/A version.
Gord's voice sounds more mellow on the 'Gords Gold' version.As for the clicking noise,I hear it on the U/A version,but not on the'Gord's Gold'version.I have no idea what it is.
patybear

[Shutup and Deal, I'm Losin']

Originally posted by TheWatchman:
Rebecca,

No on all accounts. Although I have been wanting to dig and crack open a coffin for quite some time now, I haven't yet found the time. Personally, I don't believe that with the way they embalm bodies today, that anything would continue to grow. Actually, whenever I stare at old graves (of people that have been buried since the 19th century or longer) I can't help but wonder what a body would look like if I were to dig it up. ANd I am sick. :)

I know that the skin grows away after death, but I don't see how hair could continue to grow... :confused:

[Shutup and Deal, I'm Losin']

Originally posted by patybear:
I heard Song for a Winters Night for the first time today.All I can say is,"WOW!"-Beautiful song.
It gives me goose bumps.I will say that I prefer the'Gord Gold'version over the U/A version.
Gord's voice sounds more mellow on the 'Gords Gold' version.As for the clicking noise,I hear it on the U/A version,but not on the'Gord's Gold'version.I have no idea what it is.
patybear Me too. The GG version sounds better. I've already forgotten about that clicking noise; it's a great song without it.

[TheWatchman]

Thanks for reviving this thead! Brings back all sorts of fond memories of my encounter with Gord and now defunct Lyle. Rest in piece little buddy. http://www.iroc-zpost.com/ubb/graemlins/crying.gif

[brink-]

Yep, great memories on this thread.

[fezo]

Now what I don't get is - forget the metronome, dog toenails or whatever is this phrase:

"If I could know within my heart
That you were lonesome too
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winters night with you."

My question is this: how is he holding her hands if she's not there? This brings up a more disturbing image than our grave robbers in here.

I've always wondered about that line. And now I can't get the click out of my head.

[TheWatchman]

Originally posted by fezo:
Now what I don't get is - forget the metronome, dog toenails or whatever is this phrase:

"If I could know within my heart
That you were lonesome too
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winters night with you."

My question is this: how is he holding her hands if she's not there? This brings up a more disturbing image than our grave robbers in here.

I've always wondered about that line. And now I can't get the click out of my head. He's not. He's saying that he would be happy to hold the hands that he loves, not he's happy holding the hands that he loves. Your reading it as present tense, not as it's written.

[fezo]

Whew! I was worried.....

Just sounds a little funny in the phrasing. It's a wonderful song!

For something that treats that the really wrong way you'd have to check out the old Tom Lehrer song "I Hold Your Hand in Mine." THAT one is sick in the best sense of the word.

[TheWatchman]

Originally posted by fezo:
Whew! I was worried.....

Just sounds a little funny in the phrasing. It's a wonderful song!

For something that treats that the really wrong way you'd have to check out the old Tom Lehrer song "I Hold Your Hand in Mine." THAT one is sick in the best sense of the word. Your right!! Yuck!
http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:uyf6-lHBUH5DYM:http://www.mikehillwig.com/entries/Mr_Yuck.jpg

I hold your hand in mine, dear,
I press it to my lips.
I take a healthy bite
From your dainty fingertips.

My joy would be complete, dear,
If you were only here,
But still I keep your hand
As a precious souvenir.

The night you died I cut it off,
I really don't know why.
For now each time I kiss it
I get bloodstains on my tie.

I'm sorry now I killed you,
For our love was something fine,
And till they come to get me
I shall hold your hand in mine.

[BILLW]

1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.

well this one was 3 years and 3 months dormant, LOL. It's so old I barely recognize my own posts. Funny stuff though.

Bill :)

[fezo]

Watchman - it's actually pretty funny on the record as are all Tom Lehrer's songs. They date back to the late 50s early 60s and there are only three albums worth of songs though there are 5 albums. That's because he duplicated live and studio versions of thr first two. Decided he didn't like performing and went abck to teaching math at Harvard and musical theater at UC Santa Barbara. A short, odd musical career.

[TheWatchman]

You said it was sick so I looked it up and agreed. Now you say it's funny. So if I say, yeah, it's funny, are you gonna say I'm sick?

[fezo]

What a sick puppy..... ;) No, there are song I find both sick and funny. That one's right up on the list.

[charlene]

RIchard Harison says:

I put on Songbook and the click is definitely there.
It is also on the original vinyl, which I have had since its release.
Why the poster says it is NOT on any of his/her "repackaged" CDs is beyond me.
CDs are often re-mastered from the original multi-track recordings, and if the click were on an actual channel, it could have been originally included in the final 2-track mixdown, but eliminated in some CDs, re-mastered later on.

It sounds to me like a "click track" -- an electronic metronome, if you will which sounds in the headphones but is not on the actual tracks.
Well...not usually anyway.

[teherie]

I assume you are talking about the United Artist Collection which I have and I can definitely hear a click on Song for a Winter's Night.

[charlene]

There's more info at the beginning of the thread... seems it's on a few recordings of the song...

[charlene]

Richard has added this thought today:
Hello again!
Had one additional thought on the clicking sound on SFAWN.
I was practicing Red's lead parts on Miguel from the 1971 London BBC DVD you so kindly provided to me, and I noticed the same sound-- not as regular as SFAWN, but there nonetheless.
As you know, I mixed the sound for that show, and I can assure you there was no metronome, click track or the like.
My best guess is that it was Gord's middle fingernail hitting the pick guard. It is a common occurrence, I have experienced it myself.
I have noticed from recent memory that he had a pad of some sort stuck to the pick guard of his D-18. Perhaps it was for that reason.
Have to ask him for the ultimate answer.