New Fan

I'm a 45 year-old brand new Canadian fan. I was in a restaurant when I heard the tribute album "Beautiful". You're probably all cringing, but somehow it focussed me on the orginal recordings that I heard in the background all my life. I remember liking Sundown when I was young, but I guess my musical interests where elsewhere then. It's like discovering something that's been there all the time, and being amazed that you didn't see it the first time! Better late than never I guess.

I'm a 45 year-old brand new Canadian fan. I was in a restaurant when I heard the tribute album "Beautiful". You're probably all cringing, but somehow it focussed me on the orginal recordings that I heard in the background all my life. I remember liking Sundown when I was young, but I guess my musical interests where elsewhere then. It's like discovering something that's been there all the time, and being amazed that you didn't see it the first time! Better late than never I guess.

[Auburn Annie]

It's never too late to become a Lightfoot fan; we all envy you the journey of discovery you're embarking on - getting to hear Lightfoot songs that are new to you. But how in the world have you managed to NOT hear most of his music in Canada? I would have thought it was (at least in the 60s and 70s) all over the place. Anyway, welcome aboard!

[This message has been edited by Auburn Annie (edited January 15, 2005).]

[Auburn Annie]

It's never too late to become a Lightfoot fan; we all envy you the journey of discovery you're embarking on - getting to hear Lightfoot songs that are new to you. But how in the world have you managed to NOT hear most of his music in Canada? I would have thought it was (at least in the 60s and 70s) all over the place. Anyway, welcome aboard!

[This message has been edited by Auburn Annie (edited January 15, 2005).]

[SilverHeels]

Campania,
welcome! You are in for such a treat as you discover the Lightfoot magic.

[Cathy]

Welcome aboard, Campania.
We won't cringe at the mention of the Tribute album. In my opinion, it's a testament to how ageless Gord's music is. I'm betting most of us own it!
My favorite on the tribute album is The Cowboy Junkies' version of The Way I Feel.
You say you are a brand new Canadian fan, so I'm assuming you are not from Canada, otherwise you'd most likely know Gord's music quite well by now.

Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com

[Tyler]

Since you are a new fan you will be finding tons of new music. You will have to keep us updated on your discoveries. You will love what you find.

[brink]

Since you are a new fan you will be finding tons of new music. You will have to keep us updated on your discoveries. You will love what you find.

Don't assume that everyone in Canada knows all of Gordon's music. Everybody knows of Gordon and will recognize all but one or two of the songs on Gord's Gold (I just borrowed it from someone at work)... but there is a difference between hearing and listening. As I said, it's always in background when you grow up here, but that doesn't mean that you appreciate it. Although it would be hard to find anyone who dislikes him, I don't think he is credited as much as he should be. It's strange that it took the Tribute album to make me appreciate him. I also love the Cowboy Junkies version of "The Way I Feel". I listen to a lot of them, and Blue Rodeo, and Tragically Hip...I guess they pointed the way!

Don't assume that everyone in Canada knows all of Gordon's music. Everybody knows of Gordon and will recognize all but one or two of the songs on Gord's Gold (I just borrowed it from someone at work)... but there is a difference between hearing and listening. As I said, it's always in background when you grow up here, but that doesn't mean that you appreciate it. Although it would be hard to find anyone who dislikes him, I don't think he is credited as much as he should be. It's strange that it took the Tribute album to make me appreciate him. I also love the Cowboy Junkies version of "The Way I Feel". I listen to a lot of them, and Blue Rodeo, and Tragically Hip...I guess they pointed the way!

[Borderstone]

Hi ya campania! Camp Ania! I went to that camp as a kid!!

I know what you mean about people only recognizing Gord from Gord's Gold. Here in the USA,we're lucky when folks can tell the difference between Gordon and Harry Chapin!

Welcome by the way!

------------------
"A knight of the road,going back to a place where he might get warm." - Borderstone

[Cathy]

quote:Originally posted by campania:
Don't assume that everyone in Canada knows all of Gordon's music. Everybody knows of Gordon and will recognize all but one or two of the songs on Gord's Gold (I just borrowed it from someone at work)... but there is a difference between hearing and listening. As I said, it's always in background when you grow up here, but that doesn't mean that you appreciate it. Although it would be hard to find anyone who dislikes him, I don't think he is credited as much as he should be. It's strange that it took the Tribute album to make me appreciate him. I also love the Cowboy Junkies version of "The Way I Feel". I listen to a lot of them, and Blue Rodeo, and Tragically Hip...I guess they pointed the way!

Well, at least you guys know who he is. Here in the USA, if I say to someone, "Do you like Gordon Lightfoot's music?" I generally get the reply, "Gordon Who?" After singing a short collage of tunes... Sundown, If You Could Read My Mind, Ed Fitz, Carefree Highway and Rainy Day People, I start seeing the blank stares turn into slight recognition, maybe a smile here and there, and almost always, "Oh yes. I remember hearing those songs when I was a kid." A good memory jog usually does the trick.

I live near New Brunswick, just across the border in Maine. One day a couple of young girls came into the office to sell cookies. They were raising money for a playground in their home town. They told me where they were from and asked, "Would you like to buy some cookies?" I replied, "I'll tell you what. I'll buy some cookies from you if you can tell me who Gordon Lightfoot is." They both took on a look of panic and out the door they flew. I was a bit concerned that I was too hard on them, and was hoping I hadn't made them cry. I peeked out the window, and there they were talking to an adult woman in a car, whom I assumed was their mother. Back through the door they flew with their baskets stuffed full of cookies. The oldest one confidently announced, "Gordon Lightfoot is a famous Canadian folk singer!" Wow. It was like she was on Jeopardy, and she had just answered the final question! They were so cute, we ended up buying all the cookies in both baskets and they had to go back to the car for more! I hope they got their playground, and that they remember who Gordon Lightfoot is.

Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com

[GJA]

Yes, welcome. I always like the music of GL that I knew about, but wasn't really "into" him until about 3 years ago when I purchased "Gords Gold". Now I'm an addict!!

[GJA]

Yes, welcome. I always like the music of GL that I knew about, but wasn't really "into" him until about 3 years ago when I purchased "Gords Gold". Now I'm an addict!!

[jj]

Great Story Cathy!

[Sidney Freedmen]

Welcome to the Wagon!
i agree you will venture into new territory now that you are a Lightfoot fan. Most good.The first thing you can do is learn the words to CRT and can hum to it with out the music! jokin on that, but it can be done

Borderstone, you said "I know what you mean about people only recognizing Gord from Gord's Gold. Here in the USA,we're lucky when folks can tell the difference between Gordon and Harry Chapin!"

you're kidding me right??

------------------
Sidney Freedmen

'Sit Down Young Stranger' and visit The Home Page Of Gordon Lightfoot

[This message has been edited by Sidney Freedmen (edited January 15, 2005).]

Yes, welcome, indeed! I stood in your shoes a few months ago and was welcomed with open arms into this wonderful site. I have become a much happier person after filling my coffers (or should i say more correctly "emptying my coffers" !!) with Gord's music. It just makes my day listening to his beautiful voice. I won't ask you to tell us your favorites, though -- it's like asking which child you like the best!!

Yes, welcome, indeed! I stood in your shoes a few months ago and was welcomed with open arms into this wonderful site. I have become a much happier person after filling my coffers (or should i say more correctly "emptying my coffers" !!) with Gord's music. It just makes my day listening to his beautiful voice. I won't ask you to tell us your favorites, though -- it's like asking which child you like the best!!

It's never too late to be enchanted by the best lyricist next to Bob Dylan. I'm 30 and still my appreciation grows. At 14 I found my fathers Summertime Dream album and played it out of curiousity. In college, I became a true fan. Tragically, Gordon was cemented in my memory forever in those years. My good friend killed himself while in college and at his funeral he asked in a letter prior to taking his life to have "The Watchman's Gone" played. I had never heard that song before, well, not in that context. It helped me understand his death. I have seen Gordon twice in concert at the Paramount Theater in Denver and will never forget what I experienced. Gordon message is one that everybody can relate too no matter what age or event.

[socialvandal]

It's never too late to be enchanted by the best lyricist next to Bob Dylan. I'm 30 and still my appreciation grows. At 14 I found my fathers Summertime Dream album and played it out of curiousity. In college, I became a true fan. Tragically, Gordon was cemented in my memory forever in those years. My good friend killed himself while in college and at his funeral he asked in a letter prior to taking his life to have "The Watchman's Gone" played. I had never heard that song before, well, not in that context. It helped me understand his death. I have seen Gordon twice in concert at the Paramount Theater in Denver and will never forget what I experienced. Gordon message is one that everybody can relate too no matter what age or event.

I have never been to a Gordon Lightfoot concert, but when I graduated from university (20+ years ago), he was a guest at the ceremony and handed me my degree. Perhaps he was granted an honourary degree that day?
OK...any recommendations on what album/CD to listen to next?

I have never been to a Gordon Lightfoot concert, but when I graduated from university (20+ years ago), he was a guest at the ceremony and handed me my degree. Perhaps he was granted an honourary degree that day?
OK...any recommendations on what album/CD to listen to next?

[bjb]

quote:Originally posted by campania:
I was in a restaurant when I heard the tribute album "Beautiful".

Hi Campania,
It's interesting what draws us back to GL! I first heard Gordon when I was 13 or 14, and wore out every album up to and including Salute...then I "lost" him. One day last year I decided I had to hear Christian Island again. From there I have become an ardent fan again and have to have my daily dose of Lightfoot

I started by listening to the earliest albums and working my way up to Harmony. I can't pick one favorite album for you to buy first, but I especially love Don Quixote, Old Dan's Records, and Dream Street Rose and...uh oh, better stop.

PS You have good taste in other music too

[Tyler]

quote:Originally posted by campania:
I have never been to a Gordon Lightfoot concert, but when I graduated from university (20+ years ago), he was a guest at the ceremony and handed me my degree. Perhaps he was granted an honourary degree that day?
OK...any recommendations on what album/CD to listen to next?

If you are going to "dive" into Gord, set the Songbook 4 disc set. It is pricey but you can hear songs from every decade and some that haven't been released before. Then when you find your temporary favorites (favs are always changing!) you can get the album and listen to all the songs there.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[brink]

quote:Originally posted by campania:
I have never been to a Gordon Lightfoot concert, but when I graduated from university (20+ years ago), he was a guest at the ceremony and handed me my degree. Perhaps he was granted an honourary degree that day?
OK...any recommendations on what album/CD to listen to next?

If you are going to "dive" into Gord, set the Songbook 4 disc set. It is pricey but you can hear songs from every decade and some that haven't been released before. Then when you find your temporary favorites (favs are always changing!) you can get the album and listen to all the songs there.
Good luck and keep us posted.