Anybody who was at Vicar Street on November 7 will surely remember it as one the best gigs of 2008. Seattle's Fleet Foxes rolled into town and gave a stunning rendition of their eponymous debut album, full of charm, warmth and genuine talent. At one stage lead singer Robin Peckhnold came out in front of the mic and took everybody aback with the clarity and quality of his voice. He played a gorgeous solo version of a track that I am only after recognising 5 minutes ago. It was Katie Cruel by Karen Dalton, a little-known but hugely respected folk singer from the Greenwich Village scene of the 1960's.
Described here as "the best singer you've never heard of", cited as an important influence by none other than Bob Dylan, she only ever released two albums and will forever remain an enigma. Something on your mind is a particularly beautiful track in which her unique voice is obvious to all. You can listen to it here.
Sadly she never became the star her talent merited, struggling with addiction before dying homeless in 1993.
Here is Pecknold's version of Katie Cruel
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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"Katie Cruel" is actually a traditional song that Karen has become completely synonymous with. She is a lovely singer that I think is a bit better known that that Guardian article implies... But anyway...
ReplyDeleteWas at that FF gig in Nov. Great show, but their earlier one in Whelan's topped it, as the more intimate ones so often do.
Thanks for the tip-off, didn't know that. People need to stop talking about that Whelan's gig!!!
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