Modern Takes on Traditional Songs

[Bigboote]

Here’s Tom Waits doing a song often attributed to Leadbelly, but it’s generally accepted as a traditional song.

 

[Bigboote]

Last one for now. This is Eliza Carthy, daughter of Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson. She’s a great fiddler and accordion player in addition to being a great singer.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

The reference to Pat a Pan, a Christmas song, recalls to my mind that, with so many Christmas carols and songs being historic or traditional, there are many superb versions out there. Burl Ives comes to mind - and Judy Collins as well - in this category both generally and, with Burl Ives, Christmas.

One of my "Hallmark" Christmas CD's (which I think most of the folks here are old enough to remember ) has the most memorable version of "What Child is This" I have ever heard, but I regretfully don't remember the singer and it is packed away. Also, Harry Belafonte is on one of those CD's with beautiful versions of several traditional carols.

 

[CL82]

 

[Bama fan]

Here is an old sea shanty thought to be from 18th century British sailors. Leadbelly was the first to record it in the 1940s. This is a more recent version.

 

[Bama fan]

This is said to be from Scotland in the 1600s. There are many variants, but I love this one. And the similar Mary Travers effort.

 

[Ozimoto]

I like this version of an oft covered traditional song from I'm guessing the 1800's.

 

[lne001]

 

[Bama fan]

Rhiannon Giddens is a national treasure. She could fill an entire page with songs in this category. Nice post!

 

[tomcat]

The Hooters are a Philly band that was popular in the 80s. The song "500 miles" goes back a long ways, but this band decided to add a ska beat to it, which makes it even more mournful.

 

[JordyG]

Pretty. But not particularly a modern take on this song is it?

 

[JordyG]

Now this is a modern take on it:

 

[JordyG]

Can't get more modern than this"