Bob Lind's Message Board

Now have this version, - on his "Cuts to the Chase" album...

...it begins almost ominously, preparing the listener for a challenging tale - then, further on, Richie reassures us with his soothing, whimsical humming between lyrics...

...by the end, RH has brought the song back to Lind territory...

...I LIKE IT !

...by the way - a million best wishes to you for the upcoming Odetta shows, Mr. L...

...slay 'em, Bob...lay 'em in the aisles...':D'

Lind seems to close his set with "HTNCF" often...

It's a great song to take away with you...

...car cd player Repeat function gets stabbed by a forefinger here...

...looking forward to the Lind story on DVD, - a work in progress...

...any update on release? ':)'

For what it's worth, I have come to the view that RH version is from the viewpoint of the observer, while the Lind version suggests an intimate knowledge of the players and their situations. That's not to say that they're both not great - they are.

Richie's interpretation smacks of someone musing, even thinking aloud, suggesting from observation and guesswork. Lind's approach is (obviously) that of the writer, imparting known fact and advising the listener of the sensitivities of the matter.

The fondness Lind has for this song shows starkly in the live 'Luna Star" cut. It seems to have been tucked away in his pocket for years - a constant companion, a quality piece, a work offered with confidence.

The variation in vocal styles can be explained by their respective range and timbre - i.e. Lind harks back (maybe?) to a leaning to an almost near-falsetto delivery at certain points, whereas Richie's smooth, thick vocal draws attention to a thoughtful construct.

Havens always seems a little like a storyteller to me. I think it's because I always associate him with that Woodstock footage with the drums and the caftan shirt, which just looked "Hey, I'm a traditional teller of tales! Come listen!" to me.