Black Jack Davey (The White Stripes Cover)

[MikeMandaville]

Made famous by Bob Dylan? Roud Numer One? The most ancient and popular of the twenty thousand? Wow! That's as impressive as the ancient mansions of Beverly Hills. I had no idea that the Fukushima fallout had gotten this bad!

[broadcastterp]

The reason most people prefer this version to all others, though they might not know it is the drums. It's a small touch, but the extra layer of beats combined with the slick guitar work by Jack makes for the best version of Black Jack Davey.

Also, Jack tells the story with the most fire.

[13girly1]

I like just have to buy this lp coool

[masstsnk]

Sharliza is a crazier version of Jack Davey! Type in No Go Pogo and you'll see what I mean...

[rpetriniful]

i want a tattoo that says 'i'm in love with black jack davey"

[rocketloopz]

Needs to be replayed for... the rest of time

[ronniesoak2003]

Brill version of a trad song .... needs a violin somewhere though. instead of the guitar solos mayhap....

[broadcastterp]

@ronniesoak2003 Nope

[hopop313]

I imagined this was gonna be like the STEELEYE SPAN song of the same title. It's an entirely different song and different tune but I think the lyrics tell somewhat the same story. .

[VerOcknikstar]

love u bob... love stripes!

[pjchmiel]

8 people were forsaken by their lady! I like the Carter Family version best, though Woody Guthrie's Gypsy Davy is also very good. The White Stripes version is different, but much better than most of the other folksy versions I've heard. I like some of Dylan's work, but his version is awful by comparison. I'd like to hear Johnny Cash's take on it.

[harkoran]

The best thing to do is listen to The Carter family sing it and then listen to Jack, he is simply the smartest music man that ever lived. Sorry to hear about the break-up of the stripes and he even did that with the respect for the band and the fans and Meg.

[gamer1330]

aweeeessssooommeee

[JiS01]

chadd990, you're a man after my heart.

Instead, don't buy a White Stripes album. Buy them ALL!

[chadd990]

@JiS01

eh, I guess works too!

[davidhamalainen]

So we've got another incarnation of this ancient ballad. I suppose any retelling helps preserve it, though what a shame this version is incredibly diabolical!

[jewels396]

i played this song at my school guitar concert

[konzwambii]

If you can't add or contribute to a previous version (Dylan), just don't bother, please.

[Newbie0]

The heart wants what the heart wants.

[seikogoldwatch2009]

Johnny Cash did the best version of this song.

[Profedrybicki]

@seikogoldwatch2009 Actually, as it is originally an old English folk song, I think you'll find Steeleye Span did the best version (though this is surprisingly good).

[macchilavel]

@Profedrybicki pfft. Taj Mahal owns this song.

[EneriGiilaan]

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds" ;)

Actually, at every other day I like simple arrangements also. It might be that on those occasions I would now even search for WS (while a full CD of this stuff would be perhaps still too much for me in dose).

Anyways, it seems that, with your help, I have been able to enlarge my musical understanding a little - thanks for all the involved. And I must apologize for my unnecessarily confrontational opening remark.

[JacobGrimmFollower]

These two (Jack and Meg) have provided us with amazing music for so long and there's no denying it, I know the concept of "soul" is hard to grasp, but it's not all about soul. They experiment with many different styles but they still keep their own distinct style.They're only two but they work like four.Every album is amazing. I know it's a matter of personal taste, but there really is talent in that band.

And yes, I'm going to buy all the albums I'm still lacking from them.

[EneriGiilaan]

Ok - they are adequate instrumentalists, but let's face it, with just guitar and drums and not any exceptional vocals any music remains inevitably quite 1-dimensional.

It is especially true with this particular example, which they ruin otherwise also. Compared to the Steeleye Span version - this is miles behind in every possible measure.

[halomidgetman]

@EneriGiilaan

The thing is, they don't need a fucking full band to express soul into every one of their songs, and having studio quality vocals and instrumentals don't make your songs much better.

[EneriGiilaan]

@halomidgetman

You mean this is not a studio recording? Anyways, I have found them always boring. Good players - but to make the limited set (guitar, drums, vocal) work consistently requires real genius. There is just not much originality in the arrangements - the variations there are, don't surprise - and vocals tend to follow the most obvious modes of expression.

But if you can find soul from them, then more power to you. Perhaps I'm just not talented enough to understand how to listen them.

[halomidgetman]

@EneriGiilaan

Your narcissism and sarcasm aren't appreciated here, or in the music world.

[EneriGiilaan]

@halomidgetman I understand that sarcasm or lack of it doesn't communicate well through this media. Seriously, I was not trying to be sarcastic this time.

When you say that they 'express soul in their songs' - I must believe that it is your experience and thus true. I sincerely believe that I have my limitations - also regarding music - and this must be a point where I have met one of my current limits.

Consequently, I guess I have to retract 'every possible measure' from my initial statement.

[lokisgodhi]

@EneriGiilaan

I think you're shortchanging the White Stripes. I think they've done a truly unique and powerful arrangement of this song.

I think it's up there with Johnny Cash's performance of it on Little House in 1976.

In my opinion, this is a song in which less is more, performance and arrangement-wise. Steeleye Span, which is without dispute a great group, does a version of the song that is a bit overcomplicated for my taste.

[EneriGiilaan]

@lokisgodhi Heh, in another discussion I'm basically saying just that: 'less is more' - I should make up my mind ;)

Only just realized that this song has a long 'independent' tradition there - so this piece is not a 'rockified' version of the English folk song. It is rock as it should be, on honest American basis.

I also checked other songs and must admit their talent in varying their approach. Still too limited soundscapes to me, but I can now better understand why they are appreciated by many.

[lokisgodhi]

@EneriGiilaan

That's okay. As Walt Whitman said, Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)

Some days I'm in the mood for simple music and some days I like complicated pieces myself.

[pukeonmyshoe2130]

my names davey! :D lol

[BF2User5]

Nothing like Bob Dylan I don't like it because this is a folk song and they just turned it upside down and ruined it.

[WookiePUBE]

@BF2User5  Might i suggest checking their performance from Under Great White Northern Lights. They do it acoustic it's amazing, and it might be something you dig if you fancy folk.

[blunthog29]

not canadian , but jack has relatives in Nova Scotia...his grandmother is from my home town , sydney mines...he mentions the town in 7 nation army on the Under Great White Northern Lights cd....she was at the 10th anniversary show in Glace Bay nova scotia , i was there too.....UNFORGETABLE night.

[HaraldNordbo]

The melody kinda reminds me of "I Think I Smell A Rat". Where did you get this magnificent piece of audio?

[WhiteStripesFann]

No disrespect to Bob Dylan, I love his music, but Jack always does a better cover of his songs.

[igolem]

@WhiteStripesFann This is NOT a Dylan song. It's a traditional folk song from the 18th century. Dylan just happened to do a version of it too. Perhaps the most famous recorded version done by Steeleye Span

[HelterSkelterForum]

Fantastic

[blackmath8]

Bob Dylan and Jack White, two of the greatest people to ever live.

[SmooshCakes]

Why does this song only have 36,500 and some odd views? People really don't appreciate good music.

[gamer1330]

@SmooshCakes no, because its not that well known

[aquaturtle79]

eat it all!!!!

[Ezdduf4kuZ]

This version is much better, of coarse this is the recording and not a live performance. The audio is excellent, bassey. Are they a Canadian group?

[Grem91]

@Ezdduf4kuZ They are from detroit michigan 

[UnseenChains]

This song isn't that bad. I'm not the biggest White Stripes fan but they definetely have some good stuff.

[DrDox]

If you like this song, put the thump up!

[Pandapple1995]

The Under Great White Northern Lights version of this song is great too~! Ahh~ White Stripes are amazing.

[sdayvee]

Bad to the bone, Jack.

[JtheG4]

Awesome...Of course Zune won't let me buy this. Argh...just have to go watch Under Great White Northern Lights again I guess

[PsykoToons]

killer shit man

[ramsay97]

im gonna give you kudos mate

you might not have written it but you uploaded it and a couldnt find this version elsewhere

is cool

[JoeyRamone129]

I love this song!! Such a good cover

[Cuuka]

This somewhat sounds like a twisted pirate song!

[inukboy]

This song is very much my song for my relationship.

ahhh... songs with meanings....

[eevlwich]

oh Jack i love you so

[Spacemonkey742]

which stripes album is this on?

[pmo1983]

b-side on the Seven Nation Army single

[Spacemonkey742]

dude thanks i could not find it anywhere thanks again

[MisforMysterys]

@Spacemonkey742

[stinsonautosales]

One JW 's best performances on guitar

[jmayhse]

my favorite song is NONE! bitch

[mrnetto0]

De mais !Muito Boa

[fanofmozart]

Impeccable taste by White Stripes, as usual , as they mine the American music tradition (e.g. "Conquest" by (dear God) Patti Page). I heard the great Almeda Riddle sing this song almost forty years ago in Chicago, and it still haunts me.

[PearlslaveRecords]

where did you get this song? because its not on itunes

[radiozero93]

I believe it is on the B-side on the Seven Nation Army single.

[specialted1742]

you are absolutely correct

[ReverendNillerz]

@PearlslaveRecords: Stop using iTunes then.

[pappasc4]

@PearlslaveRecords iTunes is just like any other digital way of listening to music - crap quality and lame. vinyl all the way!

[6532MegaPixel]

cool

[lauriepoo86]

brilliant. ladies and gents, jack's done it again.

[sagbag12345]

@lauriepoo86 Aren't you forgetting someone?

[jdg72289]

This is totally wicked awesome as the White Stripes always are awesome. I love the gallop sort of beat. Gallop beats are awesome withother songs too like Heart's Barracuda and Ghost Riders in The Sky. I'm practicing my guitar galloping on these three great songs.

[atfatw]

good acid rock track but steeleye span with then young maddy pryor did it better

[rickthaluddite]

I've been to two white stripes concerts and seven bob dylan concerts and I'll happily bUy tickets to see either act again. In fact I have tickets to see Bob on Nov. 7, 2009. I caN'T EFFIN' WAIT!! THANKS FOR POSTING THIS GEM (sotry the caps lock stuck)

[assman2287424]

dylan is god beatles r jesus and metallica is judas

[froggywrecker]

fantstic song... anyone know where i can buy it??? it ain't on iTunes, it ain't on the Stripes website....

[elbratzo]

try ebay or amazon. sometimes you find rare stuff there.

[Anathematic667]

You can simply use Vdownloader or, YoutubeDownloader..

[BoggyCreekFilms]

Freakin love this song, and The White Stripes.

[UselessLass]

Tadala

[UselessLass]

Try Steeleye Span...

[kateypie1]

this is so good! love it!! does anyone know the origins of the song itself? i have listened to versions by dylan, and also one by steeleye span, and cant discover wether its american folk or british or what.. ? any help would be appreciated! thanks for posting! x

[jessesgirl10]

It's on old Appalachian song most likely brought over from England. The first time I heard the song it was done by Almeda Riddle on the CD Songcatcher II: The Tradition That Inspired the Movie.

[kateypie1]

thank you for replying, i will look out for the cd! x

[givebeesachance]

It's older than that. It's a 17th century folk tale from southern Scotland that has had about 47,000 versions played and recorded since then. To be honest, this is one of my least favorite versions.

[jessesgirl10]

That's interesting. Do you like the older music?

[assman2287424]

i know, dylans version is the best i think

[toothfairytats]

It's just a modern version of an old song, just like Dylan played it. Believe me I am a huge Dylan fan, I don't mean that in the sense that I have some greatest hits and Highway 61 and Blood on the Tracks, I have everything the man has made and I like this version, it seems like something Dylan would try to do in the mid 70's with that wicked band. Either way I like it quite a bit.

[foiran]

@toothfairytats Would you say there are similarities with House carpenter? I was just listening to this again and have been listening to the first bootleg series a bit lately and couldn’t help be reminded of house carpenter listening to this. And I gotta agree, Im a huge Dylan fan and not especially a WS fan, but I love this version

[mypurplelighter]

No feeling. You have to have feeling! Feeling is what is what music is missing these days...

[scarlettdear]

The White Stripes version is a lot more fluid that Dylan's. I want to like Dylan's more but it's just not as strong as this one.

[atfatw]

a cute chick, good ol style acid rock beat johnny winter would be proud circa 1969

[AntiMercyDude]

garage rock

[sml7799]

I have Mike Seeger's version of this on my iPod. This is the first I've heard this cover...pretty rad.

[skye475]

this is a geat song to play =D

[BlackJackDaveeeeyyy]

im not to bothered where its from its an amazing song and the white stripes did a great cover! :)

[kreepydoll]

I love this song. I like the story it tells.

[luckytigers8]

be 16 come sunday !!

This is cool

Dylan's is better

[8u993]

...folk music has a way of shape shifting....gypsy davy-raggle taggle gypsies-as i roved out-16/17 come sunday

[DominoDylan]

Am I the only one that finds it wierd when guys sing from a womens perspective, like in this song and there cover of Jolene

[thecupdidit]

YES LOL

[sagehorsedancer]

this is a really gud song!!!!!!!!! so dont ruin it by ur dumb comments!!!!!!!

[Farelbroz135]

I can listen to this all damn day :D

[stainypoo]

I like the Elliott Smith version it sounds more like a lost lover song, but he has some great covers like "they'll never take her love from me" and "all my rowdy friends" and "chelsea girls" but white stripes version sounds good too.

[MarkusGre]

coooool :D

[bombbasticluva]

love this!!

[stupreme]

White Stripes covers are always better than the original!! Cuz TWS is the best music ever

[Eleanorejustine]

I don't want to say anything, but isn't this one of those traditional songs that people don't know who wrote it? I'm sure Bob Dylan didn't write it

[foiran]

its an old folk song Dylan didn't write it but he did cover it. Im a Dylan crusader, but even I think the white stripes (who I never realy liked much) do a better interpretation of this one.

[elegantmotif]

I'm pretty sure it was by Steeleye Span, a 70's folk revival band.

[darkshines0]

Maybe...if you meant 1770's. This is an old ass song.

[ramblesocket]

It's an old ass song, but it wasn't a song in the 18th century, it was a story that evolved from the Greek Tragedies. Then, centuries later, folk picked up the story and it became an ever evolving story for musicians, especially folk singers and story tellers.

[DrSword]

"The Gypsy Laddie" (Roud 1, Child 200), also known as "Black Jack Davy" and "The Raggle Taggle Gypsies" among many other titles, is a traditional folk ballad, possibly written about 1720

[foiran]

yeah its possibly going back as early, in balard form, as 1720

[Kailystos]

Different song with the same name, i think anyway

[kateypie1]

they definately sang it ive watched their amazing version. but as with many of their songs its an old folk song given a new breath of life!

[DrDragon1980]

Great song. Guitar sound's fantastic.

[9794585]

i love this song man coool

[dmilzd]

gos i love this song

[SarahGates]

It's one of the b-sides to Seven Nation Army.

[Saulonio]

What album/EP is this from?

[tws0270]

"If you like this song, don't give me any kudos, don't subscribe to me. Buy a White Stripes Album instead."

couldnt be better said...

[jones12a]

very true but were all still here listening for free