"Girl In Port" by Okkervil River

[sijmenSP]

they are performing in utrecht, netherlands this weekend. Got to go seeing them.

[MeLlamoAllison]

This video could not get any better.

[betteroffinmyhead]

Full band version of this song is so damn good. Swingy old southern feel then full horn section? what? only Okkervil River...sigh.

[didipocas]

This song is really beautiful, but it seems that he sings wrong at the beginning of the chorus

[ilovefortkent]

love it. :D <3

[TheHereticMe]

I'm not the lady killing sort.. :)

[813savagelucy]

love it!

[buttersbutler]

wowowowowowow i love this

[nickludwig5]

where is this?

[raparaparapaDum]

@nickludwig5 How you can see at the begining of the video this was made in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy

[dirkvan3]

20 persons who dont like this song, they must be fucked

[MikeDaMuddah]

I like so=and=so's top twp. I put War Criminal in a separate category, but agree w/ the masterpiece label. Black belongs. Blue Tulip and So Come Back I am waiting are my tops. But, Westfall is rightfully the song audiences should beg for at a concert. Amen, brother or sister.

[superdunce77]

@vaynor Troll ;) haha

[NoRegretsForOurYouth]

I want more Okkervil River dammit!

top 5:

1. The War Criminal Rises and Speaks (masterpiece)

2. Black

3. John Allyn Smith Sails

4. Kansas City

5. Blanket and Crib

[videovedo36]

@IAmAGamerMusician

ah, ecco, che fosse una moda non lo sapevo. Beh, allora devo dire che mi dà ancora più fastidio! ;)

[videovedo36]

@IAmAGamerMusician

no no, non era puntiglio campanilista, sono di Roma...solo che, come dire, se devo dire Milwaukee non dico Mill Waky e se devo dire Milano non dico Mil'ano. Se un posto è più piccolo e meno conosciuto non per questo deve essere conosciuto in modo storpiato...le marche sono belle, se Porto Sant'Elpidio diventasse famoso per questo video almeno che la gente conosca il nome giusto! :)

[Hannoi]

I mean if they won't do anything else in their life, with writing these beautiful melodies theri life was worth living, wasn't it?

[unmemorablehero]

One of he greatest bands of all time! This man knows how to write a fucking song!!!

[MultiSagitta]

@videovedo36 Thanks for telling us. Some people might have wanted to know that.

[videovedo36]

Just to be correct (i know no one bothers, but...) the ortography of the name of the place is actually Porto Sant'Elpidio, not Porto San El'pidio. Anyway...

[hegofinr]

how anyone could manage to hold their tears back is beyond me

[MrsCellardoor]

stumbled here by accident - -

and

LIKE IT!

LIKE IT!

LIKE IT!

[6eeyore9]

@MrsCellardoor welcome to Okkervil River, hope you won't be dissapointed...

[JordanAllenFilms]

I love this song. Kinda makes me think of Andy Hull and Right Away Great Captain

[datisgood09]

yall suck sooooooooooooooooooooo freaking bad!!!!!!!!!!!! go bury ur music!!!! may God have mercy on ur souls!!!!! im soooo embarrassed for yall!!!

[GstringDJ]

@datisgood09 Hater!... why hate??.

[datisgood09]

@GstringDJ "why hate?" cause they suck!!!!!

[cellardoor881]

@datisgood09 U SUCK

[themantrevor]

@cellardoor881 shit just got real!!!

[cellardoor881]

@themantrevor D:

[Wolfenstein2021]

@datisgood09 GO SUCK DICK

[punkbiskit]

This is utter genius, I love this band and always will.

[McLOVEN951]

i saw this on MEtv! i love it Go Austin

[SuperRabbit15]

Does anyone know where this is filmed? It looks stunning!

[MsChobin75]

@SuperRabbit15 This is Porto Sant'Elpidio, a town on the eastern coast of central Italy (Marche region).

[lastnightinbed]

i think i just creamed my pants....

[NathanExplosionFan]

There really is no other way to describe this other than beautiful and amazing.

[oneFR33MAN]

are you fucking retarded? Hip hop? dipshit, look up the definition of hip hop. Whatever you're smoking is construing whatever sense you did have about music genre.

[oxticiaxo]

@oneFR33MAN cant sense a joke?

[oneFR33MAN]

@oxticiaxo no i can't. when it comes to okkervil river just gtfo if you don't appreciate the genius.

[semiballpenman]

@oneFR33MAN Dude, go to sleep. Don't come back alright? Don't need to hate just because we're having a good time.

[lolipopscandy62]

@oneFR33MAN I agree.

[murdermyshadow]

amazing..truly amazing

[zenarrrow]

My Favorite bands in this Order,

1. Pink Floyd

2.Bob Dylan

3.Okkervil River

These guys are simply amazing. Love every song.

[djrindtj24]

That is a beautiful song.

[onthebrink11]

love that you can hear the ocean in the background. love the song

[Astrobasego91]

this is so great... such an amazing example of Okkervil River, and Will Sheff.

[chanemell]

love it

[Syst3m04]

Anyone know why the music vid for "for real" is no longer on youtube?

[whatmattersmost4]

@Syst3m04 it's there again :D

[poada2008]

not bad

[deq23]

amazing! best song on an album full of truly awesome songs.

[boredincnwitd]

@ amelodysoftlysoaring apparently they do. i was actally expecting someone to show up and use the bob dylan thing. the kind of person that only sees bob dylan as the guy with the guiar and harmonica. really smart comment.

[amelodysoftlysoaring]

haha well i guess i have to modify my comment to say that the majority of the crazy internet people don't find them. =)

[sirjelind]

nice place to play it :)

[riseagan]

what key is the harp in? ive been experimenting and i don't sound quite right.

[samperduta]

the harmonica is in the key of A

[riseagan]

many thank you's... i actually figured it out when i took a second to think about it.

[spacespace22]

where is the location of that video?

[whoopgas]

jeez, way to rip off Bob Dylan.

j.k

i know you're aiming higher.

[flagg1975]

Very nice. The harmonica at the end is a nice touch

[StaringatheSun764]

this band is amazing and so underrated. So few bands can move me the way Okkervil does. just thought id throw that in there, great song.

[amelodysoftlysoaring]

@StaringatheSun764 I love how the comments on the really good youtube videos are all nice and positive. The crazy internet people don't stumble upon Okkervil River videos, and I kinda like that.

[StaringatheSun764]

agreed.

[mort4d3l4]

Wow man nice work...i see you song in a movie (Fling-lie to me), and search for more songs :) Gratzz nice song, nice work!

[morganenosfilms]

this song destroys me.

[Jaaan90]

where i can buy this acoustic version?

[chelsea82]

This acoustic version isn't available on itunes. Anyone know of where I could purchase it? Thanks in advance for any answers people can provide.

[rwallacegoldaline]

If you were lucky enough to get stage names early, then you'd you have all the rough demo tracks on a separate disk, in order, acoustic with Will only. Most the songs are a million times better with the full band though.

[MegaIrit]

I don't like to say it but right now you can just download it. It's easy.

[itshayleyy]

LOVE. :) :) and ASU sucks haha.

[Vaynor]

Okkervil River is probably my favorite hip hop band.

[Tkdamaistah]

...wait what?

[jjxanadu]

Dude, I laughed so hard at this.

[tommyc27]

lol -gd one

[Adragalus]

....hip-hop?

They're either indie, alternative, or maybe slightly country.

Wake up, mate.

[Vaynor]

I think the person who needs to wake up is the one who cannot comprehend facetiousness.

[whatmattersmost4]

@Adragalus i would say they are indie, folk with some country sometimes

[Mixarenan]

@Vaynor what is the inside joke in this? :B

- I only know they like hip hop.

[Wolfenstein2021]

@Vaynor me too !!!! i didnt know hip hop rocked this much

[elivanzandt]

@Vaynor hhahahahah

[LizardKingSnake]

where was this filmed? it's beautiful.

[LizardKingSnake]

now i see the beginning of the video. Italy...

[nogdenw]

will sheff (sp) is a god among men--his melodies are awe inspiring and his lyrics are personal and meaningful. While his melody is simple, it struck a heart chord with me and something undefinable speaks throughout the song and its covers...i fucking LOVE okkervil river---COME TO OKLAHOMA UNIVERISTY, YOU WOULD SELL OUT NO MATTER WHAT!! I PROMISE.

[bmtran]

screw OU, come to UT again, that show was awesome! we miss you

[nogdenw]

now now, dont project your football frustrations on to will, he could obviously make both venues if he came to either/or. share the wealth austin!

[this818]

ahh! they came to asu! and for free :)

[wilburthewooden]

Absolutly god damn stunning, one of my favorite songs my ears have ever been blessed to listen to.

[fuckinole]

Damn right

[rockman7603]

i usually dont like this music but i must admit, this band is very good and has a nice sound

[sanjusanjusanju]

the harmonica at the end gives me chills every time.

[Osmun79]

This song is really stuck in my head!

[carolinaielardi]

E' stato bellissimo!

[flozzylozzy]

stunning song

[girlinport2]

Love the song, can't get enough of it. However if a guy sends it to you, trust me he is a player!!

Learned the hard way.

[this818]

dont be bitter haha

[DisfiguredCowboy]

Hehe, anyone who says something like "I'm not the lady-killing sort" has got to be lying ;)

Sheesh, this song rocks. I remember seeing them in an empty bar in 2004, then barely being able to see them from the back of a crowd in 2006...but they've done an epic job not letting success tarnish their sound.

[Syst3m04]

I agree about the line being a lie, but I don't think he realized it at the time. I think this song is somewhat of an apology to the girls (groupies) he's slept with on the road. Then when Holly leaves him instead of him leaving the girl as is normal he knows how it feels. I do believe he sleeps with some of the groupies since he talks about them in interviews saying they don't love the musician so much as the music and they are actually sleeping with the music, not the musician.

[Syst3m04]

To all the people saying this music is shitty because of the guitar, explain to why nickleback is so popular? Personally I hate them, but if you want to listen to simply written songs just turn on the radio. Will Sheff is absolutely amazing, he doesn't need synthasizers, distortion, or a base line to be beautiful. To anyone who thinks O.R. sucks, you need better taste in music.

[curlyfry197]

fuck the haters man. we shouldnt have to defend our music because some people dont like it.

[skatefarmerftw]

awesome song, i love it

[jjxanadu]

As for the simplicity argument, it doesn't make sense. Probably the greatest artist of the 20th century, Picasso, was known for the beautiful simplicity found in his work. The wonderful thing about art and music is it is judged by those who experience it, and it seems that many judge this to be beautiful. Let's just leave it at that...

[Funkbone]

What an achingly beautiful song.

[benharper11]

shut up who says this is a shitty song!

this is a very good song, oh yes.

[tombuttner]

the problem with complicated patterns is that they are all theory, and no beauty. There's no poetry in guitar theatrics. Its more like mathematics than art.

[jjxanadu]

I believe mathematics is art...

[tombuttner]

Then it is. For you. But not for me. If you find beauty in it, great.

[UltimoApache]

Mathematics are awesome, like Kepler said: Geometry preexisted God, God used geometry to make his creations, geometry it's God himself. I am not religious btw, just a quote.

[Syst3m04]

That comment sounds like something I would say, I'm always saying Physics are awesome. As long as 1=1 all math/physics works, and since physics is just math in the physical form I love it.

[73h1337kiwi]

untrue. while i find that the best artists are kind of savants (both thom yorke and tom waits have said they have no grasp at all on music theory) it doesnt mean that joe satriani or steve vai are machines. some of steve's work is breath taking.

[Pooklette]

All of Stevie Vai's work is utter shite. Fact.

[73h1337kiwi]

steve vai is the preeminent guitar virtuoso. he has the best technique and the most emotion. he understands all aspects of music theory. if steve cant play it, no one can.

but if you're not gonna use facts and just state your opinion in an offensive manner, i wont try to make a good argument against you.

[Pooklette]

Well thank fuck for that.

[blueIbeauty]

In respect to all these musical theory comments: isn't it possible to love a sound despite its simple pattern? I more often than not judge a song by its ability to make me feel. Yes, it might not be Mozart, but I still appreciate it for its overall merit. Besides, I think the lyrics are lovely and soul-bearing, which greatly sways my appreciation for the tune.

[Slartraub]

just amazing.

[RedMiniPig]

Are there any better bands? I think not..

[koolkidx2]

its a sick song

[Robosucky]

...omg!

[pressholdd]

really really great

[zenarrrow]

Why doesn't everybody like these guy's?

[3510211]

because they aren't good musicians. They strum open chords and sing mediocre vocals. No originality, sounds like poor/generic acoustic rock with sappy lyrics that don't provoke thought. there inst any melody other than the vague so-called melody occurring in the vocals, therefore, the listener has nothing to remember. this song is essentially forgettable by the time you close this window.

[Youtubax]

Fuck! you almost made me cry. You're mad.

Though I must agree, but hey they don't sound that bad. Who gives a shit if they're not famous?

[mahans30]

If that's all there was to music I would agree with you. But there is a lot of imagery here and a lot of feeling. Something that a crusty old boy like you probably has forgotten about.

[mahans30]

Nice of you to base this opinion off of one song. I might agree with you if that's all that there was to music.

[3510211]

I wouldn't expect from knowledge about music coming from someone who listens to a song like this. Literally, I have heard better songs from 14 year olds at talent shows. do you honestly remember this song in your head? i sincerely doubt it. Im only criticizing this song. However, the fact that this video has 90K views says that fans of this band enjoy this song,therefore, it is a good song to base my opinion on.

[StinkyIndian]

Just because they don't sing radio songs with nothing other than a catchy chorus doesn't mean you can say it is shit. You obviously know nothing about music. Maybe they dont give a shit about making a catchy radio song and they sing about what is real.

[3510211]

yeah explain to me how to harmonize the aeloian mode. and the concept of secondary dominant chord substitution then tell me i know nothing about music.

[StinkyIndian]

You have all your knowledge about aeloian modes but whatever knowledge you got from google is drowned out by the fact that you think music is only good if it has a catchy chorus and a great melody.

[3510211]

Uh no, but good music has hooks. And I didn't learn music from google, thanks. Chances are if you are a guy and listening to this song, you are gay.

[StinkyIndian]

I don't even like this song, but it is one of my favorite bands. And you know you lost the argument when you start bringing up trivial things such as sexual preference, just accept the fact that you lose and don't make yourself look any more foolish

[3510211]

Whatever you say.

[fishsticks176]

i can explain to you both those things, but I don't see you how can be so musically educated and still define a "good" song by catchiness. I mean don't worry, you're not alone - you're with the majority of America actually. But you of all people (seemingly) should be able to appreciate the works of "uncatchy" artists such as Ravi Shankar, Bela Bartok, etc etc - some of the best musicians in the world. When "America's songwriter" is titled to a man who couldn't even play an instrument, that's sad

[morpheus514]

Oh lord, spare us from the music school snob assault.

Feel free to dislike the song, but you likely aren't paying proper attention if you think people need to be classically trained (or even just "good") singers/musicians in order to put together a good pop song.

The song in question doesn't call for fancy tricks, given that it's mostly driven by the lyrics and vocals (I happen to think they fit the song's style). For what it's worth, I remembered this song in my head. Sorry.

[3510211]

Yeah Beethoven is good, everything else sucks.

[kacz10]

to preface this: i know nothing of playing music. that being said, i also have thousands of cds and a couple hard drives full of music. i know what i like, and okkervil and this song are among them. just because a song may be simple to play doesn't exclude it from being euphonious. to each their own.

[3510211]

Anynovice guitar player could write a song like this in a matter of minutes. If you like it, listen to it. I'm just saying its really not that great or worth 90K views. And any chord progression is going to be euphonious (or consonant) as long as its diatonic (remains within key) but whatever.

[3510211]

alright, i listened to a few more of their songs. They're not absolutely terrible, this is definitely one of their shitty songs.

[iiirdeyeheretik]

I don't know how someone 'educated' in music just defines something as shitty. In my years of studying music, I've learned that there's nothing more ignorant than dismissing an entire genre, artist, album, or SONG as shitty. He is skilled lyricist, and I think you'd be alone if you denied this. And calling this shit because of the guitar... you might as well say Bob Dylan is shit too. In which case your opinion is invalid.

[3510211]

You are actually going to compare this sappy shit to Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan played some decent lead melodies on guitar ex. Desolation Row.

[kemyndie]

Yes, it's very simple, but great. I challenge you to make a song as beautiful as this, with lyrics so good as that and singing with the same passion and emotion that Will has on his voice. You'll see that it's not that easy...

[higerto11]

will sheff plays lead melodies on songs too. bob dylan played simple chord progressions on songs too. i really don't understand how you can be so close-minded. if you like dylan you can at least appreciate will sheff. he's a brilliant lyricist.

[SoSaysI9]

Yes I do remember this song in my head because it's awesome. It doesn't need to harmonize the aeloian mode or have secondary dominant chords, to tell you the truth I think a guy sitting in his room playing an acoustic and singing is the best music. I love this band and if you don't well then don't click on the link. Simple as that.

[lonelygnome1]

his voice is cool

[uoppocop]

ok but.. porto sant elpidio, not porto sant el' pidio.. (italy not spain:)) )

[AngieOnly]

Great:)

[Cocrteau3]

To me the Okkervil River is one of the best bands of the past ten years and on par with many of the classic (post70) acts of which the Triffids come to mind.

[fakeplasticjack]

i think down the river of golden dreams is their best. this song is still awesome though :)

[Syst3m04]

Having said that "Don't Fall in Love With Everyone You See" is still MY favorite album, I just think Black Sheep Boy as a whole is a better album. Westfall and Red are some of the most powerful songs I have ever listened to.

[juanshitojuanshito]

che, muy buenos temas! no encuentro aun uno que no me guste!! Muy bien ehh. Pregunta: donde esta filmado el video? de que parte de eeuu son uds?

[melissery]

i can't get enough of this song lately. the lyrics are beautiful.

[fastersongs]

ugh i fucking love this song

[denouement5]

I'm not the lady killing sort <3

[VansFreak16]

I LOVE this band. They've been my favorite for four years now. I'm gonna go see them this tuesday at the Music Box. Yay! ^__^

I'm so happy.

They're the best, and this is one of their best songs.

[valverdista]

One of the best bands of the moment, but I guess they´re too much american to play in Portugal.What a stupid fuckin´country.

[rajasmasala]

you wanna hate, at least give context

[KasandraFox]

beautiful.

[triangletheorytrey]

This song is interesting to me. It sounds very true and real. I think this is a good song. The girl in the port must be confused? I don't know, this is the second Okkervil River song I've ever heard.

[hailtothevictorz]

Love this song. Am I the the only one who thinks the background and colors are kinda 'Houses of the Holy'-like? Anyway, love the video.

[boose22]

Stage names FTW, their old stuff is too...something, maybe im not attuned enough or something

[Syst3m04]

Stage names is good, but I will have to say Black Sheep Boy is absolutely hands down their best album.

[Haedos]

He's so out of tune but the song is so incredible... <3

<3

[PoisonIvyLeague]

Damn, what a beautiful setting. I love this song and band.

[antonfranciscomendez]

ahahah..in porto sant' elpidio...where i gone at school..ahhaha

[sanjusanjusanju]

i lovelovelove this version

[WSkate4Life7]

i edited this video!!!

[TheAbsolutionHowl]

I've been to the Crystal Corner Bar!

That always freaked me out a little.

I'm actually going against popular opinion here and saying that I think this is their best album.

There's something about both the music and the lyrics that seem to be just a little more elevated than on Black Sheep Boy (a close second)

[2zednik0]

Don't feel bad about it...The album kicks ass. It has everything you could want from bringing the ROCK to the ballads that are amazingly, heartbreakingly relatable.

[kemyndie]

Wonderful song and wonderful place!

[malinffs]

where is it?

[xxsolen]

<3<3<3<3<33<3<!!1 Älsskar DEM ! :D

[SmackoRulesOverNate]

song gives me boner

[Bruce0Smith]

I think these guys kindfas sound like Boo Radley :)

[Monarchy16]

Guy from To Kill a Mocking Bird?