If you haven’t heard it already, Elyse Weinberg's song “Houses” is an amazing song that a lot of people have been covering lately, even though it was pretty much ignored in its own day in spite of the fact that Neil Young plays on it. I recorded two versions of Elyse's beautiful song about twenty minutes apart from each other. I honestly couldn’t figure out which one to share with you. So if you’re interested in how two takes of the same song, played by the same person roughly back-to-back, can have so many subtle differences, give both a listen.
Jan 26, 2023·edited Jan 26, 2023Liked by Jeff Tweedy
Glad to hear both of your takes on this one! If I'm not mistaken, Courtney Barnett also cut a version that ended up on a 7" or something. I remember after I heard Courtney's version, I went looking for the original, only to be surprised that it doesn't appear on Elyse's lone LP released at the time (whose cover is pictured above). I think it only came out on her unreleased — until relatively recently by the Numero Group — second record, Greasepaint Smile. For those interested in a vinyl copy, it seems to be sold out on Numero's Bandcamp site, linked above, but can still be ordered here: https://numerogroup.com/products/elyse-weinberg-greasepaint-smile
I just want to say how cool and intimate it is to be able to participate in something like this. Thank you all, just thank you...this is medicine. Much needed...
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it at the Riviera Theatre covered by Katie Crutchfield sitting in with Courtney Barnett. It was a perfect day of music visiting the Loft in the afternoon and heading to the Rivieria with Courtney and Waxahatchee.
Love ❤️ (and this is precisely the kind of thing that interests me 😊) The first take sounds as if the storyteller is acknowledging the sad truth. The second sounds as if the storyteller is getting the "other" to acknowledge it. Also, I adore that cover art.
I don’t remember this song from back in the day….as you say it must have been largely ignored ….but I’m going to listen to the original now after hearing your versions ….exquisite 💖
What a beautiful song…. And really looking into that artwork (album cover?) as I listened…….what an amazing piece of work….the detail ….the gentleness …..the sense of care from the beings surrounding the bed…..I just love it….
Thanks so much for this sharing….my ears are still singing the music and my mind is now circling the sun 💖🌿
There are so many great musicians out there, and so much great music. Thanks, Jeff, for your ongoing efforts to shine the light on so many of them that I've never had the pleasure of finding on my own.
I can't decide which version I like better. They're both great.
Thank you for a beautiful song that I’ve never before heard! I find myself preferring the second version because (stealing a Coen Brothers phrase here) it has that Jeff Tweedy feeling. A bit more oomph put into the strumming that makes the emotions more complex. Plus on the first take I keep hearing Neil Young which, mind you, isn’t a bad thing. But take 2 resonates more with me.
This is a wonderful song! Well written. Even more wonderful when heard twice in one afternoon! I think I love the sweet nuances of your second version and the golden tones your voice takes on, but both are really good. I think I have to get out the old Guild and test it out more often. See, you have been an inspiration Captain!
I feel like this is a test of how discerning a listener we are. And I’m afraid I fail miserably! On first listen anyway, I hear a little more emphatic vocal on the second take and a little more…filigree? …on the guitar on the second take. But that’s a pitiful analysis. Were you using the same guitar on both takes?
Oh wow....yet another song and artist I have never even heard of (who even am I!?). Thank you for sharing.... and opening my ears to this fine piece of work. (I like your versions!)
Glad to hear both of your takes on this one! If I'm not mistaken, Courtney Barnett also cut a version that ended up on a 7" or something. I remember after I heard Courtney's version, I went looking for the original, only to be surprised that it doesn't appear on Elyse's lone LP released at the time (whose cover is pictured above). I think it only came out on her unreleased — until relatively recently by the Numero Group — second record, Greasepaint Smile. For those interested in a vinyl copy, it seems to be sold out on Numero's Bandcamp site, linked above, but can still be ordered here: https://numerogroup.com/products/elyse-weinberg-greasepaint-smile
I just want to say how cool and intimate it is to be able to participate in something like this. Thank you all, just thank you...this is medicine. Much needed...
Loving both, but if I had to choose, Take 2 is drawing me in closer. Thanks for sharing both. A treat! ☮️❤️
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it at the Riviera Theatre covered by Katie Crutchfield sitting in with Courtney Barnett. It was a perfect day of music visiting the Loft in the afternoon and heading to the Rivieria with Courtney and Waxahatchee.
Vertiver did an amazing version of this.
Love ❤️ (and this is precisely the kind of thing that interests me 😊) The first take sounds as if the storyteller is acknowledging the sad truth. The second sounds as if the storyteller is getting the "other" to acknowledge it. Also, I adore that cover art.
I love both of these. Whatever you post always seems to hit the spot perfectly on that given day. So beautiful. Thank you.
I don’t remember this song from back in the day….as you say it must have been largely ignored ….but I’m going to listen to the original now after hearing your versions ….exquisite 💖
What a beautiful song…. And really looking into that artwork (album cover?) as I listened…….what an amazing piece of work….the detail ….the gentleness …..the sense of care from the beings surrounding the bed…..I just love it….
Thanks so much for this sharing….my ears are still singing the music and my mind is now circling the sun 💖🌿
There are so many great musicians out there, and so much great music. Thanks, Jeff, for your ongoing efforts to shine the light on so many of them that I've never had the pleasure of finding on my own.
I can't decide which version I like better. They're both great.
The second version by a nose…
Thank you for a beautiful song that I’ve never before heard! I find myself preferring the second version because (stealing a Coen Brothers phrase here) it has that Jeff Tweedy feeling. A bit more oomph put into the strumming that makes the emotions more complex. Plus on the first take I keep hearing Neil Young which, mind you, isn’t a bad thing. But take 2 resonates more with me.
Just lovely. Thanks, Jeff. That hit the spot.
This is a wonderful song! Well written. Even more wonderful when heard twice in one afternoon! I think I love the sweet nuances of your second version and the golden tones your voice takes on, but both are really good. I think I have to get out the old Guild and test it out more often. See, you have been an inspiration Captain!
Did you play that on the Tweedy Show? I’m having a deja vu. 🤷♀️
I feel like this is a test of how discerning a listener we are. And I’m afraid I fail miserably! On first listen anyway, I hear a little more emphatic vocal on the second take and a little more…filigree? …on the guitar on the second take. But that’s a pitiful analysis. Were you using the same guitar on both takes?
Oh wow....yet another song and artist I have never even heard of (who even am I!?). Thank you for sharing.... and opening my ears to this fine piece of work. (I like your versions!)