Jimi Hendrix Photographed By David Magnus In London, 1967.

Jimi Hendrix photographed by David Magnus in London, 1967.

'Wool waulking is a traditional Scottish process of finishing and strengthening newly woven woolen fabrics. It is a significant social and cultural activity, often carried out by women in the Highlands of Scotland. The Gaelic songs that are sung during waulking have a distinctive rhythmic pattern that aids in synchronising the work.'

(Video and text via Inverness Outlanders)

little song rec for this morning

Song of the day

do you want the history of your favorite folk song? dm me or submit an ask and I'll do a full rundown

"Polly Vaughn" The Dillards, 1963

"Polly Vaughn"/"Molly Bawn"/ "The Shooting of his Dear" is a traditional Irish folk song that first appeared in print in a 1765 chapbook, as "Molly Bawn"

This Version was first recorded in 1936 by Emma Dusenbur but I couldn't find a digitized version.

The earliest recording I could find was collected by Alan Lomax in 1937 and performed by Aunt Molly Jackson. It was later recorded and performed on the radio in America, the UK, and Canada during the 1940s and 1950s. I had a hard time finding these recordings but here is one from 1954 by Evelyn Skaggs in Arkansas, collected by Mary Celestia Parler. The Dillards version was recorded in 1963, and, in my opinion, is the best version. The pacing and energy of the performance really add to the tragedy and drama of the story. They deliver the horror of a young man accidentally killing his lover as he mistook her for a swan. Other versions are nice but the one by the Dillard's sounds like how the story feels.

Some other notable covers include those by Tia Blake Peter, Paul, and Mary Hedy West

The Washington and Jefferson College string band, Washington, Pennsylvania, 1867.

how it feels to listen to albums and songs