Tune du Jour: “The Ballad of the Opening Band” – Slim Dunlap
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: LP.ORG vs. Jeff Tweedy vs. Hamell On Trail
VOTE, COMMENT, then TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE
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The Original
Really great little ballad by Slim Dunlap. Dunlap became The Replacements guitar player after Bob Stinson was kicked out of the band for ever increasing substance abuse problems. The Replacements supposedly covered the song. In fact the cover by Hamell On Trail came from a Replacements tribute album. But I used every means of research at my disposal to try and locate a cut of The Replacements playing this ballad but came up empty. I imagine they probably covered it at live shows that were never captured.
Slim Dunlap:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
LP.ORG vs. Jeff Tweedy vs. Hamell On Trail
LP.ORG:
Jeff Tweedy:
Hamell On Trail:
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Such a well-crafted, poignant tune. I loved it from the opening moments that I heard it. I read somewhere that Dunlap occasionally brought members of the audience to tears when he played it. Pretty emotional ballad.
Not sure what the story is with LP.ORG. Doesn’t sound like the name of a band. I’m guessing this was an outtake from the Slim Dunlap tribute disc and for some reason they did not attach the band’s name to the release that found it’s way onto the web. It’s a nice, competent cover.
Jeff Tweedy, what could you say? This song is right up his alley and, not surprisingly, he knocks out a superlative cover.
Really impressed with Hamell On Trail (interesting name for a band). This was the version that I first discovered the song. It was a hidden track on a Replacements tribute disc.
I had a real difficult time choosing between Tweedy and Hamell. They are both pitch-perfect and possibly better than the original. In what would have to be considered an upset, I ultimately opted for Hamell’s understated delivery. It serves this type of song well. Perhaps I voted for Hamell because his version was the first time I heard this neat little gem.
great little tune that I’d never heard before
and loved all three covers, but Tweedy’s voice and sensibility was built for this tune
great little tune that I’d never heard before
and loved all three covers, but Tweedy’s voice and sensibility was built for this tune
Didn’t know this song, but I really liked it. Never heard of any act other than Jeff Tweedy.
Pleasantly surprised by the song itself and Dunlap’s version. LP.ORG was excellent, and I thought they might pull the upset.
As some of you know, I’m a huge fan of Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, Golden Smog, Gob Iron, Loose Fur, and all their descendants and relatives. Heck, I probably would have voted Tweedy regardless.
In my estimation, Hamell On Trail was a distant fourth place, if we count the original. I almost fell outta my chair when I discovered three of the four reviewers who voted before me chose them.
Lovely little tune. Sincere, poignant and relatable. I found Slim’s and Tweedy’s versions on Spotify not long ago. Slim has another one called Hate This Town that I really like. Although Tweedy does a fine reading of the song I voted for Hamell On Trail. Who or whatever that is told the story well and stressed the right parts appropriately.
I like LP.org’s tempo and thought it served the song well, Tweedy second and Hammell third
I had never heard this song before. Very nice song, well sung and heartfelt.
Very tough choice between LP.ORG and Jeff Tweedy, but I had to give it to Tweedy. Such a nice, poignant version.