midorihafu (August 18, 2008 at 7:39 am)

I probably saw this tv show in '66. I was a crazy fan of ppm throughout high school (well, even now), and got to see them in concert five times, twice in the LA area and three times in Portland. Got to talk with them after one of the Portland concerts, and all three signed my program. Wish I still had it!

lgcrooks (August 15, 2008 at 6:51 am)

I should add that some of the videos you might see of lightfoot are after he has suffered from a life-threatening stroke. So you to make allowances.

lgcrooks (August 15, 2008 at 6:44 am)

A great rendition of a song written by Canada's folk legend Gordon Lightfoot. The Kingston Trio also have done a wonderful cover of this song.However, no one can give it the feeling like Lightfoot himself. Perhaps autobiographical. It is meant to be forlorn, or whatever.

jthaw (August 14, 2008 at 9:29 pm)

I agree with you that "fun" or accessible songs can often be a means of introducing people to an artist's more "serious" work. As for Nellie McKay, you need to check her out. There are videos of her on YouTube (naturally). Check out "The Dog Song", "David", or anything. She's a very clever lyricist and a great musician!

Factnotfictionpeople (August 14, 2008 at 9:11 pm)

Know what you mean - but 'fun' songs sometimes turn folks on to an artist. As for Nellie McKay - never heard of her. Now, if she'd recorded 'Puff' LOL :-)

jthaw (August 14, 2008 at 8:46 pm)

With no disrespect to "Puff The Magic Dragon", PP&M recorded many more profound and important songs. What I meant to suggest is that, if young people do know of PP&M, it's likely through songs such as "Puff...", "Boa Constrictor", "Marvelous Toy", et al. There is nothing wrong with these cute songs, but there is so much more such as any song from their "Album 1700". There are, today, some very talented artists like Nellie McKay. Unfortunately, they are few and far between!

Factnotfictionpeople (August 14, 2008 at 6:43 pm)

I was very lucky to grow up through the sixties and heard a lot of the best music ever recorded - then or before - and I'm saddened by the commercial tripe thats taken over today........PPM, 'Puff the Magic Dragon' and this song - it don't get any better! :-)

itsmeyousee (August 14, 2008 at 4:43 pm)

Personally, I think this is one of my favorite songs by PPM, because of the harmony and because of the way they interject so much feeling into the song. Though they are folk singers, they know how to combine it with the blues. Talent begets talent, they don't get enough recognition from the recording or music industry, just ask their peirs.

eisenburgh (August 14, 2008 at 9:17 am)

Outstanding!

DonGenarosDog (August 14, 2008 at 7:47 am)

This is a strange song for them-- it's about a down & out alcoholic who's screwed up his life & the woman he loves has had enough & leaves him passed out along the runway. Not that they don't do it justice, they do-- just a harsh song for their image.