Classic covers: Ode to Billy Joe

A very occasional series…

Gil Trythall
Ode to Billy Joe

What better way to pass a rainy Sunday afternoon then to kick back with some country music – moog style.

As the liner notes to this classic LP, Nashville Gold: Switched on Moog, optimistically explain:

Country music is an integral part of America’s heritage.

The moog is a unique part of America’s musical future.

The combination of country music and the Moog brings it all together with a “Now” sound that will hold up for a long time to come.

Gil Trythall, a composer in his own right, is a faculty member at the Peabody School of Music. But he’s never allowed the groves of academe to obscure Nashville’s Music Row. He’s got the feel for the “Nashville Sound” and he puts it into the Moog.

So he does. Here’s Gil’s rendition of Bobbie Gentry classic ‘Ode to Billy Joe’ for your enjoyment.


‘Ode to Billy Joe’
, Gil Trythall, from Nashville Gold: Switched on Moog, Summit Records, 1973

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tags:

10 Responses to “Classic covers: Ode to Billy Joe”

  1. ill man Says:

    Better than the original!!

  2. Cocktails Says:

    I mean this in the nicest possible way, but are you crazy Ill Man??!!

    Actually, one of my favourite things about it is how he manages to make the Moog almost sound out of tune in places.

  3. ill man Says:

    Just pulling yr leg Cocktails……. ;)

  4. Cocktails Says:

    That’s a relief Ill Man.

    But don’t let this conversation put you off, anyone else who’s reading this…

  5. Keith Says:

    That was quite interesting. Thanks for posting that. I do like the way it sounds. Pretty cool.

  6. Cocktails Says:

    Thanks, but I wouldn’t be too enthusiastic Keith – I’ve got plenty more where that came from… !

  7. ishouldbeworking Says:

    Like Dr Johnson said on spotting a dog walking on its hind legs: “It is not done well, but you are surprised to find it done at all.”

  8. Cocktails Says:

    That’s one way of looking at it ISBW!

  9. Planet Mondo Says:

    That’s my kinda moog – what a treat. Remember the ‘beavergate’ post last week and the revelation that Beaver Patrol was actually a cover – I’ve found a similar synth themed tune that has it roots elsewhere – I’ll be posting soon

  10. Cocktails Says:

    Excellent, look forward to that PM. And having spent Sunday by the record player re-discovering forgotten parts of my record collection, I’ve got some treats for you too…

Leave a Reply