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Dwight Yoakam — Streets Of Bakersfield
Album: Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Avg rating:
5.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 149








Released: 0
Length: 2:45
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I came here looking for something
I couldn't find anywhere else
Hey, I'm not trying to be nobody
I just want a chance to be myself
I've spent a thousand miles a-thumbin'
Yes, I've worn blisters on my heels
Trying to find me something better
Here on the streets of Bakersfield

Hey, you don't know me, but you don't like me
You say you care less how I feel
But how many of you that sit and judge me
Ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?

Spent sometime in San Francisco
I spent a night there in the can
They threw this drunk man in my jail cell
I took fifteen dollars from that man
Left him my watch and my old house key
Don't want folks thinkin' that I'd steal
Then I thanked him as I was leaving
And I headed out for Bakersfield

Hey, you don't know me, but you don't like me
You say you care less how I feel
But how many of you that sit and judge me
Ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?

Hey, you don't know me, but you don't like me
You say you care less how I feel
But how many of you that sit and judge me
Ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?

How many of you that sit and judge me
Ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?
Comments (63)add comment
Best Dwight Yoakam / Buck Owens / Flaco Jimenez collaboration ever!
I'm ready to over to Trout's in Oildale and do a little Honky Tonkin in Bakersfield. To bad the Blackboard is no longer because thats where it all happened back then. Buck is Gone...RIP
AWESOME!!! Way to GO RP!!!!!!!!!!
MojoJojo wrote:
FYI... Bakersfield was the first genre of country music to rely heavily on electric instrumentation, as well as a defined backbeat — in other words, it was the first to be significantly influenced by rock & roll.
Don't know if the influence of fledgling Rock and Roll (really it went by the name of rockabilly for the most part in the early 50s when the Bakersfield sound developed) can be said to have been "significant". Certainly those musicians identified with this sound probably were listening to Rockabilly as well as other stuff. Most agree the Bakersfield sound was a reaction to the "Nashville sound" popularized by Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley. The reliance on electric guitars can probably be said to owe more to Honky Tonk tradition. Country acts that played these noisy venues found that their traditional stringed, unamplified instruments simply couldn't be heard over the noise, so amps and electric guitars became necessary for playing these "honk tonk" joints. The fact that many honky tonks offered dancing probably encouraged an emphasis on rythym, which could explain the "back beat". Earlier piano music referred to as Honky tonk similarly emphasized rythym over melody.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Get back to the boon docks!
I like hearing this in the mix. This is a really good album from a great artist who represents a lot of the best elements of country. Don't let your brain automatically tag something bad just because of society's labels! I love rock 'n' roll, but there IS good country out there - just not much on the radio. I haven't read similar complaints about Lucinda Williams, but she's about as country as Dwight is. By the way, that's the legendary Buck Owens - who sang this song first - singing harmonies with Dwight.
In a paraphrase from The Blues Brothers, this song "has both kinds, Country, AND Western." Can't stand either, unless it's from Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline. Country sucks.
Mari wrote:
...Listen to the wonderful backing accordians, they are so gem filled, even if you think you don't like 'Country'!...............
That would be the legendary Flaco Jimenez's accordion. Dwight Yoakam is an amazing musician, and he surrounds himself with the same. If people, like yourself, are intelligent enough to not toss away an entire genre of music based on perceptions formed from other song/musicians, you find some wonderful and inspired music. Mr. Yoakam's life story is interesting and certainly accounts for the tales you hear in his music. Nothing fake or shallow about it. Give me more of that psychobilly goodness!
Is this song really necessary It receives my first one (1).
FYI... Bakersfield was the first genre of country music to rely heavily on electric instrumentation, as well as a defined backbeat — in other words, it was the first to be significantly influenced by rock & roll. Named after the town of Bakersfield, California, where a great majority of the artists performed, the sound was pioneered by Wynn Stewart and popularized by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Using telecaster guitars, the singers developed a clean, ringing sound that stood in direct opposition to the produced, string-laden Nashville sound. The Bakersfield sound became one of the most popular — and arguably the most influential — country genres of the '60s, setting the stage for country-rock and outlaw, as well as reviving the spirit of honky tonk.
If I wanted to listen to country, I'd tune into the local backwater hick station. I agree with a previous poster, "Country music does not belong on RP".
I'm a real sucker for classic C & W-not sure why. This isn't quite classic, but gets me dancing in the kitchen anyway. Aren't his long skinny legs just too cute?
Ouch. The worst of country combined with the worst of polka. Truly horrid.
pass . . .
ewww....
This is only 'OK' to me. If you get a chance, check out the version done by Buck Owens & The Buckaroos. Buck Owens actually lived the "Bakersfield Country" life, which was 1930's depression era Country Music. Buck's version of "Streets of Bakersfield" has the soul of one who lived those hard times, and for me, has a much more "authentic" style. Also born of the "Bakersfield Style Country" is Merle Haggard, Ferlin Husky, The Maddox Brothers & Rose, and others. A much different style of Country Music than the fluff coming out of Nashville, today.
It's a pleasure to hear Yoakum being played here, particularly a hit like this. It takes balls to work with a song done by one of the country greats. The roots-based sound that comes through in his performances has always pleasantly reminded me of groups like the Blasters.
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Not bad for modern country. I have this vinyl record and its a good sounding record. Bass playing is authentic but I think the accordian is a touch overdone mebbe. Would sound more country if that accordian was a fiddle.
Don't know about this being "modern country". As a matter of fact, if Dwight were singing in Spanish, it would sound like the music on countless Spanish radio stations here in Southern California. Mono drum beat, simple melody punctuated by an accordian in the right places. Sounds like Dwight was trying for traditional Mexican. Great if you like that style. Not really my favorite at all though. That said, I like other things Dwight has done.
The phony nasal twang, the affected country drawl makes of this song a reprehensible experience, an example of why country does NOT belong on RP.
lester wrote:
Right. Sometimes, "eclectic" actually means excluding. And on another thread, we're starting a list of genres to exclude. There are far, far too many genres included on this station.
You would have made a great Nazi.
You don't know me, but you don't like me You say you care less how I feel But how many of you that sit and judge me Have ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?
Stick a close pin on his nose and he could be Dylan.
brickdog wrote:
Two stinkers in a row. A CJs reject and then this. Please. I know you can do better. You're losing me...
Testify, brother!
get this -hit off of rp or ...or..yeah, like HE said...
Two stinkers in a row. A CJs reject and then this. Please. I know you can do better. You're losing me...
I hear the anxious "this is as close to country as I want to get" messages (and some of the nastier ones in the "country sux" vein) some of you younguns are posting. Your instinctual shunning of mainstream (Clearchannel) country music (which has little to do with its genuine roots these days) is commendable. I urge you to join the spirit of eclecticism; defined as "the selection of elements from various and diverse sources (italics mine) . . . for the purpose of combining them into a satisfying or acceptible style". Crucial to engaging in the spirit of eclecticism is learning about these diverse sources. Check out the fascinating series the BBC did about country music's roots and history here: (click here) Country music can be viewed as a long lost sibling, or half sib, of Rock & Roll. Both arose from the Rootsy genres of music enjoyed by Americans; Country just got a head start on Rock and Roll. Johnny Cash wanted to be a Gospel singer but Sam Phillips talked him into playing Rockabilly (which, as you know, was an early incarnation/prototypical form of Rock & Roll). Cash went on to write songs covered by the Dead (Big River), NRBQ (Get Rythym), and moved everyone recently with his cover of "Hurt"(Trent Reznor & Nine Inch Nails). To me, eclecticism is all about this big circle of music that comes around upon itself to revalidate its roots and reenergize its future. So don't be scared; check out that Mavericks song, give Lucinda Williams a listen. Hear Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris collaborating magically on "Teatro", delve into the great Gram Parsons tribute album "Return of the Grievous Angel". Check out Dave Edmunds' hot bluegrass licks on "Warmed Over Kisses (Leftover Love) from DE7; then listen to Dolly Parton give a Billy Joel song (yes, that guy) some real heft by doing a flat out rousing bluegrass version of "Travelin Prayer". Once you've whetted your whistle you can really delve into the roots (too bad we don't all have T-Bone Burnett around to shove songs and CDs into our hands periodically) and hear some of the music that inspired the likes of Dwight, Allison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and all the rest of their "neotrad" country kin.
Wow...Dwight Yoakam! I do believe I will dust off his "Gone" CD and give it a spin. Thanks Bill!
this a GREAT cover of a classic song. the album is excellent as well. and, by the way, dwight yoakam is a performer worthy of attention. his album "this time" is a exceptional.
RiverCityRansom wrote:
Wow, I know we're supposed to be all PC and crap, but.... You suck
I know, I know, you're right. Coworkers really hate it when I do that, and friends only tolerate it. Sarcasm is just not present in the communication culture of East Asia. So it doesn't work on my wife or son, either; the grandkids are still too young. Are others here also not seeing it or otherwise not appreciating it? Kidding aside -- I'll, sincerely, try to be a bit more careful and curtail its use on the boards; it loses a whole lot in written form.
Darrooon wrote:
Yay..! BTW: Flaco Jimenez on squeezebox. He's not Italian...
Speaking of Flaco & yokom togeather there is an excellent version of carmaltia that really rocks.
Yay..! BTW: Flaco Jimenez on squeezebox. He's not Italian...
MojoJojo wrote:
Wow, I'm at a loss! DY is one of my all-time favorite artists – expressly because he is an amazing artist. I have everything he has done. Get his acoustic CD and you will see that he is a real musician – no need for studio effects to sound good – a true test of an artist in my book. As far as the negative comments, I actually expected more, but it's great to see how many people on this site can see through a specific genre of music (in this case country) and recognize artistry. For the rest – eh, your loss. Rock on psychobilly!
Couldn't agree with you more. I also own everything the man has ever put out and it's all great. He puts on a fantastic show to boot! Psycho-billy!
COOL - unique
Yoakam Rules! Not his best song by a long shot, but I'll take it on RP any day. For those who can't relate, just slide back into your narrow comfort zone and bare with those of us who like good music.
jah_blessed wrote:
You know, he played the bad guy in the movie "Panic Room" (with Jodie Foster).
And he played the a-hole step-father in Sling Blade. Don't love this song, but typically will listen to what ever he does...
Zarba wrote:
Liked Buck's original version, but this'll do in a pinch!
Yeah, I kinda like Buck's better as well. This one's a bit slick and the accordian for some reason sounds Italian to me.
You know, he played the bad guy in the movie "Panic Room" (with Jodie Foster).
lester wrote:
Right. Sometimes, "eclectic" actually means excluding. And on another thread , we're starting a list of genres to exclude. There are far, far too many genres included on this station.
Wow, I know we're supposed to be all PC and crap, but.... You suck
Wow, I'm at a loss! DY is one of my all-time favorite artists – expressly because he is an amazing artist. I have everything he has done. Get his acoustic CD and you will see that he is a real musician – no need for studio effects to sound good – a true test of an artist in my book. As far as the negative comments, I actually expected more, but it's great to see how many people on this site can see through a specific genre of music (in this case country) and recognize artistry. For the rest – eh, your loss. Rock on psychobilly!
wish RP would play more rock music instead of country. Just my opinion.
Buzzardcheater wrote:
I find it amusing to read these comment, and, frankly, listen to a lot of my friends talk about country music. Their statements are much like a classic racist..."I hate all X, but this X is ok". C'mon people, explore! Get past the labels, stop worrying about what people will think if they catch you listening to country. Sure there's plenty of dreck on country stations, but probably no more of a crap-percentage than any other given radio station. Dig deeper, some of what's going on in country is better by a long shot than what passes for "alternative" these days. .....
:nodhead:
lester wrote:
Right. Sometimes, "eclectic" actually means excluding. And on another thread , we're starting a list of genres to exclude. There are far, far too many genres included on this station.
From the dictionary eclectic Part of Speech:   adjective Definition:   comprehensive Synonyms:   all-embracing, assorted, broad, catholic, dilettantish, diverse, diversified, general, heterogeneous, inclusive, liberal, many-sided, mingled, mixed, multifarious, multiform, selective, universal, varied, wide-ranging Antonyms:   incomprehensive, limited, narrow, particular, specialized
Not bad for modern country. I have this vinyl record and its a good sounding record. Bass playing is authentic but I think the accordian is a touch overdone mebbe. Would sound more country if that accordian was a fiddle.
Shesdifferent wrote:
No offense to the man but do we really need country & western on RP? I don't consider that "eclectic"
Right. Sometimes, "eclectic" actually means excluding. And on another thread, we're starting a list of genres to exclude. There are far, far too many genres included on this station.
Flashing back to my childhood in Bakersfield, ca and Jonesboro, AR
Shesdifferent wrote:
No offense to the man but do we really need country & western on RP? I don't consider that "eclectic" MUTE
Such music is rare on RP yet welcome to me. The Jam next, gotta love it. Now that's "eclectic." Long live RP.
yashpheh wrote:
this is too much straight-up country for me
No offense to the man but do we really need country & western on RP? I don't consider that "eclectic" MUTE
yashpheh wrote:
this is too much straight-up country for me
I think tht's why I like it. Dwight can occasionally do old school country with the best of them. And this tune is just kinda fun. Guitars, Cadillacs?
sounds like a mixture of country and Volksmusik... :(
Buzzardcheater wrote:
I find it amusing to read these comment, and, frankly, listen to a lot of my friends talk about country music. Their statements are much like a classic racist..."I hate all X, but this X is ok". C'mon people, explore! Get past the labels, stop worrying about what people will think if they catch you listening to country. Sure there's plenty of dreck on country stations, but probably no more of a crap-percentage than any other given radio station. Dig deeper, some of what's going on in country is better by a long shot than what passes for "alternative" these days. .....
Word! Listen to the man, he's sensible...
I find it amusing to read these comment, and, frankly, listen to a lot of my friends talk about country music. Their statements are much like a classic racist..."I hate all X, but this X is ok". C'mon people, explore! Get past the labels, stop worrying about what people will think if they catch you listening to country. Sure there's plenty of dreck on country stations, but probably no more of a crap-percentage than any other given radio station. Dig deeper, some of what's going on in country is better by a long shot than what passes for "alternative" these days. .....
this is too much straight-up country for me
Always been a fan of DY (ole tight britches). But since there cant be that much of his added to RP, perhaps there is a better song to make the rotation - maybe Ring of Fire from Hilly Billy Deluxe. It is nice to give Buck some due as well.
Which brings up: More Buck Owens! maybe an intstrumental like "Buckaroo," or one of the lesser-known gems like "Tall Dark Stranger..."
Dwight is a true artist. Although I've never been a dyed-in-the-wool country fan I've always enjoyed his music. I recently picked up his latest, Blame the Vain, it's worth a toe-tappin' listen.
YAY! This is as close to country as I will get. Digging out This Time.....
I actually like Dwight, glad to hear him on RP.
I don't want to encourage a lot of country music playing, but I do like to hear some good D.Y. now and then! Yee ha!
Liked Buck's original version, but this'll do in a pinch!
I'm no country fan, but I always end up liking Dwight!
Yeeehaw! \:D/
love the tune and Dwight does a respectable job singing it....still like him as an actor more than a singer.
my father and I used to play this song at top volume to annoy my stepmother...we loved it, she hated it. damn, I miss my dad - hope he's listening to RP right now in the afterlife