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Great Lake Swimmers — Passenger Song
Album: Ongiara
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1527









Released: 2007
Length: 4:17
Plays (last 30 days): 0
One thing I'll say for the less traveled way
Doesn't have subtlety
Has twice the gravity
Get in and go and your one with the now
Turns inconsistently
Arcs in a symphony
Make your mind sharp and aware of the holes
Fall through them steadily
Slip through them readily
Watch and watch spiraling out of control
It's beyond all that anyway
Time is dead anyway
Passenger song on the dark radio
Wheels in your other head
And holes in your other mind
Lights on the screen and then shut by the door
Voice their inner frames
The eyes have jar all the same

Follow the path until it falls away
Hurry it's dangerous
Some say it's glamorous
Charge through the past and the future of now
Come to it sparingly
With what you are carrying
Notes on the pages and notes in the bars
And chasing without it scars
It might make you see the stars
Show me and told me then show me to bed
Collapsing anyway
The edge is starting to fray
Oh right, you are right, you are right, you are right
Left from the interstate
'Cause you can hardly wait
One thing I'll say for the less traveled way
Doesn't have subtlety
Has twice the gravity
Comments (97)add comment
oh my lord that was bad LOL
This group sounds a lot like Dylan Leblanc, who, for some reason, Bill and Rebecca never play.
Every time I hear this I get major chills
Its so cold and harsh but its so warm and comforting
 9->10 and a 10$ donation to RP today as my heart is pouring more then my eyes 
Love these guys...
Ha, after reading through these comments I'm amused to hear a My Morning Jacket song follow this.

I enjoy both bands, for the record.
 maboleth wrote:
Ok so you found one motif in the song that you just repeat over and over... Sucko barfo.
 Says you genius 

Ok so you found one motif in the song that you just repeat over and over... Sucko barfo.
 Andrew_C wrote:
Get it over with.... yawn. 
 

Party pooper!
 gregormiz wrote:
Sorry, you're all wrong with the "Fleet Foxes" comparisons.  They're obviously more derivative of My Morning Jacket.  I expect to hear them talking about a Dirty Librarian any second now...
 
Wait; you're saying that you can tell the difference between Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket?  What about Band of Horses?  Anyhow, this band doesn't seem to use as much deep reverb in their recordings.
Nice to hear! Good band for sure. Saw them a short while ago. 
This is GWS?.  What a pleasant surprise!
Get it over with.... yawn. 
 peter_james_bond wrote:

What a great recommendation! Instead of a white, I'll have a red from a winery in Ontario(where the Great Swimmers are from) Gamay Droit from Chateau des Charms is terrific. Cheers {#Cheers}
 
Nice sentiment, but this is more of the Cold Duck from Andre's pour moi.
 Stingray wrote:
Yes, beautiful indeed!

Nevertheless I am reminded on what CHRISSIE HYNDE has said in a BBC-interview the other week!

Rock'n'Roll as we know it and rock'n'roll bands in general are dead!

PS
Not all, but a lot of what we hear on RP (and elsewhere) has his roots in "cowboy-music" (to use harsh words)! 
Am I wrong...?

 
Yup.
LOVELY!
Yes, beautiful indeed!

Nevertheless I am reminded on what CHRISSIE HYNDE has said in a BBC-interview the other week!

Rock'n'Roll as we know it and rock'n'roll bands in general are dead!

PS
Not all, but a lot of what we hear on RP (and elsewhere) has his roots in "cowboy-music" (to use harsh words)! 
Am I wrong...?
Beautiful song.
 Droidac wrote:

Indeed it does!  That's where I proposed to my lovely wife 8 years ago!   {#Heartkiss}

 

Completely agree on the Vineland Estate recommendation...love it there- great food, great wines, great deck/patio.  Unfortunately the big tree on the deck got hit by lightning and they had to take it down.  Last time I was there they said they were going to replace that glorious tree canopy with sails (can't remember the exact name of the product but it's basically an overhang of sails:it's a new and interesting landscaping trend from down-under).
 apd wrote:

agreed - and the restaurant at Vineland has the most gorgeous patio.

 
Indeed it does!  That's where I proposed to my lovely wife 8 years ago!   {#Heartkiss}
One man can only change so much, every so often; just not constantly.

Anyway, I like it that way.
Now see what you've gone and done?
 Giselle62 wrote:
i love when RP plays a "weird folk" set or whatever you wanna call: Fotheringay, 16 Horsepower, and Great lake swimmers. Most into this kinda stuff for the last 6 years.
 
So, here it is November 2 and the same sequence of songs shows up.... magic?  Hmmmmm... recycling, eh Bill?

 Giselle62 wrote:
i love when RP plays a "weird folk" set or whatever you wanna call: Fotheringay, 16 Horsepower, and Great lake swimmers. 


My thoughts exactly. Love this.
Wake up, we're recording!

This is the best track off of a very good CD.  They do take rhyme to new extremes though.  Some of the weaker tracks are annoying in that regard.


i love when RP plays a "weird folk" set or whatever you wanna call: Fotheringay, 16 Horsepower, and Great lake swimmers. Most into this kinda stuff for the last 6 years.
 Droidac wrote:

Chateau des Charms is decent, but I would highly recommend trying anything from Vineland Estates. It's my personal favorite winery in the region - top notch on every level.
 
agreed - and the restaurant at Vineland has the most gorgeous patio.


One thing I'll say for the less traveled way
Doesn't have subtlety
Has twice the gravity
Get in and go and you're one with the now



The more I hear these guys the more I like them even though most of the songs are similar to me.
Got two of thier songs free on Amazon MP3.
Chateau de Tiregand
Bergerac - France
it's much better ..real wine !!! {#Tongue}

No way... wine from the middle of one of the Great Lakes... Heineman's  best if mixed, some red/white/& Sprite..


Nice set!

8:17 am My Morning Jacket
Gideon Z (2005) 7.3
8:13 am Great Lake Swimmers
Passenger Song Ongiara (2007) 6.8
8:09 am Sixteen Horsepower
Black Soul Choir Sackcloth 'N' Ashes (1996) 6.4
8:05 am Fotheringay
The Way I Feel Fotheringay (1970) 7.5
8:01 am Tracy Chapman
Telling Stories Telling Stories (1998) 7.1

 peter_james_bond wrote:

What a great recommendation! Instead of a white, I'll have a red from a winery in Ontario(where the Great Swimmers are from) Gamay Droit from Chateau des Charms is terrific. Cheers {#Cheers}

 
Chateau des Charms is decent, but I would highly recommend trying anything from Vineland Estates. It's my personal favorite winery in the region - top notch on every level.
 cc_rider wrote:
At first I thought this was Fleet Foxes, the voices are similar. I like them both.
 
I thought the same thing!  Agreed - both are great bands with great music.  Thanks to RP for introducing them to me!

 ladymix wrote:
Bought this album after a great live show. It's a very nice, chill album. Recommend serving with a glass of white and a sunset.
 
What a great recommendation! Instead of a white, I'll have a red from a winery in Ontario(where the Great Swimmers are from) Gamay Droit from Chateau des Charms is terrific. Cheers {#Cheers}

booooooorrinnnggggg {#Sleep}
uuuuuuuggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!{#Headache}
 jagdriver wrote:
Which Great Lake? They could swim in Michigan, Huron, and maybe Ontario. Swimming in Superior is a non-starter, it's so cold, even in mid-August. And swimming in Erie might cause one to glow in the dark.
 
Growing up as a kid that didn't know any better in Paradise (!) Michigan, used to swim in Superior from May thru Sep. Talk about cold, surprised that my testicles ever descended.

There's a fine line between elegaic and soporiphic, and for me this band step over it {#Sleep}
At first I thought this was Fleet Foxes, the voices are similar. I like them both.
Another excellent artist in the RP Playlist.
Dropped my rating due to the repetitive melody...ugh.
XXXxxx......
 crockydile wrote:
Drag Queen mimicking Natalie Merchant? {#Lol}
 

Oh HELLS no; any self-respecting queen would pick somebody with better style.

I like this band, but this song is, well, snoozy.
from 7 - 8.5 /////
This would be a good song under a full moon, far away from a city, with a campfire in the background and the occasional bit of murmured conversation.
Drag Queen mimicking Natalie Merchant? {#Lol}
 vandal wrote:

7 {#Arrow} 8

Ditto
 


Likin' this more each time ... {#Meditate}

7 {#Arrow} 8

 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

Then you are on crack cocaine.
 
.....
 
Hmmm.  Personal experience there Scott? 

I bought their albums because of this song. Outstanding!
 peter_james_bond wrote:
They've got a new album out and it's very good!
 
I agree, it's brilliant. {#Good-vibes}
They've got a new album out and it's very good!
 kaybee wrote:

{#Lol} 

But if you have to pick one lake, Huron's probably the nicest, although it does have a bit of dangerous undertow in some parts of Georgian Bay.

 
Funny enough, for a Brit, I HAVE swum in Georgian Bay, Huron. 1974, Scout exchange trip.  Awesome for a 15 yr old who had never travelled outside of UK before.

This is an exceptional band. Thanks for spreading the love!

good to see you continue to have your finger on the pulse Bill! {#Music} great band, great song!


 jagdriver wrote:
Which Great Lake? They could swim in Michigan, Huron, and maybe Ontario. Swimming in Superior is a non-starter, it's so cold, even in mid-August. And swimming in Erie might cause one to glow in the dark.
 
sigh...Enjoy your brush fires

a touching song..
 jagdriver wrote:
Which Great Lake? They could swim in Michigan, Huron, and maybe Ontario. Swimming in Superior is a non-starter, it's so cold, even in mid-August. And swimming in Erie might cause one to glow in the dark.
 
{#Lol} 

But if you have to pick one lake, Huron's probably the nicest, although it does have a bit of dangerous undertow in some parts of Georgian Bay.

 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

Then you are on crack cocaine.
 
It's not an insult to say "this band sounds a little like that band" because that band sounds a little like some other band before it. Always.
 

I agree, but It is insulting to say the music is derivative. Had you read the prior posting you might have noticed that reference. The person posting a response explained it quite well, I thought. As for the crack cocaine remark, I'd expect something more clever from someone born in 1962. Oh well, people often disappoint...


Saw them live in Madison a while back. They were great. 
 chyk5 wrote:
I have 2 CD's by this band as well as several by MMJ and 1 by Fleet Foxes. I'm not seeing the similarities with either of these bands. 
 
Then you are on crack cocaine.
 
It's not an insult to say "this band sounds a little like that band" because that band sounds a little like some other band before it. Always.
 jagdriver wrote:
Which Great Lake? They could swim in Michigan, Huron, and maybe Ontario. Swimming in Superior is a non-starter, it's so cold, even in mid-August. And swimming in Erie might cause one to glow in the dark.
 
Lake Ontario, I believe. The band is from the Niagara region in Southern Ontario. The name is a kind of tribute to, well to Great Lakes swimmers, people who for whatever reason tried to swim across one or other of the Great Lakes.

Which Great Lake? They could swim in Michigan, Huron, and maybe Ontario. Swimming in Superior is a non-starter, it's so cold, even in mid-August. And swimming in Erie might cause one to glow in the dark.
Beauty.
Great voice{#Clap}
Heheh...  My wife just said: Is this My Morning Jacket?
I'm a forgetting sort and said: "Maybe, I can't remember... let's see..."

 I should point out that BOTH my Wife and I think this is a totally groovy song.  I didn't mean to be negative by  saying that it is "derivative" of anything.  Very enjoyable music.  Any similarity to music past or present is really of no consequence.  

 
chyk5 wrote:


I have 2 CD's by this band as well as several by MMJ and 1 by Fleet Foxes. I'm not seeing the similarities with either of these bands. Great Lake Swimmers have a sustained tone throughout their music that is quite unlike MMJ or FF. A fine band indeed.
 


RadioDoc wrote:
We had the annual Polar Bear swim in Lake Michigan today. Appropriate...

This one's an 8. Must check out their other works.

By the way, if you are an eMusic subscriber, their stuff is available for download.

There is no fracking way you are getting me in that lake in less than a dry suit until June! Impressive, and a little crazy . . . just the way life should be! {#Notworthy}


Lonestar wrote:
Sadcore!


LOL. (Makes mental note of newly discovered term)

great stuff here...
Love these guys!
 RadioDoc wrote:
We had the annual Polar Bear swim in Lake Michigan today.  Appropriate...

This one's an  8.  Must check out their other works.

By the way, if you are an eMusic subscriber, their stuff is available for download.

 
Brrrrr! I'm up in Evanston.

I just love this song.

We had the annual Polar Bear swim in Lake Michigan today.  Appropriate...

This one's an  8.  Must check out their other works.

By the way, if you are an eMusic subscriber, their stuff is available for download.

I'm feelin' it!
 gregormiz wrote:
Sorry, you're all wrong with the "Fleet Foxes" comparisons.  They're obviously more derivative of My Morning Jacket.  I expect to hear them talking about a Dirty Librarian any second now...
 

I have 2 CD's by this band as well as several by MMJ and 1 by Fleet Foxes. I'm not seeing the similarities with either of these bands. Great Lake Swimmers have a sustained tone throughout their music that is quite unlike MMJ or FF. A fine band indeed.
Sorry, you're all wrong with the "Fleet Foxes" comparisons.  They're obviously more derivative of My Morning Jacket.  I expect to hear them talking about a Dirty Librarian any second now...
Nice.!!
Sadcore!

Now I get it:

3 {#Arrow} 7

And they sound better than FF. . .

 Danimal174 wrote:


Yeah, I hear Fleet Foxes, as well, although this is a little more sparse, if that makes sense.

 
Neil Young

 Danimal174 wrote:


Yeah, I hear Fleet Foxes, as well, although this is a little more sparse, if that makes sense.

 
Agreed...just bumped mine from 7 to 8.  Good tune.

Need to add their New Year song, "Gonna Make it Through this Year."
 wrangler wrote:
7 > 8

in the company of band of horses, fleet foxes, etc
 

Yeah, I hear Fleet Foxes, as well, although this is a little more sparse, if that makes sense.

 twalker wrote:
I love this song-  Somehow sad and comforting at the same time.
 
Yes, I agree

I love this song-  Somehow sad and comforting at the same time.

I liked this so much I went straight over to the Nettwerk store & purchased, then downloaded, the FLAC copy of the album. Instant gratification, I wish more artists and record companies would distribute by FLAC rather than lossy formats.

Great album cover! I hope Manbird sees this.
Caught this off a tail end of a great 5 song set.....and it was wonderful for a first listen!
has to be really clean for something this tempo to grab me. it does. sweet!
An excellent song from a fantastic album - one of my favs of the year.  We need to get "Your Rocky Spine" on here, it's from the same album.
I don't know how many, " Swimmers," there are, sounds kinda' like ONE, but I am really enjoying the sound of him.
7 > 8

in the company of band of horses, fleet foxes, etc
Quite nice.  Oh, and a great lead-in to I&W.  This has been another cool day at RP.  A solid six hours, 21 minutes.  Holy smokes?  I've been sitting that long?  Well, report cards are keeping me company.
Bought this album after a great live show. It's a very nice, chill album. Recommend serving with a glass of white and a sunset.
I looked up ... always (well, usually) a good sign. It certainly was in this case. Will look forward to hearing this again.
Perfect song for this moment near a Great Lake. It's a drab day, and rainy. I want to hear more of this group.
Thanks for this Bill. I've been missing hearing this band. I bought the prior 2 CD's based on their play here and they are great.