“The Nervous Set” is all kind of poisoned for me by “The Plaza’s not so faggy” on the second song of the album. Great survey re “Ballad of the Sad Young Men,” though.
true! but remember, something said by a character in a play is not the same as something written by an author in an essay - that statement probably does NOT reflect the views of the Landesmans. Maybe that character who sings it is supposed to be a jerk? We'll have to see the whole show to judge.
The whole song’s perspective does sound like it’s speaking for the Landesmans, not filtered through any character. It’s shocking to hear that word so casually on a cast album, but in 1959 they may well have thought it was shocking in a refreshing and sophisticated way.
I would definitely see a full version of the show! Admiring and enjoying historic material requires navigating and acknowledging lots of problematic elements (casual racism most of all.)
Roberta Flack's version was my introduction to this song. I had suspicions when I first heard it that it might have been a show tune (and you have confirmed that).
from the beloved Bill Daugherty : "Hey Ol' Friend
Glad to have been sent this. One of my favorite songs.
If you can stand to hear it one more time, Dad and I recorded it some years ago. It was his favorite of the tracks that we did. "
Mega apologies to Bill - I LOVE his version, and I apologize for somehow not including it - quite terrific - here it is, hey!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu1OZRQeNos
You're such a wonderful writer . . . The Annie Ross stories moved me to tears.
thanks - i hope I remembered it accurately, I should consult with Neal and Warren, who were playing for Annie during that whole run, almost 13 years!
“The Nervous Set” is all kind of poisoned for me by “The Plaza’s not so faggy” on the second song of the album. Great survey re “Ballad of the Sad Young Men,” though.
true! but remember, something said by a character in a play is not the same as something written by an author in an essay - that statement probably does NOT reflect the views of the Landesmans. Maybe that character who sings it is supposed to be a jerk? We'll have to see the whole show to judge.
The whole song’s perspective does sound like it’s speaking for the Landesmans, not filtered through any character. It’s shocking to hear that word so casually on a cast album, but in 1959 they may well have thought it was shocking in a refreshing and sophisticated way.
I would definitely see a full version of the show! Admiring and enjoying historic material requires navigating and acknowledging lots of problematic elements (casual racism most of all.)
Roberta Flack's version was my introduction to this song. I had suspicions when I first heard it that it might have been a show tune (and you have confirmed that).