Willie O' Winsbury // Stewart Lee - pt 1

Old Tunes Fresh Takes

This episode we're joined by the comedian Stewart Lee who is asking you to reimagine Willie of Winsbury, an odd tale of illicit love, a pansexual ghost, and denunciation of property rights. Stewart unpicks some of the rich symbolism at the heart of this beguiling popular folk song and we explore how one man’s accident in the mid-20th century may (or may not) have come to dominate the song’s recent history of interpretation.

Check out Stewart’s documentary King Rocker here.

Watch Stewart’s chart topping track ‘Coming Over Here’ with Asian Dub Foundation here.

/// TAKE PART ///

Charts: example score, chords & lyrics (.pdf)

Playlist: Spotify playlist for existing versions of Willie O’ Winsbury

Find a quick guide on how to submit here.

Stewart will be back again to listen to your takes in the second part of this episode released Monday 17 May. Remember to get your takes to us by Monday 10 May to feature! Drop us a message if you have any questions.

/// COMMUNITY ///

If you’re interested in getting deeper into the conversation, come and join our group on Facebook. There’s been some amazing chats over the last month with people sharing demos, feedback and ideas.

/// MUSIC CREDITS ///

6:27 - Coming Over Here - Asian Dub Foundation

11:09 - Prayer for a Saint - Ustad Saami

18:55 - Willie O’ Winsbury - Dick Gaughan

21:55 - Willie O’ Winsbury - Anais Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer

24:27 - Willie O’ Winsbury - Dick Gaughan

30:41 - Willie O’ Winsbury - Anne Briggs

33:38 - Willie O’ Winsbury - Sweeney’s Men

38:17 - Lord Thomas of Winesbury and the King’s Daughter - Barbara Dickson

40:33 - Willie O’ Winsbury - Offa Rex

45:00 - Polly on the Shore - Stewart Lee and Stuart Estell

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Latest news and more at oldtunesfreshtakes.com

Hosted by @jacktherobot and @hevelwood