Friday, July 16, 2021

Dueling Banjos

Fifty years ago I saw a good, award-winning movie ("Deliverance"). Despite its quality, the film terrified me. I'm glad I saw it but I never want to see it again.

The movie contains a song that became hugely popular at the time ("Dueling Banjos"). It's a musical duel between a banjo and a guitar. The result is impressive and amusing. 

I thought since I have fond memory of the song I'd look for it at my local record-store. I found it for $3. Three bucks! Not only does the song hold up but the rest of the album has lively banjo-music guaranteed to make you smile. Come on over and I'll put it on the turntable. :)

12 comments:

  1. I feel weird that I've never seen Deliverance. I definitely need to change that.

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  2. I saw Deliverance back in the 80s and was NOT prepared for it! It's a great role with Burt Reynolds doing some of his best acting; and of course, the late great Ned Beatty, who just died.

    That's an awesome song! I love banjo in bluegrass music.

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    1. I was reminded of it by Ned's recent passing, as you note.

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  3. There are a lot of movies that make the list of "glad i saw it but never again", but I've never seen Deliverance.

    I suppose I should give it a shot. And maybe go listen to some banjo music.

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    1. Um... be careful with the movie. It can be traumatizing.

      No worries about banjo music. (Steve Martin used to incorporate playing the banjo into his early comedy routines. He's an excellent player.)

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  4. I was in Alaska about 20 years ago I saw in my hotel magazine an advertisement to see “The Real Alaska.” It involved a four-wheel ride on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), you driving. A guide, for half a day, would take you deep into a pristine wilderness area to explore. You would travel out by pickup towing the ATV and see the wilds of Alaska, lunch provided.

    After traveling on the ATV for about two hours we stopped for our bag lunch at a stream high up in a beautiful area. We had already been warned about bears so when we stopped our guide took out his shotgun. I looked at the guide and immediately though of Deliverance and I told him I had seen the movie. With about 4 front teeth missing he smile and said, “I did too”.

    Of all the sights I saw that day and on my Alaska adventure, his smile will forever remain in my memory. Nothing happened and all had a good laugh including our guide.

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  5. I vividly remember that song, and love it. Don't think I ever saw the movie ... xxx

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  6. I have never heard about this film and the song doesn't ring a bell either. Great you were able to find it!

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  7. I have no recollection of either but I'm intrigued! I'd accept the invitation and come on over to hear it!x

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  8. This song is such a fantastic, toe-tapping classic. Thank you for the reminder to add it to my digital playlist (I don't currently own a record player, or would follow your lead and search for it on vinyl as well).


    Autumn Zenith �� Witchcrafted Life

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