Powderfinger (song)
Encyclopedia
"Powderfinger" is a song written by Neil Young
, first released on his 1979 album Rust Never Sleeps
. It subsequently appeared on several of Young's live recordings, and has been covered by several bands, including Cowboy Junkies
, Beat Farmers
, Rusted Root
, and Jazz Mandolin Project
. The Australian rock band Powderfinger
took their name from this song.
of Lynyrd Skynyrd
who were to use the song on their next album. However, Van Zant died in a plane crash in October 1977, and Lynyrd Skynyrd never recorded the song. The song was officially released as an electric version with the band Crazy Horse
on Young's 1979 album Rust Never Sleeps
.
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
, first released on his 1979 album Rust Never Sleeps
Rust Never Sleeps
Rust Never Sleeps is an album by Neil Young and Crazy Horse released in 1979. The bulk of the album was recorded live at San Francisco's Cow Palace, with overdubs added. Audience noise is removed as much as possible, although it is clearly audible at certain points, most noticeably on the opening...
. It subsequently appeared on several of Young's live recordings, and has been covered by several bands, including Cowboy Junkies
Cowboy Junkies
Cowboy Junkies are a Canadian alternative country/blues/folk rock band. The group was formed in Toronto in 1985 by Margo Timmins , Michael Timmins , Peter Timmins and Alan Anton ....
, Beat Farmers
Beat Farmers
The Beat Farmers were a cowpunk band who formed in San Diego, California, in August 1983, and enjoyed a cult following throughout the 1980s and early 1990s before the premature death of lead singer and drummer Country Dick Montana...
, Rusted Root
Rusted Root
Rusted Root is a band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania known for their unique fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music, with a strong percussion section that draws from African, Latin American, Native American, and Indian influences...
, and Jazz Mandolin Project
Jazz Mandolin Project
The Jazz Mandolin Project is led by mandolinist Jamie Masefield with a rotating cast of other musicians. Although not really a “jazz” band they are influenced by a variety of styles. Formed in 1993, the Burlington Vermont based, improvisational ensemble’s self-titled first album was released which...
. The Australian rock band Powderfinger
Powderfinger
Powderfinger was an Australian rock band that formed in Brisbane in 1989. From 1992 until their breakup the band lineup consisted of vocalist Bernard Fanning, guitarists Darren Middleton and Ian Haug, bassist John Collins, and drummer Jon Coghill....
took their name from this song.
History
According to Young, he wrote the first line ("Look out, Mama, there's a white boat comin' up the river") years before the rest of the song. Young recorded a solo acoustic version of "Powderfinger" in September 1975 (never officially released), and later sent the tape to his friend Ronnie Van ZantRonnie Van Zant
Ronald Wayne "Ronnie" Van Zant was an American lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and a founding member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
who were to use the song on their next album. However, Van Zant died in a plane crash in October 1977, and Lynyrd Skynyrd never recorded the song. The song was officially released as an electric version with the band Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse (band)
Crazy Horse is an American rock band best known for its association with Neil Young. It has been co-credited on a number of albums throughout Young's career and has released five albums of its own.-Early years:...
on Young's 1979 album Rust Never Sleeps
Rust Never Sleeps
Rust Never Sleeps is an album by Neil Young and Crazy Horse released in 1979. The bulk of the album was recorded live at San Francisco's Cow Palace, with overdubs added. Audience noise is removed as much as possible, although it is clearly audible at certain points, most noticeably on the opening...
.
Cover versions
- Beat FarmersBeat FarmersThe Beat Farmers were a cowpunk band who formed in San Diego, California, in August 1983, and enjoyed a cult following throughout the 1980s and early 1990s before the premature death of lead singer and drummer Country Dick Montana...
, on the Glad 'N' Greasy EP (Rhino, 1985). The track was re-released on the extended edition of Tales of the New West (Rhino, 2004) - Cowboy JunkiesCowboy JunkiesCowboy Junkies are a Canadian alternative country/blues/folk rock band. The group was formed in Toronto in 1985 by Margo Timmins , Michael Timmins , Peter Timmins and Alan Anton ....
, on The Caution HorsesThe Caution HorsesThe Caution Horses is a 1990 album by the Canadian country rock band Cowboy Junkies.The first album following their 1988 breakthrough The Trinity Session, The Caution Horses features a more conventional, polished sound than that album's spare, haunting country blues...
(RCA, 1990). The track also appears on two compilations: Studio: Selected Studio Recordings 1986-1995Studio: Selected Studio Recordings 1986-1995Studio: Selected Studio Recordings 1986–1995 is an album by the Canadian rock band Cowboy Junkies, released in 1996. It is a greatest hits compilation of singles from the band's albums on RCA Records, and their last official release for that label...
(RCA, 1996) and Cowboy Junkies: The Platinum and Gold CollectionCowboy Junkies: The Platinum and Gold CollectionThe Platinum and Gold Collection is a 2003 compilation of Cowboy Junkies songs recorded for RCA Records. It was compiled by the label without the band's authorization or approval, and most Internet fansites advise that the album should consequently be boycotted by fans...
(RCA, 2003) - Rusted RootRusted RootRusted Root is a band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania known for their unique fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music, with a strong percussion section that draws from African, Latin American, Native American, and Indian influences...
, on Live (Touchy Pegg, 2004) - Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, on Rock and Roll Station (SCR/Schoolhouse Records, 2000)
- Acoustic Syndicate on Live from the Neighborhood (2002)
- Jeffrey Foucault & Mark Erelli on Seven Curses (2010)
- Yung Wu (Offshoot of The Feelies) on "Shore Leave" 1986
- SlobberboneSlobberboneSlobberbone is an American alt-country band from Denton, Texas that formed in 1994. Slobberbone toured across the United States many times. The best-known line-up consisted of Brent Best , Jess Barr , Brian Lane , and drummer Tony Harper, although their lineup changed over the years...
has covered this song in numerous live performances.