New Ones To Love?

November 5, 2008 8:56 AM

Searching for good versions of Stephen Foster songs.

Having been reintroduced to the works of Stephen Foster through the Beautiful Dreamer compilation, I now want to hear more of his music, and in new and different ways. Searching for his song titles brings an overwhelming wealth of options (even on this here site). Help me narrow it down and recommend me some artists and tracks.

posted by 1f2frfbf to media & arts (7 comments total)

This might not be exactly what you're looking for, but melodies from Foster's songs are to be found throughout the works of composer Charles Ives. Some people find many of Ives' mostly polytonal (often chaotic-feeling) orchestral and choral pieces to be a tough listen, but if you have an interest in avant-garde classical music it's really fascinating stuff.
posted by aught at 9:15 AM on November 5, 2008

"Hard Times" was covered by Syd Straw (and many others) in the 90s.

Also, look by composer on allmusicguide.com
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 9:41 AM on November 5, 2008

Whoops, that's www.allmusic.com
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 9:43 AM on November 5, 2008

Ned Rorem has made a version of "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair".
posted by amtho at 9:47 AM on November 5, 2008

Nanci Griffith has a nice version of Hard Times on Other Voices, Too.
posted by mygothlaundry at 10:21 AM on November 5, 2008

Squirrel Nut Zippers - Ghost of Stephen Foster
posted by effigy at 10:26 AM on November 5, 2008

Stina Nordenstam - I Dream of Jeannie, from her deconstructionist covers album People are Strange.
posted by mykescipark at 12:15 PM on November 5, 2008