'Woodpecker' in "Restless"

[Kelly Davis]

Being a drummer myself I finally remembered to ask Barry Keane after the Aurora show about the woodblock part in "Restless" if it represents a woodpecker ( it is a back to nature type of song anyway, so I thought it was a logical question.

He replied, "Yes, that's what it is." (In all humility - I just knew I was right.)

If you're not familiar with the part, it is toward the end of the verses when you hear 8 quick clicks.

This may be a common-knowledge bit of info. on Corfid, but I've never seen a thread on it.

[charlene]

it's a wonderful 'nature' song...I love that he's included so much imagery and sounds to make it so evocative..it's a favourite song of mine.
the Rosedale Valley Ravine was the location of his previous home and is full of wild critters and birds.

YouTube - Gordon Lightfoot- Restless-...

[RM]

Originally Posted by Kelly Davis

This may be a common-knowledge bit of info. on Corfid, but I've never seen a thread on it.

I did not know that.

[Wes Steele]

That's "NEAT"....

One of my favorites also. Thanks for asking Mr. Keane about that.

[redhead]

How cool is that!

Because GL's music is layered in meaning, there's always something new to discover about it.

RESTLESS grabbed my attention the first time I heard it; from now on, I'll hear it a bit differently.

Thank you for sharing.

redhead

[jj]

very ironic, the timing of your post...for the first time this year, i saw (and heard, the LOUD knock of) a pileated out back...the cedars here are full of large rectangular holes...i usually hear a more steady, slow, distinct knock-type of pecking than the machine-gun-type heard in the last 5 seconds here (not my vid):

http://www.youtube.com/user/Disappro.../1/TZlEnq2LZPM

anyone in the south every seen an ivory billed one?

i'll bet Barry loved your chat...now can he make that kit "hoot" like an owl

[TC]

I live in the beautiful California Sierra Foothills. Lot's of Pines, Oaks, and WOODPECKERS! I never even thought that that sound represented a Woodpecker. Now it totally makes sense...That's a great piece of information to know.

[charlene]

I'm surprised that folks didn't know it was a woodpecker.
I've had a picture in my head of the noisy bugger from the first time I heard Restless.
The in-laws had a huge one in a dead tree behind their property..omigosh it was annoying!
Very unlike the 'musical' woodpecker that Barry portrays so beautifully with a wooden block and stick.

[jj]

Originally Posted by Kelly Davis

If you're not familiar with the part, it is toward the end of the verses when you hear 8 quick clicks.

unconfirmed, but another bit of audio imagery i always perceived from Barry's percussive colourings on the tune, is at 2:11... that subtle triangle tingle always think of a dew falling from a forest leaf or perhaps resulting in a ripple in still waters

Terry's harmonics/harp-like plucking adds to the entire peaceful image, imo

YouTube - 1998 Restless CBC

keep it coming, Kelly...it's the first official Woody confirmation i've heard here