1952 Vincent Black Lightening

As much as I appreciate a well-strummed banjo, and who doesn't, there are some songs that just shouldn't be interpreted via the banjo. A rendition of "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Del and the Boys, played this morning on WMVY was one such example. The song didn't quite pack the emotional punch as the original. It's just too cheerful. Nobody who plays the banjo can be a "dangerous man." One who has "robbed many a man" to get his Vincent machine, and "don't mind dying, but for the love of you."
Instead this version sounds as if it should be getting airtime on Sirius Radio's Kids Place where, ironically, yesterday they were playing "Alone Again Naturally" by Gilbert O'Sullivan. "Alone Again Naturally" is a song with truly depressing lyrics but with, apparently, the type of uptempo beat that appeals to children. Strangely it doesn't feature the banjo

song: 1952 Vincent Black Lightening • artist: Richard Thompson