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Jason Isbell — The Blue
Album: Seven-Mile Island
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1911









Released: 2009
Length: 4:35
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Don't roll away that stone, girl
Leave it where it lay
You think he's coming home but you know it's not today
I think the road will break me and never fill the holes,
but every time I'm saved I stop beating out a soul

I'm too scared to ask the right questions
and too tired to fill the right shoes
so I'll take advantage of the blues
I'll take advantage of the blue

There really ain't no difference
in Michigan and Maine
If you ain't here to see this I'm missing just the same
Your skin as soft as water, same temperature as me
I'd never know I touched you if you didn't let me see

I'd crawl to meet you if you'd just stay there,
and finally have a thing I couldn't bear to lose
So I'll take advantage of the blues
I'll take advantage of the blue

Mark me up so they can see the best of me
Hold me down so I can't find a drink
Dance so I don't have to think
Comments (92)add comment
Reading through the comments, and then listening to the way the track ends, it does sound to me a bit like a high quality demo with sampled drums in a DAW ... it kind of "fizzles" out in the way that single-author demos often do, because it lacks the organic closure that you get with a band.  That said, it's a pretty good song and I don't mind the insistent hi-hat.
Posted 7 months ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Saw him a couple weeks ago in Toronto solid solid band 
Posted 1 year ago by rrowdies    [ Reply ]
My wife and I drove down across the border to see Jason and his band in Spokane. earlier this month.  Wow!!  Best money I've spent this summer  
If you ever get the chance to see him live, DO IT!!!

(And. . . he doesn't use a metronome when he performs onstage.)
Posted 1 year ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
I like this.  There is something of the Ryan Adams to it...which I like - but, honest, I am not comparing!
Posted 1 year ago by pktinkler2984    [ Reply ]
Jason Isbell is an American treasure. Period. 
Posted 1 year ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
My God that man is amazing.
Posted 1 year ago by swtobias508    [ Reply ]
 vandal wrote:


Thats a ride cymbal, not a click track. 



Closed hi-hat... ;-)
Posted 1 year ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
 William wrote:


Bugged me, too. And it was a low-quality master. Replaced with a different mix -- sans click track.


Thats a ride cymbal, not a click track. 
Posted 2 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Anybody else notice the kick drum is too hot? popping the red line often. Oh, well.
Posted 2 years ago by KaiT    [ Reply ]
Maybe folks need to have better audio setups? The cymbal work is integral to the rest of the drum kit played in this song. The metallic ring and subtle variations make it pretty clear it is real drums and cymbals.
Posted 2 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
keep hearing jackson browne
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.
Blue is often seen as a sign of stability and reliability.
Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.
Blue can also lower the pulse rate and body temperature.
Posted 2 years ago by nightdrive    [ Reply ]
 BillG wrote:


Bugged me, too. And it was a low-quality master. Replaced with a different mix -- sans click track.



Well damn.  Never noticed it until I read the comments.  Thanks guys!  lol..
Posted 2 years ago by jmjohall    [ Reply ]
 Larrygrrl wrote:
I'm looking all around my office to find the ticking time bomb!  Who decided it was a good idea to put that in a song??
 

Bugged me, too. And it was a low-quality master. Replaced with a different mix -- sans click track.
Posted 3 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
 Larrygrrl wrote:
I'm looking all around my office to find the ticking time bomb!  Who decided it was a good idea to put that in a song??
 

LOL!
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 smartn1 wrote:
Sorry the ticking just got to me. Otherwise, a very pleasant song. 
 
Yep! ...gotta go! ...detracts from the song!
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Sorry the ticking just got to me. Otherwise, a very pleasant song. 
Posted 3 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

Jason Isbell, I would imagine.  Certainly as the final say.  A great singer-songwriter should be able to try anything they like as they build a catalog.  Jason's catalog is huge, well crafted, growing, and ever evolving.  This song fits right in exactly as is.  



 
Plus, the persistence of the clicking seems well matched to the feeling I get from this one, enduring The Blue, still rate thus a solid 8, and glad to be a fan of a Nashville songwriter I would have written off as country (its not) 15 years ago.
Long Live RP and enduring and persisting!!
Posted 3 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Very Freddy Jones Band -- never heard of Jason Isbell before -- but has a great vibe.
Posted 4 years ago by jimiti    [ Reply ]
 Larrygrrl wrote:
I'm looking all around my office to find the ticking time bomb!  Who decided it was a good idea to put that in a song??
 
Jason Isbell, I would imagine.  Certainly as the final say.  A great singer-songwriter should be able to try anything they like as they build a catalog.  Jason's catalog is huge, well crafted, growing, and ever evolving.  This song fits right in exactly as is.  



Posted 4 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Cheap cheap bridge... too bad.
Love the metronome player. :)

 

yeah disturbing my ears
Posted 5 years ago by zaebb    [ Reply ]
It's not a metonome bozos! It'a Jason's grandmother with rings on her toes tapping her hairy toes. Now get THAT out of your mind. (besides, it is not regular enough to be a metronome!)
Posted 5 years ago by fredphoesh    [ Reply ]
I'm looking all around my office to find the ticking time bomb!  Who decided it was a good idea to put that in a song??
Posted 5 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
 KevinM wrote:
I disagree - The song would be better without the annoying metronome
 

Not much there without it..... Reminds me of those watch alarms that replaced analog tick-tock clocks; the ones that mess your heart up.
Posted 5 years ago by hbm    [ Reply ]
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Cheap cheap bridge... too bad.
Love the metronome player. :)
 
I disagree - The song would be better without the annoying metronome
Posted 6 years ago by KevinM    [ Reply ]
Cheap cheap bridge... too bad.
Love the metronome player. :)

Posted 7 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I hear some weird processed clicking out of the left speaker and it is not pleasant.  Maybe it is a drum stick hitting the rim of the drum then put through some digital process but it is not nice. Pity they could not  have just used an analogue sound as it will forever ruin this song for me now that I have heard it {#Frown}

Update... I have just read previous comments saying it is a digitised metronome or click track. Still don't like it though...

 
Thanks a lot....Now I can't NOT hear it either!!!!!!!!!!   ugh
Posted 7 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Clever segue to Donovan - "Hurdy Gurdy Man".  Same metronome on the mantlepiece.
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
This is not Jason at his best. JI doin a lil John Mayer thing here, although lyrically superior. Thankfully, he's doing much better stuff nowadays. 

 
{#Yes}

Not tonight, dear. I don't know this guy very well, but I associate the name with peppier stuff than this. 
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
This is not Jason at his best. JI doin a lil John Mayer thing here, although lyrically superior. Thankfully, he's doing much better stuff nowadays. 
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 dewhead wrote:
The live version of this on his Live in Alabama CD is a really good version of this AND it doesn't have the clicky-clacky metronome sound in it. The whole Live in Alabama CD is outstanding!
 

 
Thanks, I ll check it out. Did you have to tell us about the metronome?  (I m not a fan of it s monotony either)


 
Posted 8 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
John Mayer guitar!
 
Posted 8 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
Love this, will look into some of their other stuff. 
Posted 8 years ago by astra75    [ Reply ]
Meh.
Posted 8 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
The live version of this on his Live in Alabama CD is a really good version of this AND it doesn't have the clicky-clacky metronome sound in it. The whole Live in Alabama CD is outstanding!
 
Posted 8 years ago by dewhead    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:

Exactly what I was gonna say! I'm gonna be sure and listen to "Decoration Day" this weekend (Memorial Day to the rest of the US), and go see Jason and them up in SF on 6/17. If you get the chance, you won't be sorry you went. Outstanding young talent and a Hell of a nice guy.
 
Decoration Day, I ain't heard that since my Mother passed away. (Roll Tide)
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 mccuff wrote:
Nice to see some of Jason Isbell's back catalogue being discovered and played. {#Biggrin} His latest stuff is making his name but there's some jewels back there, including this one.

 
Agreed
Thanks RP for bringing Jason Isbell to my attention!  
Posted 8 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
that 'Bama boy got a little Memphis in his guitar
.
i never cared for Drive-By Truckers so i never paid attention to Isbell
that is until RP came along 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I hear some weird processed clicking out of the left speaker and it is not pleasant.  Maybe it is a drum stick hitting the rim of the drum then put through some digital process but it is not nice. Pity they could not  have just used an analogue sound as it will forever ruin this song for me now that I have heard it {#Frown}

Update... I have just read previous comments saying it is a digitised metronome or click track. Still don't like it though...
Posted 8 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
More Jason Isbell, please, Bill. This is such a great song. Love his voice.
Posted 8 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
Nice to see some of Jason Isbell's back catalogue being discovered and played. {#Biggrin} His latest stuff is making his name but there's some jewels back there, including this one.
Posted 8 years ago by mccuff    [ Reply ]
Jason Isbell has become one of my favorite artists of all time. A superb songwriter.
Posted 9 years ago by mccuff    [ Reply ]
This just in: Jason Isbell will be one of the headliners at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in January.

Perhaps then he will see there's a difference between Michigan and Maine, even though they will both be cold...
Posted 9 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Nice tune with poor bridge. Thanks for the discover, RP!
Posted 10 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
I definitely hear the John Mayer sound in the guitar but that is no bad thing to me.  Nice little song plus I think I may drop out and go listen to Room For Squares. 
Posted 10 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 bseib wrote:

crap. me too now. :-(

 
Yes, for the drummers ears only {#Drummer}
Posted 10 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]
 ranked1 wrote:
damn you guys! i've never even noticed this metronome sound before - now it's the only thing i hear

 
crap. me too now. :-(
Posted 10 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
HAPPY WICCA-EASTER to all of you, American Rockers!
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
The 400 unit? That's a lot to squeeze in the tour bus.
Posted 10 years ago by richlister    [ Reply ]
I saw him live this summer - what a powerful performer. Dress Blues is such a moving tune! Bought "Live From Alabama" - which is beautiful and rich but basically all his songs are about missed opportunities and lives of quiet despair, and I just can't take too much of that. He came out of some pretty heavy addiction but has been sober for a while, and is happily married. Maybe his writing will turn a more upbeat corner soon. I hope so, since I really like everything else about him.
Posted 10 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
From a "7" down to a "5" after realizing why I recognize this guitar riff. The fluffy John Mayer tune mentioned several comments below. Ugh...
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I have faith that this dude will be around for a really long time. He's the real deal. One of my favorite young guitar gods. And an incredible live player. {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 11 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
Metronome sounds and all, I really, really, really like this song

 

I completely agree with me from a month ago. Love this song.
Posted 11 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
{#Fight}
Posted 11 years ago by camatcba    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Waitin' for the world to change . . .

 
Yep, my thoughts exactly!
Posted 11 years ago by dvwtwo    [ Reply ]
Metronome sounds and all, I really, really, really like this song
Posted 11 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 G_Raffa wrote:

Nice song, except the metronome-used-as-a-drum-machine is a bit distracting.

 
It's more likely a drum-machine-used-as-a-metronome effect.  I imagine that physical, "clockwork" metronomes are seldom used these days - outside of collectors' shops.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Initially thought this could be Bahamas... looks like an awful lot of us were confused by someone I never heard of {#Dance}

Keep us rocking Bill
Posted 11 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
At first I thought this was "something like Olivia" by John Mayer.
Posted 11 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
 barobalti wrote:
RHCP-esque guitar...
 
Yes, agreed.
Posted 11 years ago by ProjectGemini07    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Anders Osborne
Posted 11 years ago by Cuse    [ Reply ]
Is it just my twisted mind...or do the first 10 seconds sound like the Poltergeist soundtrack...?
Posted 12 years ago by Timusan    [ Reply ]
 ranked1 wrote:
damn you guys! i've never even noticed this metronome sound before - now it's the only thing i hear
 
Right there with you on this.... 7—->6.
Posted 12 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

No kidding.  Reminds me of music practice.

 
But you have to admit... dude can wail on that metronome, no?  Well, im diggin it at least.
Posted 12 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
damn you guys! i've never even noticed this metronome sound before - now it's the only thing i hear
Posted 12 years ago by ranked1    [ Reply ]
Got his solo albums but not listened to them for a while usually go for DBT.
Not too far away from Ryan Adams, which is good thing.
Posted 12 years ago by merkin_muffley    [ Reply ]
love it
Posted 12 years ago by John_    [ Reply ]
Sweet groove. Bloody annoying clickity-tappity.
Posted 12 years ago by prairiedogj    [ Reply ]
 Byronape wrote:
This song reminds me of the RP main page.  Why you ask (even though you didn't)?

Well, (sorry Rebecca!), Rebecca's feet look a little blue as if they are really cold.  I'm sure it's just something with the light or the picture not displaying correctly, but it is something I always noticed.
 
Maybe that's why Bill is trying to warm them up with his hand?
Posted 12 years ago by Blastcat900    [ Reply ]
Boring
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
 G_Raffa wrote:

Nice song, except the metronome-used-as-a-drum-machine is a bit distracting.


 
No kidding.  Reminds me of music practice.

Posted 12 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]

Nice song, except the metronome-used-as-a-drum-machine is a bit distracting.


Posted 12 years ago by G_Raffa    [ Reply ]
RHCP-esque guitar...
Posted 13 years ago by barobalti    [ Reply ]
This song reminds me of the RP main page.  Why you ask (even though you didn't)?

Well, (sorry Rebecca!), Rebecca's feet look a little blue as if they are really cold.  I'm sure it's just something with the light or the picture not displaying correctly, but it is something I always noticed.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
 mvanderford60 wrote:
Loved him with Drive-By Truckers - still a great songwriter and performer.  Roll out to see him if you get a chance.
 
Exactly what I was gonna say! I'm gonna be sure and listen to "Decoration Day" this weekend (Memorial Day to the rest of the US), and go see Jason and them up in SF on 6/17. If you get the chance, you won't be sorry you went. Outstanding young talent and a Hell of a nice guy.

Posted 13 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Sounds like they are playing in a packed Oriental Resturant where all diners are using ChopSticks...
Posted 13 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
Loved him with Drive-By Truckers - still a great songwriter and performer.  Roll out to see him if you get a chance.
Posted 13 years ago by mvanderford60    [ Reply ]
Waitin' on the world to change . . .

WOTWTC
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I agree the click is a little grating but this tune really grows on you...bumped it from a 6 to an 8 in the course of listening :)

Posted 13 years ago by KOLFanSince2002    [ Reply ]
I like it, but the click click click sounds like an automatic drum....

 Jamunca wrote:
Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.
 


Posted 13 years ago by pk53    [ Reply ]
Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.
Posted 13 years ago by Jamunca    [ Reply ]
I like the message, the music is serviceable.
Posted 13 years ago by mapman    [ Reply ]
 dmax wrote:
The beginning is SUCH a steal from "Why Don't We Do It In The Road."
 
Hmmmm, i'm gonna look it up, it would be a shame since i really like this song!

Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Lovely. I like contemplating things while this is going on in the background :)
Posted 13 years ago by Vinni_NL    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
This one got under my skin, soft as water
Posted 13 years ago by drcrnp    [ Reply ]
The band name's more interesting than this dose of tedium, IMO. A nailed-on Ho-Hum from the very first sung bar and an escape to iTunes before I'm claimed by the arms of Morpheus... {#Sleep}
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
like this {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by miamizsun    [ Reply ]
More airtime for Isbell!!  He has a CD before this one, "Sirens of the Ditch" that is also excellent.
Posted 14 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Really nice.
Posted 14 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]
The pl tonight is amazing...{#Good-vibes} Thanks!

But I fear missing a night full of more great music laying down my tired bones know...{#Rolleyes}
Posted 14 years ago by eno    [ Reply ]