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Robbie Robertson — Straight Down the Line
Album: How To Become Clairvoyant
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 530









Released: 2011
Length: 5:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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From the Chitlin' Circuit to the Peppermint Lounge
Been run off more than once for goin' underground
Where I met an old bluesman with a walking cane
He wore a stripe suit and used someone else's name

He said son I've seen it all
And it's not what you think
He said there's some tough choices to be made
Then he took a little drink
And I heard him say

I do not play no rock and roll
Would not be moved to sell my soul
The demons are out tonight
Rock you sinners
The demons are out tonight
Roll you sinners
Straight down the line

I passed an old church on my way back East
Heard a gospel choir singing of war and peace
I was deeply moved so I stepped inside
I just stood in the back where I could easily hide

A woman in a black robe stood up
And pointed me out
She said Hallelu Hallelu
Oh then she began to shout
And I heard her say

I do not play no rock and roll
I would not be moved to sell my soul
The demons are out tonight
Rock you sinners
Oh the demons are out tonight
Roll you sinners
Straight down the line

Now he could croon a tune as good as anyone
And if he sings a song then that song's been sung
Some things have tradition, some shine like new
Some things you can't change no matter what you do

He said my friend I've done it all
Either for love or money
And if I laugh at your jokes
Oh that means his jokes are funny
And one more thing

I do not play no rock and roll
I would not be moved to sell my soul
The demons are out tonight
Rock you sinners
The demons are out tonight
Roll you sinners
Straight down the line
Comments (83)add comment
 jhorton wrote:

Eight plays in the last month? I hope not to hear it eight more times in my LIFE!

Double boring. 


We hope to NOT hear 8 more comments from you!  ...then you can spare us from your drivel!!!
Posted 9 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
R.I.P. Robbie.
Posted 1 year ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
thanks guys for digging around for this one 
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
wow. never heard this one. feels very "little feat" - ish...maybe not. it just feels different from him.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
You can play Robbie as much as you want. Good tunes.
Posted 5 years ago by Donzi    [ Reply ]
 hencini wrote:
This is what Prince would sound like if he were white. 

 
That is an interesting notion hencini (aka: Doctor Algernop Krieger (Lucky Yates) is the head of the ISIS applied research department. He spends most of his time working on projects to facilitate his kinky sexual fantasies. He has had several holographic anime-style girlfriends, and has developed the technology to turn human beings into cyborgs. It is discovered he is possibly a clone of Adolf Hitler, being one of the "Boys from Brazil". He has an affinity for Rush and in one episode is shown to own a drum kit identical to that of Rush drummer Neil Peart.)

; )
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
This is what Prince would sound like if he were white. 
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
confused in a clairvoyant way..
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
He never began as a singer, so how can he stop singin'? 
In The Band, Robbie was the chief songwriter; Richard, Rick and Levon were the singers.
Any singing he has done since has been wrong-headed and unadvised.


This song reeks of Little Feat--but without legs.


misterbearbaby wrote:
Yeah, he's still Robbie Robertson, but soooo weak. Excellent lyrics and composition but there comes a time to stop singin'-- Robbie, take a clue from Joni.

 



Posted 10 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Yeah, he's still Robbie Robertson, but soooo weak. Excellent lyrics and composition but there comes a time to stop singin'-- Robbie, take a clue from Joni.
Posted 11 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
Not one of his best IMHO
Posted 11 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to her,
and she will make your paths straight.

 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
like the guitar  good song
Posted 11 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
I was wondering who sang this song,and was amazed...wow Robbie Robertson ,it could be also a guy who's 20. Go on.
Posted 12 years ago by pwbos    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

There's a rollercoaster on the rooftop, and they give deep discounts to preferred customers. {#Yes}
 
Well then, you must be a regular...
Sounds like a whole lotta fun!
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
Eight plays in the last month? I hope not to hear it eight more times in my LIFE!

Double boring. 
Posted 12 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
Over done here on RP
Posted 12 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
funky!!
Posted 12 years ago by pparry24    [ Reply ]
I like this.... {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
G   R   O   O   V   Y  {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananasplit}
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 sieversfam wrote:
I know RR is a legend, and mad props to him.. But, it's weird.. I hear a funkified Eels here..

I am truly sorry.

 
Why be sorry, we all can't like everything on RP but the diversity keeps us coming back for, happily, more.

Posted 12 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Ahhh, Robbie! Old rock n' rollers keep it goin'! Young musicians today have a wealth of great material to grow by!
Posted 12 years ago by Randoff1    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Let's get a couple of things straight. Robbie Robertson has played some stuff (listen to him with Dylan at Albert Hall in '66) that should scare the bejeezus out of you. Amazing guitarist. That said, the list calypsus_1 refers to also includes Joanie Mitchell (a jaw dropping six places ahead of Robertson) and leaves off Springsteen, Elvin Bishop, Lindsay Buckingham, Mike Campbell, Eliott Easton, Jeff Baxter, Gary Duncan, Billy Gibbons, and so on. The point isn't to argue about who is or isn't on a list; it's that lists are generated to create controversy and sell magazines.
 
I agree lists are dumb and completely subjective, but......
That would be "Joni" not "Joanie"......
....oldPedant.

Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
OK, somehow in my rural Deep South youth, I missed the Band and Robbie Robertson.  Will have to remedy that.  Santa Claus?!  You listening, man?!?!  I've been really good this year ...
Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 justsomeone wrote:
You can check out anytime you like... ?

  Romeotuma is in Vegas, baby; not some cheesy Hotel California.
Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
malisimo
Posted 12 years ago by fabduchi    [ Reply ]
 justsomeone wrote:


You can check out anytime you like... ?
 
But why leave, when you have a rollercoaster on the rooftop? {#Roflol}
Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
wow what a great jam this is and jeepers, that is some Like This slide guitar


Posted 12 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room be dancing...  love it...
 
 

You can check out anytime you like... ?
Posted 12 years ago by justsomeone    [ Reply ]
 jgeyer wrote:

I want to come visit this hotel room in Vega!

 
There's a rollercoaster on the rooftop, and they give deep discounts to preferred customers. {#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
It's boring
Posted 13 years ago by madebytim    [ Reply ]
 jgeyer wrote:

I want to come visit this hotel room in Vega!
 
Two me!
Posted 13 years ago by Centabor    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room be dancing...  love it...
 
 
I want to come visit this hotel room in Vega!

Posted 13 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room be dancing...  love it...
 
 
Are you Howard Hughes.....living in a hotel room in Vegas?

Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Ahhh yes, I can hear The Band in there someplace ... awesome track.
Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Digging that fretless bass line
Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]

Okay, and about the Album: How To Become Clairvoyant (2011), and song included: Straight Down the Line, do you want also do some commentary to the forum?
.

 WonderLizard wrote:

Let's get a couple of things straight. Robbie Robertson has played some stuff (listen to him with Dylan at Albert Hall in '66) that should scare the bejeezus out of you. Amazing guitarist. That said, the list calypsus_1 refers to also includes Joanie Mitchell (a jaw dropping six places ahead of Robertson) and leaves off Springsteen, Elvin Bishop, Lindsay Buckingham, Mike Campbell, Eliott Easton, Jeff Baxter, Gary Duncan, Billy Gibbons, and so on. The point isn't to argue about who is or isn't on a list; it's that lists are generated to create controversy and sell magazines.

 

Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 amoreena wrote:


Ack. All those poor losers still listening to that old Beethoven dude.......
 
OK, I take your point, but here's mine, which is that there's often a fine line between classic and dated.  Granted, that line is always moving, and even one part of an artist's body of work may frequently be judged more harshly than the rest (Elton John being an often-discussed example in the RP comments forum).  Anyway, isn't it great that we're not all alike?  Except, of course, in our enjoyment of the truly eclectic material on Radio Paradise!
Posted 13 years ago by jessfine    [ Reply ]
Can't get into this. I like some of RR's past stuff, but one begs for the mute button.
Posted 13 years ago by weevilkinevil    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Absolutely.  I very much love what I've heard from this album so far. My CD collection is lacking a Robbie Robertson work - a pathetic fact, soon to be remedied when I buy "How to Become Clairvoyant."  (I think he should continue with the "How To..." train of thought - perhaps a follow-up CD called "How to Master Underwater Basket-Weaving," and then "How to Become Really Invisible." Maybe "How to Fold Space and Travel Faster Than the Speed of Light."

I've had one day off in two weeks, and this is what it does to my brain.  Or maybe it was "a bottle of rum and an Eskatrol" that made me push the fool button.
 
{#Lol} 

Thanks for this!

Seriously though, in particular 'How to Fold Space..' I've been wanting to know that for years!

Posted 13 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Let's get a couple of things straight. Robbie Robertson has played some stuff (listen to him with Dylan at Albert Hall in '66) that should scare the bejeezus out of you. Amazing guitarist. That said, the list calypsus_1 refers to also includes Joanie Mitchell (a jaw dropping six places ahead of Robertson) and leaves off Springsteen, Elvin Bishop, Lindsay Buckingham, Mike Campbell, Eliott Easton, Jeff Baxter, Gary Duncan, Billy Gibbons, and so on. The point isn't to argue about who is or isn't on a list; it's that lists are generated to create controversy and sell magazines.

 

Oh man. You shouldn't be allowed to publish lists as criminal as that one. Even if they get a handful of them right.

Robertson is aces though.
Posted 13 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
I know RR is a legend, and mad props to him.. But, it's weird.. I hear a funkified Eels here..

I am truly sorry.

Posted 13 years ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:

"Named one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time...

 
Let's get a couple of things straight. Robbie Robertson has played some stuff (listen to him with Dylan at Albert Hall in '66) that should scare the bejeezus out of you. Amazing guitarist. That said, the list calypsus_1 refers to also includes Joanie Mitchell (a jaw dropping six places ahead of Robertson) and leaves off Springsteen, Elvin Bishop, Lindsay Buckingham, Mike Campbell, Eliott Easton, Jeff Baxter, Gary Duncan, Billy Gibbons, and so on. The point isn't to argue about who is or isn't on a list; it's that lists are generated to create controversy and sell magazines.

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Wow!  This is fantastic!  Great to hear Robbie Robertson...


 
Absolutely.  I very much love what I've heard from this album so far. My CD collection is lacking a Robbie Robertson work - a pathetic fact, soon to be remedied when I buy "How to Become Clairvoyant."  (I think he should continue with the "How To..." train of thought - perhaps a follow-up CD called "How to Master Underwater Basket-Weaving," and then "How to Become Really Invisible." Maybe "How to Fold Space and Travel Faster Than the Speed of Light."

I've had one day off in two weeks, and this is what it does to my brain.  Or maybe it was "a bottle of rum and an Eskatrol" that made me push the fool button.


Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 jessfine wrote:
This would be really hip music if this were 1975.  It would certainly have held it's own beside things people like like Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat were doing at the time.  In 2011 I'm not so convinced.
 

Ack. All those poor losers still listening to that old Beethoven dude.......
Posted 13 years ago by amoreena    [ Reply ]
Bill, please add "He Don't Live Here No More" from this same album to the playlist.
Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]

"Named one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, Robbie Robertson sets to release, How To Become Clairvoyant, his fifth solo album and his first record in more than 10 years. Guitar virtuosos Eric Clapton (who co-wrote three tracks with Robertson), Tom Morello and Robert Randolph guest on the album, which Robertson co-produced with Marius de Vries.
How To Become Clairvoyant also features Steve Winwood and Trent Reznor as well as vocalists Angela McCluskey, Rocco Deluca, Dana Glover and Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes. Bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Ian Thomas lay down the groove throughout.
On his last two albums Robertson explored his ancestry. Now, with How To Become Clairvoyant, he takes on his rock heritage, delivering his first-ever song about leaving The Band, the evocative This Is Where I Get Off."    9.


Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 jessfine wrote:
This would be really hip music if this were 1975.  It would certainly have held it's own beside things people like like Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat were doing at the time.  In 2011 I'm not so convinced.
 
Because all music must fit the parameters of the moment.

Posted 13 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Most certainly not my thing. {#Beat}
Posted 13 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
 Shimmer wrote:
A tuneless U2 song followed by a tuneless Robbie Robertson song. Brilliant.
 


My sentiments exactly
Posted 13 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
yes,fine guitar,caught my attention ! {#Bananajam}
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
A tuneless U2 song followed by a tuneless Robbie Robertson song. Brilliant.
Posted 13 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
Why do a lot of you folks always have to compare this and that to another artist or time?

Break out, let it find your soul.

This is simply "fine" music.
Turn it up some more! Then more again.


Posted 13 years ago by number7    [ Reply ]
Wow, I listened and was not feeling it at all; sad to find out it was Robbie Robertson.
Posted 13 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
This would be really hip music if this were 1975.  It would certainly have held it's own beside things people like like Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat were doing at the time.  In 2011 I'm not so convinced.
Posted 13 years ago by jessfine    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Don Henley
Posted 13 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
I can't get over how much this new stuff of his JAMS, and I'm so glad I heard it here on RP!
Posted 13 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
 What a great contributor to modern music he has been and continues to be!

 
   Indeed he is !! We have Robbie to thank for a lot of wonderful music from "The Band."
Robertson has played with, and or for, just about every talented musician you can think of.
Bob Dylan hired The Band (then called "The Hawks") to be his touring band. Their first album, ''Music from Big Pink'', was released in 1968.  The concert, called "The Last Waltz" and held in San Francisco on Thanksgiving night 1976, featured the Band playing their own music as well as playing alongside guests that included Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison. ''The Last Waltz'' album was released in 1978 along with Scorsese's film of the same name. It has been regarded ever since as one of the best concert films ever made. For a short but good read concerning "The Band" and specifically Robertson, check out:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheBand?action=source  It amazed me to learn just how deep Robertson's roots are spread around in the world of R&R as well as folk rock. It's a real pleasure to hear Robertson back on the beat again (13 years since his last album) as he is such a highly talented and gifted singer/songwriter.    PS  In 1994 Danko and Hudson performed with Robbie Robertson when "The Band" was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is a lot of interesting and historical information concerning the "The Band," and their interface with R&R, at the site named above. Robertson will no doubt please a lot of folks with this new disc—-A big welcome back Robbie and a big thank you for all you have shared with the world of music lovers. {#Clap}

 



Posted 13 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
Bastante aburrido... {#Snooty}
Posted 13 years ago by fabduchi    [ Reply ]
For me, I suspect he can never surpass the mind-blowing stuff on Music for Native Americans...but I must admit, he's still got the goods, and knows how to get it done at the highest level!  What a great contributor to modern music he has been and continues to be!


Posted 13 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Woah, love, love, love that ending solo. Transcendent.
Posted 13 years ago by robca    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Um, and BTW - Fred my friend, please feel free to post a pic of yourself in a hoodie and shades. I'd love to sling a compliment at you! {#Roflol}

 
Given the state of my mug these days, any pic of my fizzog would have to be fully masked for fear of breaking the monitor... :(

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
That's no hoodie. He is probabely up here in the winter and has his parka on. They are much thinner now lined witih Thinsulate. When attached to a parka that still just a hood! And you need snowgalasses to deal with the glare from the snow. There's lots of people dressed like that up here in the winter. Not trying to be cool just staying warm.
Posted 13 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Far as I'm concerned, one is NEVER too old to wear a hoodie and shades.  And this is just typical Robertson vocals. I think he's back in the game, after a pretty lengthy absence.  Um, and BTW - Fred my friend, please feel free to post a pic of yourself in a hoodie and shades. I'd love to sling a compliment at you! {#Roflol} (BTW again - I look horrific in a hoodie and sunglasses. Doesn't stop me from wearing them, though...)

 
Bravo Cynaera!  I doubt you look horrific in a hoodie.  Wear what makes you feel good.  Robbie did.  Some folks just live off of stereotypes but that is their problem.

As for Robbie's release:  I love this CD.  I brought it because Robbie is a legend and several legends, Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, and Robert Randolph joined him for this return (I guess _they_ didn't think he was some poseur trying to be "edgy").  I have been pleasantly surprised to find this is one of my favorite purchases this year.  Hopefully, we'll hear more of it on RP.


Posted 13 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Sorry, Robbie, you're too old to wear a hoodie and shades and look 'edgy'. Neither is this the most tuneful singing...
 
Far as I'm concerned, one is NEVER too old to wear a hoodie and shades.  And this is just typical Robertson vocals. I think he's back in the game, after a pretty lengthy absence.  Um, and BTW - Fred my friend, please feel free to post a pic of yourself in a hoodie and shades. I'd love to sling a compliment at you! {#Roflol} (BTW again - I look horrific in a hoodie and sunglasses. Doesn't stop me from wearing them, though...)

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Sorry, Robbie, you're too old to wear a hoodie and shades and look 'edgy'. Neither is this the most tuneful singing...

The album title reminds me of the following famous pic:

Noticeboard announcing cancellation of psychic show due to unforeseen circs.


Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Rob, the ol' guy. Still rockin'. Good Canadian boy.
Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
"I do not play no Rock n Roll" - See Mississippi Fred McDowell. 
This post apparently contained an image that was dragged into the post editor. Sorry, but any text contained in the post after this point has been lost.
Posted 13 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
 copymonkey wrote:
That's gotta be Derek Trucks, no?

 

same thing I thought.

Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:


No. Robert Randolph according to allmusic.com
 
Ahhh, yes. That makes sense too! Thanks.

Posted 13 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
 copymonkey wrote:
That's gotta be Derek Trucks, no?

 

No. Robert Randolph according to allmusic.com
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Who was the second guitar? Don't think it was Clapton, though he did stuff on the album...
Posted 13 years ago by Greyjoca    [ Reply ]
...an when I get off that "Slow  Train" I wanna listen to this song while I wait for Jimmy and Stevie Ray...
Posted 13 years ago by Centabor    [ Reply ]
That's gotta be Derek Trucks, no?

Posted 13 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]

Pretty interesting tune.

The beauty of rock and roll.  If you are a proven songwriter, you can keep putting out songs, and even sing on them, even if you can't - in the technical sense - actually sing. 


Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
...cool!..i think how to become clairvoyant is more in the vein of storyville than of his last two albums...
Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Fantastic!  I am so happy to see this old man still making new music!  Sounds good so far.
Posted 13 years ago by wadeldro    [ Reply ]
 BikeCoachDave wrote:
First
 


Second?
Posted 13 years ago by Neil66    [ Reply ]
First
Posted 13 years ago by BikeCoachDave    [ Reply ]