These two songs individually are champions and album bookends, and to me, have a similiar vibe to them.
Which is your favorite, and why? Do you see any similiarities between the two songs? Which rocks harder?
they're definitely both epic masterpieces, and at least to me, the most emotional pieces of music that mmj has ever done. in terms of pure techincal rocking, i would say don dante wins. i think steam engine relies more on the actual lyrics for the emotional aspect, but don dante relies mostly on music and atmosphere. there's no way i could choose which one i like better. basically i would say, they're very similar at accomplishing pure raw, beautiful emotion, but coming about it in very different ways.
steam engine is and always will be my favorite jacket song.
it's absolutely majestic. from "take your money and your drugs" on....it's bliss. it's amazing how the lyrics literally mean nothing, but mean so much
unfortunately, i have yet to see it live...even missed it once, which needs to change.
dondante is pretty damn good though.
Steam Engine over Dondante...as of this writing. ;D
I love the feeling and the sentiment of Steam Engine...the climax at the end and the lyric "the fact my heart is beating is all the proof you need..." is just very moving to my ears and soul. And that pedal steel always does it for me, I mean it just soars!!! The lyrics are always a mystery and I find something cool about each line but as a whole, I'm not sure what the message is...and that's OK.
On the other hand, dondante is more of a sad song and it seems haunting where Steam Engine sounds uplifting. The steady heart beat of dondante can evoke me into a sort of trance though, and I appreciate that quality in a song.
Cool post Mr. Conaway, I look forward to seeing all the repsonses.
October, I hope you get to see Steam Engine very soon!!
tough call,
I love the crescendos in Steam Engine but at the same time love the tension in Don Dante as the song slowly, teasingly moves to the breakout beginning with "You had me worried..." God that gives me chills. If I had a gun to my head I would say Steam Engine otherwise its a dead heat for me
Listening to Don Dante for the first time will forever remain one of the greatest moments at a concert I've ever experienced. I didn't see it coming, and it knocked me down and beat the hell out of me and decided to drill a home in the nether regions of my soul.
Steam Engine was probably the first mmj tune I obsessed over. Anyone I had listen to it would have to read the lyrics along with the song NO READING AHEAD I would say, because other wise you wouldn't feel it when Jim says " the fact that my hearts beating is all the proof you need". I still quote that line to my wife alot. There was probably a 3 week period where thats the only song I listened to by anyone. I was so blown away by the lyrics. I would always say to my wife there is no way I can put my feelings or our relationship into words but that tune came really fucking close for me. And I have been able to do that on my own since then. But Don Dante is so "haunting", as my dad puts it, everytime he listens to it. my mom says its sad, I think those opinions come from a combination of lyrics and music. For me its mainly the music that hits me in that special place. It reminds me that I have a soul and that there is something beyond everyones flesh and bones, that energy. All I know is that Jim is one bad mamajama to be able to spark these kind of feelings in people.
Damn close, but add one vote for Don Dante.
Unless Andrew Bird plays along on Steam Engine.
QuoteSteam Engine was probably the first mmj tune I obsessed over. Anyone I had listen to it would have to read the lyrics along with the song NO READING AHEAD I would say, because other wise you wouldn't feel it when Jim says " the fact that my hearts beating is all the proof you need". I still quote that line to my wife alot. There was probably a 3 week period where thats the only song I listened to by anyone. I was so blown away by the lyrics. I would always say to my wife there is no way I can put my feelings or our relationship into words but that tune came really fucking close for me. And I have been able to do that on my own since then. But Don Dante is so "haunting", as my dad puts it, everytime he listens to it. my mom says its sad, I think those opinions come from a combination of lyrics and music. For me its mainly the music that hits me in that special place. It reminds me that I have a soul and that there is something beyond everyones flesh and bones, that energy. All I know is that Jim is one bad mamajama to be able to spark these kind of feelings in people.
Wow!!!!! this was very well said.
this is my favorite part and it's something I think everyone here shares.
"It reminds me that I have a soul and that there is something beyond everyones flesh and bones, that energy. All I know is that Jim is one bad mamajama to be able to spark these kind of feelings in people."
Steam Engine. Of course, I love DonDante but it doesn't speak to me like Steam Engine does.
The AOL session breaks my heart everytime. Here it is, just incase there are any newbies who haven't seen it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYo7BVa_fXk&search=my%20morning%20jacket
I love both of course but Steam Engine hits me like something else. Its those teary eyes.... :'(
QuoteI love both of course but Steam Engine hits me like something else. Its those teary eyes.... :'(
love them shaky knees...
Steam Engine is precisely the song that set the hook for me...since then, I've been along for the ride.
Steam Engine is what made this band ultimately make sense for me. No song has ever combined utter desparation and complete hope together like that. At least for me. I don't know how to explain it, and i don't think that that is even the best way, but somehting along those lines, maybe.
And then, Dondante took that to another level. Holy shit, did it. I hesitate to say it's my favorite song, only because I can't listen to it. And by, I can't listen to it, I mean that, when I'm happy, it will bring me down. When I'm down, it'll rip that into oblivion and make me hurt more. Maybe that's good, but I try not to let my emotions be my being, and because of that, I try to avoid that kind of music when I'm at a place where I need something filling. I don't think opening a wound up further is much better for it. Maybe to purge it sometimes, I don't know.
But that said, the definition of that song has been the live experience. I sing along, I'm probably that person you hate to be next to in concert, but I sing along and you can see every vein in my neck and I can hardly stand up and it shakes me through and through, and knowing everything about and behind this song, and all that went into it, even the recording, hearing all that made this into either my favorite or second favorite MMJ song. The kicker is that I've never seen Steam Engine live. When I see it live, I'll make that decision.
and god damn those shaky knees
brain melts in the twighliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
i am out of town for one and half days and you guys come up with the greatest topic ever!
all i know is that i used to think the rolling stone steam engine was the greatest thing to ever happen to music and now the austin city limits dondante is puttting some serious presure on it.
I love the way Dondante hesitates and teases before it leads into the 8-9 notes that makes it's signature sound for me. I know what's coming, and the anticipation leads into the excitement.
Don Dante: it's perfectly constructed - draws you in, the guitar hypnotizes you, then it all crashes down on you. It always gives me chills.
(Steam Engine moves me every time, too, but Don Dante is just perfect.)
QuoteSteam Engine is what made this band ultimately make sense for me. No song has ever combined utter desparation and complete hope together like that. At least for me. I don't know how to explain it, and i don't think that that is even the best way, but somehting along those lines, maybe.
And then, Dondante took that to another level. Holy shit, did it. I hesitate to say it's my favorite song, only because I can't listen to it. And by, I can't listen to it, I mean that, when I'm happy, it will bring me down. When I'm down, it'll rip that into oblivion and make me hurt more. Maybe that's good, but I try not to let my emotions be my being, and because of that, I try to avoid that kind of music when I'm at a place where I need something filling. I don't think opening a wound up further is much better for it. Maybe to purge it sometimes, I don't know.
But that said, the definition of that song has been the live experience. I sing along, I'm probably that person you hate to be next to in concert, but I sing along and you can see every vein in my neck and I can hardly stand up and it shakes me through and through, and knowing everything about and behind this song, and all that went into it, even the recording, hearing all that made this into either my favorite or second favorite MMJ song. The kicker is that I've never seen Steam Engine live. When I see it live, I'll make that decision.
hey Tom...i kinda know the story behind Dondante (that it was written for Aaron Todovich (sp?) who left this world too early), but what other insights do you have?
this thread is like asking me to choose my favorite child. but i would have to say steam engine. seeing it played with the pops confirmed this choice. :o
Steam Engine it is for me.. it just builds and builds live and for me, i can relate to it more lyric wise so i am definitely into this song more than dondante. it affects me at a whole different level than most other mmj tunes! some of the lyrics really hit me and they are among my favorite of all their songs. i think it delves more into the human psyche as well.
at the last show if it were the last song played, i wouldn't have complained.
the don is very awesome too but i find myself wanting to listen to steam engine more!
also it definitely helps that i just had one of the best experiences ever of seeing Steam Engine live with the one person i always want to see the Jacket with!! :D
Steam Engine! It's what it's all about.
i love dondante, but it doesnt get much better than steam engine.
and seeing it live in hartford before pj gave ME shaky knees.
Steam Engine is an amazing song, so is Dondante. My question is, why hasn't anyone taken Strangulation into consideration as the best album closer?
well i don't think we're really talking about album closers in this thread for one....
i fuckin' absolutely love both songs, but for me, as of this minute, don dante wins. i think don dante shows a full range of emotion, starting off so quiet and building up to a porn-like orgasm and relaxing and lulling you at the very end with the sax. i've had many a revelation listening to steam engine, but there's some sort of mystery about don dante that leaves me searching for more. i still feel like i'm able to get more and more from don dante every time listen, but steam engine, i think i know what i'm feeling and just expanding on it.
have you heard Jim's solo version of Dondante? i think he did it at an in store show...it was in Seattle, WA on 11.5.05.
i think comparing the stripped down versions is what does it for me. the single of "Steam Engine" with just Jim nearly brings tears to me eyes everytime i listen to it. "Dondante" is just as powerful and i love the song, but listening to the solo version just isn't comparable to "Steam Engine" (though it is very close!).
if you haven't heard the solo version of "Dondante" i would recommend getting it from archive.org (i think that is where i got it).
Fair enough about the acoustic versions of both but in Don Donte's defense. Steam Engine can't really hang (guitar) solo wise. ;)
QuoteFair enough about the acoustic versions of both but in Don Donte's defense. Steam Engine can't really hang (guitar) solo wise. ;)
true
interesting point about album closers....
It looks like Steam Engine is winning.
to my count in what people have said (and i havent check if people posted twice to confuse me) but the rankings are:
Dondante: 7
Steam Engine: 10
I really like the new version of Dondante, but the 'Roo '04 stteam engine is the best ever--my vote goes to steam engine
I'm voting for Don Dante just because this should be a tie. ;)
Who's with me?
I got your back sweatboard.
Steam Engine.
Just listen to the version with andrew bird from this year's taste of chicago. i was listening to it, and then patrick just starts building like crazy on the drums in the second verse, and i could not help but smiling. and then he took my money and my drugs and the outro was pure bliss. why didn't i go? it's a damn shame that i can't make lollapalooza. i want to see more mmj and andrew bird.
God I love the forum.
If you had asked me 2 weeks ago i would have said don, no doubt about it. But since I read this today when I'm in the middle of a steam engine binge...steam engine all the way. I almost shit myself every time waiting for jim to go up on the last two lines "...the fact that my heart's beating" It just keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I will give all props and credit to dondante and I think the guitar solo is absolutely smoking any which way I can get it live, studio, or however. But right now steam engine has been playing for 3 days almost straight. I sometimes switch just so I don't lose touch with reality, but really it just makes it better to hear steam again....
What is he saying at the end on the loop??? anybody know?? sounds like it could maybe be "get out "....pronounced more like "git ottt" anybody know for sure? It doesn't matter in the long run though, it just the way that he sings...
i've always heard dee dee daaa dum dee dee da dum...dee da dum dee dee da dum.
How the FUCK, did i miss this thread!!! i just finished listening to steam engine from the Odeon show, and its 14:58 long. i love that song, and prayed theyd have played that AND Dondonte in TO opening for PJ. Those are my faves for sure.
At one point though i was sick of dondante, maybe i heard it too much?? but then these "new versions" surfaced and brought it back to life, and made me love the original version all over agian.
im gonna rip my heart in two and give a peice to EACH song!
PS. Strangulation, as mentioned above, has given me watery eyes and a sore throat many times, usually after a bottle of wine or several beers on one of my down-time nights. HEART RIPPED THRICE!
In there original versions, the two songs serve completely different purposes. Steam Engine majestically soars, and lets itself down gently, washing over you like a cool mist.
(Old) Dondante strikes the fear of God in your heart, builds up tension like nothing in music ever has, and when it releases it ("you had me worried"), it hits you full in the face like a tidal wave, continues the onslaught for several minutes, and leaves you looking at the wreckage as the sax kicks in.
The reason that new dondante doesn't pack the punch that old dondante does is that the (admittedly spectacular and gorgeous) majestic portions break up the building of the tension. In addition, the chords to old dondante's verse are C minor/G. New dondante is C minor/Bb7, a significantly less jarring pair.
I prefer dondante, because of the power it has, the sheer terror and awe it induces. I have never, and possibly will never again, seen anything like Jim James building that tension and then putting all of his being into its release. It was one of the most overwhelming, amazing experiences of my life--it was a PHYSICAL experience. People who have have seen that version, and in particular been close to the stage, will know what i'm talking about. Steam Engine is blissful and gorgeous, and i absolutely love it. But i have never, in the many shows i've been to and all of the music i;ve listened to, heard or seen anything like Dondante. It is, so far, the crowning achievement of the Jacket.
QuoteIn there original versions, the two songs serve completely different purposes. Steam Engine majestically soars, and lets itself down gently, washing over you like a cool mist.
(Old) Dondante strikes the fear of God in your heart, builds up tension like nothing in music ever has, and when it releases it ("you had me worried"), it hits you full in the face like a tidal wave, continues the onslaught for several minutes, and leaves you looking at the wreckage as the sax kicks in.
The reason that new dondante doesn't pack the punch that old dondante does is that the (admittedly spectacular and gorgeous) majestic portions break up the building of the tension. In addition, the chords to old dondante's verse are C minor/G. New dondante is C minor/Bb7, a significantly less jarring pair.
I prefer dondante, because of the power it has, the sheer terror and awe it induces. I have never, and possibly will never again, seen anything like Jim James building that tension and then putting all of his being into its release. It was one of the most overwhelming, amazing experiences of my life--it was a PHYSICAL experience. People have have seen that version, and in particular been close to the stage, will know what i'm talking about. Steam Engine is blissful and gorgeous, and i absolutely love it. But i have never, in the many shows i've been to and all of the music i;ve listened to, heard or seen anything like Dondante. It is, so far, the crowning achievement of the Jacket.
I know exactly what your talking about when I watch the ASL version of Dondante. I love the part when Jim has his eyes closed and he is fighting the urge to carress the neck of his guitar. However, I do see that same honest, gut wrenching emotion in the acoustic Rolling Stone Steam Engine.
Speaking of, has anyone ever captured the audio of this version or the AOL version for that matter. I don't think I have a solo steam engine on CD and I need it badly. The moment I saw the RS Steam Engine was the moment I went from fan to obsessive. I would love to be able to listen to this away from my computer.
"I have never, and possibly will never again, seen anything like Jim James building that tension and then putting all of his being into its release."
AMEN!!!!!! Watching him play that song/solo is truly something to behold. Higher powers are being channeled through Jim's guitar there is really no other explination.
Steam Engine from the studio.
Don Dante live.
But Steam Engine wins overall.