My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket => The Music => Topic started by: MyLifeISought on Aug 30, 2007, 03:16 PM

Title: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: MyLifeISought on Aug 30, 2007, 03:16 PM
I adore this version of this song. Holy fuck.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: getinthevan on Aug 30, 2007, 04:48 PM
I've thrown on Okonokos just to listen to Steam Engine.  There's something about that song on vinyl that just makes me feel good.

Though I must confess that I adore most versions of this song and I only say most because I know I haven't heard them all.  
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: TEO on Aug 31, 2007, 06:20 AM
QuoteI've thrown on Okonokos just to listen to Steam Engine.  There's something about that song on vinyl that just makes me feel good.

Though I must confess that I adore most versions of this song and I only say most because I know I haven't heard them all.  

I know, I have played it like three times this week VERY loud at work when I first get there. The scream from the girl at the very beginning just sets it up that you are gonna' hear something really special.  
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: DaFunkyPrecedent on Sep 03, 2007, 04:17 PM
it is the most played song on my iTunes at 47

my top 20 has 17/20 MMJ songs....i need help.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: Big Nasty on Sep 05, 2007, 07:33 PM
Quoteit is the most played song on my iTunes at 47

my top 20 has 17/20 MMJ songs....i need help.

Hahaha!  I've had very similar conversations with anyone who will listen -- hey, is there something wrong with me because I simply can not stop listening to this band!?  I fall asleep to Acoustic Chorale almost every night and crank these fuckers at work all day long.

And I shit you not, the Okonokos version of Steam Engine just came on random here at work.  Looks like my boss just lost productivity for another 8 and a half minutes...

There are several beautiful moments in this song, but the line "skin looks good in the moonlight and goddamn those shaky knees" makes me want to cry happy tears every time.

Sorry for the semi-frantic nature of this post, but to post about this and know that yall will just nod your heads and know exactly what I mean, feels fucking great.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: The DARK on Sep 05, 2007, 07:57 PM
Quote
Quoteit is the most played song on my iTunes at 47

my top 20 has 17/20 MMJ songs....i need help.

Hahaha!  I've had very similar conversations with anyone who will listen -- hey, is there something wrong with me because I simply can not stop listening to this band!?  I fall asleep to Acoustic Chorale almost every night and crank these fuckers at work all day long.

And I shit you not, the Okonokos version of Steam Engine just came on random here at work.  Looks like my boss just lost productivity for another 8 and a half minutes...

There are several beautiful moments in this song, but the line "skin looks good in the moonlight and goddamn those shaky knees" makes me want to cry happy tears every time.

Sorry for the semi-frantic nature of this post, but to post about this and know that yall will just nod your heads and know exactly what I mean, feels fucking great.

Another Chorale fan. I'm starting to see a pattern here...
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: Big Nasty on Sep 05, 2007, 10:58 PM
And what pattern is that?  I don't know that I prefer it to Okonokos, but late at night, it's perfect.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: ChiefOKONO on Sep 06, 2007, 12:31 AM
tell me about it, this version just SLAYS!!!!
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: PromKing#1 on Sep 06, 2007, 09:52 AM
Hey Fellas... I do not post here often and it has been awhile.  I must say that I am as big an MMJ fan as all of you.  I do read this forum on about a daily basis.  

I DO want you to know that the first ever MMJ Prom King is a hardcore fan and not just one of your average casuals.....

With that said I am going to start voicing my opinions here on a more regular basis.


Here are my thoughts on this particular thread....
I have been listening to the '04 'Roo show and, as you all already know, this Steam Engine is off the hook.............. "and god damn those SHAKY KNEES"...... one of my favorite MMJ lines
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: getinthevan on Sep 06, 2007, 03:09 PM
This leaves me wondering, what do you all consider to be the best version of Steam Engine?  

I'm completely drawing a blank right now, are there any live versions that really stand out above the rest?
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: BH on Sep 06, 2007, 03:28 PM
As a full band, for me, it used to be Toronto '04, but since then OKONOKOS and others may have eclipsed it if only for sound quality.  But check out Toronto some time.

But if I had to pick only one, it would be the Jim James Rolling Stone solo version.  It brings tears to my eyes every time.  There is no better example of how he puts his all into every song.  The emotion and sincerity just hits me right in the gut.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: TEO on Sep 06, 2007, 03:40 PM
QuoteAs a full band, for me, it used to be Toronto '04, but since then OKONOKOS and others may have eclipsed it if only for sound quality.  But check out Toronto some time.

But if I had to pick only one, it would be the Jim James Rolling Stone solo version.  It brings tears to my eyes every time.  There is no better example of how he puts his all into every song.  The emotion and sincerity just hits me right in the gut.

I know what you mean. I have watched that one maybe 5 times in the last couple of weeks and you can really see how a true artist should come across.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: MyLifeISought on Sep 07, 2007, 03:52 PM
Bonnaroo 2004, with storm rolling in. Spectacular version.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: mymorningwood on Sep 13, 2007, 02:35 PM
QuoteBonnaroo 2004, with storm rolling in. Spectacular version.


true that!  roo 04', in my opinion as well, has the best version of steam engine... which is prob my fav song along w/ masterplan.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: SeaBach on Sep 13, 2007, 10:22 PM
i'm going to say that this version from 6/3/03 is my favorite version of steam engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboovmbFazc
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: ultravisitor on Sep 16, 2007, 11:51 AM
My favorite version of "Steam Engine" is from last year's Taste of Chicago.  I love it because Andrew Bird guests with MMJ, and I was at the show (which was free).
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: LET_THE_FETUS_ROCK on Sep 16, 2007, 08:50 PM
Forgive me for it has been longer than I can remember since my last post.


Steamengine is my favorite song and always has been since I first heard it.

Although I have seen and heard it many times live my favorite is Roo 04. you can feel the bliss in Jim's voice right outta the gate.  The Rain drops and reverb blend into pure magic.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: TEO on Sep 17, 2007, 04:59 AM
Glad to see you back!   :)
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: Jacket Fanatic on Sep 27, 2007, 01:31 AM
QuoteI adore this version of this song. Holy fuck.

My thoughts exactly! It gets me every time.  
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: blenderbaby on Sep 27, 2007, 11:03 PM
QuoteI know, I have played it like three times this week VERY loud at work when I first get there
3 times a week!!!!!, are you kidding me!!, i play it 3 times on the (long) train jorney to work alone...  Seriously, the arrangement  of steam engine is unique, to have that little melodic solo straight after the first few lines sets it all up, the rest of the song keeps you on edge....  I listen to this wonderful song as many times as i call my mom a fuss pot, but please, please, somebody (even if it's the mighty Jim himself!) tell me why it is called "Steam engine"???, and if it is just that i can not see the wood for the trees, please somebody enlighten me... love this forum, even though there are not enough hours in the day to visit it as much as i would like. :P
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: sweatboard on Sep 28, 2007, 06:32 PM
I think "steam engine" is a sort of metaphore for a beating heart, "The fact that my hearts beating is all the proof you need"
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: ms. yvon on Oct 27, 2007, 04:19 AM
Quote
...The scream from the girl at the very beginning just sets it up that you are gonna' hear something really special.  
;D  it's true!

this version gives me chills something fierce.  i'm sure some of that has to do with how clear and beautiful it sounds.  when i play it i am stopped in my tracks.  DAMN! BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL STUFF!
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: Willard1979 on Jan 18, 2008, 11:56 PM
I'll gladly climb onto the wagon with u folks on this!!  A little late, sure, but better late than never!  After hearing the Rolling Stone Original, I immediately went to the Okonokos version, and HOLY JUMPING JESUS!!!  I'm in another world!  Music just doesn't get any better or any more powerful than this!  Every single bit of it is pure bliss!  Everything I've said here already, just doesn't do it any justice...I'm Not Worthy!  8-) 8-) 8-) :P :P :P
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: jbanda on Jan 20, 2008, 11:48 AM
Among all of the beautiful things about this version of steam engine, the way the dissonant background chords ring out is just so tasty, which you just can't get on the studio version.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: TheBigChicken on Jan 22, 2008, 08:53 AM
I'm back in forth between Steam Engine and Phone Went West :)
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: drewsdad27us on Jan 26, 2008, 12:08 PM
THE ONLY PERFECT VERSION is one I am sharing, feeling, hearing LIVE, ANYWHERE with a hall full of MMJ lovers like myself.
or when my 3 year old little girl sings it.

See you at RCMH
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: oistheone on Mar 31, 2011, 02:16 PM
Time to bring this back from the dead.

Steam Engine on Okonokos fucking kills. I'd venture to say it might be the greatest thing humans have ever documented since their existence on this planet.

With all this talk about the new album and a bunch of tour dates, I was hankerin' for some Jacket. So I tossed on the DVD last night, and as usual, it did not disappoint. I've never had so many "OH MAN!" moments during one song. You know those rare moments where you smile uncontrollably and say "OHHH MANN!" to yourself because you are overcome with awesomeness? That happened about seven times during this song last night.

Love the way this is shot too -- great angles, and the one steady zoom into Jim's mouth as he pours his soul into the final climactic vocal scream is mind-blowing stuff. But to me, this song is all about the bottom end. Tom does bass runs in this song that are unlike anything I've ever heard.

What a tune.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: e_wind on Mar 31, 2011, 03:52 PM
the second SOOOOOOOOOO, IIIIIIIII DO BELIIIEEEEEEVVEEEE.... is the best 10 seconds of a song recording to date. Thats not an opinion, its science.
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: johnnYYac on Mar 31, 2011, 10:52 PM
Quote from: drewsdad27us on Jan 26, 2008, 12:08 PM
THE ONLY PERFECT VERSION is one I am sharing, feeling, hearing LIVE, ANYWHERE with a hall full of MMJ lovers like myself.
or when my 3 year old little girl sings it.

See you at RCMH
Thanks, oistheone, for reviving this thread.  I was particularly struck, however, by the post above yours, from January 26, 2008 (quoted above).  My little girl, 2 years old, blew me away quite some months back, when she started singing from her carseat on the way home from daycare, "so, I do beeve, nutin to be physicoo, lees not me!"  I damn near ran off the road!  She now DEMANDS Steam Engine and Bermuda Highway every day on the way home. 

Also, the Okonokos Steam Engine is perhaps the version I play for her most often, an exceptional performance and an amazing song. 

Of course, you may not have heard my instrumental cover of Steam Engine with the Omnichord.  It might change your mind.  ;)

http://site.johnnyyac.com/Portfolio.php (http://site.johnnyyac.com/Portfolio.php)
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heav
Post by: ericm on Apr 01, 2011, 10:16 AM
Quote from: blenderbaby on Sep 27, 2007, 11:03 PM
QuoteI know, I have played it like three times this week VERY loud at work when I first get there
3 times a week!!!!!, are you kidding me!!, i play it 3 times on the (long) train jorney to work alone...  Seriously, the arrangement  of steam engine is unique, to have that little melodic solo straight after the first few lines sets it all up, the rest of the song keeps you on edge....  I listen to this wonderful song as many times as i call my mom a fuss pot, but please, please, somebody (even if it's the mighty Jim himself!) tell me why it is called "Steam engine"???, and if it is just that i can not see the wood for the trees, please somebody enlighten me... love this forum, even though there are not enough hours in the day to visit it as much as i would like. :P

I always thought that maybe it's called Steam Engine because when it was written and recorded, it kind of just took off, ultra powerful,with no stopping in sight. When they were done, it was like " man, that had some incredible energy, like a freaking Steam Engine".

Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: kotchishm on Apr 11, 2011, 02:35 PM
I've loved this version too since i got the Okonokos dvd.  just recently bought the vinyl boxset last week so perfect timing for this thread to reappear.  also just today won an Ebay auction for Acoustic Chorale (still one left for buy it now $49.99) so in total ive dropped $80 in a week on Okonokos related releases,  i also need help
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: johnnYYac on Apr 11, 2011, 03:02 PM
When pressed for time but in a need of an Okonokos fix, I've got a one-disc CD "sampler" with 9 tracks that does the trick nicely (on eBay for a few bucks; I actually own two copies of it). 

With the DVD, I generally start with Lay Low if I can't sit through the whole thing.  I used to start at Dondante, but had to include Lay Low recently.  When my daughter demands Steam Engine, this is the version she gets.

Okonokos DVD set list (the sweet spot)

1."The Party"
2."Wordless Chorus"
3."It Beats 4 U"
4."Gideon"
5."One Big Holiday"
6."I Will Sing You Songs"
7."Lowdown"
8."The Way that He Sings"
9."What a Wonderful Man"
10."Off the Record"
11."Golden"
12."Lay Low"
13."Dondante"
14."Run Thru"
15."Xmas Curtain"
16."O Is the One that Is Real"
17."Steam Engine"

18."Anytime"
19."Mahgeetah"
20."The Attack"

kotchishm, I had my eye on Acoustic Chorale on eBay, going for around $21 this weekend.  I let it go, as I already own two copies.  I love AC, as evident from this thread: http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0 (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0)

I wonder what the going opinion is on sharing Acoustic Chorale.  It was made available to some who bought the Okonokos DVD back in '05.  It was never sold separately.  What would be the legal status of this?  I have software that lets me rip and copy DVDs, menus and all, at a perfect level of quality.  I'd love to share it with those less fortunate in scoring a real copy, but don't want to cross a line.  Thoughts?  CC?
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: kotchishm on Apr 11, 2011, 03:57 PM
Quote from: johnnYYac on Apr 11, 2011, 03:02 PM
When pressed for time but in a need of an Okonokos fix, I've got a one-disc CD "sampler" with 9 tracks that does the trick nicely (on eBay for a few bucks; I actually own two copies of it). 

With the DVD, I generally start with Lay Low if I can't sit through the whole thing.  I used to start at Dondante, but had to include Lay Low recently.  When my daughter demands Steam Engine, this is the version she gets.

Okonokos DVD set list (the sweet spot)

1."The Party"
2."Wordless Chorus"
3."It Beats 4 U"
4."Gideon"
5."One Big Holiday"
6."I Will Sing You Songs"
7."Lowdown"
8."The Way that He Sings"
9."What a Wonderful Man"
10."Off the Record"
11."Golden"
12."Lay Low"
13."Dondante"
14."Run Thru"
15."Xmas Curtain"
16."O Is the One that Is Real"
17."Steam Engine"

18."Anytime"
19."Mahgeetah"
20."The Attack"

kotchishm, I had my eye on Acoustic Chorale on eBay, going for around $21 this weekend.  I let it go, as I already own two copies.  I love AC, as evident from this thread: http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0 (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0)

I wonder what the going opinion is on sharing Acoustic Chorale.  It was made available to some who bought the Okonokos DVD back in '05.  It was never sold separately.  What would be the legal status of this?  I have software that lets me rip and copy DVDs, menus and all, at a perfect level of quality.  I'd love to share it with those less fortunate in scoring a real copy, but don't want to cross a line.  Thoughts?  CC?


I was wondering the same thing being that it's really rare, i know the steam engine blog http://thesteamengine.blogspot.com/ (http://thesteamengine.blogspot.com/) had both the dvd and audio rips available for download a while back but they have since expired on the upload sites.

being that its so rare and wasn't actually sold seperately i cant see any immediate threat but i do feel like its something that needs to be shared
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: johnnYYac on Apr 11, 2011, 09:56 PM
Quote from: kotchishm on Apr 11, 2011, 03:57 PM
Quote from: johnnYYac on Apr 11, 2011, 03:02 PM
When pressed for time but in a need of an Okonokos fix, I've got a one-disc CD "sampler" with 9 tracks that does the trick nicely (on eBay for a few bucks; I actually own two copies of it). 

With the DVD, I generally start with Lay Low if I can't sit through the whole thing.  I used to start at Dondante, but had to include Lay Low recently.  When my daughter demands Steam Engine, this is the version she gets.

Okonokos DVD set list (the sweet spot)

1."The Party"
2."Wordless Chorus"
3."It Beats 4 U"
4."Gideon"
5."One Big Holiday"
6."I Will Sing You Songs"
7."Lowdown"
8."The Way that He Sings"
9."What a Wonderful Man"
10."Off the Record"
11."Golden"
12."Lay Low"
13."Dondante"
14."Run Thru"
15."Xmas Curtain"
16."O Is the One that Is Real"
17."Steam Engine"

18."Anytime"
19."Mahgeetah"
20."The Attack"

kotchishm, I had my eye on Acoustic Chorale on eBay, going for around $21 this weekend.  I let it go, as I already own two copies.  I love AC, as evident from this thread: http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0 (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0)

I wonder what the going opinion is on sharing Acoustic Chorale.  It was made available to some who bought the Okonokos DVD back in '05.  It was never sold separately.  What would be the legal status of this?  I have software that lets me rip and copy DVDs, menus and all, at a perfect level of quality.  I'd love to share it with those less fortunate in scoring a real copy, but don't want to cross a line.  Thoughts?  CC?


I was wondering the same thing being that it's really rare, i know the steam engine blog http://thesteamengine.blogspot.com/ (http://thesteamengine.blogspot.com/) had both the dvd and audio rips available for download a while back but they have since expired on the upload sites.

being that its so rare and wasn't actually sold seperately i cant see any immediate threat but i do feel like its something that needs to be shared
Yeah, I could post a pristine .iso file that anyone could burn on a standard DVD-R.  I'm talking just Acoustic Chorale, not Okonokos (available at a fine record imporium near you). 
Title: Re: Okonokos Steam Engine: A Big Ol' Slice of Heaven
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 11, 2011, 10:02 PM
Quote from: johnnYYac on Apr 11, 2011, 03:02 PM
When pressed for time but in a need of an Okonokos fix, I've got a one-disc CD "sampler" with 9 tracks that does the trick nicely (on eBay for a few bucks; I actually own two copies of it). 

With the DVD, I generally start with Lay Low if I can't sit through the whole thing.  I used to start at Dondante, but had to include Lay Low recently.  When my daughter demands Steam Engine, this is the version she gets.

Okonokos DVD set list (the sweet spot)

1."The Party"
2."Wordless Chorus"
3."It Beats 4 U"
4."Gideon"
5."One Big Holiday"
6."I Will Sing You Songs"
7."Lowdown"
8."The Way that He Sings"
9."What a Wonderful Man"
10."Off the Record"
11."Golden"
12."Lay Low"
13."Dondante"
14."Run Thru"
15."Xmas Curtain"
16."O Is the One that Is Real"
17."Steam Engine"

18."Anytime"
19."Mahgeetah"
20."The Attack"

kotchishm, I had my eye on Acoustic Chorale on eBay, going for around $21 this weekend.  I let it go, as I already own two copies.  I love AC, as evident from this thread: http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0 (http://www.mymorningjacket.com/forum/index.php?topic=5019.0)

I wonder what the going opinion is on sharing Acoustic Chorale.  It was made available to some who bought the Okonokos DVD back in '05.  It was never sold separately.  What would be the legal status of this?  I have software that lets me rip and copy DVDs, menus and all, at a perfect level of quality.  I'd love to share it with those less fortunate in scoring a real copy, but don't want to cross a line.  Thoughts?  CC?

actually yac the sweet Spots, as in multiple spots of sweet are as follows:

1."The Party"
2."Wordless Chorus"
3."It Beats 4 U"
4."Gideon"
5."One Big Holiday"
6."I Will Sing You Songs"
7."Lowdown"
8."The Way that He Sings"
9."What a Wonderful Man"
10."Off the Record"

11."Golden"  (take quick leak, get beer, twist one up)
12."Lay Low"
13."Dondante"
14."Run Thru"
15."Xmas Curtain"
16."O Is the One that Is Real"
17."Steam Engine"
18."Anytime"
19."Mahgeetah"

20."The Attack"