Robert Johnsons entire recorded output is sped up by 20%

[lester1/2jr]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/may/27/robert-johnson-blues

This guy thinks that Robert Johnson's music was sped up, probably by the people who originally recorded it.








slowed down version of crossroads

original

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A

[Rev. Powell]

So, there was really no need for him to sell his soul to the devil to learn to play guitar so fast. 

These sides will be very cool to hear if they're ever released at the "proper" speed. 

[lester1/2jr]

discussions

http://blindman.15.forumer.com/a/robert-johnson-playback-speed_post30758.html
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-461601.html


a few samples of the slowed down versions
http://landownunder.blogspot.com/2005/01/robert-johnson-on-speed.html


come on in my kitchen


you know, if you think about it  ALOT of stuff from that era was overcranked like crazy.  lke how fast silent movies were. whenever they parody them, they always have the poeple moving super fast

[Allhallowsday]

Very interesting, thanks, Lester.  Hmmm.  I never thought the fleetness of JOHNSON's guitar was the important part of his recordings.  I'd snap up any reissue at the supposedly correct speed!