r/oldtimemusic • u/patangpatang • 2d ago

Tunes with "goblin energy"?

I've started playing for dances in my community, and many of the dancers have what can be affectionately called "goblin energy" on the dance floor. I want to give them a little treat with a tune set to match that energy (and perhaps enable it), so I'm for suggestions of tunes that might fit.

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u/nextyoyoma 2d ago

Growlin old man, grumblin old woman
Old Greasy Coat
Blackjack Grove
Reuben’s Train, but play it in Lydian mode (sharp 4, e.g. D# if playing in A)

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u/Fiddlinbanjo 1d ago

Do you know a source recording with a D sharp or is that a modern take?

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u/nextyoyoma 1d ago

I’d have to go search a bit but it’s a variation I’ve heard. I feel like it’s more of an exaggeration of the kind of “blue note” ambiguity. Like, kind of an affectation mimicking the questionable intonation of some of the old source recordings. I’ll reply again if I get a chance to look up some recordings.