Ohh finally!!! Exactly 33 years I was looking for this song.didnt know who sang it .I only knew name of the song. And about a year ago I revealed it was Iain matthews. while looking for this song Ive heard a lot of versions. But no other comes close to this one.this is full rich with vocals with melody and the mystic feeling. it digs swiftly deep into the subconcious. try to listen to it on earphones in the middle of the night when theres no other sound. astonishing effect!! thanks
Been looking for this version. Used to play this when I was a kid as it was one of the 2000+ albums my parents had in the living room. Used to crank it LOUD! Memory and time confused this album for Gary Wright's The Dream Weaver, which they also had, because both have images of 70's haired ascot-wearing men on them. Glad I finally found it! Thought I was going crazy!
I had the album, Go for Broke, but hadn't thought about it in years. Used to play it all the time. Thanks for posting this. His music had an ethereal, melancholy quality that was beautiful.
Thank you frederickus! This great song, written and performed by the greatest ever singer songwriter, Jesse Colin Young, keeps being covered by, and consequently attributed to, other artists. I want the world to know that JESSE COLIN YOUNG is the creator of this awesome song, and many other beautiful songs. And in truth, Jesse's version of Darkness Darkness is the most profound and BEST of all ever recorded. Just want to set the record straight, no pun intended. Thanks for your help on this! :)
In 1976 I was 18 and I had this album, now I have the CD, this is my fave song by Ian, I just found out yesterday, September 29,2022 that Jesse Colin Young wrote this song, and I posted the lyrics to this song on my Facebook page last night so my friends could read them and today September 30,2022 I posted this song on my Facebook page so my friends could hear it
This is the first version of the song I ever heard and it is the version that truly hit me where I live. Today is the first time I've heard it since...well, pretty much since the first time I ever heard it. Nothing has changed. It STILL kills me.
THIS is the version!! After 20 years!! You are right all of you.......Oh, absolute soft memories of a dance done on this song at our college dance! Any Jai Hind-ites listening?
Another thanks for uploading. Brilliant version. Always liked the Youngblood's original, but Ian brings something unique to it. I just located my "If You Saw Thro' My Eyes" LP. If it still plays, I'll digitize it and upload something.
Wow, thanks for posting this! I first heard it back in the day , on a late night underground station. It took me forever to find out who it was. Unfortunately the rest of the album does no measure up, as it is marred by Seventies over-production and horn sections(why?!) but his voice is so gorgeous! One of the few covers that equals the original - I I like it even better than The Jesse Colin Young rendition!
@48snowbird Love that line(where dreamers ride free) My dreams are still there(in country) when I hear this song...always will be. JCY on a tape from back in the world.
I saw Ian perform twice in the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. This was always my favorite song he sang. I don't know what ever happened to him, does anybody else know?
@SuperVerica It's not hte lone song with Iain Matthews that is great !! Please look after The album : If I saw you trough my eyes, (1972) , the Dark Ride (1994) Pure and Crooked (1990, Skeleton Keys, 1992, Tigers Wille Survice, 1973 (Pleas be my Friend isgreater than Darkness Darkness. Ian has recorded at least ... 60 CD, I think, and I got 60 CD, and in the end, I met Him in Paris on las 15th of october 2010. He is a very sympathic Guy. regards Jacques
How strange to find this recording. I was not aware of ever listening to this song, but I suppose I must have heard it on the radio in the late 1970s. In 1980 a coworker and his wife were killed in a car crash. The church was crowded at their funeral, pews full and people standing in the back. It seems that everybody who knew Bob and Rose considered them special friends, as I did. During the service, I could hear this song in my head, even though I did not know the lyrics or performer. Just, "Darkness, Darkness," over and over. They are buried in the cemetery at Blackhawk, Colorado.
Hopelessand Forlorn That's how music works in my life - sometimes, as soon as I open my eyes, there's a song running in my head - sometimes I know all the details, the name of it, who sang it, - sometimes all I know is the melody, but it's like the 'soundtrack' of my life. As you spoke about Bob and Rose, I experienced something - as if that "spirit" which was theirs touched my life for a moment. They must have had something strong and special. Everyone at the church - you were all "connected" by the strength of their spirit - and it just connected to me for a moment. I love these experiences - confirmation of the SPIRIT - of our connection to a higher force!
Beautiful voice, one of the best covers of this song, but Jesse Colin Young did it best because it's his song. He gave it much more raw blues rendition, which fits the song. I think it's one of most haunting songs ever. I love it. I think it could sound great again in the right hands, maybe a woman's voice, like Sia.
Wow!! thank u for sharing this.. i only knew the lyrics to this song, but din't know who the singer was, then i heard the Robert Plain and Youngblood but this is the one i was looking for. Can u tell me where i can download this in mp3 version? Thanks once again!
@SuperVerica uhh,..."the song was written by Jesse Colin Young, he had a band called "the youngblood's",.. it was recorded in 1966 or 67, it was produced by Charlie Daniels,(of the charlie daniels band, ("devil went down to georgia"),...i just found out Charlie Daniels played violin on the original recording,..it's on youtube, the youngblood's "Darkness, Darkness" the original version project's the haunting quality of the melody, i believe(imho) it's still the best version, so RAW!
@oldcodyjunior OK, FYI "Seven Bridges Road" was written by Steve Young, "Old 55" by Tom Waits, and "Darkness, Darkness" by Jesse Colin Young. This is a VERY nice version, but it(and the other songs) aren't Matthews'. Give credit where credit is due
@jlambert321 I know the facts but it still doesnt make me like the original version more. despite of all, Ian s version is for my taste the ultimate, rich in melody, atmosphere, fulfilled in every way in the audio sense of speech, theres nothing missing in it.In the youngbloods it is another atmosphere, it doesnt touch me at all although it is nice. and I guess that partly being RAW is something that doesnt appeal to me especially in this song
@supergoober50 my perspective is, .the Youngbloods filled this song with raw angst, so much emotion, while Ian's version IS well done, it's too smooth, pablum like(sound's kinda like a weak version of somethin jon denver would'a done for a 7:00p.m. A.B.C.. special.
@oldcodyjunior just between you and i,..i like the youngbloods',the original, version better, but i'm old school, i like guitar,bass and drums, w/2ndguitar if neccessary,..i don't know what you know about the evolution of guitar amps,..but, this guy had a GREAT sound!
I've always loved this guy's voice, and his version of Woodstock still blows me away. I just don't like the music to this version..it's too "marchy" or something...like Plant's cover better. JMHO...peace,
Perry Miller, aka Jesse Colin Young, is the creator of this most awesome beautiful song. Ian Matthews does a very mediocre cover of it. Listen to the original, and also the live versions by Jesse Colin Young. They are profound. Jesse is profound!!!
Love this song and version. Takes me back. Way back.
Ohh finally!!! Exactly 33 years I was looking for this song.didnt know who sang it .I only knew name of the song. And about a year ago I revealed it was Iain matthews. while looking for this song Ive heard a lot of versions. But no other comes close to this one.this is full rich with vocals with melody and the mystic feeling. it digs swiftly deep into the subconcious. try to listen to it on earphones in the middle of the night when theres no other sound. astonishing effect!! thanks
Been looking for this version. Used to play this when I was a kid as it was one of the 2000+ albums my parents had in the living room. Used to crank it LOUD! Memory and time confused this album for Gary Wright's The Dream Weaver, which they also had, because both have images of 70's haired ascot-wearing men on them. Glad I finally found it! Thought I was going crazy!
Great song, on of my favourites in the 70´s
I remember buying this album in 76'.. one of my all time favorites... Still have the original...
I'll give you 5 G's for it.
Diddo.
My best friend has just played me this....WOW!! Instant goosebumps and instant L❤VE!!!
Ian Matthews: best male voice in folk rock. Maybe along with Garfunkel.
I had the album, Go for Broke, but hadn't thought about it in years. Used to play it all the time. Thanks for posting this. His music had an ethereal, melancholy quality that was beautiful.
brings back so many memories...loved this album back in the day....
Best version in my opinion!! Such a nice voice
Saw Ian back in the mid 70's with Jerry Riopelle. Wonderful music from 2 very under rated performers.
Ian has a great voice, enjoy hearing him all these years
My favorite cover of this song. Saw him perform it in the Celebrity Theater Tempe, AZ...
great song!!!
My fav version of this song! Wonderful!
Thanks for posting an awesome tune. One of my favourites covered by many talents.
Thank you frederickus! This great song, written and performed by the greatest ever singer songwriter, Jesse Colin Young, keeps being covered by, and consequently attributed to, other artists. I want the world to know that JESSE COLIN YOUNG is the creator of this awesome song, and many other beautiful songs. And in truth, Jesse's version of Darkness Darkness is the most profound and BEST of all ever recorded. Just want to set the record straight, no pun intended. Thanks for your help on this! :)
Niesamowity głos -jak dobrze słuchac tego utworu ponownie, refleksje, wspomnienia i chęć rzeżycia tego jeszcze raz
In 1976 I was 18 and I had this album, now I have the CD, this is my fave song by Ian, I just found out yesterday, September 29,2022 that Jesse Colin Young wrote this song, and I posted the lyrics to this song on my Facebook page last night so my friends could read them and today September 30,2022 I posted this song on my Facebook page so my friends could hear it
Seems weird, but I used this as part of my wedding music...his voice is so great & the Celtic sounds speak to me 💚
This is the first version of the song I ever heard and it is the version that truly hit me where I live. Today is the first time I've heard it since...well, pretty much since the first time I ever heard it. Nothing has changed. It STILL kills me.
Thanks so much for posting - no heard this for years!
Brilliant song from a great talent!
For years I was searching for this version, I didn't now who was singing it, and finally I found it. Many thanks, many, many, many!!!
Thanks Jock, glad to hear he's still out there. I enjoy all of his music no matter the genre.
THIS is the version!! After 20 years!! You are right all of you.......Oh, absolute soft memories of a dance done on this song at our college dance! Any Jai Hind-ites listening?
This version is a little too upbeat, but I like it too. The Youngbloods has it. Sorry.
This song i love very much. Beautiful voice. John from Norway
Me too, could not find this! Finally!
This is still a beautiful song with a voice to match. The tempo exudes the sadness....
I bought this l.p. in 78 after the perfect Hit and Run still a great track
Darkness, Darkness...the death of dreams.
Thanks for uploading this...very much!!!
LOVELY ...................
Have to say I love both the Youngbloods' version and Ian Matthews' version. You wrote a great song, Perry.
very....very special, like it
Another thanks for uploading. Brilliant version. Always liked the Youngblood's original, but Ian brings something unique to it. I just located my "If You Saw Thro' My Eyes" LP. If it still plays, I'll digitize it and upload something.
May god shine on you for posting this!
Wow, thanks for posting this! I first heard it back in the day , on a late night underground station. It took me forever to find out who it was. Unfortunately the rest of the album does no measure up, as it is marred by Seventies over-production and horn sections(why?!) but his voice is so gorgeous! One of the few covers that equals the original - I I like it even better than The Jesse Colin Young rendition!
I love the Ian Matthews/Sandy Denny doing Suzanne on the Fairport Convention Heyday CD
@48snowbird Love that line(where dreamers ride free) My dreams are still there(in country) when I hear this song...always will be. JCY on a tape from back in the world.
I saw Ian perform twice in the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. This was always my favorite song he sang. I don't know what ever happened to him, does anybody else know?
Thank you.
to me : a sweet song ...
Ha! I also saw him at the Celebrity, cant remember who he opened for. This has always been on of my go to albums. I actually have 2 copies !
SuperVerica Jesse Colin Young wrote and sang lead when it was recorded in 1969 with the Youngbloods.
@SuperVerica
It's not hte lone song with Iain Matthews that is great !! Please look after The album : If I saw you trough my eyes, (1972) , the Dark Ride (1994) Pure and Crooked (1990, Skeleton Keys, 1992, Tigers Wille Survice, 1973 (Pleas be my Friend isgreater than Darkness Darkness. Ian has recorded at least ... 60 CD, I think, and I got 60 CD, and in the end, I met Him in Paris on las 15th of october 2010. He is a very sympathic Guy.
regards
Jacques
Lovely rendition' perfect cadence; missing the Celtish music that goes so well with the lyrics.
How strange to find this recording. I was not aware of ever listening to this song, but I suppose I must have heard it on the radio in the late 1970s. In 1980 a coworker and his wife were killed in a car crash. The church was crowded at their funeral, pews full and people standing in the back. It seems that everybody who knew Bob and Rose considered them special friends, as I did. During the service, I could hear this song in my head, even though I did not know the lyrics or performer. Just, "Darkness, Darkness," over and over. They are buried in the cemetery at Blackhawk, Colorado.
Hopelessand Forlorn
That's how music works in my life - sometimes, as soon as I open my eyes, there's a song running in my head -
sometimes I know all the details, the name of it, who sang it, - sometimes all I know is the melody, but it's like
the 'soundtrack' of my life. As you spoke about Bob and Rose, I experienced something - as if that "spirit" which was theirs touched my life for a moment. They must have had something strong and special. Everyone at the
church - you were all "connected" by the strength of their spirit - and it just connected to me for a moment.
I love these experiences - confirmation of the SPIRIT - of our connection to a higher force!
Beautiful voice, one of the best covers of this song, but Jesse Colin Young did it best because it's his song. He gave it much more raw blues rendition, which fits the song. I think it's one of most haunting songs ever. I love it. I think it could sound great again in the right hands, maybe a woman's voice, like Sia.
Definitely my favourite version on record but solo live was even better. Inspired writing from Jesse Colin Young.
Wow!! thank u for sharing this.. i only knew the lyrics to this song, but din't know who the singer was, then i heard the Robert Plain and Youngblood but this is the one i was looking for. Can u tell me where i can download this in mp3 version?
Thanks once again!
@SuperVerica uhh,..."the song was written by Jesse Colin Young, he had a band called "the youngblood's",..
it was recorded in 1966 or 67, it was produced by Charlie Daniels,(of the charlie daniels band, ("devil went down to georgia"),...i just found out Charlie Daniels played violin on the original recording,..it's on youtube, the youngblood's "Darkness, Darkness" the original version project's the haunting quality of the melody, i believe(imho) it's still the best version, so RAW!
An outstanding cover of a Jesse Colin Young song
Jessie Collin Young the Original "Song Writer'
george kooyman on lovesweat a golden earring cd is even better for sound an' atmosphere it,s well worth a listen,,,
....where dreamers ride free.....
This song was played on a radio station and was banned because it supposedly caused suicides
It is meets5 , It is !!
It is by Jesse Colin Young (Youngbloods)
@oldcodyjunior OK, FYI "Seven Bridges Road" was written by Steve Young, "Old 55" by Tom Waits, and "Darkness, Darkness" by Jesse Colin Young. This is a VERY nice version, but it(and the other songs) aren't Matthews'. Give credit where credit is due
@jlambert321 I know the facts but it still doesnt make me like the original version more. despite of all, Ian s version is for my taste the ultimate, rich in melody, atmosphere, fulfilled in every way in the audio sense of speech, theres nothing missing in it.In the youngbloods it is another atmosphere, it doesnt touch me at all although it is nice. and I guess that partly being RAW is something that doesnt appeal to me especially in this song
@supergoober50 my perspective is, .the Youngbloods filled this song with raw angst, so much emotion, while Ian's version IS well done, it's too smooth, pablum like(sound's kinda like a weak version of somethin jon denver would'a done for a 7:00p.m. A.B.C.. special.
They said it was suicidal
@Xipify I know that but I like this version better
@oldcodyjunior just between you and i,..i like the youngbloods',the original, version better, but i'm old school, i like guitar,bass and drums, w/2ndguitar if neccessary,..i don't know what you know about the evolution of guitar amps,..but, this guy had a GREAT sound!
@bzn2 cheese
I've always loved this guy's voice, and his version of Woodstock still blows me away. I just don't like the music to this version..it's too "marchy" or something...like Plant's cover better. JMHO...peace,
The original version by The Youngbloods is superior to this one although Matthew's version is a bit less "dark"....
Nope... does'nt break it.
Perry Miller, aka Jesse Colin Young, is the creator of this most awesome beautiful song. Ian Matthews does a very mediocre cover of it. Listen to the original, and also the live versions by Jesse Colin Young. They are profound. Jesse is profound!!!
They used to play this over the airwaves until that far left banned it