Goodnight Irene

Not many upsides to the hurricane, but maybe one is the popular (for a few days, in NYC) resurgence of Lead Belly's Goodnight Irene, as bloggers everywhere google hurricane related songs. I am not innocent, and I'm glad -- because it led me to a few very worthwhile covers, each one fitted for a different part of the weekend.

Get it started right on a Friday night with some boogie.

Jerry Lee Lewis - Goodnight Irene



Maybe even sing along later after you've had a few.

Tom Waits - Goodnight Irene



Tomorrow you might feel hungover, you might be pissed that your Sunday is ruined, you might just want to sit in the dark for a little while.

Johnny Cash - Goodnight Irene



Then Sunday, as this big bitch of a thunderstorm rains down, let Jerry help you relax like only he can.

Jerry Garcia - Goodnight Irene



And when the storm has passed, come out into the sunshine and say so long.

Eric Clapton - Goodnight Irene