Let it be me

[Mike Windgren]

Hi there!! .

Stunning ballad, one of my favourite Live concert song! .

I agree with some on here that the version as included on Elvis-A legendary Performer Vol 3 lp is the definitive version to me, love the comments by Elvis at the beginning of the song .

http://www79.zippyshare.com/v/UbtjbWH8/file.html



Recording note: "Let It Be Me" HPA5 6336-Elvis-A Legendary Performer Vol 3 (Vinyl - multi-track). (February 15 Midnight show spliced with 'Let It Be Me' from February 17 Midnight Show).

Source: http://www.keithflynn.com/essential_lists/concerts-1970.html

The producers of the RPO "The Wonder Of You" cd describes Elvis version of the song pretty well .

..

Elvis first ever live performance of "Let It Be Me" was on January 26, 1970 (Opening show).

..



Source: http://www.keithflynn.com/essential_lists/concerts-1970.html

Kenny Rogers version is not bad at all too.

..

Last but not least, Spanish International Megastar Singer "Julio Iglesias" included it on some of his live performances as well....Bye for now .

..

[r&b]

It's one of the highlights of that Vegas season for me - he really delivers something special with it, and I've always really, really enjoyed it.

It's one of the reasons I'll always take the 1970 Vegas runs over what came before - he started to really broaden his horizons, and show some ambition with the material. The On Stage album is still one of my absolute favourites (acknowledging the 69 cuts on it!).

One might argue that the summer 1969 program was far more ambitious, and chiefly because Elvis was re-establishing himself as a vital, contemporary artist who did not need to lean on material that had been done by hundreds of artists. Rather, he chose to focus on his music, old and new. It's a great shame that did not continue into the 1970s.

He did all right...He was fed up of being an oldies. concerts performer...playing modern music was the right way...as these shows...demonstrated. ..the oldies but goldies...shows were history..good that he developped musically and took the right train.

What do you think Let It Be (1960) was? Release Me (1962) and even The Wonder of You(the 50s!)? Doesnt sound like modern music to me, they just werent Elvis oldies, but they were oldies and Id still rather have him choose 5 different songs from his own great catalog instead of others. I will always believe its what a concert should be. A performer doing his own songs mostly, and maybe a few others, and some new ones if applicable.

[DarrylMac]

. "Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

In the TTWII SE, which some say show's Elvis at his best his own musical director, he himself says he never felt they got Words right on stage, that it was too slow, and he knocks it out of the park on stage. That's the difference - for me, he could improve on his version of words in 1970, but he couldn't have done Bridge justice in 1969. He had the rough edge and energy for the faster songs, but the slow songs suffer. He had more range, more flexibility and more ambition in 1970, the confidence to choose what he wanted to sing, and make it his own.

I'll always take Elvis singing the songs he wanted to sing over the songs that sometimes felt like a straightjacket for him.

[ForeverElvis]

. "Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

In the TTWII SE, which some say show's Elvis at his best his own musical director, he himself says he never felt they got Words right on stage, that it was too slow, and he knocks it out of the park on stage. That's the difference - for me, he could improve on his version of words in 1970, but he couldn't have done Bridge justice in 1969. He had the rough edge and energy for the faster songs, but the slow songs suffer. He had more range, more flexibility and more ambition in 1970, the confidence to choose what he wanted to sing, and make it his own.

I'll always take Elvis singing the songs he wanted to sing over the songs that sometimes felt like a straightjacket for him.

I understand your point but Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge” wasn’t recorded until November 9, 1969 and released in January 1970.

Elvis couldn’t have covered the song in his August 1969 shows - it didn’t exist outside of Paul Simmons head.


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[DayVee Bee]

What do you think Let It Be (1960) was? Release Me (1962) and even The Wonder of You(the 50s!)? Doesnt sound like modern music to me, they just werent Elvis oldies, but they were oldies and Id still rather have him choose 5 different songs from his own great catalog instead of others. I will always believe its what a concert should be. A performer doing his own songs mostly, and maybe a few others, and some new ones if applicable.

Right there is what seems to me like your (& many other's) problem... You all seem angry that Elvis didn't do what you wanted him to do
For me, the challenge & the joy of listening to Elvis was always that he didn't do what I expected... Many times I "hated" his new record on first hearing, and then, as I let my "disappointment" recede, I would find a whole new dimension opening up as I surrendered my prejudices and listened with an open heart again!
I loved that Elvis would sing new (to him) songs, rather than just repeat his old catalog on stage. If I wanted to listen to the old songs, I had them already at home to listen to.
I think Ciscoking was referring to this above: many "Oldies" acts just sing their own old hits, just like the record.
Elvis preferred to share his own favorite songs, regardless of who might have sung them before. I see it as his way of acknowledging other artists that he loved, and sharing their songs so listeners might seek out and enjoy some more of the music Elvis loved too!
The Aloha concert (for example) to me was Elvis's way of thanking so many of his favorite singers/songwriters...
Back on topic (almost), I love Sam & Dave's version of "Let it be Me" off their "Soul Men" album (along with a song called, "(If you don't like it) Don't knock it!"

[TCBell]

. "Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

In the TTWII SE, which some say show's Elvis at his best his own musical director, he himself says he never felt they got Words right on stage, that it was too slow, and he knocks it out of the park on stage. That's the difference - for me, he could improve on his version of words in 1970, but he couldn't have done Bridge justice in 1969. He had the rough edge and energy for the faster songs, but the slow songs suffer. He had more range, more flexibility and more ambition in 1970, the confidence to choose what he wanted to sing, and make it his own.

I'll always take Elvis singing the songs he wanted to sing over the songs that sometimes felt like a straightjacket for him.

Exactly, he did what he always did from the start, whether in the studio or on stage, he just sang songs he liked.

[Ciscoking]

What do you think Let It Be (1960) was? Release Me (1962) and even The Wonder of You(the 50s!)? Doesnt sound like modern music to me, they just werent Elvis oldies, but they were oldies and Id still rather have him choose 5 different songs from his own great catalog instead of others. I will always believe its what a concert should be. A performer doing his own songs mostly, and maybe a few others, and some new ones if applicable.

Right there is what seems to me like your (& many other's) problem... You all seem angry that Elvis didn't do what you wanted him to do
For me, the challenge & the joy of listening to Elvis was always that he didn't do what I expected... Many times I "hated" his new record on first hearing, and then, as I let my "disappointment" recede, I would find a whole new dimension opening up as I surrendered my prejudices and listened with an open heart again!
I loved that Elvis would sing new (to him) songs, rather than just repeat his old catalog on stage. If I wanted to listen to the old songs, I had them already at home to listen to.
I think Ciscoking was referring to this above: many "Oldies" acts just sing their own old hits, just like the record.
Elvis preferred to share his own favorite songs, regardless of who might have sung them before. I see it as his way of acknowledging other artists that he loved, and sharing their songs so listeners might seek out and enjoy some more of the music Elvis loved too!
The Aloha concert (for example) to me was Elvis's way of thanking so many of his favorite singers/songwriters...
Back on topic (almost), I love Sam & Dave's version of "Let it be Me" off their "Soul Men" album (along with a song called, "(If you don't like it) Don't knock it!"

Exactly..thank you !

[fn2drive]

. "Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

In the TTWII SE, which some say show's Elvis at his best his own musical director, he himself says he never felt they got Words right on stage, that it was too slow, and he knocks it out of the park on stage. That's the difference - for me, he could improve on his version of words in 1970, but he couldn't have done Bridge justice in 1969. He had the rough edge and energy for the faster songs, but the slow songs suffer. He had more range, more flexibility and more ambition in 1970, the confidence to choose what he wanted to sing, and make it his own.

I'll always take Elvis singing the songs he wanted to sing over the songs that sometimes felt like a straightjacket for him.

The un-dubed studio recordings of Bridge are flawless. Mucked up by overdubs and fake applause by Jarvis which did nothing to improve the track-more subtraction by addition. I take no issue with Elvis tackling Bridge even if done by 100s. I find his studio version unsurpassed. The real problem was the general lack of ambitiousness in the Feb 1970 setlists. He voice would never be more perfect-still possessing the raw quality of 68 and 69 while morphing into the the powerhouse that was August and sept 1970 when the drugs abuse started its ugly work. But i'll take the 1969 as the one year after 1960 that best showcases Elvis' vocal supremacy, ability to interpret and imbibe feeling.

[Ciscoking]

. "Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

In the TTWII SE, which some say show's Elvis at his best his own musical director, he himself says he never felt they got Words right on stage, that it was too slow, and he knocks it out of the park on stage. That's the difference - for me, he could improve on his version of words in 1970, but he couldn't have done Bridge justice in 1969. He had the rough edge and energy for the faster songs, but the slow songs suffer. He had more range, more flexibility and more ambition in 1970, the confidence to choose what he wanted to sing, and make it his own.

I'll always take Elvis singing the songs he wanted to sing over the songs that sometimes felt like a straightjacket for him.

The un-dubed studio recordings of Bridge are flawless. Mucked up by overdubs and fake applause by Jarvis which did nothing to improve the track-more subtraction by addition. I take no issue with Elvis tackling Bridge even if done by 100s. I find his studio version unsurpassed. The real problem was the general lack of ambitiousness in the Feb 1970 setlists. He voice would never be more perfect-still possessing the raw quality of 68 and 69 while morphing into the the powerhouse that was August and sept 1970 when the drugs abuse started its ugly work. But i'll take the 1969 as the one year after 1960 that best showcases Elvis' vocal supremacy, ability to interpret and imbibe feeling.

I like the Jarvis dubs..its all a matter of taste. The Feb setlists are priceless and the performances excellent. Towards the middle of the 69 performances Elvis got slowly tired of the oldies act. . Elvis cuts out the "Burn my house, steal my car..." verse from Blue Suede Shoes and instead sings the first verse 3 times. Elvis cuts out the "love me long, take me to your heart, for it's there that I belong..." verse in Love Me Tender. Cant Help Falling In Love is much faster than in the beginning..Memories bores him to death..and..and..and...I think this guy was happy that he could sing whatever he wanted in the following Vegas season..and wasnt limited to his own oldies act..

[jurasic1968]

And the quality of these songs you call oldies dropped and dropped in the next years, in the gutter.

[Ciscoking]

And the quality of these songs you call oldies dropped and dropped in the next years, in the gutter.

Absolutely....almost all of them..but it started already in 1969...."before I kick your a.." Dont Be Cruel..,...bald head giggling Are You Lonesome Tonight...shortened songs...medleys...fast Cant Help Falling In Love..etc..

[jurasic1968]

So, where is the Elvis legacy, Ciscoking? Not in his greatest hits which you called the "Oldies Hit Parade"? I don't want to talk about other artists and bands (who treated their hits with absolute respect during the decades) anymore because I did already in this forum, many many times.

[Ciscoking]

Elvis legacy are the unsurpassed masters laid down in the 50s...and not sloppy live performances from the concert years.

[jurasic1968]

Agree 300 percent

[r&b]

What do you think Let It Be (1960) was? Release Me (1962) and even The Wonder of You(the 50s!)? Doesnt sound like modern music to me, they just werent Elvis oldies, but they were oldies and Id still rather have him choose 5 different songs from his own great catalog instead of others. I will always believe its what a concert should be. A performer doing his own songs mostly, and maybe a few others, and some new ones if applicable.

Right there is what seems to me like your (& many other's) problem... You all seem angry that Elvis didn't do what you wanted him to do
For me, the challenge & the joy of listening to Elvis was always that he didn't do what I expected... Many times I "hated" his new record on first hearing, and then, as I let my "disappointment" recede, I would find a whole new dimension opening up as I surrendered my prejudices and listened with an open heart again!
I loved that Elvis would sing new (to him) songs, rather than just repeat his old catalog on stage. If I wanted to listen to the old songs, I had them already at home to listen to.
I think Ciscoking was referring to this above: many "Oldies" acts just sing their own old hits, just like the record.
Elvis preferred to share his own favorite songs, regardless of who might have sung them before. I see it as his way of acknowledging other artists that he loved, and sharing their songs so listeners might seek out and enjoy some more of the music Elvis loved too!
The Aloha concert (for example) to me was Elvis's way of thanking so many of his favorite singers/songwriters...
Back on topic (almost), I love Sam & Dave's version of "Let it be Me" off their "Soul Men" album (along with a song called, "(If you don't like it) Don't knock it!"

Exactly..thank you !

Am I wrong for feeling that way? There's a certain degree of truth to what you say, yes I wish the setlists were different, (did he have to do those 2 ONJ songs endlessly till the end instead of some of his other songs? But now when I try to listen to a 70's concert, I cant even get through it. Recently I tried the 1975 concert that was part of the silver box and Today Legacy, which I used to think was pretty good. Honestly, I thought it was awful. The dropped lyrics, laughing during song, JD bulls@@@, bursts of bombast, shaky vibrato, on and on. It was more of a love-in than a musical show. It was a very tough listen, and I certainly would not introduce a new fan to his live post 1970 stuff.

[poormadpeter2]

The producers of the RPO "The Wonder Of You" cd describes Elvis version of the song pretty well .

..

And they state their version is "better" than Elvis's original recording. Not only are they inept, they're not downright insulting towards the music they are playing with.

[Mike Windgren]

Hi there!! .

The producers of the RPO "The Wonder Of You" cd describes Elvis version of the song pretty well .

..

And they state their version is "better" than Elvis's original recording. Not only are they inept, they're not downright insulting towards the music they are playing with.

Agree, forget about the last words they say.... but again they describe the song very well! . Bye for now .

[drjohncarpenter]

All very true and good points. And notice how the facts about "modern music" are ignored? Hmm.

"Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

Again, as I already replied to you in another topic, your quote and interpretation are both incorrect. That you repeat them here indicates you do not care what others say to you in a discussion.

What I wrote was "the covers of Simon & Garfunkel and B.J. Thomas." My point being that both songs were already hit singles by the original artists, and songs that had peaked on the charts (February and August, respectively) when Elvis added them to his set in the summer of 1970, and in particular "Bridge Over Troubled Water" ended up as the #1 song of the year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1970

Presley's performances are sincere and certainly worthwhile, but it is not "dismissive" to point out that they are covers. Nor is it being disingenuous to note they are primarily associated with the hit artist. Those are simply facts.

As for "Words," as I also made clear in my reply, is that it was not a huge hit for the Bee Gees, and a year and a half past its chart peak in the U.S. People attending his show would not be expecting such a song to appear in the set. Elvis went out of his way to choose something less obvious, and put his own spin on it. In so doing he showed his interpretive abilities, and that he was aware of the British influence in popular music with no fear or regrets.

This is yet another reason the 1969 summer season was truly special, and very different from what was to come. But on this forum we will never see a consensus of what is simply the historical record, as fantasies predominate for certain fans, even all these years later.

[poormadpeter2]

All very true and good points. And notice how the facts about "modern music" are ignored? Hmm.

"Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

Again, as I already replied to you in another topic, your quote and interpretation are both incorrect. That you repeat them here indicates you do not care what others say to you in a discussion.

What I wrote was "the covers of Simon & Garfunkel and B.J. Thomas." My point being that both songs were already hit singles by the original artists, and songs that had peaked on the charts (February and August, respectively) when Elvis added them to his set in the summer of 1970, and in particular "Bridge Over Troubled Water" ended up as the #1 song of the year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1970

Presley's performances are sincere and certainly worthwhile, but it is not "dismissive" to point out that they are covers. Nor is it being disingenuous to note they are primarily associated with the hit artist. Those are simply facts.

As for "Words," as I also made clear in my reply, is that it was not a huge hit for the Bee Gees, and a year and a half past its chart peak in the U.S. People attending his show would not be expecting such a song to appear in the set. Elvis went out of his way to choose something less obvious, and put his own spin on it. In so doing he showed his interpretive abilities, and that he was aware of the British influence in popular music with no fear or regrets.

This is yet another reason the 1969 summer season was truly special, and very different from what was to come. But on this forum we will never see a consensus of what is simply the historical record, as fantasies predominate for certain fans, even all these years later.

To say that I Just Can't Help Believin' is more associated with B J Thomas then Elvis is not correct. Elvis's version has become a classic; Thomas's has not.

[fn2drive]

All very true and good points. And notice how the facts about "modern music" are ignored? Hmm.

"Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

Again, as I already replied to you in another topic, your quote and interpretation are both incorrect. That you repeat them here indicates you do not care what others say to you in a discussion.

What I wrote was "the covers of Simon & Garfunkel and B.J. Thomas." My point being that both songs were already hit singles by the original artists, and songs that had peaked on the charts (February and August, respectively) when Elvis added them to his set in the summer of 1970, and in particular "Bridge Over Troubled Water" ended up as the #1 song of the year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1970

Presley's performances are sincere and certainly worthwhile, but it is not "dismissive" to point out that they are covers. Nor is it being disingenuous to note they are primarily associated with the hit artist. Those are simply facts.

As for "Words," as I also made clear in my reply, is that it was not a huge hit for the Bee Gees, and a year and a half past its chart peak in the U.S. People attending his show would not be expecting such a song to appear in the set. Elvis went out of his way to choose something less obvious, and put his own spin on it. In so doing he showed his interpretive abilities, and that he was aware of the British influence in popular music with no fear or regrets.

This is yet another reason the 1969 summer season was truly special, and very different from what was to come. But on this forum we will never see a consensus of what is simply the historical record, as fantasies predominate for certain fans, even all these years later.

Great post. The only gripe I have with the 69 season was his choice of Yesterday as a concession to the times. He nails it but I would have preferred he avoided the need to pander but I get it. Another great choice was Runaway. Pure genius that he plucked that from the memory bank and owns it.

[DarrylMac]

.s for "Words," as I also made clear in my reply, is that it was not a huge hit for the Bee Gees, and a year and a half past its chart peak in the U.S. People attending his show would not be expecting such a song to appear in the set. Elvis went out of his way to choose something less obvious, and put his own spin on it. In so doing he showed his interpretive abilities, and that he was aware of the British influence in popular music with no fear or regrets.

This is yet another reason the 1969 summer season was truly special, and very different from what was to come. But on this forum we will never see a consensus of what is simply the historical record, as fantasies predominate for certain fans, even all these years later.

Words had already been covered by Glen Campbell, Sandie Shaw, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and actually the first version of the song wasn't sung by the Bee Gees.

Either way, the term cover applies equally to Words, Runaway, Bridge Or I Just Can't Help....

In all cases, Elvis does great versions, but I'd suggest the audiences who came to see Elvis in August 1970 didn't expect Elvis to totally transform Bridge Over Trouble Water in the way he did any more than they expected Words. RObert Hillburn calls out Bridge as something special in the review you posted elsewhere.

Elvis in 1970 was a more rounded performer, capable of more than he was while still finding his performing feet in 1969.

Your opinion of why Elvis chose Words certainly isn't historical record, unless you can direct us to the interview where he talks about his song selections? What we can say, as a matter of historical fact, is that Elvis didn't feel he got it right in 1969.

[ForeverElvis]

.s for "Words," as I also made clear in my reply, is that it was not a huge hit for the Bee Gees, and a year and a half past its chart peak in the U.S. People attending his show would not be expecting such a song to appear in the set. Elvis went out of his way to choose something less obvious, and put his own spin on it. In so doing he showed his interpretive abilities, and that he was aware of the British influence in popular music with no fear or regrets.

This is yet another reason the 1969 summer season was truly special, and very different from what was to come. But on this forum we will never see a consensus of what is simply the historical record, as fantasies predominate for certain fans, even all these years later.

Words had already been covered by Glen Campbell, Sandie Shaw, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and actually the first version of the song wasn't sung by the Bee Gees.

Either way, the term cover applies equally to Words, Runaway, Bridge Or I Just Can't Help....

In all cases, Elvis does great versions, but I'd suggest the audiences who came to see Elvis in August 1970 didn't expect Elvis to totally transform Bridge Over Trouble Water in the way he did any more than they expected Words. RObert Hillburn calls out Bridge as something special in the review you posted elsewhere.

Elvis in 1970 was a more rounded performer, capable of more than he was while still finding his performing feet in 1969.

Your opinion of why Elvis chose Words certainly isn't historical record, unless you can direct us to the interview where he talks about his song selections? What we can say, as a matter of historical fact, is that Elvis didn't feel he got it right in 1969.

While Elvis’ rendition of “Bridge” is excellent I wouldn’t say it was a transformation of the song - that award goes to Aretha.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jurasic1968]

Right.

[midnightx]

All very true and good points. And notice how the facts about "modern music" are ignored? Hmm.

"Words" was an interesting selection, just making the U.S. top twenty for the Bee Gees about a year before, in March 1968. The group scored bigger hits before and after, leading up to Presley's summer 1969 engagement, but Elvis chose this thoughtful pop ballad.

It was an example of how the British acts had certainly made an impact in popular music, yet not only was he aware of it, but also he could deliver terrific versions of the new music. Unfortunately, the future would not show the same ambition, confidence and subtlety.

So, just to be clear, Words is allowed in as a cover, and further, is a terrific version of new music, but Bridge Over Troubled Water, one of the most spectacular interpretations of new music, a highlight of the summer season, is dismissed elsewhere as a "Paul Simon Cover"?

Again, as I already replied to you in another topic, your quote and interpretation are both incorrect. That you repeat them here indicates you do not care what others say to you in a discussion.

What I wrote was "the covers of Simon & Garfunkel and B.J. Thomas." My point being that both songs were already hit singles by the original artists, and songs that had peaked on the charts (February and August, respectively) when Elvis added them to his set in the summer of 1970, and in particular "Bridge Over Troubled Water" ended up as the #1 song of the year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1970

Presley's performances are sincere and certainly worthwhile, but it is not "dismissive" to point out that they are covers. Nor is it being disingenuous to note they are primarily associated with the hit artist. Those are simply facts.

As for "Words," as I also made clear in my reply, is that it was not a huge hit for the Bee Gees, and a year and a half past its chart peak in the U.S. People attending his show would not be expecting such a song to appear in the set. Elvis went out of his way to choose something less obvious, and put his own spin on it. In so doing he showed his interpretive abilities, and that he was aware of the British influence in popular music with no fear or regrets.

This is yet another reason the 1969 summer season was truly special, and very different from what was to come. But on this forum we will never see a consensus of what is simply the historical record, as fantasies predominate for certain fans, even all these years later.

To say that I Just Can't Help Believin' is more associated with B J Thomas then Elvis is not correct. Elvis's version has become a classic; Thomas's has not.

A classic? Here we go again with dramatic exaggerations designed to establish erroneous declarations -- a page out of the poormadpeter2 playbook. The song itself is not a classic in any realm or particularly well-known by the masses, hence it is not a classic by any of the performers who have recorded or performed it. Additionally, it has been a glaring omission on many Elvis "hits" compilations over the decades, suggesting that it is hardly an Elvis "classic."

[jurasic1968]

Yes, far from a classic song.