She

Pretty self-explanatory
johnfoyle
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She

Post by johnfoyle »

Coverage in South America of Elvis ' forthcoming dates there make a lot of references to his 1999 recording of 'She' . It is , of course , what he is best known for there , it having been a big hit after being on the Notting Hill soundtrack album.

To those of us who know him for the rest of his work this may seem a complete mystery. It is such a unrepresentative song , lacking all the depth and intricacies that we can see in most of his output.

However , a conversation I had recently with a immigrant now living in Dublin clarified for me why this recording has had such an impact. Chatting with a customer of my shop I found out she is Brazilian. We had been talking about plans for her forthcoming wedding. I mentioned how I had just learnt that my favourite singer was doing his first proper dates in that part of the world.

Of course , it turned out that she knew Elvis for the She recording. In fact , his recording was going to be the song that was played for the first dance after the wedding. She knew it wasn't written by Elvis but his is the best recording , far better than the Charles Aznavour original. Why ? Because Elvis sings it in proper English ; the earlier recording just isn't convincing enough.

Thinking about it , I can see her point. I have a rough memory of the Charles Aznavour version ( surprisingly I do not seem to have it in the more schmaltzy part of my disc collection) but I do remember the rather sickly ' French/English' vocal. Listening for the first time in ages to Elvis' recording there is a directness that , I imagine , is more agreeable to many. Quiet why other covers by English singers of the song haven't connected so widely is a puzzle .


Another aspect of Elvis' recording have has always stuck in my mind. Beyond Belief , a Costello fanzine of the time , had this item -


Richard Allinson (July 30 1999 - BBC Radio 2 -UK)

Interview
with
Trevor Jones, composer of the score for Notting
Hill, who has this to say about the choice of EC to
sing “She”:


“We had used the Charles Aznavour version and I think
it was at one of our meetings with Richard Curtis
where he suggested maybe a more contemporary version
might be what we needed ... On Christmas Day, Elvis
and I spoke for most of the afternoon. I remember
having a cremated turkey at one point (laughs) because
he kept calling and saying, Could you send me a
version in this key? And then, an hour later, he’d
call again and say, How about a version in that key?
And we went around the houses until,finally, we ended
up in the original key. And he settled for that. He
said, ‘You know, I’m going to try it in the original
key, ‘and it was superb. It was the right choice for
his voice at that point.”


Yes , on Christmas Day 1998 what were Elvis ' n family doing while everyone else was waiting for the first row to start? Faxing/e-mailing about song arrangements !

The same issue of B.B. had these further quotes about the Elvis chances of a hit with ' She' -


Music365 (July 16 1999 )

More on “She” under the
fate-tempting headline Costello Poised For First
Number One. EC to Terry Staunton:


“It was fun for me because every other love song I’ve
ever sung has had a twist in the tail, but this is
more straight down the line. I’ve worn a black hat all
through my career, now I get to wear a white one.


On the chances of ‘She’ topping the chart:

“I somehow doubt it, but we have to wait and see.
Ronan ( Keating) has his Notting Hill record coming out a week
later, so we ‘ve got a seven-day window to see what we
can do. I’ve never really paid that much attention to
chart placings and what have you, I’ve never really
measured any of my songs that way.”


BBC News Online (July 17 1999) Piece by Darryl Chamberlain
centering on EC’s contribution to Notting Hill.


Forthcoming single: “People are making alarming
predictions about how well the song is going to do"


Recording session: “I was in a studio in a small room
upstairs. I’d finished the session for the night, and
they said they would put some strings on it, and I
imagined it would be the usual pop string section of
20 players. Then they opened the doors at studio one,
the big studio at Abbey Road, and the whole London
Symphony Orchestra was in there. It was like something
out of Monty Python!”


Effect on his concert audiences: “There’s a pronounced
appearance of young women in their 20s, and they‘re
calling out for “She. “I’m under no illusions about
competing with Ricky Martin. I’m happy enough to sing.
I try to make the shows as personal as possible, and
that has a strong effect on people who are used to
musicians hiding behind paraphernalia, while we just
stand there and play good songs for two and a half
hours. Younger people are very impressed. It seems to
touch something in them,”



Charles Aznavour doesn't seem to have made a comment on Elvis' recording. However the song's lyricist Herbert Kretzmer had this comment -

http://www.spencerleigh.demon.co.uk/herbertk.htm


SL: It must be very flattering that someone like
Costello is doing your song.


HERBERT KRETZMER: No, they are troubadours and they do
it if the gig’s right and the money’s there. I don’t
take it as a signed personal approval of the song. I
don’t think that he would do something that he
actively disliked but these guys are minstrels, they
sing for their supper.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Beyond Belief' - some back issues still available!

http://www.btinternet.com/~perrymp/bb/d ... .htm#staff
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stormwarning
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Post by stormwarning »

When seen in the context of the movie, "She" is a very powerful recording. Julia Robert's tears of joy give an added emotion to the song that isn't to be found when you listen to the bare recording.

Personally I think it's one of the more powerful movie/music moments - and I'd say that even if I wasn't an EC fan - so can see exactly why it is so popular.
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verbal gymnastics
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Post by verbal gymnastics »

It used to make me laugh back at the Elvis and Steve shows in 1999. When they played She and the audience cheered ( :roll: ) Elvis would look at Steve and roll his eyes :lol:

She could have been a bigger hit in the UK than it was by releasing it when the film came out but just for a change with Elvis, the marketing was off...
Who’s this kid with his mumbo jumbo?
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Post by johnfoyle »

See what I mean?!?!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://sadandbeautiful.typepad.com/sad_ ... rried.html

Monday, October 03, 2005

MARRIED!!

Thank you all so much for the beautiful and heartfelt wishes of congratulations you've sent!

I started getting sick the morning of the wedding, but the day and night were the most perfect, magical, beautiful and amazing moments of my life. I am more in love with my husband every passing minute. I have so much to say, to write about the day. I want to post the sermon my dear friend Mark wrote for our ceremony. I want to describe every detail while they are still fresh in my mind.

But I am also very ill and still have guests in my house, and want to gaze at my husband every chance I get. I get the giggles and feel all warm inside every time I look at him and think "my husband!"

The wedding was far beyond my imagination...it was better. I was euphoric the entire night and it was only towards the end of the evening that my fever took hold and achiness started to set in.

I will write soon. I will post pictures as soon as I have something organized, but for now--our first dance ("She" by Elvis Costello, from the Notting Hill soundtrack, of course)
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Otis Westinghouse
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Post by Otis Westinghouse »

And now you can find out everything about her!

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Extreme Honey
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Post by Extreme Honey »

i don't really like this song that much, and I don't think Elvis did either.
Last edited by Extreme Honey on Thu Oct 06, 2005 6:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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verbal gymnastics
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Post by verbal gymnastics »

I agree.

But it gave Elvis a good working opportunity.

And he did have a UK hit - something he was desperate for :lol:
Who’s this kid with his mumbo jumbo?
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ReadyToHearTheWorst
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Post by ReadyToHearTheWorst »

verbal gymnastics wrote:And he did have a UK hit - something he was desperate for :lol:
Also, it being a hit provided an excuse for a 2CD 'best of' that also did well in the charts.
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johnfoyle
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Post by johnfoyle »

Bump, bump!
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bambooneedle
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Post by bambooneedle »

She bump, she bumps

She's got a good rump
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migdd
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Post by migdd »

"Let the wild rumpus begin!"
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bambooneedle
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Post by bambooneedle »

A fine wench will do.
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migdd
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Post by migdd »

Yes. . . and a fine wine, as well.
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Post by bambooneedle »

Wine, women, and song. The finer things in life...
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Otis Westinghouse
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Post by Otis Westinghouse »

migdd wrote:"Let the wild rumpus begin!"
Quote from Where The Wild Things Are? Great book. My son and I are into impersonating the wild things together.
There's more to life than books, you know, but not much more
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Post by migdd »

Yes, Otis, my son and I had many a great bedtime to Mr. Sendak's great book; however, at seven years, he's now more into Mr. Pilkey's Captain Underpants graphic novels (????!!!)! Alas.
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Post by johnfoyle »

http://www.texarkanagazette.com/article ... ures05.txt


Texarkana Cotillion Club presents 2005 debutantes
Sunday, January 1, 2006 1:47 PM CST

(extract)

The Texarkana Debutante Cotillion Club presented nine 2005 Debutantes at the annual Presentation Ball at Texarkana Country Club on Tuesday, December 27th.

The Debutantes of 2005 were introduced last June at an Announcement Tea at Texarkana Country Club. Since that time, the young ladies have been honored at teas, parties, and socials throughout the summer months as well as during the Thanksgiving holiday. The highlight of the Debutante Season is the annual Presentation Ball.


Haley Rae Bunch is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bunch of Texarkana, Texas. Miss Bunch is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bunch of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pennington of Keller, Texas. Miss Bunch is a sophomore at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. Miss Bunch is majoring in Elementary Education and is a member of the Chi Omega sorority, Phi Kappa Phi, Kappa Delta Epsilon, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta, National Honor Society for Collegiate Scholars, Gamma Beta Phi, and College Republicans. Miss Bunch is a member of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, attends Chapel on Campus at L.S.U., and tutors at local elementary schools. She has been named on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll—Fall 2004, Spring 2005.

Miss Bunch selected “She” by Elvis Costello from the movie “Nottinghill” as her presentation song. She was escorted by her brother, Brent Bunch..
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Post by martinfoyle »

Here we go again!

http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/vnews/ ... 86d414f4c3

Generation 'Why?'

Marital disillusionment threatens to undermine life-long unions

by Suzanne Wardle

January 26, 2006

( extract)

I have finally decided upon “She” by Elvis Costello as my wedding song....
johnfoyle
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Re: She

Post by johnfoyle »

She /Elvis - a song for a 'committal' -

http://the-brown-fool.livejournal.com/77295.html
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Re: She

Post by johnfoyle »

Elvis is a surprising ommision from this , Bryan Ferry getting the 'She ' gig . Elvis 'n Charles doing it would have been dire, but enjoyable so.



http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent. ... 292&EDATE=


Image

CAPITOL/EMI TO DIGITALLY RELEASE CHARLES AZNAVOUR'S 'DUOS' ON FEBRUARY 10.

Duos, Already Available On CD, Features Previously Unreleased Duets Pairing Aznavour with Celine Dion, Placido Domingo, Bryan Ferry, Josh Groban, Julio Iglesias, Elton John, Carole King, Liza Minnelli, Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Sting, and Others


1. TOI ET MOI (Charles Aznavour / Celine Dion)
2. QUE C'EST TRISTE VENISE (Charles Aznavour / Julio Iglesias)
3. LES BATEAUX SONT PARTIS (Charles Aznavour / Placido Domingo)
4. PARIS AU MOIS D'AOUT (Charles Aznavour / Laura Pausini)
5. HIER ENCORE (Charles Aznavour / Elton John)
6. IL FAUT SAVOIR (Charles Aznavour / Johnny Hallyday)
7. MOURIR D'AIMER (Charles Aznavour / Nana Mouskouri)
8. L'AMOUR C'EST COMME UN JOUR (Charles Aznavour / Sting)
9. LA BOHEME (Charles Aznavour / Josh Groban)
10. TON NOM (Charles Aznavour / Carole King)
11. JE N'AI PAS VU LE TEMPS PASSER (Charles Aznavour / Paul Anka)
12. MES EMMERDES (Charles Aznavour / Herbert Groenemeyer)
13. C'EST UN GARS (Charles Aznavour / Edith Piaf)
14. YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS YOUNG (Charles Aznavour / Elton John)
15. QUIET LOVE (Charles Aznavour / Liza Minnelli)
16. LOVE IS NEW EVERYDAY (Charles Aznavour / Sting)
17. YOUNG AT HEART (Charles Aznavour / Frank Sinatra)
18. TO DIE OF LOVE (Charles Aznavour / Nana Mouskouri)
19. SHE (Charles Aznavour / Bryan Ferry)
20. I DIDN'T SEE THE TIME GO BY (Charles Aznavour / Paul Anka)
21. YOU AND ME (Charles Aznavour / Celine Dion)
22. LA BOHEME (Charles Aznavour / Josh Groban)
23. EL BARCO YA SE FUE (Charles Aznavour / Placido Domingo) [Spanish]
24. THE SOUND OF YOUR NAME (Charles Aznavour / Carole King)
25. YOU'VE GOT TO LEARN (Charles Aznavour / Johnny Hallyday)
26. PARIGI IN AGOSTO (Charles Aznavour / Laura Pausini) [Italian]
27. ALS ES MIR BESCHISSEN GING (Charles Aznavour / Herbert
Groenemeyer) [German]
28. EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY SOMETIME (Charles Aznavour / Dean Martin)
johnfoyle
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Re: She

Post by johnfoyle »

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/ent ... Jack-Jones

Living under the spell of Jack Jones

By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10/14/2010


(extract)

Were you surprised when a rock artist like Elvis Costello did a remake of “She” in almost exactly the same version as yours?

Yeah. It’s kind of like somebody cutting through your vegetable garden to save time.

Jack's version of She -


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdnUhR5JlB4

See also -

http://jackjones.lolipop.jp/70s.html#expert8
Last edited by johnfoyle on Sat Mar 29, 2014 5:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
johnfoyle
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Re: She

Post by johnfoyle »

How have I missed this for so long -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgE30WCv ... r_embedded
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Re: She

Post by Harry »

It was good when Elvis sang it on "The Richard & Judy Show". They did quite a lot of research before interviewing him.
I always thought Richard Curtis and co got the idea for using She after hearing Terry Hall & Dave Stewart's version
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Natasha
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Re: She

Post by Natasha »

How have I missed this topic?

"She" is a very popular song here in Brazil, indeed. It's even in the soundtrack of a soap opera at this moment (his version).

I love this song but I don't consider it exactly an EC's song. I mean, it's not the kind of stuff he usualy does. Everytime I want to show his music to someone I say "You know 'She'? It's a song of his but, no, his music is not like this, it's completly diferent."
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johnfoyle
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Re: She

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