Song of the Week #71 – “Everybody’s Talkin'”
Written by admin on September 12, 2011 – 11:09 am - |
Harry Nilsson’s timeless recording of “Everybody’s Talkin’ is “Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons.
The theme song for the classic movie “Midnight Cowboy” was a hit on the second time of asking when released on single in the summer of 1969, after originally featuring on Nilsson’s 1968 album “Aerial Ballet.” |
In the print ad for the “Everybody’s Talkin'” single, RCA said:
| “Harry Nilsson has been America’s most underrated male singer/composer. But not any more.” |
The description was apt as Nilsson had three non-charting albums behind him by mid-1969 and had been releasing singles since 1964 without once breaking into the Hot 100. Even “Everybody’s Talkin'” had failed when first released in August 1968. What changed everything for Nilsson was the inclusion of “Everybody’s Talkin'” on the soundtrack of the movie “Midnight Cowboy.” With the additional exposure, people took note of the song and of Nilsson. He could famously count the Beatles among his fans and became close friends with both John Lennon and Ringo Starr.
Nilsson had originally included “Everybody’s Talkin'” as the sole cover on his third album “Aerial Ballet.” RCA staff producer, Rick Jarrard, thought the song had hit potential and Nilsson agreed, so it was released as the second single from “Aerial Ballet.” The later success of the song suggests that both Jarrard’s and Nilsson’s musical instincts were sound, but for whatever reason it didn’t take hold when first released.
Several months after the failed single, “Midnight Cowboy” director, John Schlesinger, was looking for a title song for his movie. The Beatles’ press officer, Derek Taylor, recommended Nilsson to Schlesinger, who approached the singer for material. Nilsson originally proposed the song “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City” to Schlesinger, but the director rejected this in favour of “Everybody’s Talkin'” as the lyrics were a neat fit with the movie script. The song hints at the sense of unease that the central character, Joe Buck (played by Jon Voight), feels in relation to the New York City surroundings and people:
| Everybody’s talkin’ at me I Can’t hear a word they’re saying Only the echoes of my mind. |
It also successfully reflects the character Enrico “Ratso” Rizzo’s (played by Dustin Hoffman) ill-fated dream to leave New York City for what he believes would be a better life in Florida:
| I’m going where the sun keeps shining Through the pouring rain Going where the weather suits my clothes Banking off of the North East wind Sailing on a summer breeze And skipping over the ocean like a stone. |
The success of “Midnight Cowboy” prompted RCA to re-release “Everybody’s Talkin'” on single and this time it was a top 10 hit and a million seller. It would go on to win Nilsson a Grammy Award for Best Male Contemporary vocal.
Harry Nilsson – “Everybody’s Talkin'”
Authorship
“Everybody’s Talkin” was written and originally recorded by Fred Neil for his self-titled third album in 1966. His was an excellent version and, whilst Nilsson certainly put his stamp on the song, he sensibly retained its core elements.
Fred Neil – “Everybody’s Talkin'”
Recording date/location
Harry Nilsson recorded “Everybody’s Talkin” on November 9, 1967 at RCA Studios, 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California. The songs “Sister Marie” and “I Said Goodbye To Me” were recorded the same evening, “Sister Marie” would be released as the B-side of the 1968 single “One” and “I Said Goodbye To Me” also appeared on the album “Aerial Ballet.”
Musicians
The following musicians appeared on “Everybody’s Talkin”:
- Harry Nilsson – vocals
- Michael Melvoin – piano
- Al Casey – guitar (both parts)
- Larry Knechtel – bass
- Jim Gordon – drums.
The highly effective strings were played by Alfred Lustgarten, Jerome Joseph Reisler, Wilbert Nuttycombe, Leonard Atkins, Darrel Terwilliger and Arnold Belnick.
The recording was arranged by George Tipton.
Chart performance
“Everybody’s Talkin” flopped when first released on single in 1968, but after its appearance on the soundtrack of “Midnight Cowboy” it was re-released and reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 5, 1969.
The song reached number 23 on the UK singles chart.
Other notable recordings
The Beautiful South – “Everybody’s Talkin'”
| The Beautiful South featured “Everybody’s Talkin'” on their fourth album “Miaow” in 1994. It was also the second single from the album and reached number 12 on the UK singles chart.
There’s a strong and rich lead vocal from the new band member, Jacqui Abbott, helped along by well crafted close harmonies. The arrangement holds no surprises. |
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The Four Tops – “Everybody’s Talkin'”
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The Four Tops well conceived soul arrangement makes their cover of “Everybody’s Talkin'” a highlight of their 1970 album “Still Waters Run Deep.”
The highly talented Funk Brothers session band provide their usual expert backing. |
There will be a new Song of the Week on September 19.
Harry Nillson’s “Everybody’s Talkin'” is available on the soundtrack to “Midnight Cowboy”, the album “Aerial Ballet” and various compilations, including the 2-CD “Without You: The Best Of Harry Nilsson.”
“Aerial Ballet” is one of five albums featured on the great value 5-CD box set “Harry Nilsson – Original Album Classics.”
| Title |  |
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Midnight Cowboy soundtrack (CD) |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
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Harry Nilsson – Original Album Classics (5 CDs) |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
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Without You: The Best Of Harry Nilsson (2 CDs) |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Tags: Aerial Ballet, Everybody's Talkin, Harry Nilsson, Midnight Cowboy
Posted in 60s pop, Song of the Week |
