Day 183: July 2: Devoted to You

"It can't die because I'm so devoted to you."

This cover of the Everly Brothers song is one of James' best covers and the best collaboration he ever had with Carly.  This version lacks a little precision in the harmony when compared to the studio version but it's still a sweet time capsule of a golden era for James.

Devoted to You

The Everly Brothers were huge.  Until Hall and Oates came along they were the most successful duo in American pop history, Here's a classic from them (although truth be told I prefer Linda Ronstadt's version).  

When Will I Be Loved

Day 182: July 1: Perfect Love

"Dreaming as the years roll by"

Marc Cohn wrote this song about his brother in an idealistic period in American history.  I saw Marc Cohn in concert not long after this album was released - and right after Walking in Memphis made him a star.  He said from the stage that James Taylor left a message on his answering machine saying he liked the album and would love to work with him on it.  Marc refused to erase the message and would play it back over and over.  

I met Mark after the show (which was at a Holiday Inn in Beaumont, Texas).  I asked for his autograph and asked him to write "To Chip, my best friend whose house I always eat dinner at when I'm in town." He wrote, "To Chip, not my best friend, but not bad."

James sings back up on this beautiful track from Marc's amazing eponymous album.

Perfect Love

Several years later (and after a carjacking scare where Marc was shot in the head yet still survived), Marc released the beautiful tribute to The Band's drummer Levon Helm.  I think it's the best thing he's done since Walking in Memphis.

I saw a version of him singing this post Levon's death where he adds some to the refrain about Levon being in a better place and remembering the smile on Levon's face.  Beautiful.

Listening to Levon

Day 181: June 30: Soul Companion

"Love finds its own way in."

James duets with Mary Chapin Carpenter.  It's a pretty song and the voices work well with it especially in the verses.  I'm not crazy about the lack of harmony in the chorus but it's still a nice few minutes.

Soul Companion

We've seen Mary Chapin Carpenter in concert a couple of times about a decade apart and loved both experiences.  She is genuine and folksy. There is no pretense- she is very much herself and that sincerity is much of the cause of the appeal I have for her.

Here's an old one- it's one of her best.

This Shirt

Day 180: June 29: My Romance

"My romance doesn't need a thing but you."

This standard was written for the musical Jumbo in the 1930's and was performed by Doris Day in the 1960's film.  This recording was available on certain releases of the That's Why I'm Here album.  I think it was included on the cassette and cd versions but not the vinyl.  James is in crooning mode.  It's not my favorite but the lyric is sweet (if sappy) and James' voice is strong.

My Romance

I've often considered Doris Day to be an arch-nemesis.  I find her films off-putting (with the exception of Pillow Talk) and her persona to be grating.  This is all based on her screen persona- I know little about her life off-screen.  Incidentally, Anne Hathaway serves the modern day arch-nemesis role for me.  Despite my irritation, this song is certainly iconic.

Bushel and a Peck

Day 179: June 28: There's a Space Between Us

"I know a little bit of space between two friends can sometimes do them good."

Here's a pleasant enough tune from Carole King's Thoroughbred album.  James has some pretty harmony in the last third of the song.  I don't think it's really about the their relationship but it's certainly interesting to frame it that way.

There's a Space Between Us

This is the first single off Carole's Thoroughbred album.  It's a little bland- I actually prefer the previous track to this one.

Only Love is Real