the air that i breathe phil everly

[dcrimmen]

Thanx for posting this. I NEVER get to hear any of Phil's solo stuff here in the U.S. This was a hit by the Hollies in the States when i was in High School. I NEVER knew Phil did it and that Phil did it BEFORE the Hollies. Great Stuff! Happy "B" Day Phil

[dawnjakeleah]

Did anyone know that Waylon Jennys married Duane Eddy's wife - Jesse Colter? Just a bit of trivia. When I was about 16 I listened to and loved Duane Eddy. Guess Waylon had something we weren't aware of - or maybe we were.

[layesera1]

Thanks for your reply. Great to hear you have managed to get the tracks from the album. I would love a copy if that was possible. If there is anything you are looking for in particular. There could be a chance that I may have it, as I have an extensive record collection.

[victordaniamandi]

Very ,very good ,but The Hollies's version is the best!

[heezabirddog]

@victordaniamandi No way! even alen clarke admits that, LOL

[victordaniamandi]

@heezabirddog Sorry man ,this is my opinion,and i have one.Your opinion it's A. Clarke's opinion.

[loverofcountry506070]

Phil's recording and the Hollies's recording are both very good, but in different ways. Raul Malo of the Mavericks also did a cover of this song. You owe it to yourself to give a listen to it. Raul has one the most beautiful voices you ever heard.

[TravelerDiogenes]

Great, GREAT discovery. Perfect.

[mauidreamer2801]

A beautifully ethereal solo done as only Phil could. Thank you for the post.

[justmusicandme]

@mauidreamer2801 Thanks for sharing! Longtime Favorite - you know what I like to hear!

[tickyreal]

Phil explained:

"Don and I are infamous for our split, but we're closer than most brothers.

Harmony singing requires that you enlarge yourself, not use any kind of suppression.

Harmony is the ultimate love."...

LETZ STAY DEVOTED, ERIK / RICKY TEAL, FLORIDA

[filmerado]

Radiohead copied this melody, that's common knowledge right?

[LeeLeeDe1]

Wonderful Wonderful Words. Speaks from the Soul.

[64blobby]

Thought it was a terrific song then and still do now. Should have been the hit that the Hollies got.

[justmusicandme]

Thanks - again for a great post! And thanks for putting the close-up of the record on here. All the information is visible, the songwriters, producer (Duane Eddy!) and a beautiful solo by Phil Everly.

[caramiay]

what were they thinking with those "La-La-La-Las"?? This would be the best version I ever heard if not for that.

[cassidicci]

Radiohead anyone? It's creepy ;)

[layesera1]

does anybody have "Star Spangled Springer" ?The album this track is taken from

[heezabirddog]

@layesera1 I have been able to make the album up on cd. from different compilationsall bar one track that i took from the vinal and even that sounds good as well.it would be no problem to do you a copy. its about time rca put ot out on cd, as i said all but one track is out on other cd's

[nadinesdream]

oh my goodness --just love Phil's voice so sweet! such i\a talented Man

thank you so much

[EVIEHEARS]

i am so glad i stumbled on this song....i had no idea phil everly sang this song...gotta thank the hollies for finding it....gotta read the history as well as listen to the music in order to find the music....

[Fallopiana]

@EVIEHEARS Affirmative! Evidently Albert Hammond also did a version as well (...It never rains in Southern California...THAT guy!)...gotta love the interwebz! :)

[Fallopiana]

@EVIEHEARS Affirmative! Evidently Albert Hammond also did a version as well (...It never rains in Southern California...THAT guy!)...gotta love the interwebz! :) Also check out Raul Malo's cover (lead singer of The Mavericks)...you'll faint!

[djangoman2008]

Thank you the best..... Dj

[artisticluminiere]

Strong Song. Had not heard this version. Was not even aware The Hollies' was a remake....

[darrynray]

@artisticluminiere Myself either. Much more heartfelt version in my opinion

[TheNigelc8]

Not heard this version before, love the everly's , great version from Phil what a voice alone or together these brothers had the most fantastic harmonies in recording history, saw them live many years ago the whole show was fantastic,

[valentine0591]

Why did Don get all the solos?

[Goodvibrations1966]

Nice! The Mavericks do a version similar to

The Hollies.

[TheRunner75]

The Hollies cover is far ahead of Phil Everly original version. The backing vocals are awful in the chorus.

[TheRunner75]

@TheRunner75 NO ! Albert Hammond wrote and perfomed the song first.

[heezabirddog]

@TheRunner75 What aload of Bollocks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stans945]

@heezabirddog Agree

[ebfan41]

A very beautiful song and I love the way Phil sing this sweet song. 5*****

[jensenbell]

Hammond, Hazlewood, Everly, Zevon... quite a marriage - works for me.

[AstariaDestiny]

Thank you Gary beautiful lyrics

[carrieanne1967]

Thank You Gary - Lovely Share !!!

[gmartinz01]

Arranged by Warren Zevon! Wow.

[therodski1]

The Original

[tenniscollector]

What would be nice is to have a CD of Phil and Don's solo material that came out during the 1970's they weren't together.

[Tony7840]

Duane Eddy, did a hell of a job producing this session.

[Tony7840]

Lee Hazelwood was no "slouch" either....

[twang73]

@Tony7840 That would be "Mike" Hazelwood, the co-writer of this song. Understand the confusion though.

[Tony7840]

@twang73 My mistake.  Mean to write, "Lee Hazelwood."

[wmbrown6]

@twang73 - Especially given Duane Eddy's producing this - and Lee Hazlewood had produced Eddy's 1950's Jamie sides (and then went on to write, produce for and occasionally duet with Nancy Sinatra in the '60's). But alas, this confusion may explain why first pressings of The Hollies' version on Epic listed the credits as "-A. Hammond - L. Hazelwood-". (I have promo and stock copies with that error.)

[ahorwood]

Wasn't Albert Hammond an absolutely superb songwriter? This is a great performance.

[AGibsonJ]

I agree with norskygirl ... also songwriters were now singing the songs they wrote, it was becoming more difficult for the Everly Brothers to get great songs.

[Waldo99]

True, although the brothers wrote several of their own hits too.

[norskygirl]

At that time the Everly's had signed the biggest recording contract ever. A 10 year, 1 million dollar contract But, Warner's was a brand new label an extension of the movie studio & not really ready to handle the RED HOT ACT that the Everly's were...especially after the Beatles hit the scene. Phil & Don lived up to their part of the contract & Warner's did little to nothing to help them fight the British invasion, especially when they were still making great music. RCA didn't do any better.

[lilredbug]

Happy Valentine Day, Phil.

[twang73]

Duane Eddy produced this track from Phil's first solo album, Star Spangled Springer, after finding the song written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. Alan Clarke of The Hollies later told Duane, "We owe you a drink for that one!"

A brilliant performance by Phil.

[MeFloody]

Here I go gain (grumpy old everly nut that I am) but I could spit blood over the number of great Everly tracks that have been released with little or no fanfair and have failed to chart; only for someone else to copy the tune note for note and because it gets lots of plugs, they have a smash hit with it. Boy can I see why (even if it saddens me) the Eves stopped recording. It must be so disheartening.

[norskygirl]

@MeFloody

DITTO DITTO.. you are so right!

It started right after they signed with Warner Brothers. They were so hugh when they left Candance Records & Warners thought they [Phil & Don] could do it on their own without much help from the label. They no longer had the writers who penned their early hit songs. The early hits from The Warner years were penned by the brother's [Cathy's Clown]. "Gone, Gone, Gone" also penned by the brothers should have been a huge hit... if Warners had promoted it!

[tickyreal]

@onemikehart

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR ' ALERT ' ,

I FORWARDED YOUR WORDS TO LOTSA EB

AND AND DUANE E. FRIENDS...

AND [ VERY ] MAYBE I WILL ATTEND THE CONCERT [ I LIVE IN FLORIDA ], BLESS YA..

....I'm thru with counting the *** above " ..Erik Kucera-Tielman, aka Ricky Teal..

[jason75]

This is the orignal

[bryanferryfan]

Let's just say that both versions are excellent.

[Googlemonkey8]

This version rocks

[AGibsonJ]

Happy Birthday Phil !!!

I love the way Phil makes the listener feel like he's singing to only you .... he nailed it!!!

[Flashhand1]

Flashhand1

I agree, on most of his songs he sings with love and puts so much emphasis in his songs, he has a beautiful voice. I love listening to him.

[uktransplantedyank]

Phil's original is pretty damn good, but The Hollies really did this song justice! The chorus in the background after the third "All I need is the air that I breathe..." just doesn't compare to the poignant electric guitar notes in the comparable portions of The Hollies' version.

[squank72]

it's a shame this wasn't the "hit" version. To me it is ... btw arranged by the late great mr. Warren Zevon!

[gazzymodo]

On BBC radio one in 1974 Allan Clarke admitted hearing Phil Everly's version, and being inspired to record it with the Hollies. I quote: he said, "Anything by Phil Everly has gotta be good!"

[Waldo99]

Great version of this song!

[tompillion]

I was a die-hard Everly's fan in the late 50's and early '60's and, like others have said, I was not aware this version existed. I also agree with those who have said both Phil's and the Hollies versions are superb in their own ways. Thanks for sharing this!

[Waldo99]

Agreed, although to be frank the vocals on the Hollies' version took a lot from this original. If you know that they heard this version first you can see how they came up with their version in terms of vocals. The Hollies were creative in terms of making changes on the arrangement/music side on their version, but vocally it was almost a copy.

[norskygirl]

@Waldo99

DITTIO! DITTO! I am sorry, but the Hollies would have never had a hit had it not been for this version of the song! They took everything that was wonderful & beautiful from Phil's version & added the guitar licks. Their version never, never had the beautiful, soulful, poignant, magic of Phil's voice. It should have been a huge hit for Phil, but it never got the promotion it should have & the Hollies had the hit. So goes the music business! SO SAD!!!!

[IBeGodly]

For me, I can;t compare this to The Hollies' version. Since, this first version is just real dreamy and something good to listen to when you want to relax or just read a book. The Hollies' version; on the other hand, is a rock-like version, which, in my opinion, is also a creative and good version. Both are good.

[DiggityDave83]

This makes me proud.

[djangoman2008]

Phil owns this one! No disrespect to the Hollies.

Thank again so much for this one - Dj

[ebfan41]

I love this song and the way as only Phil can sing it. Thank you for posting.

[AGibsonJ]

This is still one of the most beautiful songs, sung by a very talented [and dreamy] singer!!!!

[sue4343]

I LOVE pHIL'S  DREAMY VOICE AND HE IS STILL DREAMY TODAY.

[gardenia81]

i just heard about this version. it's amazing! i dont think the hollies version and phil's should be compared. the styles are quite different and equally good!

[xXgreenfairy89Xx]

I was a bit bummed finding out The Hollies didn't do this first, but I'm glad I listened to this version now, I love it!!

[ladybluluv]

pretty song

[iangordoncraig]

The best version. Easily the best.

[djangoman2008]

Thank you for this fine recording - Dj

Rumor has it - the Hollies heard Phil sing this - and rushed into the studio to record it... Of course, the rest is history..

simply Red does a good job on this song too... However -Phil E's is in my humbel opinion the best. I saw the E bros - at the Greek theater -Los angeles, twice - they were great!!!

[seoulman101]

I believe phil was the first artist to record this song...

the hollies probably brought more fame to this song though... beautifully written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood,

[jennyschofield]

NEVER heard Phil Everly sing this before. Not as good as the Hollies, but a good version none -the-less.

[millerman60]

WOW!

[dkw12002]

I like the hint of raspiness in his voice. On the raspiness scale Joe Cocker is a 10, Rod Stewart a 9, Janis Joplin 8, and Phil Everly is a 3.

[JasmineJean89]

There was a woman who sung this song, she had a recorded voice which echoed a lot, and she had the same descending bit in the chorus, except with trumpets instead of voices going "la-la-la" ... I am really desperate to find her. Anyone know?

[belovia50]

Perhaps it's Olivia Newton-John. I think she sang this song in 1975.

[JohnGorenfeld]

Think it's K.D. Lang.

[heezabirddog]

@JasmineJean89 I think it could be Phil's wife at the time Patrica Micky

[belovia50]

This is one of those songs that you can get carried away listening to. There are some things that you just know were meant for the other, and I believe this song was meant for Phil's voice. Thank you, snapcracklepop54, for making it possible for us to hear this song by Phil Everly.

[twang73]

This song was discovered by Duane Eddy, who produced Phil Everly's solo album. A year later, The Hollies heard the record, loved the song, and immediately went into the studio and recorded it.

It would be great to get Phil's solo album out on CD. By the way, he and Duane Eddy are still working together in the studio, and a track featuring Phil will appear on Duane's forthcoming CD, "Artifacts of Twang".

[583550ls]

Phil is awesome.  I can't wait to get my hands on that Duane Eddy CD.

[rainydog]

I remember the song but I don't remember Phil Everly doing it. He did a great job with it.

Bill

[hrhjack]

great song.

mystified why this is not available for purchase other than on vynil.

blows every other version out of the sky.

[Landrew120880]

Why didnt The EB's work together in the 70's? Their harmony woulda made this extra special. They should work with Brian Wilson now. Never too late.

[justmusicandme]

This is such a wonderful recording. Can't see why my radio did not play this! It is beautiful.

[freepussy]

Interesting that Warren Zevon is on the label as arranger!

[psychobollox]

i thought so too...

he was a sad loss when he went, no? :/

[ebfan41]

Beautiful song sung from the heart, Phil and Don could sing anything and make it theirs, both solo works and together. Thank you for posting.

[Feralgirl6]

This song is so beautiful. Much better than the Hollies version. I agree with diauton, Don and Phil were and still are undervalued.

[diauton]

undervalued, both D & P, over the years

[justmusicandme]

Did it again---trying to reply to comment of "findingusernamesucks" on previous page. well it is Friday the 13th after all. Anyway,like the username!

[barryxf]

I never knew this version existed until just now - it's truly a beautiful version.

[justmusicandme]

Sounds so beautiful - a favorite! Did he ever sing this with Don?

[belovia50]

Wasn't he newly married when he recorded this?

[justmusicandme]

I've been listening to this every day since I discovered this posting!

[marm847]

Alone or with his brother, one of the greatest voices ever, always beautiful,

always in tune,

And straight to your heart

[justmusicandme]

Lovely song, lovely voice, Thanks for posting this!

[AGibsonJ]

Happy 70th Phil Everly !!!

[Deathorocc]

Creep by radiohead owns both hollies and phill everly in terms of these chord changes

Radiohead owns

[nalm2025]

yeah they ownzzz

[CanterburyKent]

This is the version l bought in 1973 and for me it is far far better than the Hollies cover. l do like the Hollies..but they 'over produce' their version which for me spoils the 'feel' of the song.

The Hollies version is the only one you ever hear on the radio and l'll bet most people don't even know the original exists - shame.

Thanks for posting it Snapcracklepop.

[Swan1947]

Phil Everly is sooooo awesome...he doesn't even need back up singers!

[Flashhand1]

@Swan1947 I agree,,,such a hauntingly beautiful voice, I could listen to him over & over...which I do...beautifully sung!!

[moorlock2003]

This is OK, but those female background singers spoil it. The production is lame. The Hollies version is far superior.

[AGibsonJ]

Warren Zevon not only arranged Phil's entire album [Star Spangled Springer] but also played keyboard and guitar along with Elvis's James Burton and Duane Eddy [plus others]. Duane Eddy also produced the album.

The Hollies heard Phil Everlys version, loved the song and decided to record it too.

[misisipimike]

Thanks for posting this, and for including the label. The Warren Zevon/Duanne Eddy connection is mind warping

[findingusernamesucks]

I am new to both versions of this song . . . (I'm embarrassed to say I found out through the similarities said to be presented in Radiohead's Creep; I'm not even a big Radiohead fan and I usually pride myself on finding out about classics myself, but I digress) However, there seems to be debate over which version is better and my two cents is that this version totally trumps The Hollies version.

[JimmyDangerBones]

I'm in the same exact boat as you are.

[findingusernamesucks]

haha well I knew who Phil Everly was I just had never listened to much of his music and I didn't even know he had solo work in addition to the Everly Brothers. Yeah though it sucks hearing from Radiohead about good music. LOL.

[justmusicandme]

Like your user name

[justmusicandme]

Like your user name.....

I posted this in the wrong position- at the top of the comments. Sorry if it confused anybody.

[andyinoregon]

Let's muddy the waters even further and hope that The Posies cover this classic. Then we can have a three-way battle over which is best. My guess is that it would be a three-way tie.

[mowm88]

Wow. Never knew this existed. Great names here too-Duane Eddy produced? Warren Zevon arranged? and of course-Phil Everly sang it? Great great stuff. The Hollies version is iconic-but I will give this one a thumbs up, too.

[mwolf49]

Stephen, you don't need to apologize for your opinion. Having grown up with the Everly Brothers as my music idols. . I too hold their voices in high reverence. You're not the only one who feels that this is a better version. Personally I think both Phil Everly and Alan Clarke do the song equal justice as it would be hard to argue the soulful renditions by either. It's Tony Hicks' guitar that makes the Hollies version more memorable. The hook that instantly catches attention. Great post.

[stephenclarke259]

OK, I don't want to get into any battles (I'm a huge Hollies fan, seen them many times), but I've got to say, that in my opinion, this is the best version!...

Phil Everly's interpretation has more 'feeling' than the Hollies. Their's is a big 'production' sound, and obviously was more commercial, but P.E's seems to me to be more laid back, which surely is in line with the lyrics?

Hollies are great... But on this one, Phil beats them hands down!...

Just my opinion!...

(Sorry Hollies fans!)...

[psychobollox]

Hollies fan here... agreeing with you!

[habdon]

always loved hollies version-however this is really beautiful.what not to expect from a everly i guess.

[lettermen1]

I seem to remember it being said at the time that this was written with the Everly Bros in mind? Both did an excellent job with a great song!

[emmasgram]

My favorite singer, the sweetest voice singing my favorite song.....

[philip]

Arranged by Warren Zevon??!! Whoa!

[citybeat60]

This is a lovely rendition, except for the la las in the middle. I still prefer The Hollies version best!

[orphinkdb]

This is simply beautiful. Thank you.

[showjumpersUSA]

Wonderful recording. Beautifully done and what a lovely, sweet voice. Thanks for posting it!

[lexexec]

Thanks. I've been trying to locate a recording of the original recorded version by P. Everly. It's better than I imagined. And, look at those involved in helping him record this; Duane Eddy, Warren Zevon. Wow! One of the best pop songs ever written.

[sundaegirl2004]

Wonderful. You have fine taste in music.

[Swan1947]

This is so beautiful....I'm speachless!

[squyres]

Beautiful!!! Thanks for this video & thank you Swan for sharing with me!!! Peace/Love

[iammarilyn60]

Gorgeous. Such a beautiful song, and I love Phil's voice; it reminds me of rich creamy silk, and it's got better as the years have gone by. I love the Hollies too, but the Evs will always have a special place in my heart.

[georgiegirl1]

Although I'm used to the Hollie's version. This is a good one as well. Nice. Thanks.

[Chiselnyc]

Phil is an awesome lead singer. Such a pretty rendition of the song.

[AGibsonJ]

Wow, I've been waiting to hear this song here. Beautiful and no surprise the Hollie's loved it too!

[shootthebusstop]

You can really hear the similarity between Phil and Allan's voices. Both very melodic and sweet though Allan's more powerful. This is fantastic,thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[Chiselnyc]

What gives the Hollies' version oomph is the 3 part harmony and Tony Hick's guitar licks. Alan Clarke has a fine voice and as we can all hear, they put out an excellent version also. Phil's version is very elegant. Wow and wow.

[shootthebusstop]

You put it much better than me!!!!!!!

[simonteam]

pre dates hollies ,by not much i can see 1973arranged by warren zevon--great song

[lolanimoi]

Truly worth the highest compliment from the Hollies. Great song and voice, cool! :) Thanks

[sapphiretaurus]

This is beautiful! I can see why the Hollies recorded this song. They had a great example to follow!

[ricogarion]

Hello Sapphire,they indeed had a great bluprint to follow but they stamped the song with emotion that set it apart from anything else.The Hollies took this song and made it their own.

[sapphiretaurus]

I hear the Hollies' version and this one, and it doesn't seem like the latter is just a rendition of the former. It's not because I'm used to hearing the Hollies' version, but it does sound their own, as Phil's version is uniquely his. Both Phil and Allan drive a lot of soul and emotion into their respective versions to make each one stand out. Thanks for replying!