melody + harmony

A relatively obscure Buddy Holly song – “Listen To Me” – has been recorded by Beach Boys’ mastermind Brian Wilson for an upcoming Buddy Holly tribute CD. It is available as a free mp3 download via Rolling Stone magazine’s website. Click on the link to hear the song: http://mp3.rollingstone.com/download/03ListentoMe.mp3

“Listen to Me” was the fourth track on side one of Holly’s 2nd album, the self titled Buddy Holly. Released in February 1958, this album and the smash hit “Peggy Sue” soared up the charts. “Listen to Me” was not released as a single. But, as is typical of most Holly songs, it has withstood the test of time. It’s a blend of rockabilly and country with a rhythm section (Joe Mauldin on bass / Jerry Allison on drums) sound that could easily have been mistaken for the Tennessee Two. The vocals include Holly’s trademarked double-tracked lead vocals along with some nice harmonies (with himself).

Wilson’s update is really quite good! He keeps instrumentation simple, as on the original – bass/drums/guitar with the addition of a xylophone. Of course, Wilson has added his patented choral harmonies, all of which are quite strong.

The tribute album will be released on September 6th. Featured artists include Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne, Natalie Merchant, Stevie Nicks, Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak and more. Read more about it HERE.

Hear the original Buddy Holly track below!