I saw James at the 'Summerfest' music festival in Milwaukee in 1975, where he did afternoon and evening shows. I was there early, sitting on the grass outside the gates - with maybe another 20 or 30 people - eating lunch, when James and band came out to do a sound check. When they finished, we all let out a cheer, he heard us, saw us, and got security to open the gates to let us in. Then they played another couple songs with the 30 of us as the audience. One of them was "If I Needed Someone".
Many years ago, while on a business trip to NY, I bought a JT cd, live in Syracuse 1970. I don't have the cd anymore, but I've found this track on Beatles covers compilation that I've made but have completely forgotten about it.
Quite inspirational.......a top interpretation by JT.....complementary to The Hollies version and evidence of George's talent as a writer and arranger.....catches the 60's vibe perfectly.
If I needed someone to love You're the one that I'd be thinking of If I needed someone If I had some more time to spend Then I guess I'd be with you, my friend If I needed someone Had you come some other day Then it might not have been like this But you see now I'm too much in love Carve your number on my wall And maybe you will get a call from me If I needed someone Ah, ah, ah, ah If I had some more time to spend Then I guess I'd be with you, my friend If I needed someone Had you come some other day Then it might not have been like this But you see now I'm too much in love Carve your number on my wall And maybe you will get a call from me If I needed someone Ah, ah
I'm a huge JT fan but never heard his version of "If I Needed Someone" before. It's a bit too slow for me, but perhaps a sparse harmony background voice in certain parts of the song would have increased my enjoyment. What saves the song is the wonderful melancholy tone of JT's Gibson J-45 guitar, with the slightly buzzy and tinkly sound of his treble strings, and deep but somewhat thuddy bass strings. His intricate fingerpicking arrangement, especially his signature riffs, is a wonder; instantly recognizable, and unique. I'm hoping for a JT acoustic guitar tour before he retires.
I like James Taylor - but this is a failed experiment. The original Beatles song is so much better than this when performed by the Beatles. This particular song does not fit the style of JT at all. You need the rock feel, the harmonies, the bass guitar, the 12-string lead riff, etc.
It's not worse, it's different - which is ok, JT is an artist and artists don't carbon copy, they re-interpret. I too prefer the Beatles' version, but both have the right to exist.
One of my very fav Beatles songs and James nailed it! Beautiful JT😘🥰👍
Definitely a Taylor interpretation of this song. Very sweet.
Also, many of the pictures I have never seen before.
Thank you!
I saw James at the 'Summerfest' music festival in Milwaukee in 1975, where he did afternoon and evening shows. I was there early, sitting on the grass outside the gates - with maybe another 20 or 30 people - eating lunch, when James and band came out to do a sound check. When they finished, we all let out a cheer, he heard us, saw us, and got security to open the gates to let us in. Then they played another couple songs with the 30 of us as the audience. One of them was "If I Needed Someone".
my 2nd favorite artist singing my first favorite artist's song! this is awesome!
George yo fav?
Exquisite interpretation
wowJT singing a george harrison composition....nice acoustic version... i love it.
always cool to hear how a cover can touch you even its far away from the original. lucky that i stumbled upon this. thanks
Wow! A JT song I've never heard before! Sweet! Thanks for posting!
Many years ago, while on a business trip to NY, I bought a JT cd, live in Syracuse 1970. I don't have the cd anymore, but I've found this track on Beatles covers compilation that I've made but have completely forgotten about it.
Quite inspirational.......a top interpretation by JT.....complementary to The Hollies version and evidence of George's talent as a writer and arranger.....catches the 60's vibe perfectly.
Thanks for posting!
You are absolutely right, thank you for your comment
I'm glad that you like it ! Thank you for your comment
Lovely George Harrison cover
The original version will always be best, but this is a damn good alternative version.
Fantastic post
Nice interpretation
If I needed someone to love
You're the one that I'd be thinking of
If I needed someone
If I had some more time to spend
Then I guess I'd be with you, my friend
If I needed someone
Had you come some other day
Then it might not have been like this
But you see now I'm too much in love
Carve your number on my wall
And maybe you will get a call from me
If I needed someone
Ah, ah, ah, ah
If I had some more time to spend
Then I guess I'd be with you, my friend
If I needed someone
Had you come some other day
Then it might not have been like this
But you see now I'm too much in love
Carve your number on my wall
And maybe you will get a call from me
If I needed someone
Ah, ah
Lovely
Beautiful time ...!!!!
I have JT's little brother, Livingston, doing this, on vinyl.
Zimt, you're welcome ! I'm glad that you like it
I'm a huge JT fan but never heard his version of "If I Needed Someone" before. It's a bit too slow for me, but perhaps a sparse harmony background voice in certain parts of the song would have increased my enjoyment. What saves the song is the wonderful melancholy tone of JT's Gibson J-45 guitar, with the slightly buzzy and tinkly sound of his treble strings, and deep but somewhat thuddy bass strings. His intricate fingerpicking arrangement, especially his signature riffs, is a wonder; instantly recognizable, and unique. I'm hoping for a JT acoustic guitar tour before he retires.
listen also to Livingstone's version
Valeu !!!
You're welcome Fred. Thanks for your comment
thanks much. I love to cover jt.where did you find this. Nev er heard before. u have any favs like this.im always interested in new songs,
Need the harmonies
❤❤❤
I actually like this version better than the original
maravilha
This version is superior
Destruction of a lovely English song.
Missing the harmony, but pretty.
This guy DRAGS OUT and wrecks every song. Reminds of a getting a root canal. Hey Doc, how much longer? A musical BORE.
Do you prefer th3 version on concert for george?
I like James Taylor - but this is a failed experiment. The original Beatles song is so much better than this when performed by the Beatles. This particular song does not fit the style of JT at all. You need the rock feel, the harmonies, the bass guitar, the 12-string lead riff, etc.
This Andrew thinks JT hit a home run
The Correct Andrew
It's not worse, it's different - which is ok, JT is an artist and artists don't carbon copy, they re-interpret.
I too prefer the Beatles' version, but both have the right to exist.
I am happy to say I like The Beatles', The Hollies' and JT's versions each equally......and what a superb piece of songwriting to boot......!!