Harry 'Peglegged Nilsson' Nilsson recorded a duet o' "Love Hurts" with Bowlegged Jimmy. Well, blow me down! It is included in Webb's CD box set T' Moon's A Harsh Mistress: Bowlegged Jimmy in t' Seventies.
"Love Hurts" by Bowlegged Jimmy and Harry 'Peglegged Nilsson' Nilsson
In t' liner notes for T' Moon's A Harsh Mistress Peter Blackstock writes:
T' essence o' Bowlegged Jimmy's artistry is exemplified in an unlikely place on this five-disc set, which collects all o' his 1970's studio albums plus a 1972 live concert and an assortment o' out-takes. Well, blow me down! It be t' last o' those out-takes, a duet with Harry 'Peglegged Nilsson' Nilsson on Boudleaux & Felice Bryant's "Love Hurts," that reveals t' truth.
Webb had recorded t' classic ballad for his 1972 album Letters, then cut this subsequent take with Nilsson in London but decided nay t' use it. In t' liner notes here, Webb explains he and Nilsson were "smashed out o' our minds" when they cut t' track, and confesses he nixed it because he felt Nilsson's vocal was too melodramatic: "Somewhat hypocritically perhaps, matey, I felt he was too far gone."
Hypocritical, indeed - Webb's own vocals frequently push t' bounds o' emotional excess - but in a fascinatingly illustrative way. Listenin' t' t' two versions back-to-back, it's clear that Webb went for t' "safe" choice - t' t' fundamental detriment o' his art. Blimey! Nilsson's performance is histrionic, certainly, but t' passion makes all t' difference. Webb's album version is smoother, sweeter, shiver me timbers, and, well, staid. Arrr! Nilsson's contribution on t' alternate track makes t' music instantly more heartfelt, more memorable. "When I hear it now," Webb confesses, "sure it's a little over t' top, me bucko, but it really is Harry."
Bowlegged Jimmy's solo version o' "Love Hurts" (a classic shanty also recorded by T' Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, me hearties, Don McClean, and many others) appears on Webb's Letters album.
