I CAN HEAR MUSIC

I can hear music is a song written by Jeff Barry and his wife Ellie Greenwich and the famous pop producer Phil Spector in the days of when they all worked in the Brill Building which was in New York where song writing was written like a factory producing products.

It tells a story of someone who hears music every time they think of the one that they are in love with.

I can hear music was written in 1965-66 and was recorded by a group called The Ronettes who were one the first all girl groups brought together by Phil Spector. The group consisted of two sisters Veronica and Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley. (Phil Spector later married Veronica or Ronnie as she became known as.)It was not a huge hit.

In 1969 the Beach Boys did a great cover of I can hear music. Carl Wilson , Brian Wilson’s younger brother sung lead vocals. This song is one of the earliest recordings of Carl Wilson having lead vocal on a Beach Boys recording. At the time Brian was losing interest in the Beach Boys and in fact was just loosing interest due to his mental health.

It reached Top Ten in many charts across the world including Sweden. Holland. Poland, Germany and of course the UK.

They re-recorded I can hear music in 1996 with Christian singer Kathy Troccoli on lead vocals which appeared on there Stars and Stripes album.

There 1969 version is on most of the Hits albums but it is from the album 20/20 originally.

Other artists who have recorded I can hear music are, Curt Boettcher, Ellie Greenwich, Peggy Lee, Freddie Mercury, Ronnie Spector, Kathy Trocolli, The Ronettes, the Ventures. Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) with Brian Wilson.

Queens version goes under Larry Lurex also recorded I can hear music. Who is Larry Lurex you ask, well he was known as Freddie Mercury. Apparently he recorded this in1973 under the direction of an engineer called Robin Geoffrey Cable who was experimenting with Phil Spectors wall of sound technique. Freddie suggested they use Brian and Roger so they are also on this rare single but its not a Queen recording.

The latest version has been recorded by, She and Him, who are an American independent folk duo. This version is almost better then the Beach Boys version. Its lovley, brilliant.

I Can Hear Music lyrics
Songwriters: Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry,Phil Spector,

aaaahhhhh Ooooooo
This is the way
I always dreamed it would be
The way that it is, oh
When you are holding me

I never had a love of my own
Maybe that’s why when we’re all alone

I can hear music
I can hear music
The sound of the city, baby
Seems to disappear

Oh, I can hear music
Sweet sweet music
Whenever you touch me baby
Whenever you’re near

Lovin’ you
It keeps me satisfied
And I can’t explain, oh no
The way I’m feeling inside

You look at me we kiss and then
I close my eyes and here it comes again

I can hear music
I can hear music
The sound of the city, baby
Seems to disappear

Oh, I can hear music
Sweet sweet music
Whenever you touch me baby
Whenever you’re near

I hear the music all the time, yeah
I hear the music, hold me tight now baby
I hear the music all the time
I hear the music
I hear the music, baby

Ahh, I can hear music
I can hear music
The sound of the city, baby
Seems to disappear

Oh, I can hear music
Sweet sweet music
Whenever you touch me baby
Whenever you’re near