The second song on side two of the Parlophone UK LP "Beatles For Sale" (or the ninth song on the CD) is a cover version of a Buddy Holly written and performed tune entitled "Words Of Love". Beautiful harmony vocal figures from both John and Paul throughout with a nice continuous guitar riff from George Harrison. Crystal clear and great sounding all the way through. The Beatles were HUGE Buddy Holly fans and this is surprisingly the only Holly song covered commercially in their career although several other Holly/Cricket songs were performed during their Cavern/Hamburg period.
"Words Of Love" was recorded for the LP on Sunday October 18 1964 and was the last song to be recorded on this date. There were only three takes (two of which were complete) with the vocal overdub , some clapping and the guitar solo doubled. Since the Beatles were such professionals, nothing else was needed and the tune was then completed.
"Words Of Love" was mixed for mono eight days later on October 26 1964 in the control room of EMI studio two. Finally, the song was mixed for stereo on Wednesday November 04 1964 also in the control room of studio two. The mono mix lasts a few seconds longer than the stereo mix.
"Words Of Love" can be heard on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Beatles For Sale", the North American Capitol LP/CD "Beatles VI" and the EMI/Capitol compilation 2-LP "Love Songs".
"Words Of Love" was performed once for the BBC on the episode number 10 of "Pop Go The Beatles"
There seem to be some differences of opinion on how many Beatles and which Beatles sing on the studio version of "Words of Love". You mention that John and Paul can be heard throughout. The question is, during each part of the song, who is singing and which part is he singing? The experts (Lewisohn and others) differ on this. Can you break down who covers which vocal as the song flows?
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