Carmelita (song)
Encyclopedia
"Carmelita" is a rock
song written by Warren Zevon
. The song was originally recorded by Canadian singer Murray McLauchlan
on his self-titled album
of 1972. Zevon himself recorded it four years later, in 1976, on his self titled album
. Linda Ronstadt recorded a well known version in 1977, and various covers have followed.
Zevon recorded a demo version of the song in 1974, which was released as a bonus track on the 2008 reissue of his self-titled album. Two other Zevon demo versions of "Carmelita" have also been officially released. The "master" recording appears on all versions of his 1976 self-titled album.
Linda Ronstadt
recorded a slightly altered version of the song on her 1977 album, Simple Dreams
. Rondstadt's version includes an alternate lyric that has Ronstadt pawning her "Smith & Wesson" as opposed to Zevon's "Smith Corona
" thus creating a different persona for our hero. In a demo version released on Preludes - Rare and Unreleased Recordings
, Zevon also sings about pawning a Smith & Wesson.
Another cover version
of the song was released in 1992 by Tejano music
legend Flaco Jimenez
and country
singer Dwight Yoakam
on the album Partners.
G.G. Allin covered this song as well. He turned away from his typical hard hitting punk
to do a rather serene cover
. The song can be found on the album Carnival of Excess
and in an acoustic version on the soundtrack to Todd Phillips' 1994 documentary Hated
. In the film Allin can be seen playing the song solo on his western guitar. He keeps Ronstadt's lyric about the Smith & Wesson, and changes the lyrics from "playing solitaire with my pearl handled deck" to "playing Russian Roulette
with my pearl-handled gun". This version was used on the finale of the third season of the Showtime series Californication
, partially covered by Madeleine Martin
who portrays Hank Moody's (David Duchovny
) daughter.
Willy DeVille
covered the song on his 2002 album Acoustic Trio Live in Berlin
.
Counting Crows
also released a cover version of this song as part of a Warren Zevon tribute in 1999.
Rachel Stamp
covered this song on their 'Didn't I break my heart over you' single.
A 'punked up' version of the song was also featured on The Wildhearts
covers album Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before Vol 1.
This version, sung by Wildhearts bassist Scott Sorry, features the altered lyric "I pawned my Gibson Thunderbird
".
L.A. band The Bronx
covered the song as a B-side for a vinyl single in 2006.
Michael Todd
, bassist for Coheed and Cambria
played a cover version of this song before one of their Neverender tour shows. Claudio Sanchez
sang back up vocals. Todd said it was a song that got him through rehab. He was there for heroin addiction.
Cross Canadian Ragweed
covered the song as a hidden track
on Happiness and All the Other Things
. The band has also played the song live in numerous concerts.
Social Distortion
plays the song live from time to time. Although it has yet not been released on any album.
Mariachi El Bronx
covered the song numerous times on their UK tour along with Prince
's I Would Die 4 U
.
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
song written by Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon
Warren William Zevon was an American rock singer-songwriter and musician noted for including his sometimes sardonic opinions of life in his musical lyrics, composing songs that were sometimes humorous and often had political or historical themes.Zevon's work has often been praised by well-known...
. The song was originally recorded by Canadian singer Murray McLauchlan
Murray McLauchlan
Murray McLauchlan, CM is a Canadian singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and harmonica player.-Biography:Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, he emigrated to Canada with his family when he was five years old...
on his self-titled album
Murray McLauchlan (album)
Murray McLauchlan was a 1972 album by Canadian singer-songwriter Murray McLauchlan.- Track listing :# "No Time Together Today"# "Lady Soul"# "I Wanna Watch You Move"# "Old Man's Song"# "Billy McDaniels"# "Lose We"# "Quiet Places to Come Home To"...
of 1972. Zevon himself recorded it four years later, in 1976, on his self titled album
Warren Zevon (album)
Warren Zevon is a rock and roll album by Warren Zevon. This album was recorded in 1975 and released in 1976 . Warren Zevon Collector's Edition, a remastered version of this album with special bonus tracks, was released in 2008 by Rhino Records.-Track listing:All songs written by Warren Zevon#"Frank...
. Linda Ronstadt recorded a well known version in 1977, and various covers have followed.
Versions
McLauchlan's original version appeared as an album track, and was not released as a single.Zevon recorded a demo version of the song in 1974, which was released as a bonus track on the 2008 reissue of his self-titled album. Two other Zevon demo versions of "Carmelita" have also been officially released. The "master" recording appears on all versions of his 1976 self-titled album.
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
recorded a slightly altered version of the song on her 1977 album, Simple Dreams
Simple Dreams
Simple Dreams is one of the most successful albums of Linda Ronstadt's career, spending five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart in late 1977. It also knocked Elvis Presley out of No...
. Rondstadt's version includes an alternate lyric that has Ronstadt pawning her "Smith & Wesson" as opposed to Zevon's "Smith Corona
Smith Corona
Smith Corona or the SCM Corporation is a US typewriter and calculator company. Once a large U.S. manufacturer, the company experienced sales declines in typewriters in the mid-1980s due to the introduction of PC-based word processing...
" thus creating a different persona for our hero. In a demo version released on Preludes - Rare and Unreleased Recordings
Preludes - Rare and Unreleased Recordings
Preludes: Rare and Unreleased Recordings is a two-CD compilation of music and interviews, including unreleased outtakes and demos, by singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, who died in 2003....
, Zevon also sings about pawning a Smith & Wesson.
Another cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of the song was released in 1992 by Tejano music
Tejano music
Tejano music or Tex-Mex music is the name given to various forms of folk and popular music originating among the Mexican-American populations of Central and Southern Texas...
legend Flaco Jimenez
Flaco Jiménez
Leonardo "Flaco" Jiménez is a Tejano music accordionist from San Antonio, Texas. Jiménez's father, Santiago Jiménez Sr. was a pioneer of conjunto music. He began performing with his father at age seven and recording at age fifteen, as a member of Los Caporales...
and country
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
singer Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam
Dwight David Yoakam is an American singer-songwriter, actor and film director, most famous for his pioneering country music...
on the album Partners.
G.G. Allin covered this song as well. He turned away from his typical hard hitting punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
to do a rather serene cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
. The song can be found on the album Carnival of Excess
Carnival of Excess: Limited Edition
Carnival Of Excess: Limited Edition is a limited edition reissue of the album Carnival Of Excess, recorded by notorious punk rock musician GG Allin with one-time studio group The Criminal Quartet...
and in an acoustic version on the soundtrack to Todd Phillips' 1994 documentary Hated
Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies
Hated: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies is a 1994 documentary directed by Todd Phillips about the life of GG Allin, a punk rock musician who died from a heroin overdose in 1993...
. In the film Allin can be seen playing the song solo on his western guitar. He keeps Ronstadt's lyric about the Smith & Wesson, and changes the lyrics from "playing solitaire with my pearl handled deck" to "playing Russian Roulette
Russian roulette
Russian roulette is a potentially lethal game of chance in which participants place a single round in a revolver, spin the cylinder, place the muzzle against their head and pull the trigger...
with my pearl-handled gun". This version was used on the finale of the third season of the Showtime series Californication
Californication (TV series)
Californication is an American comedy-drama that premiered on Showtime on August 13, 2007. The show was created by Tom Kapinos. The protagonist, Hank Moody , is a troubled novelist whose move to California, coupled with his writer's block, complicates his relationships with his longtime girlfriend...
, partially covered by Madeleine Martin
Madeleine Martin
Madeleine Elizabeth Martin plays the character Rebecca "Becca" Moody on Showtime comedy-drama Californication. She is a student at the School of American Ballet.-Career:...
who portrays Hank Moody's (David Duchovny
David Duchovny
David William Duchovny is an American actor, writer and director. He has won Golden Globe awards for his work as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder on The X-Files and as Hank Moody on Californication.-Early life:...
) daughter.
Willy DeVille
Willy DeVille
Willy DeVille was an American singer and songwriter. During his thirty-five year career, first with his band Mink DeVille and later on his own, Deville created original songs rooted in traditional American musical styles. He worked with collaborators from across the spectrum of contemporary...
covered the song on his 2002 album Acoustic Trio Live in Berlin
Acoustic Trio Live in Berlin
Acoustic Trio Live in Berlin is a 2002 album by Willy DeVille. The album consists of concert recordings made in Berlin to celebrate DeVille’s 25 years’ of performing, and concert recordings made in Stockholm...
.
Counting Crows
Counting Crows
Counting Crows is an American rock band originating from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1991, the group gained popularity following the release of its debut album in 1993, August and Everything After, which featured the hit single "Mr. Jones"...
also released a cover version of this song as part of a Warren Zevon tribute in 1999.
Rachel Stamp
Rachel Stamp
Rachel Stamp is a British rock band formed in London, England in 1994. Their debut album, Hymns For Strange Children was released in 2000, followed by Oceans of Venus two years later.-Biography:...
covered this song on their 'Didn't I break my heart over you' single.
A 'punked up' version of the song was also featured on The Wildhearts
The Wildhearts
The Wildhearts are a British rock group originally formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The band's sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music, often described in the music press as combining influences as diverse as The Beatles and 1980s-era Metallica...
covers album Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before Vol 1.
Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before, Vol 1.
----Note: The tracks "AC Rocket," "Everyday Formula," and "The Judge" are not included in the legal download-only version of the album, or on the audio streaming service Spotify...
This version, sung by Wildhearts bassist Scott Sorry, features the altered lyric "I pawned my Gibson Thunderbird
Gibson Thunderbird
The Gibson Thunderbird is an electric bass guitar made by Gibson.-Background and introduction:The Gibson Thunderbird was introduced in 1963. At the time, Fender had been the leader in the electric bass market since their introduction of the Precision Bass twelve years earlier.The Thunderbird was...
".
L.A. band The Bronx
The Bronx (band)
The Bronx is an American hardcore punk band from Los Angeles formed in 2002. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Matt Caughthran, guitarists Joby J. Ford and Ken Horne, bass guitarist Brad Magers, and drummer Jorma Vik...
covered the song as a B-side for a vinyl single in 2006.
Michael Todd
Michael Todd
Mike or Michael Todd may refer to:*Mike Todd , American film producer*Mike Todd, Jr. , son of American film producer Mike Todd and stepson to Elizabeth Taylor...
, bassist for Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria is an American progressive rock band from Nyack, New York. Formed in 1995, the group incorporates aspects of progressive rock, punk rock, metal and post-hardcore....
played a cover version of this song before one of their Neverender tour shows. Claudio Sanchez
Claudio Sanchez
Claudio Paul Sanchez is an American writer and musician best known for being the lead singer and guitarist for the alternative/progressive rock group Coheed and Cambria. He is also the creator of the comic book series, The Amory Wars and Kill Audio, co-written with wife Chondra Echert...
sang back up vocals. Todd said it was a song that got him through rehab. He was there for heroin addiction.
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Cross Canadian Ragweed was an American Red Dirt/Texas Country/Country rock band. The name of the band came from the combination of three band members' names, Grady Cross , Cody Canada , and Randy Ragsdale . Jeremy Plato's name was not involved in the band naming...
covered the song as a hidden track
Hidden track
In the field of recorded music, a hidden track is a piece of music that has been placed on a CD, audio cassette, vinyl record or other recorded medium in such a way as to avoid detection by the casual listener...
on Happiness and All the Other Things
Happiness and All the Other Things
Happiness and All the Other Things is Cross Canadian Ragweed's tenth album. It was released on August 31, 2009. The album includes twelve new studio tracks and three live tracks, including a cover of Willie Nelson's "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground", "Soul Agent" from the band's 2007 album...
. The band has also played the song live in numerous concerts.
Social Distortion
Social Distortion
Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness , Jonny Wickersham , Brent Harding and David Hidalgo, Jr...
plays the song live from time to time. Although it has yet not been released on any album.
Mariachi El Bronx
Mariachi El Bronx
Mariachi El Bronx is the fourth studio album by the Los Angeles rock band The Bronx, released on September 1, 2009 through Swami Records in the United States and Wichita Recordings in the United Kingdom. It marks a divergence from the band's usual hardcore punk and hard rock sound in favor of a...
covered the song numerous times on their UK tour along with Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
's I Would Die 4 U
I Would Die 4 U
"I Would Die 4 U" is a song by Prince and The Revolution, and the fourth single in the U.S. from their 1984 album, Purple Rain. The up-tempo dance song was a top 10 hit in the U.S., reaching number 8 on the Hot 100....
.