BLACK VELVET PLEASE

Sometimes one song defines an artist and their career. This is not necessarily fair or even valid, yet it is far from uncommon in the annals of rock and roll. A classic example is the song "Black Velvet," released on the debut album of Canadian singer Alannah Myles and a #1 hit early in 1990.

It was the age of MTV and video-jockeys playing the hits, and Alannah with her sultry looks and powerful voice was a perfect icon for the times. The fact that the video, available on youtube, has amassed twenty-seven and a half million views suggests that "Black Velvet" is indisputably one of those rare beasts: a timeless hit.

Driven by a loping, infectious bass-line, the song was co-written by David Tyson and Christopher Ward. The latter was a music video presenter in Canada who was allotted a mission by his employers: go down south to Memphis and report on the tenth anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. The long road trip provided Ward the opportunity to observe a busload of Elvis fanatics up close. Their passion intrigued the DJ/songwriter, who started formulating the song that would become "Black Velvet". Myles was keen to record it and Ward wasn’t about to refuse; after all, they were lovers at the time.

That brooding pulse, bass and drums, sets the scene perfectly for Myles to enter, first with an extended, teasing Mmmm, then into the story.

Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell

Jimmie Rodgers on the Victrola up high

It’s hot. It’s the southern states, a 78rpm disc crackles through the air, sung by one of the major pre-rock ’n’ roll voices. Myles’ voice breathes on your neck.

Black velvet and that little boy’s smile

Black velvet with that slow southern style

A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees

Black velvet if you please

Here is the geographical setting, here stands the innocence of young Elvis, here comes that velvety voice, here is a social earthquake that will shake and rattle the rafters of the old ways. The brilliance of Alannah Myles’ performance of the song is that she powerfully evokes the sensuality of the new music that so disquieted parents and preachers back in the 1950s.

This potent sensuality is a feature of the entire Alannah Myles album, a record whose allure was certainly not confined to North America. The album reached #5 on the US Billboard 200, #4 in Iceland, #3 in the UK, #2 in Australia and, not surprisingly, #1 in Myles’ native Canada. There were four further singles lifted from the album, proving that this artist was not a one-hit wonder.

Music On Vinyl have done their customary fine job with the 2023 re-issue of Alannah Myles on gold vinyl. From strutting opener "Still Got This Thing" (Bonnie Raitt channelling Robert Plant) through the power ballad "Lover Of Mine" to sweaty closer "Hurry Make Love", this is a golden slice of late 80s rock.

© Bruce Jenkins—November 2023