A lost loved one will forever live on in stories told and memories and songs and artworks shared by those they left behind. This past December saw the passing of true treasure-person, Terry Turtle, and, while we’re still making sense of it (or trying to), we may also revel in the fact that our lives were able to be touched by such a special spirit during our brief stay on this planet. Having put together the Terry Turtle Memorial Festival, along with the creation of The Terry Turtle Memorial Fund, we are doing what we can to keep TT in people’s hearts. However, Billy Brett (the other half of Buck Gooter), along with Alethea Leventhal (Ships In The Night) have taken another step in immortalizing the beloved brother, with a gorgeous rendition of his song, “I Wish She Loved Me,” which we’re honored to premiere. The two wished to sing it as a duet at the Memorial show, and later recorded it for a place of permanence in the annals of time. About the cover, Brett notes it “was the last song [TT] ever heard on Earth. He asked to hear it during our final visit with him in the hospital.” Here goes.
A soft pat of kick drum guides an ever-comforting synthesizer melody straight from the heavens, to the ground. He’s here. The vocals would seem ironic, almost betraying the TT’s line, “I’m just a rocker without a plan, and tenderness is hard to understand,” with the most tender delivery imaginable. Leventhal quiet crooning over Brett’s calm, near spoken-word-yet-rhythmic monotone. Verse and chorus seamlessly go one into the other and they could keep going one into the other forever and that would be fine with probably just about anyone. Another ethereal keyboard oscillates into mix, towards the song’s discontinuance, and it’s as though TT’s presence is being requested elsewhere again, and we’ll just see him again on his next visit, on the next time we hit “play.”
“We hope he can hear us while he’s suspended in the stars.”