Linda Ronstadt - Girls Talk Lyrics

Linda makes this hers ! She owns it. ( Love you Linda )

Ditto! In 1980 this was also blasting out of my Cassette deck! It was a great LP, and yes, the "critiques" missed on this one!

1980 this was blasting out of my Cassette deck! Great LP, The "critiques" missed on this one!

OK , I just want to say this; "Girls Talk" is a GREAT song, and I love Linda Ronstadt's version, as well as Dave Edmund's harder-charging version, probably more than Elvis's own.

Great cover. Linda was so underrated as a singer. Too bad the engineer kept her vocals in background of this recording instead of putting them up front where they would have been an improvement to this recording.

Elvis Costello is the greatest song writer of our time.

Great singer. Killer pipes whatever she wrapped them around.

Fine singer but the definitive version is Dave Edmunds. No contest.

A rocking song off one of Ms. R's only rocking albums. Great stuff here - wish she had done more of it.

I think Dave Edmunds sings it best!!

This along with party girl are my two favorites from this album.

always sounded like a Phil Spector production to me

Dave Edmonds owns this song.

I think every artist brings something to a cover version so you can only say "I prefer this one or that one," and there's nothing wrong with this one.

I totally agree. Example: I prefer Linda Ronstadt's cover of "Tracks of My Tears" over Smokey Robinson's original, mostly for the steel guitar used in Linda's version. That doesn't mean I think it's BETTER than Smokey's. It's just one element I prefer in the song.

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Man its hard to believe that almost 40 years have gone by since she made that album.

For anyone who didnt know this , Elvis Costello trashed ALL four of her covers of his songs . What a jerk.

It is awful to be fair

Read his recent take on it at https://www.elviscostello.com/#!/news/298768

This is my favorite rendition of Girls Talk.  Incredible energy.  (What couldn't this woman do?)

OMG - I bought and played album endlessly when it came out - thank you for posting.

My very favorite song from my very favorite album. It got me through a rough freshman year at Boston College in 1980. Thank you, Linda.

Grand version. Clear strong pipes.

I love this song! My fantasy is to have a DJ remix the song for the clubs. What fun!

This is better than Costello's original, but I reckon Dave Edmunds totally pwned this song!

Edmunds and Lowe (Rockpile's) version of the song rocks a little more, with terrific drums but Ronstadt's version is good too. She was trying for a bit of a "girl group" / girlish sound to it due to it's title.

Great version ,Linda

If this song doesn't get you out of your seat to dance, you're dead already

Great players, grand pipes. You can have all them other chicks - this gal had em all beat - and then she moved that voice elsewhere.

Arguably the best female rock album!! I guess BENATAR/BLONDIE were stealing her thunder back in the 80's.

Linda Ronstadt, not considered a great female rock singer? I beg to differ. She was incredible on this Elvis Costello song. Linda, like Elvis Presley, could sing it all. And she had a wonderfully pure vocal. She never failed at anything she sang.

Jonathan Vernot Agreed on Roy but "When Will I be Loved" is a career highlight, IMO.

@Shawn McLaughlin backed by JT, I believe.

Jonathan Vernot Justin Timberlake?😉 Sorry...not cluing in on which JT you mean.

@Shawn McLaughlin The great James Taylor lol

Jonathan Vernot Oh....duh! For sure. So, he was on this album? That would surprise me.

Sounds like she rushed thru it.

Years later - tis my favorite version. With due respect to Edmunds and EC.

I agree. While the other two's versions are very good, this is a case where the song just fits better when sung by a woman. And what woman could do it better than the fabulous Linda Ronstadt?

Jim Chance Agreed.

Better than Dave Edmunds? WADR to Miss Ronstadt, NFW.

@danalogue indeed, this is just her running through Dave's version with less lung capacity. It's OK, but his is the definitive version - which this one admits to be so.

80's production was a bit bad let's be honest. Not knocking the musicians though

I get beg to disagree

Top of the female vocal chain. Linda Loved a great song and Elvis Costello certainly wrote some fine ones.

Ronstadt sang a lot of songs of which she was not suited for, or where the meanings flew over her head, but she was totally out of her element on 1980’s Mad Love. At the time Elvis Costello was not impressed with her covering his songs and even called them “a waste of vinyl.”

Roy Allins who are you? We never spoke, and I haven't changed my name. I quoted Costello himself, so if you have a problem with his words, that's tough. Sorry you can't handle the truth.

Jonathan Voigt wtf do you know about her "head" - how sanctimonious. Ronstadt was a stunningly clear vocalist and as authentic with a lyric as any interpretive singer - and possibly the finest of the rock and roll era. You sound like you read some soggy old misogynistic critic from 1979. " She's too good looking to understand". Get a life - and go listen to music you like. Ronstadt can and did sing what she wanted - with ease, power and beauty.

Harbor Heart get a grip lol. Stop ascribing quotes of others to me. It is unfair to me and intellectually dishonest on your part because you post no context of said quotes. I know a lot about Ronstadt from reading her interviews, and I'll tell you this: she even admitted that she and (producer) Peter Asher found a formula that worked so they ran it into the ground. If you can't see crass commercialism for what it is, that's your problem. I never said Ronstadt couldn't sing, or wasn't a great singer. It is possible to be a great singer and lack artistic integrity. She was a musical opportunist. Personally, she ranks toward or at the bottom for me. I'd much rather listen to Grace Slick or Stevie Nicks or Ann/Nancy Wilson or anyone with a unique personality and can write their own lyrics.

Harbor Heart You're right, you either get something or you don't. And I totally get what Ronstadt was all about. But I'm not buying it. For me it's not about reading or quoting something she said. I've heard all of her albums except for the one with Ann Savoy. They're all pretentious. Her discography for the most part flows like calculation about what she should do next to insure commercial viability. When the pop thing fell through she hooked up with Nelson Riddle for standards. But on those albums she sounded totally disconnected. She brought no emotional involvement to the material like Carly Simon did on her standards albums for example. I can just see her in the studio with a mic in front of her, going through the motions, thinking about how these projects were going to sell. Same thing with the Trio albums. Dolly and Emmylou were too authentic for her. She just didn't bring the same emotional involvement to the project. You're right, she did sing it all. But that doesn't mean it was good stuff.

You zoomed into what you thought was the one weak link in my post and it was something not even relevant to the larger discussion. No comment about the rest of it. In your mind, nobody could "polish Ronstadt's doorknobs" because you're such a fanboy that views her through rose colored glasses that you're totally blind to the fact that she's been totally overrated for years. I'll leave you with your awesome, star-struck view of her. Good luck with that.

Declan Macmanus AKA Elvis Costello is the king....

She's way too nice. Requires vitirol & savage anger, & or starry insolence.

Dr. killpatient yes...Costello

Ronstadt was a musical opportunist. The nuances of Costello and Warren Zevon lyrics was lost on her. But she was equally bad at Motown covers as well.

Jonathan Voigt Ronstadt was limited as a singer true, but I think it was cool of her to pick up on early Costello. Ronstadt was bigger than whole- milk at the time, & frankly Costello could' ve used any hand he could get. Ronstadt was one of his first big supporters to get some attention out there, & let the nay- sayers know that this guy was legit.

You should've said Boys Talk!! Not Girls Talk hahah

This isn’t the first time that Ronstadt didn’t bother to change the gender of a lyric she covered. With Linda, it was all about perception, not substance.

Clear, pure, pleasure. The queen of Vinyl. We owe her far more respect. Great tune, great singer.

This song is 57 kinds of great!

What a glorious gift to the world of music this dear woman was!.....I say "was" since she's been taken out of singing by that cursed Parkinson's....anyways, she had the best covers of so many songs and truly made them her own. She could sing practically anything-----truly a voice for the ages!

Philip Kane Yes, she had one of the most powerful voices.

Philip, never hear it expressed so eloquently.

a fantastic song done justice by an awesome fucking singer

Funny how people who hated "new wave" pitched in to push this album, which contains this and 2 other Costello-penned tracks, into the top 10.

This great Costello tune showcased her wondrous voice beautifully!

A fine tune belted out by the best set of female pipes ever. Luv it - pure, simple power pop.

Erin Last Yes! I have ALWAYS considered this record more power-pop than new wave. "How Do I Make You" has the quirk of new wave but the rest of the album is just melodic pop-rock with a kick!

better than Elvis! but Linda is better looking too!

heh. no and not anymore.

Jonathan Rhee show us what YOU look like, Trumphead!😄

All these years later - a great vocal by Ronstadt. Mad Love, a platinum record, "over analyzed" by the ridiculous critics - just a rockin' straight on kiss off from Linda to a rock scene she had already conquered and grew bored with. Bravo to her and the great songwriters and musicians she brought to us.

Lester B luv her versions of Elvis Costello songs. Party Girl sounds even better now. Elvis Costello certainly became a fan - once he grew up a bit.

I LOVE Party GIRL!! Wish there were a KARAOKE version!!

Love this album...and song...

@Elke Summer me too.can u hit those notes?? I can..I'm in a Linda ronstadt tribute band

Viva Linda!! Best singer in the Universe!😘

This song is about how girls talks - the how, the why, how can I make him my boyfriend, how can I get close to him, how can I get my chance at him!!!!

Like the Dave Edmund's version - like this version - I like both versions - you can like both - Ronda's is actually clearer, if you want to understand the meaning to the lyrics

Who the hell's Ronda?

I was gonna ask the same thing...I had to read it a couple of times to make sure it wasnt a flashback from the cheap drugs of the 70s

Love you Linda !!!

Dave Edmunds/Rockpile version (Nick Lowe on bass) also very good. Poor Linda, she cannot sing anymore. Something medical. She's great.

+Madeleine Hague She has Parkinson's disease.

+Shawn McLaughlin - Very, very sad. Not just a gorgeous voice, but a very nice, down to earth woman. So supportive of other musicians through her life. (Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Thompson come to mind - two of many!)

Its true and I am glad to hear her singing this song although she is ill

For some reason, I feel like this version has a bit of a Go-Go's vibe. (Not that there's anything bad about that.) My personal favorite rendition of the song is Elvis Costello's.

Annie Leigh Go Gos Are way too Chris Willman for me that HORRENDOUS Taylor Swift ass licking rook critic. michelle shocked former lesbo luver. Feh

i agree .. it has a summer feel !

Elvis was not well pleased to hear this, except for the royalties.

Elvis was never pleased with anything until he got sober.

@Scorchy666 Well he is a bit of a miserable person. I have never seen him smile.

I've been searching for this at last I've found it :) Thank you so much :)

+Drew Shelly Don't come any closer, don't come any nearer.......what a fun song!

When Linda found out Elvis Costello wrote this song about her... this was her response... I still love that voice!

+Manuel Colunga-Hernandez What?? Elvis wrote this song and gave it to Dave Edmunds.

+Manuel Colunga-Hernandez It's not about her, it's about girls gossiping. Elvis has said that himself.

Once again Linda kicks butt. This version is my favorite.

+Ann Brown She made all songs better.

Dave Edmunds Version > This Version

Best version of the song.

+howie9751 Don't no how you come to that conclusion because it is exactly the same as Dave Edmund's version THE best!

The backup singers and the organ instrumental add to it, and then there's Linda's phrasing. Edmunds is a little overpowering where Rondstadt's a little more subtle. Minor differences only but it makes a difference.

oh my God, it is hard imagine, but,  loved this, still do!!

One of the rare cases when I like a cover better than the original. The whole album is very good.

I also prefer Dave Edmunds version over Costello's so that makes two covers for me .

She was great before she got all Mexi

Ramblequist On the contrary, by doing the crossover to " all mexi" she proved just how wide and powerful her musical range is and that makes her even greater.

And what should prevent her from honoring her heritage, she just proved that she was far superior to most vocalists.

I love Linda Ronstadt!

Mad Love-double platinum at the time but certainly under appreciated for years. It contains some great Ronstadt vocals including this fun romp, Justine, How do I Make You and her tremendous rendition of Party Girl. Now is the time to rediscover her harder rockin' gems.

mmm,,, 4get it

I dont think this was released as a Single ?  If it was it should have been a Top Ten Hit for her but I dont think it was.

reminds me of the 80s. awesome!

+Mckilrain Mwansa Very underrated song from 1980; rarely heard anymore.

her best album  -   justine   her 3ed best song

Not my favorite of hers by far, but she was trying to adapt to the changing times. Linda's best album is "Simple Dreams." To me, that album shows off her voice in the best light: a nice combination of country and rock.

@Doug Morrisett i agree this is her best album

Yes, based on Edmunds version but refined further. Best version of this classic IMHO.

@vesa vartiainen i agree 101% vesa, this is the BEST version by far! linda is QUEEN and always owns every song she covers.

@vesa vartiainen smh, Elvis Costello

+shrek You must be kidding, shrek! You prefer this shite over Elvis or Dave??? I'd hate to see your music collection.

+vesa vartiainen How is this refined further than Dave Edmunds' classic version? It is not based on it, it is exactly the same!

Chip Gaasche She sings this song better than anyone ever has

She does the best covers!

To be honest, she only does covers. Which is fine her voice is great.

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE LINDA!!!!!!!!!!

As an american, this was the first version of this song I ever heard. Now I think Rockpiles is my favorite. Its really meant to be sung by a guy.

@chazblitz stop being sexist

Vive La Difference!

this song was made for her.  i remember the video but i can't find it...what a doll !!!

EXCELLENT!!!! Linda makes this a classic...FaNtastic...

Ha, I'm glad someone else feels the same way I do...EC has written some great tunes, but I for one ain't rabid about his voice (and I usually like quirky voices).

I'd like to learn how to attract women. My friend has started dating a stunning young woman basically because 60 days back he signed up to a site named Master Attraction (Google it if you'd like to learn more.) I'm jealous because I wish to fall in love as well. I'm going to look at this Jake Ayres guy's stuff and figure out if it may help somebody like me. Bizarre thing is, my friend used to have Zero joy with girls. How does one change so rapidly? His girl's a fucking model!

Wow, how did I miss this one, wahta a great version

Great song...so Elvis Constello

My fat nephew managed to make the most beautiful stripper I've seen in my life fall for him as he ran the Cupid Love System (Google it). I wish I found myself pleased for him but I want such a sexy young lady to fall for me. I am really jealous. Does that make me a terrible person?

Sorry but the maracas ruin it ;)

I think you mean castanets.

This wasn't a single, but should've been. Many of the AORs and "Rock 40" (that's rock based top-40) stations played this, but for whatever reasons Asylum wouldn't release it as a single
.

WOW & people are making a big deal over this Paula Deen crap. Did Elvis ever get shit with those remarks? Also, what was his problem with Linda & this album. He seems bitter.

Linda's flirt with NEWAVE.

No need for Auto-Tune on this song!

love linda's voice and love eagles guitarists.

Well, la-di-da. Big deal, boys.

This is my fave rendition of Girl's Talk, believe it or not. This was perfect for Linda.

one of the best female vocalists ever.. so effortless

This is pleasant, and way way way better than her version of "I Can't Let Go"

Sorry, I really like Linda Ronstadt, but this can't compare do Dave Edmunds, unless heart and soul don't count.

produced by who sounds specterish

Perfect song, perfect singer, perfect song writer.....

@LowBid86 A bit TOO homogenized, and "whitebread" for my tastes.

Love it, Elvis Costello song done in Dave Edmunds style with a female voice as lovely as Lindas - great result and a nice refreshing change. Don't go comparing this with Dave or Elvis versions though, just accept it as another great cover. I do rather like those 'Everly Brothers' guitar licks in Dave's version though and think they were a stroke of musical genius that made the song 'belong' to Dave.

What I particularly like about Dave Edmunds version is the tribute in two of the guitar licks to an Everly Brothers record - listen to the chords in 'Problems' by the Everly Brothers.

@centuryrox I actually didn't know that, and I consider myself rather enlightened. I feel sooo Homer Simpson right now... Doh~!

Based on the Dave Edmunds version more or less

Linda Ronstadt is one of the greatest when it comes to interpreting others' songs. This is a fine version. She does Neil Young well, too.

Great tune, nicely homogenized...

@wpollock1 I don't have this album, so I don't know what's on it, but Alison was on Living In The USA.

I was into Elvis Costello at the point that this album came out. I had never heard that Elvis has a problem with her using his songs, however it is strange that she used Girls Talk, Alison and Party Girl all on the same album - all by Elvis. I can see how that might upset him. Having said that, I really like the album and the other songs like Justine, and Mad Love. BTW, Elvis was really drunk when he made the comments about Ray Charles and it was done just to tick off Bonnie Bramlett.

wpollock1 was not uncommon to see 3 song penned by same author on a l.r. album
Karla bonnoff
Jd souther
Etc

"Allison " was on Ronstadt's previous record, "Living in the USA". The third Costello composition on "Mad Love " was "Talking in the Dark "...