Been a long, long time since ma regularly dialed up This Is Tom Jones on the idiot-box and repeatedly dropped the needle on Delilah and her vinyl paramours.  After all the water and hip-thrusts under the bridge, Tom Jones still shows up intermittently (e.g., the 2012 Ethan Johns-produced album Spirit In The Room) to deliver the vocal goods that have stood the test of time.  Last night Jones appeared on Conan and gave a magnificently-reserved reading of Gillian Welch’s evocative homage, Elvis Presley Blues.  It was a 75-year old performer paying proper tribute to the iconic Presley, who would have turned 85 years old a month from now.  The song is off of Jones’ recently released, Johns-produced Long Lost Suitcase.  Jones has great taste in songwriters.  Bravo Sir!

At bottom, check out Welch and Dave Rawlings performing her song for the BBC.

“And he shook it like a hurricane
He shook it like to make it break
And he shook it like a holy roller, baby
With his soul at stake.”

Indeed.