Stephen Mejias

I did not find what I was looking for at the Jersey City Record Riot, but I did find two reasonably priced Tom Waits albums (Blue Valentine and Rain Dogs) and Peter Lang’s debut, The Thing at the Nursery Room Window, on John Fahey’s Takoma label. I had forced myself to be extremely selective, and, though the many kind and interesting vendors were making it difficult for me to hold back from buying more, I did in fact hold back.

But just as we were on our way out, I caught a glimpse of this collection of hits by Conway Twitty. I pulled the record from its bright red sleeve and:

“Crap!” I said.

“‘Crap’ because it’s in good condition?” John asked.

“Yeah,” I confessed. “Now I have to buy it.”

I bought it because it contains Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe,” which I’ve just recently come to know. Corrina played it for me when I was in California. She cued it up on the Sooloos, and I sat back, overcome by its power.

Here is Conway Twitty, singing “It’s Only Make Believe,” first in black and white, and then in color.

I think I actually prefer the more recent, slowed-down version. Surprising to me, because I usually prefer originals, but Conway really rips it up in that second one. Listen as his voice soars.

People see us everywhere
They think you really care
But myself I can’t deceive
I know it’s only make believe.

Does it get any better than that? No, I don’t think so. There is nothing better than an old-fashioned love song.