Take It To the Limit

[Ive always been a dreamer]

It thought I'd start a thread to discuss this song. It is one of the most popular Eagles songs, and we don't have a thread dedicated to it until now.

One of the topics about the song that comes up often is about who should sing lead on the song now. Out of respect for Randy, Tim has never sang any of his Eagles songs. I don't think he ever would. I think Tim maybe didn't want to be always thought of as Randy's replacement in the band. He wanted to 'find his own niche', and singing Randy's song would probably stand in the way of that. I totally agree that Tim would do a great job with TITTL with his high voice. However, since Glenn co-wrote the song with Don and Randy, it makes sense that Glenn would sing it. I like Glenn's version, but have also always wished that, at least, Tim could do the high part at the end - again, not likely to ever happen. I will say that Glenn does an electric version of the song in his solo shows that is far better than the acoustic version in the Eagles shows. I so wish he would go with the electric version all the time - it is awesome.

*Basically, I cheated here any just copied my comment from another thread where this was discussed. :wink:

[luvthelighthouse]

I take no issue with Glenn singing TITTL. Although, that is not to say I wouldn't "want" to hear Timothy singing it. It's hard for me to compare Timothy and Randy, because to me, their voices are so different. Randy has a deeper voice, even if he does sing high.

I agree, Timothy singing the high part at the end would be pretty cool. I am curious, has Timothy ever come out and said why he didn't take over Randy's songs, or is this much like the vegan speculation? I haven't seen anything documented as to where any one them mention this, that's why I ask. Maybe Glenn decided TBS wouldn't take them over. :shrug:

[Prettymaid]

Although I wouldn't be opposed to hearing Timothy sing TITTL once to see what it sounds like, I'm afraid his voice is too gentle and sweet to sing the song as we are accustomed to hearing it. It's hard for me to explain what I mean, and I'm certainly not saying anything bad about Timothy's voice. Probably all I'm saying is that I am so used to hearing both Randy and Glenn's versions that I wouldn't like Timothy's as well, but who knows?

BTW, to answer the question of which version I prefer - Randy's or Glenn's? I would probably have to say Randy's. I usually tend to like the original version of a song the best. (That probably indicates that I don't like change - and I don't!)

[AzEaglesFan]

I would like to hear Timothy sing TITTL too. I agree that his voice is different from Randy's and I tend to like Timothy's better. I have three of Timothy's solo CDs but I don't have any of Randys, I guess that is why I like Timothys.

[Prettymaid]

I would like to hear Timothy sing TITTL too. I agree that his voice is different from Randy's and I tend to like Timothy's better. I have three of Timothy's solo CDs but I don't have any of Randys, I guess that is why I like Timothys.

I don't want to steal the thread but several weeks ago I posted my four favorite Randy solo songs from youtube on the Randy's video thread. All four of them are from his album One More Song and I would recommend it to anyone who is an Eagles fan.

[AzEaglesFan]

I'll check it out. I love all of my Timothy CDs and will be so happy when his new one comes out. Has there been anymore info on a release date??

[Fan_For_Life]

PM I'm leaning toward what you said as far as hearing Timothy sing this song. I love his voice and wouldn't mind hearing a version first before making a comment but I would more than likely prefer the original version/Glenn's. It would almost be like, would I like hearing Glenn sing I Don't Want To Hear Anymore(fave Tim song),,,wouldn't have the same vibe as I get when Timothy sings it.

[Prettymaid]

Exactly, FFL. :nod:

[Freypower]

I can't imagine Tim singing TITTL. I tend to agree with PM that his voice is too 'gentle and sweet' as she said.

I think I may be the only person who isn't moved by Randy's high notes at the end. To me all that detracts from the lyrics. I know many people think this is the highlight of the song and I understand that. I have always found his version too polished and rather over-produced with all the strings. I have no desire to hear anyone else sing the high parts.

Dreamer talks about Glenn doing an electric version of the song. The bootlegs I have are of Casino Rama and Foxwoods and I have no idea if these are electric or not. They sound acoustic to me. Anyway, I love the way Glenn sings the song, but I'll leave it there.

[EagleLady]

As Much as I love to hear Glenn sing it, Randy's version is way way better. IMO.

[sodascouts]

To answer LTL, while I can't find the interview, I remember specifically Tim stating that he told the guys when he joined the band that he didn't want to sing any of Randy's songs. He felt that would be disrespectful to Randy.

[luvthelighthouse]

Thanks Soda. I just wasn't sure if someone read that or not. Remember how many of us thought TBS was a vegan... and then the next two interviews I read by him spoke of him not being one and eating chicken.

I forgot to answer who's version I liked better. I perfer Randy's version. Also, FP, I'm not moved by the high part at the end either. I like it and all, but it's not the highlight for me either.

[TimothyBFan]

Like I said in the other thread where this subject came up a couple days ago, my favorite version is Randy and to be honest, I really don't know why. Hadn't really thought about it, but maybe, like PM said, it's the whole original thing.

And of course I am one of those that would love to hear Timothy sing it, then again, he could belch the alphabet song and I'd be a fan, so I guess that isn't saying much! I really do think he would do it justice tho.

[Prettymaid]

It would be interesting to hear his spin on it.

[Koala]

I like TITTL from Glenn and Randy.
I cannot say which version I find better, I find both versions in her kind good!
I would like to hear Tim sing TITTL too!

[sodascouts]

Honestly while I realize Tim doing it might be nice as something different... I don't think his voice is suited for it. Yes, his voice is high enough to do all those frills at the end, and I like the idea of him coming in on the end to fill in that space. But as for the rest of the song... I agree with those who have said his voice is too sweet to really sell the angst of those lyrics.

However, since Tim sees it as Randy's domain, perhaps he is loath to even do the high parts at the end.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

As I said before, I'm one that thinks that Tim's voice is well-suited for this song and that he could really pull it off. He has enough range and variance in his voice where I think he could do it justice (i.e. listen to I Can't Tell You Why vs. Top of the Stairs vs. Down By the River). But, I also think it is all a moot point since Tim apparently doesn't want to sing it.

However, I'll also say that I'm one of those that generally prefers the original versions of songs, and this one is no exception. With regard to Glenn's version of the song, all I can say is I have heard him perform it live in several Eagles shows and also in his Prelude To Obscurity solo shows and in Niagara Falls. In those solo shows I attended, the song was performed with more electric guitars with Glenn standing. All I can say is that, other than the high notes at the end, it was very close to Randy's version - much more powerful and energetic than the acoustic version in the Eagles concerts. The audience went wild over it, including yours truly. :wink:

[Brooke]

Copied this from the 'dream' thread:

I remember back when I saw the Eagles for the first time since the '70's in 2002 and Glenn did TITTL and thought "I wonder why they don't have Tim sing this song?"

Now that I've read everyone's comments, I can kind of agree that his voice might be too sweet and soft for this song. I would like to hear him try it though. I do understand if he doesn't want to sing Randy's songs, too.

As far as which version I prefer, I have to say Randy's. I'm another that prefers the originals. Glenn does a great job and I'll take it if that's the only way we get it, which obviously it is! It's definitely a crowd pleaser. I daresay it gets as much audience participation as any of the songs.

[Lisa]

"Take it to the Limit" is a singer's song, that's for sure. I think any of the Eagles could sing it!--the original is great~

[skibum1606]

while i do like both versions, my all time fav version though is the live version with Randy singing it.
i think this calls for a video, i'm sure you've all seen it before but anyways:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJgDhD0qjts

[cynd1231]

I have to agree, ski.......Glenn does a fine job on this song and I too would love to hear Timothy try it, but there is something about the classic original that just makes it special.

[luvthelighthouse]

Ski, I don't believe I've ever seen that video. Thanks for posting it... and yes,I did enjoy it. I'm a purist too... I'm big on originals.

Oh, and I want to add... for those that think Timothy is too sugary sweet... listen to this song. I actually like the way he sounds... so, if he sung in this tone, I think he could make TITTL sound pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t3XUtb6xc0

[AstraeaLunaAvani]

I know this is an old thread but I just had to add my two cents! TITTL is my favorite Eagles song, it was even back before I became a huge fan of them. I used it as a theme song anytime I was driving a vehicle for the last time, (lol Kinda lame, i know but the chorus really fit!) but now the song has different meaning for me, pretty depressing actually, but that what makes a song meaningful, when it hits you right in the heart!

And to comment on the topic of who should sing it now, I totally respect Tim for not singing it, and I know Glenn does now, but has anyone ever considered maybe Don should sing it? His voice is soft and high too, but more "manly" than Tim's (sorry if that offended anyone! lol). I think Don would be the perfect choice. But i'm all for originals too so it really sucks Randy can't do it anymore.

[Witchy Woman]

I would surmise that when they decided to add it back to the repertoire they all took turns singing it and decided Glenn was the best fit.

[Houston Debutante]

As much as I love Don I can't see him doing TITTL, I don't think that would work.

Randy doing it is best but I like that they have it in the set list and if Tim won't do it, Glenn is a good choice.

[Outlawman13]

Randy's vocals were super amazing in this song, but I am glad that Glenn is singing it now. LOL I don't think I can see Don singing that.

[Freypower]

When Glenn talked about the song in London he said 'I wrote it on piano'. I have always assumed that he wrote the music. I am happy with him doing it & I enjoy watching him sing it, although as I said elsewhere at the recent shows it wasn't that much of a highlight. I am not as devoted to the song as a few people here are.

[AstraeaLunaAvani]

So Glenn wrote all the music entirely by himself? And Randy just did the lyrics?

[Freypower]

So Glenn wrote all the music entirely by himself? And Randy just did the lyrics?

I don't know. My assumption was always that Randy wrote the lyrics with Don Henley who is also credited. My previous assumption that Glenn wrote the music was based on it being more of his speciality than lyrics at that time. I always thought the primary lyric writer of Eagles songs was the person who ended up singing it (the excpetion to this is Most Of Us Are Sad, written by Glenn but sung by Randy).

[Ive always been a dreamer]

As we have often said on the board, it's fun to speculate about such things, but difficult to know for sure who wrote what parts of the band's songs. The songwriting credits are Randy Meisner, Don Henley, & Glenn Frey in that order. Of course, I don't know how much we can assume or read into that. I always thought it was interesting that Don does not comment on the song at all in the "Very Best of the Eagles" booklet. That always made me wonder about how much Don actually contributed to the song, especially, since, stylistically, it seems to be a lot more like Glenn to me. Of course, this is just conjecture and opinion on my part, and I certainly could be wrong.

With regard to who sings the song live, I've always said it would be nearly impossible to top Randy's version. In lieu of that though, IMO, Glenn's voice is the next best suited for it. However, I've also always said that I would just die to hear Timothy sing the high part at the end of the song - that would be awesome!

[zeldabjr]

I would love to hear Timothy sing it...just once... but I know I'm dreaming

[Tiffanny Twisted]

that would be cool..I'm in for that too

[bluefox4000]

I'd love to hear Tim take a stab as well. Not all that fond of Glenn's version. Then again I'm not the biggest Frey fan. No one will ever touch Randy though. he is my favorite Eagle, BTW.

Mick

[Windeagle]

My favorite version of TITTL has always been the one on Eagles Live, but then again, that's where most of my favorite versions reside. I do like Glenn's version, though I'll admit the lower key threw me the first time I heard it.

[AstraeaLunaAvani]

I'd love to hear Tim take a stab as well. Not all that fond of Glenn's version. Then again I'm not the biggest Frey fan. No one will ever touch Randy though. he is my favorite Eagle, BTW.

Mick

He's my favorite too! :yay: It's hard to find Randy fans around here! lol

[Brooke]

It's just hard to have a favorite Eagle that isn't in the band anymore. I love Randy's songs, but he doesn't sing them anymore.

And he was definitely a cutie! :nod:

[AftertheThrill]

Here is a version with Randy, Richard Marx, and Timothy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu8g3NTfpTs

[zeldabjr]

OMG what a great video...

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Yep - that video is awesome!

As far as myself, I'm a huge fan of all incarnations of the band, but I live more in the moment and love the fact that I can still see the band live. So, I think it's natural that myself and others probably focus more on the current lineup. You can't deny the unique talents that all the members have brought to the band, but this band isn't frozen in time like The Beatles (at least not yet :pray: ). With the band still alive and kicking butt, I think many of the current day fans may not have even been familiar with the former members. One great thing about the documentary is that it has put some attention back on them for fans to enjoy!

[AstraeaLunaAvani]

Yeah thank God for that documentary! I honestly didn't even know who was still in the band, and couldn't name any of the members other than Don, Glenn and Joe. Well I knew Timothy was in the band at some point, and I barely recalled Don F. and Randy's names, and never knew about Bernie.

[Badgerman77]

Yeah thank God for that documentary! I honestly didn't even know who was still in the band, and couldn't name any of the members other than Don, Glenn and Joe. Well I knew Timothy was in the band at some point, and I barely recalled Don F. and Randy's names, and never knew about Bernie.


Read "Heaven and Hell" by Don Felder.

[Grey Sadler]

Here is a version with Randy, Richard Marx, and Timothy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu8g3NTfpTs

I saw some screencaps from that in Meisner Mania and wondered where they came from !! :thumbsup:

[Thirsty&Hot]

I like Glenn's version, but have also always wished that, at least, Tim could do the high part at the end -


I have had the same exact wish!! in fact, before I saw the farewell concert I thought for sure he was going to do just that. i was a little disappointed when he didn't. Glenn does a decent job, but the song just isn't the same for me (and you and lots of others i'm guessing hehe) without randy's high bits.
which is why I was hoping Randy was going to be on this tour, but then I read about his health issues :(

[bluefox4000]

I remember them doing the song at the show I saw. While I was happy they played it.....cause it is my favorite song. It just made me miss Randy REALLY bad. It was pleasant with Glenn. With Randy that song was SUNG...if ya get my drift.:)

Mick

[AstraeaLunaAvani]

I remember them doing the song at the show I saw. While I was happy they played it.....cause it is my favorite song. It just made me miss Randy REALLY bad. It was pleasant with Glenn. With Randy that song was SUNG...if ya get my drift.:)

Mick

I totally get your drift! This song is so meaningful to me and so perfect, I NEED Randy to sing it. And when I see them in July, I'll be so sad thinking about Randy when Glenn sings it.