A month or so ago I noticed that above book The Wichita Lineman by Dylan Jones in Waterstones. I subsequently ordered it from the library and have just finished it.
It is interesting but a bit heavy going and scholarly in places. It is however worth persevering with. In the Amazon 4.4/5 Review it is described thus Written in 1968 by Jimmy Webb, "Wichita Lineman" is the first philosophical country song: a heartbreaking torch ballad still celebrated for its mercurial songwriting genius 50 years later. It was recorded by Glen Campbell in LA with a legendary group of musicians known as "the Wrecking Crew", and something about the song's enigmatic mood seemed to capture the tensions of America at a moment of unprecedented crisis.
It is remarkable to note that whereas Glen Campbell was 32 , Jimmy Webb was only 21 when he wrote it. It is also interesting to note that although they were both good ole Country boys their politics were radically different with Campbell being a staunch Republican with Webb being much more liberal and left leaning.
You will note that the subtitle reads - Searching in the sun for the world's greatest unfinished song. This was something that I was unaware off.
It seems that Jimmy sent off a demo with the first two (out of a scheduled three) verses to Glen and his people who promptly released it on the back off the success of Jimmy's previous number By The Time I Get to Phoenix. It became a phenomenon leading Webb to never feel the need to complete it. Indeed to him it was just another song whereas most consider it a work of genius.
I have a few versions of the song .Here they are ranked in order with Glen Campbell's version firmly at the top.
Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - Wichita Linesman
Glen Gregory - Wichita Linesman
The book also mentions this You Tube clip featuring some brilliant guitar work by Glen Campbell.
It almost feels like sacrilege to cover such a perfect song - not sure I dare listen to any of the other versions!
ReplyDeleteAfter Johnny I wouldn't bother!
DeleteTop notch… especially the first two and the clip. - Brian
DeleteI agree with C, you can't improve on perfection.
ReplyDeleteThe only other version I can tolerate is the one by reggae great Dennis Brown, although he doesn't do it in a reggae style so I'm not sure it counts as an MRV:
https://youtu.be/CNUkGJNiYWA?si=HIYw-0hu6GriAljR
You all know, of course, that song featured in the video is the best song Mr CC has posted today
ReplyDeleteFrankly, the idea that Wichita Lineman is unfinished, baffles me. But is a bit inspiring too.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, HMHB should be mentioned... 'I was a linesman at Notts County'
ReplyDeleteI read this book a few months back, and even made notes to write up as a post... which I never got around to. An excellent read (apart from when he shows off his own technical musical knowledge a bit). Like Adam says, the idea that it was an unfinished idea never fails to astound me... would it have been an even better song if Jimmy had written a final verse? Probably not.
ReplyDelete