And I Need You More Than Want You

 

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

Johnny Cash - Wichita Lineman

R.E.M. - 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.