R.I.P. Glenn Campbell

[Loki]

Always loved that one. Underrated, as they said.

SNIFF

[Loki]

This tribute from Jimmy Webb damn near broke my heart

Yep

[The Fish]

Well we knew it was coming but still... Glenn Campbell singing a JImmy Webb song really is just about as good as it gets for me. LIke Les I love that Reunion album. I'm in the minority probably as the conventional wisdom supports Wichita LImeman as the masterpiece. I love it of course but the real deal for me has always been Galveston, whch absolutely floors me every tome I hear it. Rest easy Glenn and thanks for sharing that voice with the world.

[Charlie O.]

A tribute from Alice Cooper, of all people:

[zoomboogity]

Play, Magic Fingers!

[Charlie O.]

I thought that was James Burton on "Papa Gene's Blues"...

[zoomboogity]

Could have been. I'm no expert. They're both on several Monkees songs together. That was Glen playing Mary Mary, right?

[Charlie O.]

That was Glen playing Mary Mary, right?

Yes.

[toomanyhatz]

I feel like I should say something here. I guess the one thing that strikes me is how he is probably one of the few musicians active for half a century that spoke directly to every generation during that entire time. My parents liked him. I don't have kids, but if I did, I bet they'd like him too. Something about the directness of his delivery. He was a virtuoso guitarist and singer who didn't have to show it off in every note.

His "hippification" worked out very nicely because he wasn't just trying to 'reach the youth' or whatever. It was the same formula as ever - pick good songs and give them the appropriate reading. And similarly to Johnny Cash's rendition of "Personal Jesus," he was able to do the Velvets' "Jesus" in complete sincerity and free from the irony that's assumed in its original performance.

[Muskrat]

I thought that was James Burton on "Papa Gene's Blues"...

Sounds like him; same licks as on Ricky Nelson records. I'm sure Campbell could have done it, too; but why, when you can bring in the original. (Can't find my copy of Andrew Sandoval's book).

[zoomboogity]

They both play on Papa Gene's Blues, as well as a few other songs recorded during the sessions for The Monkees' first two albums, mostly when Nesmith was producing.

Re: the Sandoval book - no problem. This isn't the Hoffman board, none of us have this stuff committed to memory. I used to think it was Glen on Last Train To Clarksville, but it's Louis Shelton. After seeing the Wrecking Crew documentary, I imagine that they would go into these sessions without designating a soloist - you get Glen Campbell, James Burton and Al Casey together at once, you just give each one a go at it until you get what you want.

[pcqgod]

I can't recall a time when I wasn't aware of Glenn Campbell as a recording artist, seems he was one of those guys who was always there. In recent years, I had developed a real appreciation for him as a guitarist, especially as he was a guy who seemed on the forefront of experimenting with distortion and fuzz.

[sloopjohnc]

My grandmother loved him and we'd watch his variety show when we stayed overnight. I have warm memories of Campbell. A very good guitarist and singer.